Pressure Washing Your Driveway: Costs, Benefits and How Often to Do It

Years of algae, moss and grime build up so gradually you stop noticing — until half the street gets their driveways cleaned and yours suddenly looks tired. Professional pressure washing is one of the cheapest, most dramatic improvements you can make to your home's exterior.

What does it cost locally?

In South Manchester and Cheshire in 2026, expect:

• Driveway or patio cleaning: £3–£5 per m²
• Typical double driveway: £120–£250 all-in
• Re-sanding block paving: from £60
• Sealing: £4–£7 per m²
• Gutter, fascia & soffit clean: £60–£100 for a semi-detached home

Why professional beats DIY

A domestic pressure washer will shift surface dirt, but professional petrol machines with rotary surface cleaners work at far higher flow rates — cleaning evenly, without the stripy 'wand marks' DIY jobs leave behind, and without blasting out mortar joints or damaging soft stone.

Just as importantly, professionals know which surfaces need a gentler approach. Indian sandstone, for example, can be permanently scarred by a high-pressure lance held too close — it needs controlled pressure and the right technique.

Don't skip the re-sand

On block paving, the kiln-dried sand in the joints is structural: it locks the blocks together. Pressure washing inevitably removes some of it, so a proper job always finishes with re-sanding. If a quote doesn't mention it, ask why.

Is sealing worth it?

Sealing a freshly cleaned driveway or patio costs more upfront but slows weed growth, resists oil staining and keeps the surface looking cleaner for two to three times longer. For block paving, sealing also hardens the jointing sand so it stops washing out.

How often should you clean?

For most homes in our area — with our generous North West rainfall — every 18–24 months keeps driveways and patios in excellent condition. North-facing and tree-shaded surfaces green up faster and may need annual attention.

Book a clean

We offer driveway and patio cleaning as a standalone service or bundled with our garden maintenance visits. Book online in under a minute and we'll confirm your slot.