How to Start a Pressure Washing Business

Want to start a pressure washing business? 

Good idea!

After all, successful pressure-washing businesses rake in anywhere between $45,000 to $80,000 in profits annually.

Money aside. 

You must know how to start a pressure washing business to hit these levels of income. 

In this blog post, we’ll outline the exact steps you need to follow to launch and grow a thriving business. 

Why trust us? 

We’ve helped other pressure washers like you get customers, sell their services faster, manage jobs more efficiently, and boost client engagement using our pressure wash software. 

Curious to see what we’re talking about before we proceed? 

Sure!

Hit the Try Live Tour button below to get a feel of our pressure washing business software.

With that out the way, let’s dive right in. 

Decide if the Pressure Washing Business is Right for You

Before you dive in, it’s super important to figure out if this business is your perfect match. After all, you want to enjoy what you’re doing and not just be in it for the suds and cash, right?

Let’s start with the downsides and upsides of starting a pressure washing service.

Pros	Cons
👍Low startup costs	👎Physical labor: Get ready to flex those muscles.
👍High demand	👎Seasonality: You might be busier in certain months than others.
👍Flexible hours	👎Competition: It’s a popular gig, so you need to stand out.
👍Scalability: Start small, grow big.

Industry Trends

Pressure washing is bubbling up in popularity!

The global pressure washer market is expected to hit $4.2 billion by 2032. Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of curb appeal, driving demand for residential and commercial pressure washing services.

Consumer Spending

On average, pressure washing jobs cost between $212 and $447.

Of course, this can vary depending on the size of the area and the type of service. Repeat customers are pivotal to growing your pressure washing company, so delivering great service is a must.

What Kind of People Work in the Pressure Washing Industry?

This industry tends to attract men aged 25-54. Most have a high school diploma or equivalent. 

While it’s traditionally male-dominated, more women are getting their feet wet, especially in management roles. 

Whether you’re a college grad or a hands-on learner, there’s room for everyone. 

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Pressure Washing Business? 

Starting a pressure washing business can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $48,000 on the higher end, averaging $29,000.

The table below breaks down how much it costs to start a successful pressure washing business. 

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Figure	Average Cost
Power washer	$2,000 to $6,000	$1,250
Power washing equipment	$1,000 to $1,250	$4,000
Van/truck	$4,000 to $35,000	$20,000
Vehicle signage	$1,500 to $2,000	$1,250
Insurance/licences	$5,00 to $1,000	$500
Monthly insurance	$60 to $2,000	$1,300
Advertising & marketing	$250 to $500	$500
Total	$9,310 to $47, 750	$28,800

Watch the video below for more insights on pressure wash business startup costs. 

“Whatever you spend on equipment, you need to spend the same amount on marketing. Equipment doesn’t make you money. Marketing does.” 

King of Pressure Equipment

Hone Your Idea

You know how much it’ll cost to start a pressure washing business and the pros as well as the cons. 

In addition, you know how much you can make and a fit to venture into pressure washing services. 

Perfect. 

The next step involves zeroing in on your idea to verify it further. We’re talking about the why, what, who, and where.

Here’s what you need to do at this point. 

Conduct Market Research

Thorough market research is essential to set a solid foundation for your pressure wash business.

Hence, make sure that you understand your competition, local demand, and customer preferences. That way, you can start to build a successful business. can make or break your business.

Did you know that 42% of small businesses fail because there’s no market need for their services? Don’t be part of that stat—do your homework.

Here are a few ways you can conduct market research:

• Survey potential customers to understand their needs and preferences.
• Join local business groups to network and gather insights.
• Check online reviews for similar businesses to spot trends and gaps.
• Use social media polls to gauge interest in your services.

Determine Your Target Market

Knowing your target market is like having a cheat sheet to success for your power washing business.

Who’s likely to hire you for pressure washing? Think homeowners, property managers, real estate agents, and even businesses with storefronts.

Each of these groups has different needs, and tailoring your services to them can seriously boost your business.

Determine Your Services

There’s more to pressure washing than getting dirt off surfaces. You also need to find your niche.

You could specialize in residential cleaning, such as driveways and patios. Or focus on commercial spaces, like storefronts and parking lots.

You could even offer specialized services like green cleaning with eco-friendly solutions. So find your sweet spot and own it.

Determine Your Rates

Setting your rates can be tricky. On one hand, you want to attract customers. On the other, you want to ensure you’re charging enough to make a decent profit.

