How often should I pressure clean my driveway?

Most homes benefit from cleaning every 12–24 months. Shaded or damp driveways in Brisbane or Sydney’s inner-west may need an annual clean to control mould. If you seal the driveway, you can often extend intervals while making spot cleans easier.

What should I provide to get a firm quote?

Send total m², 4–6 photos (close-ups of stains, wide shots, access), surface type (concrete, pavers, exposed aggregate), tap distance, parking info, and your timing preferences. This helps tradies firm up pricing and avoid extras like $20–$60 travel charges.

Driveway Pressure Cleaning Cost in Australia (2026)

Pricing reference year: 2026 · Updated 2026-05-19 · 10 min read

Driveway pressure cleaning costs about $3.50–$6.50 per m² in 2026, with minimum call-outs of $180–$260. Heavy oil stain treatment can add $120–$300, and sealing (optional) runs $12–$22 per m². Here’s how to budget and what affects the price.

$3.50 to $6.50 per square metre

In 2026, driveway pressure cleaning typically costs $3.50–$6.50 per m² (GST-inclusive), with minimum call-outs of $180–$260 covering small areas and set-up. Heavy oil treatments add $120–$300, and optional sealing is $12–$22 per m². After-hours or public holidays can add a 25–50% surcharge.

Key takeaways

Standard cleaning: $3.50–$6.50 per m² (2026, GST-incl.)
Minimum call-out: $180–$260 for small areas
Oil-stain add-ons: $120–$300 per job
Optional sealing: $12–$22 per m² for protection
After-hours loadings: typically 25–50%

On this page

Understanding Driveway Pressure Cleaning Cost
Typical Cost Ranges in Australia (2026)
What's Included in the Price
Key Factors That Influence the Cost
Cost Breakdown by Job Size or Scenario
Driveway Pressure Cleaning Cost vs Cheaper / More Premium Alternatives
DIY vs Hiring a Licensed Tradie
How to Get Accurate Quotes
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Cost?

