How To Start A Pressure Washer Side Hustle In 2023

Welcome to the exciting world of pressure washing, a side hustle with growing demand and impressive earning potential.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what it takes to start your own pressure washing business, the necessary equipment and supplies, marketing strategies for success, and tips from industry veterans.

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What Is A Pressure Washer Side Hustle?

A pressure washer side hustle is a business venture that involves using high-pressure water to clean various surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, and buildings.

A pressure washer side hustle is a business venture where an individual offers professional cleaning services using high-powered water spray equipment to remove dirt, grime, mold, and other contaminants from various surfaces.

This type of business typically operates on a smaller scale than full-time pressure washing companies and you can either run it as a part-time gig or alongside another job.

The beauty of this side hustle lies in its versatility and the ability to cater to a wide range of clients with diverse needs. For instance, some people choose to focus on residential projects like roof cleaning or fence washing while others tackle commercial jobs involving large-scale building exteriors or graffiti removal.

How To Start A Pressure Washing Business

To run a successful pressure washing business, you must have the right equipment and supplies. That includes high-quality pressure washers, essential safety gear, and other tools. From our experience, besides having the right tools, you need to know how to use them, and run the business, which is a whole different animal.

Here is a step-by-step practical guide on how to can start a pressure washer side hustle:

Identify Your Target Market And Services

Arguably the most important step in starting a pressure washing side hustle is identifying your target market and services. Know who you’re targeting with your services, what their specific needs are, and how you can differentiate yourself from competitors in the industry.

For example, if you focus on commercial clients, think about offering services such as graffiti removal or gum removal on storefronts. By narrowing down your target market and honing in on specific areas of expertise, you can set yourself apart from other businesses that are offering more generic offerings.

Learn how to Pressure Wash

Pressure washing is a skill. Although it looks simple, remember that the water pressure you will be working with is strong enough to cause damage and can pose a safety issues if not expertly handled.

To avoid all that, learn how to use the equipment beforehand.

You can sign up for a pressure wash training course or watch tutorials by professionals on YouTube to learn how to do it. Alternatively, you can work for an established power washing company.

As you start a new business, one of the biggest challenges will be getting that first client because no one knows about you and you don’t have a portfolio to show.

You can get your first pressure washing job by asking to work for your friends, family and neighbors. If you don’t get clients from them, you can start by offering your services for free or at a discount to a few people for free in exchange for a testimonial online. This way, you will build a positive presence and establish that you offer quality work.

Buy Equipment and Supplies

By far the most important acquisition you will have is the pressure washer. There are several types of pressure washers available on the market, each designed to cater to specific needs and requirements.

The two most common categories are electric-powered and gas-powered pressure washers.

Electric pressure washers tend to be lightweight, quieter, and more suitable for light-duty tasks like cleaning cars, decks, or patios.

Gas pressure washers are more powerful and they are often fitted with scrubbers for different kinds of cleaning.

When choosing a pressure washer for your side hustle, consider various features that can impact both performance and convenience.

The first and most important metric is the PSI (pounds per square inch) rating – a higher number indicates stronger water force capable of tackling tough stains effectively.
GPM (gallons per minute) is another metric you may look at as it measures the volume of water flow from the washer. It determines the efficiency in completing jobs swiftly without using excessive amounts of water.

Electric pressure washers typically have a lower PSI and GPM than gas pressure washers. Among the electric ones, there are variations in power, such as light duty, medium duty or heavy duty. Don’t forget that an electric pressure washers needs power, which you will have to be provided by the clients.

A heavy-duty pressure washer is a bit more expensive than a light-duty washer, which you can get for less than $200. Instead of buying all the washers, you can rent the equipment to save on costs.

Invest time in researching different brands and models to select a reliable machine that suits your business needs.

Other Tools And Accessories

In addition to a quality pressure washer, you’ll need these tools and accessories to start your pressure washing business:

Nozzles: These small attachments control the spray pattern and intensity of the water coming out of your pressure washer. Different nozzles are needed for different tasks, so make sure you have a variety on hand.
Hoses: You’ll need a high-pressure hose that can withstand the force of your washer’s output, as well as a regular garden hose for filling up your machine’s reservoir.
Surface cleaner: This tool attaches to your pressure washer and is designed specifically for cleaning flat surfaces like driveways and sidewalks.
Extension wand: A long extension wand will allow you to reach high areas without having to climb a ladder.
Chemicals: Some jobs may require specialized chemicals to get the job done right. Examples include degreasers, rust removers, and detergents.
Transportation: You need to move your equipment to where you will work. For that, you can lease a van or truck if you don’t own one. You can help your marketing efforts to have your company name and phone number displayed on the vehicle so that people can know how to contact you when they see your vehicle.
Trailer or truck mount: Depending on the size of your business and equipment, you may need a trailer or truck mount to transport everything to job sites.