Start by checking out what other pressure washing companies are charging. Also, consider factors like labor, equipment costs, and the size of the job.

You could charge by the hour, per square foot, or have flat rates for specific services.

It’s okay to start lower to attract customers, but don’t sell yourself short—quality pressure washing services deserve fair pay.

Determine Your Business Location 

Where you set up shop can be a big decision, but you’ve got options.

You can start a pressure washing business from home, keeping overhead costs low. But if you have enough funds, an office space might give you that professional edge.

Consider factors like your target market, local competition, and your budget when choosing your location. 

Buy Pressure Washing Equipment and Supplies

Investing in high-quality pressure washing equipment allows you to deliver top-notch results. It also helps you work efficiently and avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

That said, here’s a list of pressure washing equipment and supplies to help you get started.

Equipment:

• Pressure washer (gas or electric)
• High-pressure hose
• Nozzle tips (0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, soap)
• Surface cleaner
• Extension wand
• Turbo nozzle
• Water tank
• Pump oil
• Hose reel
• Safety gear – goggles, gloves, boots
• High-pressure spray gun
• Water filter
• Chemical injector
• Van/truck
• Pressure washer trailer
• Ladder
• Extension cords
• Detergent injector
• Pressure gauge

Supplies:

• Cleaning chemicals
• Degreasers
• Rust removers
• Bleach solutions
• Hose connectors
• Nozzle cleaners
• Pump cleaners
• Teflon tape
• Replacement O-rings

Besides, you can add signage on the truck to market your business. 

Write a Pressure Washing Business Plan

Businesses with a formal plan are 16% more likely to achieve their goals. Think of the plan as a roadmap to guide you through the twists and turns of starting and growing your pressure washing business.

Below are the main components of a comprehensive business plan.

• Executive Summary: A detailed overview of your pressure washing business. The summary highlights your mission, services, and financial goals.
• Business Overview: A description of your pressure washing company’s structure, location, and objectives. The overview includes details on how your business will operate and stand out in the market.
• Product and Services: Contains the types of pressure washing services you offer, such as residential, commercial, or specialized cleaning. It also describes any unique features or packages.
• Market Analysis: This analysis explores the demand for pressure washing in your area, identifying key demographics and potential customers. It includes statistics on local market size and trends.
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluate local competitors in the pressure washing industry. It discusses their strengths and weaknesses and how you plan to differentiate your services.
• Sales and Marketing: Outlines your marketing strategies for attracting clients, including promotional tactics and pricing strategies. It also specifies how you will use online advertising and offline channels to market your services.
• Management Team: This section introduces your team members and their roles. It also explains their experience and how their skills will help them run the pressure washing business effectively.
• Operations Plan: This plan details the daily operations of your pressure washing business, including equipment needs, workflow, and any operational challenges.
• Financial Plan: Provides financial projections, including startup costs, revenue forecasts, and profit margins. It also includes any funding needs or investment plans.
• Appendix: Includes any additional documents, such as licenses, permits, and detailed market research. This section supports the main content with supporting evidence and detailed data.

Set up the Legal Framework for Pressure Washing Business

Before you start operating, you need to ensure your pressure washing business is legally compliant. Here’s what you need to do to get on the legal side of things.

Brainstorm a Pressure Washing Business Name

When choosing a business name for your venture, you want to ensure it’s catchy and reflects your brand’s personality.

In addition, a good business name should:

• Be easy to remember.
• Stand out from other pressure washing businesses in your area.
• Give a hint about what you do.
• Simple for customers to say and share.

Choose a Business Structure

The structure of your business impacts your taxes, liability, and how you manage your operations.

Here are your main options:

• Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest form, where you run the business alone. It’s easy to set up and manage but doesn’t offer personal liability protection. If something goes wrong, your assets could be at risk.
• Partnership: If you’re starting the business with someone else, a partnership could be the best option. In a partnership, you share responsibilities, profits, and liabilities.
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): An LLC protects personal liability, separating your assets from your business’s liabilities. It’s flexible in terms of tax treatment and management. This structure is popular for small businesses due to its balance of protection and simplicity.
• Corporation: This structure offers the strongest protection against personal liability and can raise capital through stock issuance. However, it’s more complex and involves more paperwork. On the flip side, a corporation can be advantageous if you plan to expand or attract investors.

Register Your Pressure Washing Business

Once you’ve chosen your business name and structure, it’s time to make it official.

First, you need to register your business name with your local government to ensure it’s unique and legally yours if you’re in the United States. This often involves filing a “Doing Business As” (DBA) form and paying a registration fee. 

