---
title: "Driveway Cleaning Cost Guide (UK Prices 2026)"
description: "Looking for driveway cleaning prices in the UK? Discover the cost of driveway cleaning in 2026 and learn how to hire a driveway cleaning service in this guide."
url: "https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/costs/power-wash-a-driveway"
last_updated: "2026-09-23"
---

# Driveway Cleaning Cost

 At a Glance

- The average cost to power wash a driveway is £300.
- The job will usually take between 1 and 8 hours.

 **In this guide, you'll find:**

- **NEW!** Use our driveway cleaning cost calculator for an instant estimate.
- A breakdown of pricing information, including what such a task typically involves.
- How long the job will take and a general overview of what types of jobs can be performed.
- How to find and hire a specialist for cleaning a driveway.

  [Get free estimates](https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/general-maintenance) **Are you a trade? [Get more work today!](https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/tradespeople-signup)**

*Want to find out how much it costs to clean a driveway?*

**Cleaning a driveway typically costs between £100 and £350.** However, your driveway cleaning quote will vary depending on the size and type of driveway you own. If you choose to have your driveway resealed after cleaning, costs will range from around £250 to £650.

**So, how can this guide help you?**

Cleaning your driveway can make all the difference to the exterior of your home and can even increase your property's kerb appeal.

This guide offers a detailed look at the cost to clean a drive in the UK, and everything you need to know about how driveway cleaning prices are calculated, what can increase or reduce the final price, and what to expect when hiring a contractor.

**MyJobQuote can also help you get quotes from [local driveway cleaners](https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/handyman).** It's fast, free, and there's *no obligation* to go ahead.

**Read on to find out more...**

### Average Cost to Power Wash a Driveway:

#### Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 1 – 8 hours

##### £300

## Driveway Cleaning Cost Calculator

## How Much Does Driveway Cleaning and Sealing Cost?

**For most hard driveways, professional pressure washing removes more dirt than cleaning with a garden hose.**

The cost to have your driveway professionally power washed can vary depending on the size of your driveway and how dirty it is. On average, a professional driveway power wash will cost you around **£150 to £250** for a medium-sized driveway (60m²). If you add resealing, costs will range from **£300 to £450** for the same size driveway.

The amount of moss and weeds can also affect the cost, and this will require more work from the contractor, ultimately taking longer for the job to be completed.

What type of driveway do you have for power washing?

Concrete/tarmac

5 votes - 8%8% of votes

Block paving or brick

48 votes - 81%81% of votes

Natural stone or paving slabs

4 votes - 7%7% of votes

Gravel

0 votes - 0%0% of votes

Other (including resin etc)

2 votes - 3%3% of votes

 **59 votes** See results Hide results

### Driveway Cleaning Prices (Power Washing)

Below is a table indicating the prices you should expect to pay for a professional driveway power wash:

| Driveway Size | Cleaning Only | Cleaning + Sealing | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small driveway (30m²) | £100–£160 | £200–£300 | 2 to 4 hours |
| Medium driveway (60m²) | £150–£250 | £300–£450 | 4 to 6 hours |
| Large driveway (90m²) | £225–£350 | £450–£650 | 6 to 8 hours |

These prices assume a standard driveway in average condition. Heavily stained surfaces, weed growth, block paving re-sanding, or specialist treatments may increase the total cost.

## Labour Cost of Jet Washing a Driveway & Timescales

Most driveway cleaning jobs are quoted as a fixed price for the full job, rather than splitting labour and material costs. This total usually includes labour, equipment, and any cleaning products required.

You may be able to save on the [cost of pressure washing](https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/costs/pressure-washing) by having other areas washed by the same contractor before or after the driveway cleaning. For example, bundling in a patio or decking pressure wash could reduce the overall cost.

### How Much Does Professional Driveway Cleaning Cost in Labour?

Labour makes up the majority of the cost of professional driveway cleaning, especially for larger or heavily soiled driveways. Jobs that require additional preparation, such as weed removal, stain treatment, or re-sanding, will take longer and cost more overall.

The labour cost to professionally clean a driveway will usually depend on the **size, condition, and surface type** of the driveway. Here is a breakdown of typical total costs for different types of driveways, based on typical 30 to 60m² driveways in average condition:

| Driveway Type | Cleaning Only | Cleaning + Sealing | Typical Timescale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | £100–£200 | £180–£350 | 1 to 4 hours |
| Block paving | £120–£250 | £250–£450 | 2 to 6 hours |
| Tarmac | £100–£220 | Not typically sealed | 1 to 4 hours |
| Resin | £120–£250 | £220–£400 | 1 to 5 hours |

If the driveway is heavily stained or has a large build-up of moss, weeds, algae, or oil marks, the cost may increase by around **£50 to £100** due to the extra preparation and cleaning time involved.

