Pricing for exterior cleaning in the Atlanta metro area varies widely — wide enough that two quotes for the same job can differ by 200 percent. Understanding why prices vary, what's included in a complete job, and what the market rates actually look like in 2026 helps you evaluate quotes intelligently and avoid either overpaying or hiring someone who's cutting corners to undercut the competition.
This guide covers realistic price ranges for every major residential and commercial exterior cleaning service in the Atlanta area, the factors that push prices up or down, and what to look for in a legitimate quote.
Residential Pressure Washing Prices in Atlanta (2026)
House Washing (Exterior Siding Soft Wash)
A full exterior house wash — applying a soft wash solution to siding, fascia, soffits, and trim, then rinsing — is priced primarily by square footage of the home's exterior footprint.
- Small home (under 1,500 sq ft): $175 – $275
- Medium home (1,500 – 2,500 sq ft): $250 – $375
- Large home (2,500 – 3,500 sq ft): $350 – $500
- Very large home (3,500+ sq ft): $450 – $700+
These prices assume standard single or two-story homes with typical accessibility. Homes with complex rooflines, extensive second-floor dormers, steep grades around the foundation, or significant biological growth requiring multiple treatments will be priced toward the higher end or carry an upcharge.
What should be included: pre-treatment with soft wash solution, full dwell time to kill biological growth, thorough rinse, protection of landscaping and plants. What's typically not included: window cleaning, gutter cleaning, driveway — these are usually add-ons.
Driveway Cleaning
Concrete driveways are priced by square footage or by number of car spaces:
- Single-car driveway (approx. 200–300 sq ft): $75 – $120
- Two-car driveway (approx. 400–600 sq ft): $100 – $175
- Three-car or extended driveway (600–1,000 sq ft): $150 – $250
- Per sq ft rate: $0.15 – $0.35 per sq ft
Heavy oil staining, tire marks, or significant biological growth (moss, lichen) adds to the cost because it requires degreaser pre-treatment and longer dwell times. Concrete sealing after washing typically runs an additional $0.25 to $0.50 per sq ft.
Roof Cleaning (Soft Wash)
Roof cleaning is not pressure washing — it's always soft washing with sodium hypochlorite solution. Pricing is based on roof square footage (not home square footage — these can differ significantly based on roof pitch and design):
- Small roof (under 1,500 sq ft): $250 – $400
- Medium roof (1,500 – 2,500 sq ft): $350 – $550
- Large roof (2,500 – 3,500 sq ft): $450 – $700
- Very large or complex roof: $600 – $1,000+
Steep pitch roofs, two-story roofs requiring additional safety equipment, and heavy algae or lichen coverage add to the price. Note: lichen (the circular crusty growth that appears on older roofs) is more difficult to remove than algae or Gloeocapsa magma and may require a second treatment.
Deck and Patio Cleaning
- Small deck (under 200 sq ft): $80 – $150
- Medium deck (200 – 500 sq ft): $130 – $225
- Large deck or multi-level (500+ sq ft): $200 – $375
- Concrete patio (per sq ft): $0.15 – $0.30
- Composite deck (Trex, etc.): Similar to wood, often slightly less
Wood decks may include a brightener/neutralizer treatment to open the wood grain and restore color after washing — this adds $50 to $100. Deck staining or sealing, if desired after cleaning, is a separate service typically quoted at $1.50 to $3.50 per sq ft depending on the product and number of coats.
Fence Cleaning
- Per linear foot (wood or vinyl): $0.50 – $1.50
- Typical residential fence (150–200 LF): $100 – $250
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning is distinct from gutter brightening (removing the black streaks on the outside of gutters). Interior gutter cleaning:
- Single-story home: $100 – $175
- Two-story home: $150 – $250
- Gutter brightening (exterior): Add $75 – $150
Bundle Packages
Most reputable companies offer meaningful discounts for bundled services. Combining a house wash, driveway cleaning, and gutter cleaning in a single visit typically runs 15 to 25 percent less than booking each separately, because the mobilization cost (driving out, setup, teardown) is shared across the job. A full package for a 2,000 sq ft Atlanta home that includes house wash, driveway, and gutter cleaning might run $450 to $650 bundled vs. $600 to $800 if scheduled separately.
