What really affects the cost of jet washing a driveway or patio?
The cost of jet washing depends on six things: the area, the type and depth of soiling, the stains that need targeted treatment, the material, the access and what happens after the clean. Two driveways of identical size can be priced very differently because of these factors, which is why a quote from photos beats any flat rate.
Send us a photo and the m²Why is there no single price per square metre for cleaning?
There is no single price because the work per square metre varies enormously. A lightly dusty, sealed imprinted drive washes quickly; a shaded block-paved path full of moss, with oil under the car and rust from a gate, takes far longer for the same area.
Orientative figures help you plan, and you will find them on our partner page for pressure washing cost. The actual quote for your property comes from looking at your surface, which is why we ask for photos first.
Which factors push the price up or down?
These are the factors we weigh in every quote, roughly in order of how much they usually matter.
| Factor | Tends to lower the effort | Tends to raise the effort |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Larger continuous areas | Many small, separate areas |
| Soiling | Light dust and grime | Thick moss, black algae, lichen |
| Stains | None or few | Oil patches, rust marks, tyre marks |
| Material | Hard, sound concrete | Block paving joints, soft stone, weak surfaces |
| Access | Level, open, water nearby | Steps, slopes, long hose runs, gated entry |
| Next stage | Cleaning only | Preparation for repairs and recolouring |
Each of these can be judged reasonably well from good photos, which is why our quotes start there.
How much do stains change the picture?
Stains change the picture more than you might expect, because they need targeted treatment, contact time and often a second pass. A clean driveway with three oil patches is a different job from a clean driveway.
Oil stains are covered on our oil stain removal page, where we explain why some leave a shadow. Rust marks and heavy growth have their own treatment. We list stain treatment separately in the quote so you can decide what to include.
Does old paint make cleaning more expensive?
Yes, when the old paint is loose and has to be removed. Stripping flaking paint or failed sealer takes more time than washing a bare surface, and the flakes have to be collected rather than washed away.
How much extra depends on how much of the coating is loose. If most of it is firmly bonded, the job may be closer to a normal clean. Our old paint removal service explains how that is assessed.
Is it cheaper to clean everything at once?
Combining areas in one visit is usually more efficient than booking them separately, because setting up, travelling and organising access happen once instead of several times.
It also gives a more even result: a freshly cleaned drive next to an uncleaned terrace makes the terrace look worse than before. When you ask for a quote, list every area you are considering, even if you are not sure you will include it.
How does a recolour change the cost of the cleaning?
When cleaning is the first stage of a renovation, it becomes part of a larger job that also includes crack repair, edge cut-in and two coats of synthetic resin paint. The preparation is more thorough, because everything that follows depends on it.
On the partner site, the price page for floor painting covers the combined work. The article on cleaning versus recolouring helps you decide whether a recolour is worth considering at all.
What should you send to get an accurate quote?
Send what lets us judge the six factors without a visit: area, soiling, stains, material, access and your plans.
- Wide daylight photos of each area, taken from standing height.
- Close-ups of the worst stains, moss or peeling paint.
- Approximate square metres, even a rough estimate.
- Steps, slopes, gates and where water can be taken from.
- Whether you want cleaning only or are considering a recolour.
For what a standard clean includes, see the patio and driveway cleaning page.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't you publish a fixed price on this site?
Because the work per square metre varies too much between surfaces. Orientative prices are on our partner price site, and your actual quote comes from your photos. A fixed figure here would be wrong for most properties. Photos let us price your surface rather than an average one.
Is a quote from photos reliable?
For most cleaning jobs, good photos show enough to give a reliable quote. If something is unclear, such as the depth of an oil stain or the condition of old paint, we tell you and check it on site before confirming.
Does a bigger area always cost more?
In total, usually yes; per square metre, not necessarily. Larger continuous areas are often more efficient to clean than several small, separate ones with lots of edges and obstacles. Steps, planters and tight corners all add time per metre. Ask for both.
Are stain treatments included in a standard clean?
Targeted treatment of oil, rust or heavy growth is listed separately, so you can see what it involves and decide whether to include it. A standard clean covers the general dirt and loose growth. That way you can drop a treatment if a mark does not bother you.
Does access really make a difference?
Yes. Steps, steep drives, narrow paths, long hose runs and gated entry all slow the work down. A level drive with water nearby is quicker than a terraced garden reached by stairs. Lack of water on site or a tight entrance for equipment also count. Mention them when you send photos.
Is VAT included in your quotes?
Our quotes state clearly whether VAT (IVA) is included or added. Which rate applies to renovation work on homes depends on conditions set by Spanish tax law; the partner price site explains this in more detail. If you are unsure which applies to your job, ask when you receive the quote.
Can I reduce the cost by preparing the area myself?
Clearing furniture, pots and vehicles before we arrive helps the work run smoothly. Beyond that, we do not recommend doing partial cleaning yourself first, because uneven DIY results can make the final finish harder to even out. Leaving the area clear also avoids patches that stay dirty where objects stood.
Is cleaning cheaper than painting the driveway?
Cleaning alone is a smaller job than cleaning plus repairs plus two coats of colour. Whether it is enough depends on whether your surface is dirty or faded. The cleaning versus recolouring article explains how to tell. Photos usually show which situation you are in.
Do communities of owners pay differently?
Communal garages are quoted on the same factors, plus the organisation of zones and residents' cars. The partner price site has a page on community budgets and how they are approved. Zone planning, residents' notices and the size of the floor all shape the quote. Administrators can ask for the scope to be broken down by area.
What happens if the job turns out bigger than quoted?
If something appears on site that the photos could not show, we stop and explain it before doing extra work. Nothing beyond the agreed scope is done without your agreement. You then decide whether to add the extra work, leave it, or plan it for later. A short photo of the issue usually makes the choice easy.