## Understanding Driveway Pressure Cleaning Cost Driveway pressure cleaning removes dirt, mould, tyre marks and oil from concrete, exposed aggregate and paver surfaces using high-pressure water (often with a rotary surface cleaner) and, where needed, biodegradable detergents or degreasers. For most homes, pricing is based on square metres, plus a minimum call-out to cover set-up and travel. Costs vary because not all driveways are equal: a flat 50 m² broom-finished slab in Brisbane northside cleans faster than a 90 m² steep paver driveway in Sydney’s inner-west with black mould, grout lines and poor drainage. Add-ons like hot-water cleaning, stain pretreatments, and sealing can change the total significantly. Expect **$3.50–$6.50 per m²** for standard cleaning (2026, GST-inclusive), with **$180–$260** minimums common for small areas. After-hours work incurs surcharges, particularly on weekends and public holidays. In metro areas, access and parking constraints can also add to time on site, while regional jobs might see lower per-m² rates but extra travel. ## Typical Cost Ranges in Australia (2026) The figures below reflect typical 2026 GST-inclusive pricing we see across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra and Darwin. Higher ranges usually indicate complex access, heavy staining, or premium hot-water gear. Always ask for a written tax invoice and confirm what’s included. | Scenario | Typical Range (AUD) | Notes | |---|---:|---| | Small driveway up to 30 m² (minimum charge) | $180–$260 | Metro call-out; includes set-up and basic clean. | | Standard clean, 60 m² concrete | $240–$390 | Light mould/tyre marks; no heavy oil. | | Large driveway, 100 m² concrete or exposed aggregate | $350–$650 | Time varies by texture and drainage. | | Oil stain pretreatment (add-on) | $120–$300 | Degreaser/hot-water spot treatment. | | After-hours/weekend call-out (min 2 hrs) | $240–$360 | Typically $120–$180 per hour equivalent. | | Optional penetrating sealer (add-on) | $12–$22 per m² | Improves stain resistance after cleaning. | For many suburban homes, a 50–70 m² driveway lands between **$260–$430** all-in for a weekday clean in normal daylight hours. Complex paver driveways with deep grout can push closer to **$5.50–$6.50 per m²**, while flat trowel-finished concrete with good drainage may sit nearer **$3.50–$4.50 per m²**. Outer-regional jobs often have slightly lower per-m² rates but may include **$20–$60** travel if you’re beyond a tradie’s standard service radius. Public holidays can add **25–50%**. If you’re adding sealing, budget an extra **$12–$22 per m²** for a penetrating sealer, or more for colour sealing. ## What's Included in the Price ### Standard Inclusions - Site visit, safety assessment and equipment set-up (hoses, surface cleaner, wand) - High-pressure cold-water clean of driveway surface to remove general dirt, mould and tyre marks - Light detergent or eco-preclean on patchy organic staining, where suitable - Perimeter tidy-up and rinse-down to move slurry to drains as permitted - Basic protection of adjacent landscaping (e.g., brief wet-down of plants) - Portable water connection via your outdoor tap (if you have one available) - Removal of on-site debris (slurry) within reasonable scope; no tip fees - GST-inclusive tax invoice from an ABN-checked tradie ### What is Usually Extra - Heavy oil/grease stain treatment with degreasers or hot-water gear - Efflorescence, rust, paint or tyre-dye removal requiring specialised chemicals - Application of penetrating or colour sealers after cleaning - Access equipment (long hose runs, water cartage where no tap is available) - After-hours/weekend/public-holiday surcharges and additional travel beyond standard radius - Drainage management where bunding, wet-vac or sediment capture is required by council rules ## Key Factors That Influence the Cost ### Surface Type and Condition Concrete, exposed aggregate and pavers all clean differently. Smooth broom-finished concrete is fastest, while exposed aggregate and pavers need slower passes and edge detailing. Heavy black mould, lichen, or ingrained tyre-dye can require chemicals and time. A clean, flat 60 m² concrete slab might be **$240–$390**, whereas a 60 m² paver driveway with deep joints may sit closer to **$330–$450** due to extra wand work. ### Stains, Chemicals and Hot Water Oil and transmission leaks can etch into porous concrete. Treating them typically adds **$120–$300** per job or **$3–$7 per m²** on the affected sections. Hot-water/steam rigs (useful on grease) command higher rates, and some stain removals need repeat applications. Specialised rust or paint removal can be quoted separately, often at **$90–$140 per hour** in 2026, due to chemical dwell times and careful rinsing. ### Job Size and Minimums Most tradies have a minimum charge of **$180–$260** to cover mobilisation, parking, and set-up. Larger driveways benefit from economies of scale: per-m² rates often dip for areas above 80–100 m². For example, 100 m² at **$4.00–$6.50 per m²** totals **$400–$650**, while 30 m² may still be **$180–$260** because the set-up time is similar regardless of size. ### Access, Drainage and Run-Off Compliance Tight access, steep slopes, and lack of nearby taps add time. In some suburbs (e.g., Sydney inner-west or Melbourne south-east), tradies may need longer hose runs or wet-vac to stop slurry entering stormwater. Where councils require containment or sediment capture, expect additional gear/time. Drainage management can add **$50–$180** depending on set-up and duration, especially for pavers with sanded joints. ### Location and Timing Metro rates are slightly higher due to overheads and parking. Expect the higher end of ranges in Sydney, Canberra and Perth, and the lower end in parts of Adelaide or Hobart. After-hours work (evenings/weekends) typically attracts **25–50%** loading, with public holidays at the upper end. Emergency same-day call-outs commonly run **$240–$360** minimum for up to two hours on site. ### Tradie Experience, Insurance and Compliance There’s no specific state licence class solely for pressure cleaning, but professional operators carry public liability insurance and provide tax invoices. If any plumbing alterations are needed (e.g., connecting temporary devices to sewer), a licensed plumber must be engaged. Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician in every state. Ask for ABN, insurance, and check credentials with our [licence checker](/licence-checker). ## Cost Breakdown by Job Size or Scenario ### Example 1: 40 m² Concrete Driveway, Brisbane Northside (Weekday) A flat broom-finished slab with light mould. Standard cold-water clean using a rotary surface cleaner, plus a light detergent pre-spray on shaded patches. - Pricing: **$3.50–$5.50 per m²** = **$140–$220** - Minimum charge applies in metro: **$180–$260** - Likely total: **$180–$220** if nearby parking and easy tap access - Duration: 1.0–1.5 hours on site Tip: Bundling paths or patio with the driveway can lift area to 60–80 m², improving the per-m² value. ### Example 2: 65 m² Exposed Aggregate, Melbourne South-East (Weekday) Slightly rougher texture, with tyre scuffs and light organic growth. Access via side gate; parking kerbside. No oil leaks. - Base clean: **$4.50–$6.50 per m²** = **$292–$423** - No special chemicals beyond mild pre-spray - Likely total: **$300–$420** (GST-inclusive) - Duration: 1.5–2.0 hours on site Note: Exposed aggregate needs slower passes to avoid streaking; a quality finish relies on a surface cleaner and careful rinsing. ### Example 3: 80 m² Paver Driveway with Oil Spots, Perth Northern Suburbs Interlocking concrete pavers with sanded joints, a few stubborn oil drips near the garage. Good tap access; moderate slope to street. - Base clean: **$4.50–$6.50 per m²** = **$360–$520** - Oil pretreatment add-on: **$120–$220** - Possible drainage control/wet-vac around pits: **$50–$100** - Likely total: **$530–$750** (depending on stain severity) - Duration: 2–3 hours on site ### Example 4: 100 m² Concrete, Sydney Inner-West (Newtown) with Tight Access Rear-lane parking with hose run through a narrow side passage. Mixed tyre-dye and mould in shaded areas. Weekday, business-hours booking. - Base clean: **$4.00–$6.50 per m²** = **$400–$650** - Extra time for access/edge work: **$40–$100** - If tyre-dye needs solvent spot work: **$60–$120** - Likely total: **$500–$760** (GST-inclusive) - Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours on site For suburb-level planning, see typical ranges by area in [suburb costs](/suburb-costs/pressure-cleaning) and map your job size with our [budget planner](/budget-planner). ## Driveway Pressure Cleaning Cost vs Cheaper / More Premium Alternatives | Option | Typical Cost (AUD) | Durability/Result | Finish Quality | |---|---:|---|---| | DIY hose + scrub (no machine) | $30–$80 for gear/chemicals | Short-lived on mould/oil | Patchy, labour-intensive | | DIY hire of pressure washer (1 day) | $90–$160/day hire + your time | Fair on light dirt; poor on oil | Inconsistent without surface cleaner | | Pro pressure clean (this guide) | $3.50–$6.50 per m² | Good; restores original look | Even finish with pro gear | | Pro clean + penetrating sealer | $15.50–$28.50 per m² (clean + seal) | Better stain resistance 2–5 yrs | Satin to natural, UV-stable | | Colour sealing/resurfacing | $35–$65 per m² | Long-lasting new look | Highest finish; changes colour | Pro cleaning is the sweet spot when you want a quick visual lift for sale photos or rental inspections without the cost of resurfacing. Sealing adds future stain resistance at extra upfront cost, useful for driveways prone to oil drips or leaf tannins. ## DIY vs Hiring a Licensed Tradie ### DIY Approach Hiring a domestic pressure washer for a day is **$90–$160** (2026), plus **$20–$60** for detergents and PPE. Expect 3–6 hours for a 60–80 m² driveway if you’re learning as you go. Risks include etching soft concrete, blowing paver sand, striping from uneven passes, and sending slurry into stormwater (council fines may apply). DIY makes sense for light refreshes on small, flat areas with good drainage and no oil. If you go DIY, use a surface cleaner attachment where possible and test a discreet spot first. ### Hiring a Licensed Tradie Pressure cleaning itself isn’t a dedicated licensed trade class, but professional operators are ABN-checked, insured, and experienced with run-off rules. Expect **$3.50–$6.50 per m²** plus **$180–$260** minimums, and **$90–$140 per hour** for specialised stain removal. If your job involves plumbing or electrical alterations (e.g., connecting to sewer or temporary power), those parts must be done by a licensed plumber or electrician as required in every state. Pros bring industrial surface cleaners, hot-water gear where needed, and sediment control. Choose insured operators and verify credentials using our [licence checker](/licence-checker). For urgent situations, browse our [emergency](/emergency) options but budget for after-hours loadings. ## How to Get Accurate Quotes 1. Measure and photograph the area. Provide length x width and total m², plus 4–6 clear photos of stains, shading, and access points. Mention tap distance and parking. This prevents square-metre disputes and helps avoid unexpected **$20–$60** travel add-ons. 2. Describe stains and past treatments. Note oil drips, rust, paint, or mould, and any chemicals already tried. Ask if hot-water cleaning is recommended and the added cost (often **$120–$200** extra for targeted spots). 3. Confirm inclusions in writing. Ask for a GST-inclusive quote covering set-up, cleaning method, detergent use, edge/detail work, and run-off management. Query minimums (**$180–$260**) and whether bundling paths/patios lowers your per-m². 4. Ask about timing and surcharges. Clarify weekday vs weekend rates and public-holiday loadings (commonly **25–50%**). If you need same-day, expect a **$240–$360** call-out minimum. 5. Compare at least 3 quotes. Use [Compare Quotes](/quote-compare) to line up scope, chemistry and gear, not just the cheapest number. When you’re ready, [post your job](/post-job) with photos, m² and stain notes so local pros can price accurately. ## Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Cost? For most homes, a professional driveway clean is one of the best-value kerb-appeal upgrades you can buy. At **$3.50–$6.50 per m²** (2026), a 60–80 m² driveway typically lands under **$450**, lifts the whole facade, and makes oil management easier if you add sealing. DIY can work for small, lightly soiled slabs, but pros deliver faster, more even results and better run-off compliance—especially in tighter metro suburbs. - Worth it for: sellers prepping for photos, rentals between tenancies, mould-prone shaded driveways, busy households without time. - Consider DIY/alternatives: very small areas under 20 m², light dust only, or when you already own a quality surface cleaner and have a free afternoon. Post your job on TaskerAsker for free and receive quotes from local tradies