Commercial Pressure Washing Prices in Atlanta
Commercial pricing varies significantly by scope, access complexity, and frequency:
- Retail storefront cleaning: $150 – $400 per visit
- Parking lot cleaning (per sq ft): $0.05 – $0.15
- Commercial building exterior (per sq ft): $0.08 – $0.20
- Restaurant pad and grease trap area: $200 – $600
- Apartment complex (per building): $400 – $1,200+
- Warehouse floor cleaning: $0.05 – $0.12 per sq ft
Commercial contracts with scheduled recurring service (monthly, quarterly) typically carry a 10 to 20 percent discount versus one-time visits. Rare Earth Ltd services commercial properties across metro Atlanta and offers contract pricing for regular maintenance programs.
Factors That Affect Your Quote
Level of Contamination
A house that was last washed 18 months ago with good results and only light pollen and dust buildup takes far less time and chemistry than a house that hasn't been cleaned in four years and is covered in algae, mold, and oxidation. Heavily contaminated surfaces may require double applications, longer dwell times, and more water volume — all of which increase cost.
Access and Height
A single-story ranch house with good perimeter access is the easiest job in the category. A three-story home on a steep hillside with dense landscaping around the foundation is significantly more complex. Height increases labor time and the need for extension equipment; difficult access adds setup time and physical effort.
Surface Type
Delicate surfaces (stucco, natural stone, cedar) require more careful technique, lower pressures, and more controlled chemistry application. These take longer per square foot than vinyl siding or concrete.
Location Within Metro Atlanta
Within the metro area, pricing is fairly consistent, but extremely outer suburban locations (40+ miles from Atlanta proper) may carry a small travel surcharge. Inner-city Atlanta work with difficult parking and access also tends to run slightly higher.
Seasonal Demand
Spring (April–May) is peak season in Atlanta, and some companies charge peak-season rates. Fall (September–October) is also busy. January and February tend to be slower, and some companies offer off-season discounts.
Insurance and Licensing
A fully insured company with proper general liability and workers' compensation coverage legitimately costs more than an uninsured operator. This isn't padding — it's real overhead. If a worker is injured on your property and the company has no workers' comp, you may face liability. If a contractor without insurance damages your siding, you have no recourse except through your own homeowner's policy.
Red Flags in Quotes
- Prices 50%+ below everyone else: Usually means no insurance, no proper equipment, or no chemistry (just water). Results won't last and you may end up with damage.
- No itemized quote: A legitimate company can break down what's included in the price. Vague "house wash for $99" quotes often don't include the full scope.
- No proof of insurance: Ask for a certificate of insurance. Any reputable company can provide one in minutes.
- Upfront payment in full: A deposit (25 to 50 percent) is normal. Full payment before work begins is a risk.
- No physical address: Phantom companies with only a phone number and no verifiable address are high-risk.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
When you contact a company for a quote, provide:
- Your home's approximate square footage
- The type of siding (vinyl, brick, stucco, wood, Hardie)
- The number of stories
- What surfaces you want cleaned (house, driveway, deck, gutters, roof)
- Photos of any areas with significant staining, mold, or damage
- When it was last professionally cleaned
This information allows a professional to give you a meaningful quote rather than a placeholder number. Be wary of companies that quote over the phone without any of this information — they're guessing, and the price often changes when they arrive.
Key Takeaways
- A full house wash for an average Atlanta home (1,500–2,500 sq ft) runs $250 to $375 from a quality provider.
- Bundle packages save 15 to 25 percent versus individual services.
- Price alone is a poor guide to value — insurance, chemistry quality, and technique matter more.
- Prices 50 percent below market almost always reflect missing insurance, inadequate equipment, or both.
- Spring and fall are the busiest seasons — book early for the best pricing and scheduling.
Rare Earth Ltd provides free, itemized estimates for residential and commercial clients across metro Atlanta. Call (678) 748-3578 or email us to schedule your estimate.