How much does jet washing cost in the UK?
Jet washing (pressure washing) costs in the UK range from £3 to £8 per square metre depending on the surface type and your location. ELawnCare charges from £4 per square metre with an £80 minimum visit, and re-sanding of block paving joints is included at no extra cost. For a typical 30 square metre patio, the cost is approximately £120 to £150. A 50 square metre driveway runs £200 to £300. The national average sits at £4 to £6 per square metre according to Checkatrade, placing ELawnCare at the competitive end. Some providers charge by the hour instead, typically £30 to £50 per hour, but per-metre pricing gives customers more certainty. Larger areas benefit from economies of scale, with the per-metre rate often dropping for jobs over 60 square metres.
What affects jet washing prices?
The main factor is surface area, but several other variables influence the final price. Surface type matters: block paving takes longer than smooth concrete or slabs because the jet must clean between each block and the joints need re-sanding afterwards. Heavily soiled surfaces with years of algae, moss, or oil stains require more passes and sometimes chemical pre-treatment, adding time and cost. Access to a water supply is essential; if the nearest outdoor tap is far from the work area or inside the property, additional hose runs add setup time. Decking requires a lower pressure setting to avoid damaging the wood grain, which means slower progress. The condition of pointing on patios also plays a role, as old or crumbling mortar joints can be dislodged by high pressure and may need repointing afterwards at additional cost.
When is the best time to jet wash a patio or driveway?
The best time to jet wash outdoor surfaces in the UK is spring (March to May), after winter grime has accumulated but before you want to use the patio through summer. Autumn (September to October) is the second-best window, clearing organic matter before winter sets in. Avoid jet washing in freezing conditions, as water in cracks expands when it freezes and can damage paving. Dry weather is preferable so the surface dries quickly and you can see the results immediately. Most Cambridge homeowners have their patios and driveways jet washed once a year, which is sufficient to keep surfaces clean and safe. High-traffic commercial areas may need washing twice a year. Regular sweeping and weed removal between washes extends the time before the next professional clean is needed.
Is professional jet washing worth it compared to DIY?
A consumer pressure washer costs £100 to £300 and produces 100 to 150 bar of pressure. Professional machines operate at 200 to 300 bar with higher flow rates, cleaning surfaces three to four times faster with a more consistent finish. The risk with DIY jet washing is using too much pressure on unsuitable surfaces, which strips pointing from between slabs, damages block paving, and gouges softwood decking. A professional knows the correct pressure, nozzle, and technique for each surface type. The time saving is also significant: a job that takes a homeowner an entire weekend takes a professional two to three hours. When you factor in equipment purchase or hire, water usage, chemical costs, and your own time, professional jet washing often costs the same or less than doing it yourself for the first time.