How much does driveway cleaning cost in Cambridge?
Professional driveway cleaning in Cambridge costs from £4 per square metre at ELawnCare. For a typical 40 square metre driveway, that works out to £160 for a thorough jet wash. The national average for driveway cleaning sits at £3 to £6 per square metre according to Checkatrade 2026 data, putting Cambridge squarely in the middle of the range. Prices vary depending on driveway material, condition, and size. Heavily soiled driveways with moss, algae, or oil stains may need pre-treatment before jet washing, which adds £20 to £40 to the total. ELawnCare uses a commercial-grade pressure washer at 3,000 PSI with a rotary surface cleaner that delivers consistent results without the striping that a standard lance produces.
What affects driveway cleaning prices?
Five factors determine the cost. Driveway size is the primary driver since the work is priced per square metre. Material type matters: block paving takes longer because the joints need careful cleaning to avoid displacing the sand, while smooth concrete and tarmac are faster. Current condition affects the price because a driveway that has not been cleaned for 5 years needs more passes and potentially chemical treatment for embedded algae and lichen, compared to an annual maintenance clean. Access to water and drainage is practical: the pressure washer needs a mains water supply, and the runoff needs somewhere to go without flooding the neighbour's property. Finally, re-sanding block paving after cleaning adds £1 to £2 per square metre but is strongly recommended to maintain joint integrity and prevent weed regrowth.
When is the best time to clean a driveway?
Spring (March to May) is the most popular time for driveway cleaning because it removes winter grime, algae, and moss before the main outdoor season. However, winter cleaning in December and January offers two advantages: shorter waiting times because demand is lower, and the cleaning removes slippery algae and moss that create a fall hazard during frosty weather. A clean driveway in winter is genuinely safer underfoot. Avoid cleaning in freezing conditions because water expands as it freezes and can damage pointing and block paving joints. ELawnCare schedules winter driveway cleaning on days when the temperature stays above 3 degrees Celsius and no frost is forecast overnight. Summer cleaning works well but the driveway dries faster, which can leave residue if not rinsed properly.
DIY vs professional driveway cleaning
A domestic pressure washer (100 to 130 bar) costs £100 to £300 to buy and can clean a driveway, but it takes three to four times longer than a professional machine and produces inconsistent results. Professional units run at 200 to 250 bar with a flow rate of 15 litres per minute, compared to 6 litres per minute from a domestic unit. The rotary surface cleaner attachment, which costs £150 to £300 alone, is what produces the even finish without tiger-striping. For a one-off clean, hiring a professional at £160 for a 40 square metre driveway is better value than buying equipment you will use once a year. If you clean your driveway annually, buying a mid-range domestic machine (£200) pays for itself after two years, but the results will not match a professional finish.
How to keep your driveway clean longer after jet washing
Three steps extend the time between professional cleans. First, apply a biocide treatment after cleaning to inhibit algae, moss, and lichen regrowth. Professional biocides like Pro-Kleen or Wet and Forget cost £15 to £25 per treatment and last 6 to 12 months. Second, re-sand block paving joints with kiln-dried sand to prevent weed germination. Third, sweep the driveway monthly to remove organic debris (leaves, soil, bird droppings) that feeds algae growth. A driveway cleaned and treated annually stays in good condition year-round. Without treatment, algae typically returns within 4 to 6 months in Cambridge's damp climate. ELawnCare includes a biocide application with every driveway clean at no extra charge.