How much does it cost to rent a power washer?
How much does it cost to rent a power washer?
$100 – $250 power washer rental cost per day
$45 – $100 pressure washer rental cost per day
Power washer rental cost
The cost to rent a power washer is $100 to $250 per day for a unit that uses hot water for heavy-duty cleaning jobs. Pressure washer rental prices are $45 to $100 per day for a cold-water gas or electric unit. Home Depot and Lowes rent power washers for about the same cost.
| Type of washer | Average rental cost per day | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Electric pressure washer | $45 – $50 | Smaller jobs like washing windows, decks, or sidewalks using low-pressure |
| Gas pressure washer | $85 – $100 | Tougher cleaning tasks like stripping paint or removing mold using high-pressure |
| Gas power washer | $100 – $250 | Cleaning grease, grime, and tough stains using specialized hot water units |
The main difference between a power washer and a pressure washer is the temperature of the water:
A power washer uses hot water for heavy-duty jobs like stubborn grime, grease, mildew, and tougher stains.
A pressure washer uses cold water and is suitable for lighter cleaning jobs on softer surfaces like vehicles, wood, and plastic.
Pressure washer rental prices
Most companies offer half-day, full-day, weekly, and monthly rental rates for power washers. Weekly rates are cheaper than daily rentals for extended use, while monthly rates are the most cost-effective for long projects.
Total rental costs depend on the type of washer, the equipment package you choose, and any additional accessories you need.
| Rental period | Home Depot | Lowe's | United Rentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| ½ day (4 hours) | $33 – $71 | $32 – $96 | $28 – $68 |
| Full day (24 hours) | $47 – $102 | $45 – $136 | $98 – $169 |
| Weekly | $188 – $408 | $180 – $544 | $344 – $496 |
| Monthly (4 weeks) | $564 – $1,224 | $450 – $1360 | $791 – $1,348 |
To get the most from your power washer or pressure washer rental:
Always reserve the equipment in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to ensure it’s available when you need it.
When scheduling the rental period, don’t forget to factor in the time it takes to drive back and forth, set up the unit, clean it after use, and wait in line to return the equipment or you may incur late fees.
Power washer accessory rental costs
In addition to the power washer, you may need cleaning solutions and other accessories to make the work easier. Power washers usually have color-coded nozzles that provide different levels of pressure or spray patterns for different tasks. Some rental companies include these nozzles in the rental package, while others charge extra.
| Item | Average rental cost per day | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Red nozzle (0-degree) | $15 – $20 | Provides a high-pressure, pinpoint spray for removing stubborn stains and heavy buildup |
| Yellow nozzle (15-degree) | $10 – $15 | Offers a wider, fan-shaped spray pattern for general cleaning |
| Green nozzle (25-degree) | $10 – $15 | Delivers moderate pressure for general cleaning |
| White nozzle (40-degree) | $10 – $15 | Produces a wide, low-pressure spray for delicate surfaces like cars or windows |
| Black nozzle (65-degree) | $10 – $15 | Uses a low-pressure spray of soap or plain water |
| Surface cleaner | $20 – $50 | Rotary attachment that spins to clean large flat surfaces like driveways or patios |
| Extension wand | $15 – $30 | Allows access to hard-to-reach areas without a ladder |
| Chemical injector | $15 – $25 | Allows you to mix detergents or cleaning solutions with the water for more effective cleaning |
| Hose (25 – 50 feet) | $10 – $20 | Provides more reach and flexibility when cleaning |
| Cleaning solutions | $5 – $55 per bottle | Concentrated or ready-to-use solutions formulated for different tasks and environmental preferences |
Rental taxes and damage deposits
When renting a power washer, expect to pay sales tax and a refundable damage deposit on top of the base rental fee. Sales tax rates vary depending on your location.
The damage deposit typically matches the total rental fee and acts as a security measure in case the power washer gets damaged during your rental period. For example, if you rent a power washer for $50 a day, you might also pay around $50 for the damage deposit.
Once you return the power washer in good condition, you should get the full damage deposit amount back.
Pros and cons of renting a power washer
Overall, renting a power washer is a cost-effective option for homeowners and contractors who only need the equipment occasionally. The following table details the pros and cons of renting a power washer rather than buying one.
| Pros of renting | Cons of renting |
|---|---|
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If running a power washer is too much of a hassle, hire a professional instead. Power washers charge $0.35 to $0.77 per square foot to do the job for you.
Power washer rental FAQs
Where can I rent a power washer?
You can rent a power washer at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. Equipment rental companies like Sunbelt Rentals and United Rentals also have power washers.
Should I rent or buy a power washer?
You should rent a power washer if you only need to use it a few times a year or don’t have adequate storage space in your garage, basement, or workshop. You should buy a power washer if you plan to use it multiple times per year and have a space to store it.
Where can you use a power washer?
You can use a power washer to clean concrete, driveways, garage floors, outdoor equipment and furniture, fences, siding, decks, and patios.
Where should you not use a pressure washer?
Do not use a pressure washer on surfaces that it can damage, such as tile roofs, asphalt roof shingles, glass surfaces, or any sealed surface that the pressure might strip off.
Tips for hiring power or pressure washing services
If you decide DIY power washing is not for you, follow these tips to hire a reputable and capable pressure washing service that will deliver quality results for your home or business:
Ask about their cleaning process, including the materials they use to clean different surfaces like driveways, roofs, or siding.
Confirm they have the right equipment and expertise to handle the job effectively without causing damage.
Check customer reviews and ratings on HomeGuide and google to gauge the quality of their work.
Verify their credentials and guarantees, including their licenses, insurance, and any warranties or guarantees they offer for their work.
Discuss the project timeline and costs in advance to ensure the company can accommodate your schedule and budget.
Questions to ask a pressure or power washer service
Be sure to ask the pressure or power washer service these important questions:
Are you licensed and insured against damages?
How are your technicians certified and trained?
What is your cleaning process and the equipment you use?
Do you use cold-water pressure washing or hot-water power washing?
What specific techniques, pressure levels, and cleaning solutions do you use for different surfaces?
How do you handle washing windows?
Can you accommodate my scheduling needs?
Do I need to be home while you work around my home’s exterior?
Can you provide examples of past work and references?
Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee on your work?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.