Short answer
Most pressure washing jobs in Chester start from around £125 for a small surface clean such as a path, steps or a compact patio. Black spot treatment on paving starts from £125, and a protective sealing treatment afterwards from £175. The final price depends on the surface, its size and condition, and whether you want it treated or sealed once it is clean.
What you are actually paying for
Pressure washing is priced on the surface, the area and the condition far more than the time. A small concrete path is quick; a large, neglected patio coated in black spotting, or a rendered wall greening over, takes longer and often needs the right treatment, not just water at full power.
Across Chester, Hoole, Handbridge and the wider Cheshire and Wirral area we get a lot of damp, shaded exteriors. The climate stays wet for much of the year, north-facing walls and patios barely catch the sun, and homes near the Dee or under trees green over fast. That green film, and the stubborn black spots on patio slabs, are living growth — which is why a cheap, rushed blast comes back looking tired within a season.
The surface itself decides the method. Block paving, Indian sandstone, porcelain, concrete, brick and painted render all behave differently. High pressure is right for some and ruinous on others, so part of what you pay for is matching the approach — sometimes a low-pressure soft wash rather than a lance — to the material in front of us.
Pressure washing & surface treatments — guide prices in Chester & Cheshire
| Job | Guide price | What affects it |
|---|---|---|
| Small surface clean — path, steps or compact patio | From £125 | Single surface, easy access, light to moderate growth |
| Larger patio or hard standing | From £195 | More area, heavier moss and algae, more edging to work |
| Black spot treatment | From £125 | Targets the stubborn black lichen spots a plain wash leaves behind |
| Sealing treatment (patio or driveway) | From £175 | Applied after cleaning to protect the surface and slow regrowth |
| Soft wash for render, brick or walls | From £150 | Low-pressure method where high pressure would damage the surface |
These are typical Chester prices to plan around. The job is confirmed after a few photos or a quick visit, because the surface type, area, level of staining and any treatment or sealing all change the scope.
What a professional pressure wash and treatment involves
- 1
Identify the surface and the staining
We check what the surface is made of and what is actually growing on it — green algae, black spot lichen, oil, or general grime — because each one needs a different treatment, not just more pressure.
- 2
Protect the area and choose the method
We protect borders, drains and pointing, then decide between a pressure wash and a low-pressure soft wash. Soft surfaces and render get the gentler approach so they are cleaned, not scarred.
- 3
Clean, then treat where agreed
We clean evenly at the right pressure for the material, then apply black spot or stain treatment where it is needed so the result lasts rather than greening back over in weeks.
- 4
Rinse, seal if agreed, and tidy
We rinse the residue away and, where you have agreed sealing, apply it once the surface is clean and dry to protect it and slow regrowth — then leave the area swept and tidy.
The wrong pressure can do expensive damage
A pressure washer held too close or set too high can strip the surface off paving, blow jointing sand out, force water under slabs, etch brick and shred soft render. On rendered walls, painted surfaces, old or loose paving, the safe answer is often a low-pressure soft wash, not a lance. If you are not sure how your surface will react — or the pointing is already crumbling — get it looked at before anyone turns full pressure on it.
DIY pressure washer vs professional clean and treatment
| DIY with a hired washer | Professional clean and treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Easy to leave stripes, swirls and patchy areas | Even, consistent finish across the whole surface |
| Surface safety | Real risk of etching, gouging or blowing out jointing sand | Right pressure, or a soft wash, matched to the material |
| Stubborn black spots | Plain water rarely shifts them — they come straight back | Treated at the root so the spotting actually lifts |
| How long it lasts | Greens over again within a season | Treatment and optional sealing slow regrowth markedly |
| Typical cost | £40–£70 washer hire, plus your day and the risk | From £125, insured, with a finished, treated result |
Photos that get you an accurate price fast
- A wide photo of the whole area so the size and surface type are clear
- A close-up of the worst staining — black spots, thick green algae, oil marks or weeds in the joints
- A photo showing access and any delicate surfaces nearby, such as render, painted walls or planting
Frequently asked questions
How much does pressure washing cost in Chester?
Most jobs start from around £125 for a small surface clean such as a path or compact patio. Larger or heavily stained areas, black spot treatment and sealing add to that, so we confirm the price once we have seen photos or visited.
What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water and suits hard surfaces like concrete and block paving. Soft washing uses low pressure with the right treatment and is safer for render, painted walls and delicate surfaces that high pressure would damage.
Why won't the black spots come off with a normal wash?
Black spots are a lichen that roots into the surface, so plain water just cleans around them. They need a proper black spot treatment to lift them, which is why we price that separately from £125.
Is it worth sealing my patio or driveway after cleaning?
Often yes. Sealing a clean, dry surface helps protect it, makes future cleaning easier and slows down moss and algae coming back. We offer sealing from £175 once the surface has been cleaned.
What makes the price go up?
A larger area, heavily established black spotting or algae, delicate surfaces that need a soft wash, awkward access, and whether you add black spot treatment or sealing.