Making $1k/month With a Power Washing Side Hustle

I’m James, a 29-year-old with a full-time job in IT during the week and a passion for running my own power washing side hustle on weekends. My business, pressure washing, focuses on cleaning driveways, patios, decks, and other outdoor surfaces for residential properties. It started out as a way to make a bit of extra cash, but over time, it’s become something I genuinely enjoy. There's something deeply satisfying about transforming grimy surfaces into clean, sparkling ones—it’s almost therapeutic!

The business is still small, but I’ve managed to build a steady client base through word-of-mouth and social media. It’s just me and my trusty pressure washer, so I keep the overheads low and focus on providing great service. I try to maintain a personal connection with my customers, which has led to repeat business and referrals.

I was inspired to start power washing after helping my dad clean up his patio one summer. He’d let the moss and dirt build up over the years, and after a few hours of work, the results were incredible. It made me realise how much of a difference a clean exterior can make to a home’s overall appearance. Around the same time, I was looking for ways to earn extra income to save for a vacation, and I thought, “Why not turn this into a little business?”

What really pushed me into action was seeing videos of power washing transformations online. The before-and-after shots were so satisfying that I figured there had to be a demand for it. Turns out, lots of people don’t have the time or equipment to do it themselves, and they’re happy to pay for the service. It’s been a perfect match for me—something I enjoy doing and something people need.

For me, success isn’t just about the money, although that’s a nice bonus. It’s about making my customers happy and seeing the impact of my work. When a client comes out and says, “Wow, I didn’t think it would look this good,” it’s a fantastic feeling. Those moments remind me that I’m adding real value to people’s homes, which is incredibly rewarding.

Another measure of success is building long-term relationships with my customers. I’ve had clients call me back year after year for routine cleanings, and that’s a sign that I’m doing something right. Financially, I consider the business a success if it’s covering its costs and contributing to my savings without feeling like a chore. Since I started, I’ve been able to reinvest in better equipment and still put some money aside, so I feel like I’m on the right track.

If I could start over, I’d spend more time researching equipment before making my first purchase. When I started, I went for the cheapest pressure washer I could find, thinking it would be good enough. It worked, but it wasn’t efficient, and I ended up upgrading after just a few jobs. I’ve since learnt that investing in quality equipment from the start saves you time and effort in the long run.

I’d also focus more on marketing from day one. At first, I relied too much on word-of-mouth, which was slow to build momentum. If I’d started with a professional-looking social media page and some before-and-after photos earlier, I think I could have attracted more customers right away. Looking back, I probably underestimated how much a solid online presence matters, even for a local side hustle.

My advice would be to start small and stay consistent. You don’t need to invest in the most expensive gear right away, but don’t skimp on quality either—go for something mid-range that will last. Build your skills on your own property or for friends and family before taking on paying clients. It’s a great way to learn what works and avoid rookie mistakes without the pressure.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of presentation. Create a simple logo, take quality photos of your work, and set up a Facebook or Instagram page to showcase it all. Customers want to see what you can do before they hire you. Most importantly, always prioritise good customer service. Be polite, show up on time, and deliver more than they expect—that’s how you build trust and get repeat business.

On average, I make around $500 to $800 a month from power washing, depending on how many jobs I take on. During the spring and summer, it can be closer to $1,000 because that’s when people are more focused on improving their outdoor spaces. In the winter, it slows down a bit, but I still get calls for things like moss removal and cleaning pathways.

Since it’s a side hustle, I’ve kept my costs low, so most of that income goes straight into savings or pays for extras like vacations. After covering fuel, equipment maintenance, and some marketing costs, I’d say I keep about 75% of what I earn. It’s not enough to replace my full-time job, but it’s definitely made a noticeable difference to my finances.