Make sure you factor in the cost of these items when creating your budget for starting your pressure washing business. And don’t forget that proper maintenance and replacement of these tools is crucial for ensuring quality results and avoiding safety hazards.

Essential Safety Equipment

As a pressure washing business owner, it’s crucial to prioritize safety while on the job. Here are some essential safety equipment items you’ll need:

Personal Protective Gear: You must wear personal protective equipment while working. This includes safety goggles, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
Pressure Washer Safety Tools: Use a safety catch or a trigger lock between uses to prevent accidental spray.
Chemical-Resistant Clothing: Wear chemical-resistant clothing to avoid skin exposure. Some chemicals are harmful and can cause burns or other health risks.
Respirator Mask: Protect your lungs from breathing in chemicals with a respirator mask designed for the specific chemicals you’re using.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Protection: GFCI protection protects against electrocution by instantly shutting off power when it detects electrical leaks.
Slip-Resistant Footwear: Wearing slip-resistant shoes will help you stay balanced on wet surfaces and prevent falls that could result in injury.
First Aid Kit: Always have a first aid kit on hand in case of an injury while on the job.

By having these essential safety equipment items, you can protect yourself and others around you while working.

Register Your Pressure Washing Company

You can skip this step if you just want to run it as a sole proprietor. However, you will miss out on the benefits of running a business that is registered which is why I included it here. The upsides of registering your business include protection from personal liability, tax benefits, and legal benefits.

In most states, you can register your new business online whether it is a sole proprietorship, corporation, limited liability company, or partnership. All you have to do is visit your state’s corporation division before proceeding to register your business with the federal government where you will receive an Employer Identification Number (sales tax registration with the IRS is done on its website).

Next, you should get the proper licenses, permits, and insurance. The requirements will be specific to your area; therefore, you should visit your local licensing office to learn more about the process of getting a business license within your state.

Depending on your area and business structure, you may need specific permits to run a pressure washing business. One of the most common ones is an environmental permit to ensure your business is environmentally sustainable.

As for the insurance, your pressure washing business needs equipment insurance for your equipment, workers compensation for personal injuries to you or your workers (if you employ any), and liability insurance to cater for any damage that you cause as you pressure clean.

Open a Business Bank Account

Maintaining proper financial records for your business helps streamline accounting and paying taxes. When you have a separate business bank account, it makes that a whole lot easier.

It also separates your personal assets from your business’ assets. You can get a business credit card to separate your personal and business expenses too. You need an EIN, business formation documents, and proof of business address to open the account.

Create A Marketing Strategy

To grow your pressure washing business, you need a solid marketing strategy. Since the first step was to identify your target market, tailor your marketing efforts towards them. For example, you can create flyers or postcards to distribute throughout your community.

Consider creating a website for your pressure washing business because it is one of the most effective ways to attract clients. On your website, you can tell the world what services you offer and build a portfolio where you provide them with photos or videos of past successful projects.

Also list your business on online service listing pages such as Google business pages, Yelp and Facebook where people will see it when they search online for a pressure cleaning service. You can do local SEO to get a leg up on your competition.

Use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase your work and attract potential customers. Nowadays, people often find the process of turning a dirty or rusty roof or driveway into its former glory very satisfying. You can tap into that by posting on TikTok or Instagram Reels.

Post pictures of your services and encourage existing customers to share your post or post reviews to give you publicity.

Set Your Prices

Set reasonable pricing for your pressure washing services to attract and retain customers. Pay attention to factors such as the cost of materials, equipment maintenance, and labor when determining your rates.

For example, if you’re offering driveway cleaning services, you could charge based on the size of the driveway or per square foot. You could also offer package deals for customers who want multiple surfaces cleaned at once.

Remember that setting excessively low prices can hurt your business in the long run by making potential customers question the quality of your work or assume that you’re inexperienced. On the other hand, overly high prices can drive away potential clients altogether. You need to strike that delicate balance.

If you are totally new to the business of pressure washing, how can you know how much to charge?

Ask other local businesses what they are charging and you will have an idea of how much you should charge to be competitive.

Tips For Success In A Pressure Washer Side Hustle

We have discovered that learning how an industry works from the pros can be advantageous because you learn about some unspoken rules that can get you ahead. With that in mind, here are tips for success that we learned from pressure washing industry veterans who’ve been in the pressure washer business for a long time:

Provide Quality Services

As a pressure washing business owner, providing quality services is crucial in gaining customer loyalty and attracting new clients. Quality service means delivering superior cleaning results that exceed expectations while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Part of providing quality services is communicating effectively with clients to better understand their needs and preferences. For instance, some might want specific areas of their property cleaned or certain detergents used.