Pre-treatment such as weed or algae removal is often included in the overall quote, but where charged separately, it typically adds around **£2 to £5 per m²** depending on the severity of the growth.

Sealing is most commonly used on block paving, concrete, and some resin driveways. It is not typically required for all surfaces, and some materials (such as certain types of tarmac or decorative stone) may not benefit from sealing in the same way.

### How Long Does Driveway Power Washing Take?

Labour times rise when a driveway needs more preparation or aftercare. A simple wash is quicker and cheaper, while full cleaning, sanding, and sealing takes longer and costs more.

Most driveway cleaning jobs take around **1 to 3 hours**, although larger or heavily soiled surfaces may take longer.

For **cleaning and sealing**, the work usually takes around **5 to 8 hours** in total, although this is often split across more than one visit to allow the surface to dry between stages.

## What Impacts the Cost of Driveway Cleaning?

There are several factors affecting the cost of power washing a driveway. Below is a list of each element that may affect the cost of cleaning a driveway.

### Size of Driveway

The size of your driveway can affect the overall cost of pressure washing. The larger your driveway, the longer the job is going to take and, therefore, the more it costs to complete the job.

### Condition of Driveway

The condition of the driveway can affect the cost of your driveway clean. If your driveway is particularly dirty or if it has a lot of moss and weeds, it is going to cost more.

### Location

Your location can affect the cost of pressure washing your driveway. If you live in London, you can expect to pay around **£50 to £100** more for the overall job than if you were to live in the North of the UK.

### Hiring a Tradesman vs DIY

Whether you choose to have your driveway cleaned by a professional contractor or whether you complete the job yourself can affect the overall price of your driveway clean. If you complete the job yourself, you can save on the cost of labour. However, you will need to factor in any additional costs that may arise, such as hiring the pressure wash equipment.

## What's Involved with Power Washing a Driveway?

A professional driveway clean is usually carried out in a few simple stages, although the exact method will depend on the driveway material and the level of staining. The [process for pressure washing a driveway](https://www.farmandfleet.com/blog/pressure-wash-driveway/) includes several key steps:

- **Prepare the Area —** The driveway is cleared of leaves, loose dirt, weeds, vehicles, and any movable items. Nearby doors, walls, and fencing may also be protected from splashes and debris.
- **Apply Any Pre-Treatment —** If needed, the surface may be treated with a degreaser, weed killer, or algae remover to help lift oil stains, moss, and built-up grime before washing begins.
- **Pressure Wash the Surface —** The contractor will use a high-powered jet wash, usually working from the top of the drive downwards so water and dirt run away more effectively. Care is needed on more delicate surfaces to avoid damage.
- **Check Drainage and Rinse Away Debris —** During cleaning, runoff water, mud, and loosened dirt are washed away, and drains or grids may need to be kept clear to prevent pooling or flooding near the property.
- **Re-Sand Block Paving if Required —** If the driveway is block paved, kiln-dried sand is usually brushed back into the joints once the surface has dried.
- **Seal the Driveway (Optional) —** Some homeowners choose to apply a sealer after cleaning to help protect the surface from future staining, weed growth, and weather damage. If sealed, the driveway should usually be **left for 24 hours** before being driven on.

## Can I Pressure Wash My Own Driveway?

Yes, you can pressure wash your own driveway if you have the right equipment. For the best results, you'll usually need a machine with around **2500 pounds per square inch (PSI)** and a flow rate of **10 litres per minute**. Less powerful models can still work, but the job will take longer and require more effort.

Before starting, always sweep away loose dirt, moss, leaves, and debris so the washer can clean the surface properly.

- **DIY Cost —** Hiring a commercial pressure washer usually costs around **£20 to £150 per day**.
- **Extra Costs —** You may also need to buy safety gear such as **gloves, eye protection, and sturdy boots**.
- **Potential Saving —** Doing the work yourself could save around **£50 to £150** in labour compared to hiring a pressure washing professional. If you don't already have the equipment, the overall saving may be smaller once hire costs and supplies are included.

If you don't have an outside tap, some pressure washers can draw water from a bucket, water butt, or barrel using a **suction hose**. If your model doesn't include one, a compatible suction hose and filter usually costs around **£20 to £35**. Always check your pressure washer manual first to make sure this setup is supported.

