Let me give you real numbers, because most companies dodge this question until they've got you on the phone.
The short version: most Des Moines homeowners spend somewhere in the low-to-mid hundreds for a single service, and more for a full exterior clean that covers the whole property at once. The full clean costs more up front but less per surface, and I'll show you why in a minute.
Here's the honest breakdown so you know what you're looking at before you ever call anyone.
New to all this? Start with our complete Des Moines exterior cleaning guide →
Typical price ranges in Des Moines
These are real ballpark ranges for the metro. Most Des Moines jobs land between $300 and $1,200 total, depending on home size and how many surfaces you do. Your exact number depends on a few things we'll get into right after.
| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Window cleaning | $200 to $600 |
| House wash (siding) | $400 to $800 |
| Driveway and concrete | $200 to $500 |
| Full exterior package | $600 to $1,200 |
Gutter cleaning and roof soft wash are quoted per home — they vary too much by size, pitch, and condition for a flat range, so we price those on the walk-through.
One thing to notice. The full package is not the sum of those rows added up. It's less, and the next section explains why.
What actually changes the price
Five things explain almost every difference between one quote and the next.
- The size of your home. More square footage and more stories means more surface and more reach, which costs more.
- How many surfaces you want done. Siding only versus siding, windows, and concrete. This is the single biggest lever on your total.
- The condition. A home cleaned every year has light grime that comes off fast. One that's been ignored for years has buildup that takes more time and product.
- Access. Tight lot lines, landscaping to protect, or hard-to-reach spots can add time.
- Surface type. Some materials need more careful work than others, which affects the labor.
If a company quotes you a price over the phone without asking about any of this, be careful. They're guessing, and the number tends to change once they show up.
Why the cheapest quote usually costs the most
Here's the part that saves people real money.
The lowest bid in town is almost always someone who pressure washes everything to save time, including surfaces that should be soft washed. That looks clean for a few weeks. Then the algae grows back, faster than before, because blasting it off never actually killed it.
So you pay the cheap company, watch it come back, and pay again. A proper soft wash kills the growth at the root and stays clean for a full season. It costs a little more once instead of a little less twice.
Cheap exterior cleaning isn't cheap. It's the same job done twice.
Why the wrong method makes algae grow back faster →
Why a full clean is the better value
The biggest cost in any cleaning job is getting a crew to your house, set up, with water running. That cost is the same whether they clean one surface or all of them.
So once we're already there, adding your windows or driveway costs far less than booking each as its own trip later. That's why a full exterior clean usually runs ten to twenty percent cheaper than buying the same services one at a time.
It's not an upsell. It's just cheaper math. Same trip, more done, less per surface.
House washing or the full clean? Here's how to decide →
How to get an actual number for your home
Online ranges like the ones above get you in the ballpark. They can't give you an exact price, because no two homes are dirty in the same way.
The accurate number comes from a quick look at your specific home, in person or from a few photos, where the surfaces and their condition can actually be seen. A good company gives you a flat, itemized quote with no surprises on the day of service. That's what you want before you book anyone.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't companies give a price over the phone?
Because an honest price depends on your home's size, condition, and which surfaces you want done. A real quote needs a quick look first, even if that's just photos.
Is a full exterior clean worth it over a single service?
For most people, yes. The trip and setup cost is the same either way, so adding surfaces to one visit is much cheaper than booking them separately later.
How often do I need to pay for this?
Most Des Moines homes do well with a clean once a year. Staying on that rhythm keeps each visit cheap, since the grime never gets a chance to build up.
Are quotes free?
They should be. We don't charge for a quote, and you're never obligated to book.
Next steps
If you're trying to budget for this, here's how to get a real number fast.
- Decide what you want done. One surface or the whole exterior. The full clean is usually the better value, but it's your call.
- Take a few photos of your home from a couple of angles, including the dirty spots. That's often enough for an accurate quote.
- Ask for a flat, itemized price so you know exactly what you're paying before anyone shows up.
When you're ready, we'll take a look and give you a straight number, no pressure and no surprises.