Pressure Washing in Los Angeles, CA
Months without rain leave a layer of grime on Los Angeles houses. Dust from Santa Ana winds, smog, pollen, tree sap, bird droppings and grease settle on patios and walkways, and since the rain doesn't wash them off, they build up. Block walls develop white efflorescence, pavers and concrete pick up oil spots and stains from planters, north-facing walls grow mildew in the shade, and stucco turns gray and streaky under eaves and windows. A good cleaning makes a difference, but it has to be done carefully, both for the surface and for LA's water rules.
LADWP's water conservation rules prohibit hosing down hard surfaces like driveways and sidewalks and prohibit letting runoff flow into the street. Stormwater rules also prohibit washing dirt, soap and debris into storm drains. So before we start, we talk with you about what your surface needs. We dry-sweep and blow off loose debris first, use efficient equipment that uses far less water than an open hose, keep runoff on site, and choose detergents that fit the job. On stucco, painted wood and older brick, we use low pressure, because high pressure can etch stucco, force water behind it and strip paint. If a particular cleaning isn't allowed under current local rules, we'll tell you that before we start.
What this covers
- Patio, deck and walkway cleaning
- Paver and concrete stain treatment
- Low-pressure stucco and siding cleaning
- Block wall and efflorescence cleaning
- Outdoor furniture and play equipment cleaning
- Pool deck and coping cleaning
- Pre-sweeping and debris removal
- Runoff control and cleanup
How a pressure washing visit usually goes
Walk the Surface
We look at the material, its age and condition, nearby plants, drains, and how runoff will be controlled, then plan pressure, detergent and equipment for the job.
Sweep and Prep
We dry-sweep and blow off loose debris, cover outlets, lights and sensitive plants, and move furniture and planters out of the way.
Clean at the Right Pressure
We use low pressure on stucco, wood and older brick and higher pressure only on sound concrete and pavers, treating stains before we rinse.
Contain and Clean Up
We keep runoff on site, clear residue away from drains, put everything back where it was, and walk the area with you when we're done.
Cleaning before an event or a sale is common in LA, where yards and patios are used almost all year. We also clean outdoor areas after fire seasons, when ash settles on decks and furniture. Ash should be cleaned up carefully and kept out of the storm drains, so for ash we usually start with dry methods and a gentle rinse. Block walls with white efflorescence from sprinkler water are another common LA job. We clean them and point out where moving sprinkler heads would keep the stains from coming back. For homeowners in hillside neighborhoods, we pay attention to where the water goes so it doesn't run down a slope or onto a neighbor's property.
What shapes the price in Los Angeles
Pressure washing costs depend mostly on the size of the area, how dirty it is, and what it's made of. Plain concrete is the quickest. Pavers, stucco and painted surfaces take more time because we have to go slower and use lower pressure. Oil and rust stains, efflorescence on block walls, and heavy mildew need pre-treatment. Steep driveways, multi-level patios and tight side yards take longer to set up. Controlling runoff on sites where water would otherwise reach the street adds a step but isn't optional. Cleaning a patio, walkway and outdoor furniture in one visit costs less than doing each separately.
Neighbors often ask
Can you pressure wash my stucco without damaging it?
Yes, as long as it's done gently. High pressure can erode the finish coat, open hairline cracks and push water behind the stucco. We use low pressure with a cleaner suited to stucco, work from the bottom up, and rinse carefully. If we find cracks or loose areas, we'll point them out, since those should be patched before any heavy cleaning.
Is pressure washing allowed with LA's water restrictions?
LADWP's rules prohibit hosing down hard surfaces and letting water run into the street, and stormwater rules keep wash water out of storm drains. We work within those limits by sweeping first, using water-efficient equipment, and keeping runoff on your property. If you're served by another water agency, like those in Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank or Santa Monica, its own rules apply, and we'll check them with you.
Can you remove oil stains from my driveway?
We can usually lighten them a lot, and fresh stains often come out almost completely. Old oil that has soaked deep into concrete may leave a faint shadow even after treatment. We apply a degreaser, let it work, scrub, and then rinse while controlling runoff, rather than just blasting with high pressure, which can etch the concrete.
How often should I clean my patio or walkway?
For most LA homes, once or twice a year is enough. Late spring, after the pollen season, and early fall, before entertaining season and the rains, both work well. Shady areas that grow mildew, pool decks, and spots under trees that drop sap or fruit may need more frequent cleaning. Sweeping regularly between cleanings also helps.
Can you clean my clay tile patio or Saltillo floor outside?
Yes, carefully. Clay and Saltillo tile, common on patios of Spanish-style homes, is softer than concrete and can be damaged by high pressure or harsh chemicals. We use low pressure and a cleaner made for the material, and we'll let you know if the tile needs resealing afterward to keep stains out.
Folks pair this with
Drywall Repair
Drywall Repair →TV Mounting
TV Mounting →Furniture Assembly
Furniture Assembly →Door Repair & Adjustment
Door Repair & Adjustment →Pressure Washing around Los Angeles
Pressure Washing is one of 14 jobs our Los Angeles handyman crew handles, in Los Angeles and in nearby communities:
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