💡Here’s how to register in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Check with your local city or county clerk’s office for specific requirements.

Get the Necessary Permits

Permits allow you to operate legally and avoid fines. Licensing requirements vary by location, but common permits include:

• Business License: This license permits you to operate your business in a specific location. Requirements vary by city and state, so check with your local business licensing office.
• Home Occupation Permit: If you’re running your business from home, this permit ensures that your business activities comply with local zoning regulations.
• Environmental Permits: Depending on your location, you might need permits related to the use and disposal of cleaning chemicals. Check with your local environmental agency for regulations.

Open a Business Account

You need to get a business bank account to keep your finances organized. Separating your personal and business finances is key to tracking expenses, managing cash flow, and simplifying your tax prep.

When opening an account, look for one with features that suit your needs, such as online banking, merchant services, and low fees.

Get an Employer Identification Number

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like your business’s Social Security number.

It’s required for tax purposes. You can obtain one for free on the IRS website if you’re in the U.S. You’ll need it to hire employees, open a business account, and file taxes.

Check with your local authorities to get the EIN equivalent in your country if you’re outside the U.S.

Get Small Business Insurance

Insurance is your safety net. Small business insurance can protect you from accidents, damages, and legal issues.

Options for pressure washing businesses include:

• General Liability Insurance: This covers claims related to property damage or injuries caused by your business operations. It’s essential for protecting yourself from lawsuits and customer claims.
• Equipment Insurance: Since pressure washing gear is expensive, equipment insurance helps cover repairs or replacements if your tools are damaged or stolen.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you hire employees, this insurance is mandatory in many states. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.

Prepare to Launch

You’re almost ready to kick off your pressure washing business. Before you start, make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row. 

Get Pressure Washing Cleaning Software

Pressure washing software makes running your business easier.

The thing is, running a pressure washing business involves juggling a lot of tasks—scheduling jobs, sending invoices, managing customer relationships, and more.

That’s where pressure washing business software comes in.

With one, you can easily organize your schedule, dispatch your team efficiently, and avoid double bookings.

You can even offer live pricing and real time booking as well as interactive quotes, which can save you time and reduce back-and-forth communication, allowing you to sell your pressure wash services instantly. 

When looking for pressure washing software, you want a solution with features to reduce the stress of handling day-to-day tasks, and MioCommerce doesn’t disappoint.

In addition to the features mentioned above, MioCommerce pressure wash software comes with a host of free tools, including

• The multichannel inbox 
• Customer portal
• Floating dock, and more.

Here’s the full list of the free tools to boost your service with MioCommerce.

Create a Pressure Washing Business Website

Your website is your online storefront, open 24/7.

It’s where potential customers go to learn about your pressure washing services, read reviews, and contact you.

Without a website, you’re missing out on a huge audience that’s searching online for services like yours.

Sure, a website is an integral part of running a successful pressure washing business. 

However, your site must be appealing. Why? …because first impressions matter. Furthermore, 75% of consumers admit to judging a company’s credibility based on its website design.

MioCommerce offers vibrant, pressure washing themes to make your website pop. A professional, well-designed website builds trust and credibility with prospects.

Market Your Business to Get Customers

So, you’ve got your pressure washing business ready to go—now it’s time to spread the word!

Here are some tried-and-true ways to get customers knocking at your door.

• Word of Mouth: Encourage satisfied clients to share their experiences—personal recommendations can be the most effective way to build trust and attract new business.
• List Your Business: List your pressure washing services on Google My Business, Yelp, and local directories. These platforms make it easy for potential customers to find and contact you.
• Network: Attend local business events, join community groups, and connect with other service providers. Networking can open doors to referrals and partnerships that help grow your business.
• Create Social Media Profiles: Set up profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to showcase your work, share customer testimonials, and engage with your audience. While at it, give your audience a convenient way to book your services directly on your social media channels.
• Print Flyers and Business Cards: Distribute flyers and business cards in your local area to get your name out there. They’re perfect for leaving with customers, posting on community boards, or handing out at events.

And that’s how to start a pressure washing business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Grow Your Pressure Washing Business with MioCommerce

Scaling your pressure washing business doesn’t have to be a challenge—especially with MioCommerce by your side.

Our tools help you streamline operations, manage customer relationships, and boost sales, all from one convenient platform.

Simply MioCommerce makes it easier to grow your business and offer excellent customer service.

Book a free demo below to see how our software for pressure washing business can help take your business to the next level.