## Benefits of Driveway Cleaning

There are several [benefits of power washing your driveway](https://griffsservices.com/three-benefits-power-washing-driveway). Below is a list of the main advantages that come with power washing a driveway:

- **Improve the Appearance of Your Property —** Pressure washing removes tough stains so that your driveway regains a new, clean look. This will improve the overall appearance of your home.
- **Prevent Potential Accidents and Injuries —** Cracked and pitted driveway surfaces can lead to trips and falling hazards. Grime and mildew on your driveway can lead to slipping hazards. Regular driveway cleaning is a good safety precaution.
- **Reduce the Likelihood of Weed and Moss Growth —** Keeping on top of cleaning your driveway will reduce the likelihood of weed and moss growing and taking over your driveway.

## Do I Need to Jet Wash My Driveway?

As a good rule of thumb, you should jet wash your driveway once per year and reseal it when the existing sealer has worn. There are also a number of signs that you can look out for to determine whether you need to power wash your driveway. The following are signs that your driveway needs a wash:

### Driveway Is Slippery

Have you noticed that your driveway is becoming slippery? This can be a result of water build-up and surface grease. If your driveway seems particularly slippery, a pressure wash will help to remove the slippery hazards and prevent any potential accidents from happening.

### A Lot of Stains Are Present

If you have started to notice that there are a lot of stains present on your driveway, you may want to think about having it power washed. Pressure washing these stains away will make your driveway look much more appealing.

Over time, the driveway will lose its colour, taking on a black, grey tinge. You may also notice white spots appearing on the surface, which are usually lichen.

### A Lot of Moss Is Present

Do you have a build-up of moss or weeds on your driveway? This indicates that a wash is needed. To reduce the risk of slipping and keep your driveway looking its best, you should wash away any moss and remove any weeds.

## Is My Driveway Suitable for Power Washing?

If you have a concrete or brick driveway, you can definitely pressure wash your driveway. These surfaces are strong and durable. Providing there are no large cracks or loose brick, it is perfectly safe and possible to pressure wash these types of driveways.

You should not attempt to pressure wash any type of driveway that has loose features such as gravel or crushed stone. The pressure from the washer will cause the gravel and stones to fly around, and this is a huge safety hazard.

 Not only can flying gravel and stones harm you, but they could also cause damage to things surrounding your driveway such as walls, doors, fencing, and even vehicles.

You should use common sense when it comes to determining if your driveway can be pressure washed or not. If you have a solid driveway, it can usually be pressure washed, but check block paving joints afterwards and top them up with sand where needed once the paving is dry.

However, if you have a driveway with loose articles or with certain features with it, you should not pressure wash your driveway. Think about whether pressure washing is going to cause any hazards or damage before you go ahead with the job.

If you are unsure whether your driveway can be pressure washed, you can always seek advice from a local tradesperson who will be able to inspect your driveway and tell you if your specific driveway is suitable for a pressure wash.

## How Often Should You Pressure Wash Your Driveway?

Similar to how you dust and clean the inside of your home to keep it looking great and in top condition, you should also regularly wash your driveway to keep it in top shape. Most professionals will recommend that you pressure wash your driveway at least once each year.

Although once per year is the recommendation, you should look out for factors that indicate that a pressure wash is needed. This can include things like moss build-up, staining, and slippery surfaces.

**On average, pressure washing services will cost around £150 to £250 for cleaning only,** or £300 to £450 if sealing is included. Cleaning is usually needed once per year, while resealing is only necessary when the existing sealer has worn.

## Alternative Methods of Driveway Cleaning

Although a pressure washer gives the most thorough clean, there are some other options if you don't have one to hand.

Alternative cleaning methods are usually low-cost DIY options, typically costing between **£5 and £30** depending on the materials used.

Below is a list of alternative ways in which you can clean your driveway when you don't have access to a pressure washer.

### Use Cat Litter

If you have any stubborn stains present on your driveway, you can use cat litter to soak up the stain. A typical 20L bag of cat litter will cost around **£15 to £20.** Simply sprinkle some cat litter onto the stained area and leave enough time for it to soak up the stain. Then you can simply sweep the cat litter up.

#### Pros

- ✔ Simple to complete.
- ✔ Easily available.
- ✔ Soaks stains up well.

#### Cons

- ✖ Can leave debris.

### Pull Out Weeds

Clear your driveway by pulling out any weeds that have started to grow between the cracks and slabs. Use a broom to sweep away any loose weeds, leaves, and dirt, once you have removed all of the weeds.

#### Pros

- ✔ Can easily be completed.
- ✔ Improves the look of the driveway.

#### Cons

- ✖ Can be a time-consuming job.

### Sweep Away Debris and Dirt

Use a broom to sweep away any loose dirt and debris from your driveway. This will help to improve the kerb appeal of your driveway as well as make it less slippery, potentially preventing hazards.