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Frequently asked questions

How much does driveway pressure cleaning cost per square metre in Australia?

In 2026, expect $3.50–$6.50 per m² (GST-inclusive) for standard driveway cleaning. Heavier staining, pavers or exposed aggregate sit at the higher end. Minimum call-outs of $180–$260 usually apply for small areas under ~40 m² to cover set-up and travel.

What is the minimum call-out fee for pressure cleaning a small driveway?

Most tradies charge a minimum of $180–$260 in 2026, which typically covers mobilisation, set-up and a small area (often up to 25–30 m²). If you can bundle paths or a patio to reach 50–70 m², the per-m² rate often improves.

How much extra for oil stain removal on a driveway?

Oil treatment generally adds $120–$300 per job or $3–$7 per m² on affected sections. Severe, older stains may need hot-water cleaning and repeat applications. Ask for a clear line item so you know what’s included before work starts.

Do weekend or after-hours pressure cleaning jobs cost more?

Yes. Weekend and after-hours bookings often carry a 25–50% loading. A common after-hours call-out is $240–$360 for up to two hours. If timing is flexible, book weekdays during daylight to avoid surcharges and get faster availability.

Is sealing my driveway after pressure cleaning worth it?

Sealing adds $12–$22 per m² for a penetrating sealer and helps resist oil, mould and tannins for 2–5 years. It’s most valuable under vehicles prone to drips or under leaf-shedding trees. Colour sealing or resurfacing costs more but also changes the look.

How long does a professional driveway clean take?

A 60–80 m² driveway usually takes 1.5–3 hours with pro gear, including set-up and tidy-up. Heavy staining, pavers with deep joints, or run-off control can extend this. DIY times are often double due to slower passes and learning curve.

Do I need a licensed tradie for pressure cleaning?

There’s no dedicated licence class just for pressure cleaning, but use ABN-checked, insured operators. Any plumbing or electrical alterations must be done by licensed trades (plumber/electrician). Always request a GST-inclusive tax invoice and proof of insurance.

Will pressure cleaning damage my concrete or pavers?

Used correctly, no. Damage occurs from excessive pressure, narrow nozzles too close to the surface, or blasting paver joints. Professionals use surface cleaners and correct tips to avoid striping. They’ll test a discreet patch and adjust pressure to the surface.

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