Build Relationships With Customers

Building relationships with customers is an essential part of running a successful pressure washing business. Happy customers are more likely to recommend your services and become repeat clients, which can help you grow your business over time.

One effective way to build relationships with customers is by offering personalized service. By taking the time to understand each customer’s unique needs and preferences, you can tailor your services to meet their expectations.

Additionally, providing exceptional customer service can go a long way in building lasting relationships with clients. Respond promptly to inquiries and address concerns or complaints in a professional manner to show that you value their business and care about their satisfaction.

Stay Organized And Efficient

Being organized and efficient is crucial when running a pressure washing side hustle. One common way to stay on top of tasks is by creating a schedule or checklist for every job, from preparing equipment and supplies to invoicing clients.

This helps ensure that you don’t miss anything important and can complete your work quickly and accurately.

To further streamline operations, consider investing in software or tools that streamline task management or automate administrative tasks such as maintaining good financial records. This can save time and effort while ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Improve Your Skills And Knowledge

To excel in your pressure washer side hustle, keep improving your skills and knowledge. This means staying informed about the latest power washing techniques and equipment advancements.

Additionally, practice refining your skills by offering a variety of services such as house washing, deck cleaning, graffiti removal or fleet washing. Each service requires different techniques and equipment which present an opportunity for you to develop new skills while providing value to your customers.

Handle Customer Complaints And Issues

As with any business, customer complaints and issues are an inevitable part of running a pressure washing business. Handle these situations professionally and efficiently to maintain good relationships with your clients.

One way to avoid misunderstandings is by establishing clear expectations at the outset of each job, including what services you’ll provide, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.

If a client is unhappy with your work, listen carefully to their concerns without becoming defensive or confrontational. Show that you’re willing to make things right by proposing solutions such as redoing the job or offering a discount for future services.

It’s crucial to respond promptly and address any complaints quickly before they escalate into larger issues that could damage your reputation in the industry.

Diversify Your Services

Offering a variety of services can help you stand out from the competition and attract a wider range of customers. Diversifying your pressure washing services may include offering deck cleaning, gutter cleaning, window washing, or even roof cleaning.

In addition to attracting new customers, diversifying your services can also increase revenue by upselling existing customers with additional offerings. For example, if a customer hires you for driveway pressure washing but also mentions their dirty siding during the consultation, you could offer them an affordable bundled package deal on both services.

This not only provides value to the client but increases your earnings too.

Benefits of a Pressure Washing Side Hustle

Starting a pressure washing side hustle comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons will help you make an informed decision on whether or not this is the right business venture for you.

Here are some of the benefits of starting a side hustle with a pressure washer:

High earning potential: Pressure washing businesses can earn up to $3,000 a month, with some even making $120K per year.
Low entry barrier: Learning pressure washing skills is relatively easy and quick, making it an accessible side hustle option.
Flexibility: A pressure washing side hustle allows you to set your own schedule and work at your own pace.
Growth and scalability: There is potential to grow and scale a pressure washing business. You can grow your side hustle into a full-fledged pressure cleaning company.
Variety of services: A pressure washing business can offer diverse services such as residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, and fleet washing, just to mention a few.

Drawbacks of a Pressure Washing Side Hustle

A pressure washing side hustle has its drawbacks, which include:

Start-up costs: You’ll need to invest in pressure washing equipment, resources, and safety gear to get started.
Seasonal demand: The demand for pressure washing services is likely to be higher in specific seasons and may drop during colder months.
Physical labor: Pressure washing can be physically demanding, requiring you to work outdoors and perform manual labor.
Competition: As a relatively low entry barrier business, there may be increased competition in the pressure washing market.
Customer complaints and issues: Handling customer complaints and resolving issues is part of running a pressure washing business, which can be challenging and time-consuming.

In summary, starting a pressure washer side hustle can be lucrative and flexible, but you need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before taking the plunge. Learning the required skills, preparing for start-up costs, and developing a solid business plan will put you on the path to success in this growing industry.

Conclusion

Starting a power washing business is a great side hustle idea and can be a lucrative and fulfilling venture. With the right equipment, skills, and business plan in place, you can build a successful company that generates impressive profits.

While there are challenges to starting any new business, the potential for high profit margins makes it worth considering as an option. As you embark on your journey as a pressure washing entrepreneur, remember to stay focused on providing quality services, building relationships with clients, and continuously improving your skills.

Before you leave

If you’re tired of scams and want a real solution for making money online check out my no.1 recommendation.

It’s helped me earn over $300,000 in the last 12 months alone:

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(This is a 100% free training)

David Fortune

David Fortune has been the editor NoBSIMReviews.com since 2019. He is an expert at writing content on stock advisory services, side hustles, reviewing online business opportunities and many more topics. You can learn more about David on our about us page.

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