A typical pressure washing business in Europe that's still open after three years brings in $7.5k a month ($90.3k a year) and keeps about $34 of every $100. That leaves about $30.7k a year.
The top 10% make more than $21k a month. The bottom 10% make under $2.7k.
Thinking of starting a pressure washing business?
- Typical cost to start
- $5.9k
- Still open after 3 years
- 64%
Monthly revenue by year
For businesses still trading at each point.
| Year | Bottom 25% | Typical | Top 25% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $1,700 | $3,200 | $6,000 | $10,700 |
| Year 3 | $4,400 | $7,500 | $12,900 | $21,000 |
| Year 5 | $5,500 | $9,800 | $17,400 | $29,100 |
Year 3 monthly revenue
How much does it cost to start?
Typical cost to start: $5,900.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hot-water pressure washer | $3,000 |
| Surface cleaner & hoses | $800 |
| Trailer & water tank | $1,300 |
| Insurance | $500 |
| Marketing | $500 |
Where the money goes
Share of revenue for a typical business in year three.
How many survive?
64% are still trading after three years, and 54% after five. These are the reasons owners gave for closing:
What the successful ones do
- Sold commercial contracts to fill winter
- Kept a backup pump and surface cleaner
- Charged by the job, not by the hour
How to start one, step by step
Verified pressure washing businesses on HumDays
How Blue Hour fills the winter with parking-lot contracts
Blue Hour washes houses in spring and summer and commercial lots in winter, so revenue never drops far below its peak. Revenue is up 40% on last year and it keeps $38 of every $100 in sales, one of the highest among similar businesses.
Tidewater Pressure Washing
“Commercial roofs in winter kept the crews working all year.”
Questions people ask
Is a pressure washing business profitable?
Usually, if it survives. A typical pressure washing business in Europe keeps about $34 of every $100 in sales by year three, which on typical sales leaves about $30.7k a year. 36% close within three years.
How much does it cost to start a pressure washing business?
The typical cost to start is $5.9k. The biggest items are hot-water pressure washer and surface cleaner & hoses.
How long until a pressure washing business makes a profit?
A typical business had its first profitable month after 3 months. Side-hustle starts took about two months longer.
Why do pressure washing businesses fail?
The most common reason owners give is “seasonal cashflow gap” (33% of closures), followed by “equipment breakdown costs” (19%).
Is a pressure washing business seasonal?
Busiest March–October. Survivors plan cash around the quiet months.
Ask pressure washing owners
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