#### Pros

- ✔ Improves the look of your driveway.
- ✔ Easy to complete.

#### Cons

- ✖ Doesn't remove stains.

### Scrub Away Stains

You can scrub away stains using soap or laundry detergent. Simply mix these products with water and pour the soapy mixture directly onto the stain. Then you can use a scrub brush to scrub at the stains. Once you have scrubbed out all of the stains, you can then simply hose away the soapy mixture.

#### Pros

- ✔ Removes stains.
- ✔ Readily available.

#### Cons

- ✖ Hard work to complete.
- ✖ Can be very time-consuming.

## Block Paving Driveway Cleaning Tips

You can clean block paving using a power washer. However, it should be put on a medium setting to avoid damaging the paving slabs.

You can easily clean your block paving driveway using a broom and a strong detergent. This doesn't require the use of a pressure washer. You can simply use detergent to wash away stains and use a broom to remove any extra debris. A hose is useful to rinse away the detergent.

Block paving can be prone to developing weeds and moss between the slabs. You can pull out these weeds and treat it with weed killer. This should prevent weeds and moss from becoming a big problem.

If you do use a jet washer on your block paving driveway, you should make sure you put it on a medium setting and angle your pressure washer diagonally at 30 degrees. These precautions reduce the risk of damage, but some jointing sand may still be washed out. Once the paving is dry, check the joints and top them up with sand where needed.

## Checklist: Finding a Driveway Cleaning Service Near You

There are a number of things to consider when looking for a contractor to complete your driveway pressure wash. Below is a list of things that you should look out for when choosing a company or contractor to power wash your driveway.

- **Experience —** How much experience does the company or contractor have in power washing driveways?
- **Guarantees —** Does the company or contractor offer any guarantees with their work?
- **Pricing structure —** Does the cost of driveway cleaning include cleaning, sanding, and sealing, or are these separate costs?
- **Sealant options —** What sealant options does the company or contractor offer once the cleaning is complete?
- **Additional services —** Does the company or contractor offer any additional services with their work?
- **Compare quotes —** Be sure to get a minimum of 3 quotes so that you can ensure that you are getting a good price for the job that you are getting.
- **Itemised quotes —** Ask that the quote be split into sections so that you can determine if you are getting a good price for each different element of the job.

## FAQs

### How Do You Clean Oil from a Driveway?

One way to remove an oil stain from your driveway is to use WD-40 on it. WD-40 is a multi-purpose solvent and has the ability to remove grease. It can be used on driveways that have oil stains on them. Before using WD-40 more widely, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the driveway.

 You will need to soak up as much of the stain as you can with paper towels and then spray the entire stain with WD-40. Leave this to set for around 5 minutes and then wipe it up with an old rag. You should then wash away the WD-40 with water and scrub the remaining stain with a wire brush. Flush the area with hot water and leave it to dry naturally.

### How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Driveway?

Most driveway cleaning jobs cost between **£100 and £350**, depending on the size and condition of the driveway. For a typical medium-sized driveway (around 30 to 60m²), you can expect to pay around **£150 to £250** for cleaning only. If you choose to have the driveway cleaned and sealed, total costs will usually increase to around **£250 to £650**.

### My Driveway Is Covered with Moss. Can This Be Removed?

Yes, moss can easily be removed from your driveway. A professional driveway cleaner will usually visit before they pressure wash to lay down some fungicidal wash that will treat any moss and algae build-up on your drive. The treatment kills moss and algae, so follow the product label instructions on keeping children and pets away from the treated area.

### What Do I Do if the Jointing Sand Is Dislodged During the Cleaning Process?

Once your driveway has been pressure washed and has fully dried, you can brush any loose kiln-dried silica sand into the joints to replace any that was lost during the washing process. This can then be covered by sealant, which will keep it in place.

### Do I Need to Have an Outside Tap for the Pressure Washing Equipment?

It is not absolutely necessary to have an outside tap to use a pressure washer. You can use a bucket or water butt to provide the water supply for your pressure washer. The only problem with using a bucket or water butt instead of a tap is that there is not a constant supply of water. The bucket or water butt will need to be refilled to ensure that the pressure washer always has a supply of water.

### How Long Will It Take to Clean My Driveway?

Most driveway cleaning jobs take between **1 and 8 hours**, depending on the size and condition of the surface. A typical medium-sized driveway (around 30 to 60m²) can usually be cleaned in **2 to 5 hours**. Heavily soiled driveways with moss, weeds, or stains may take longer, and jobs that include sealing are often completed over more than one visit.