What a pressure washer's costs look like
The general rules are in expenses you can claim: you can deduct costs that are wholly and exclusively for the business. This page covers what that means in pressure washing.
| Example running cost | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Public liability insurance | £30 | £360 |
| Van, fuel and servicing | £220 | £2,640 |
| Machine and surface-cleaner repayments | £120 | £1,440 |
| Rounds software | £35 | £420 |
| Advertising | £80 | £960 |
| Total | £485 | £5,820 |
The kit you'll claim for
Most small traders on the cash basis can deduct the cost of equipment in the year they pay for it. Cars are treated differently. Typical items:
- A pressure washer (petrol or electric) and hoses: Petrol suits being on the road; check hose and gun ratings
- A surface cleaner attachment: Faster and more even than a lance on driveways
- Water supply: a customer's tap, or your own bowser: Check with every customer before you start
- Sand, sealant and applicators: If you re-sand and seal block paving
- A van and a trailer if you carry a bowser: Weight and towing rules apply
Running costs to keep receipts for
- Detergent and weed treatment
- Jointing sand and sealant
- Nozzles and hose fittings
- Fuel and machine servicing
Easy to forget in pressure washing
- Machine servicing and replacement parts
- Sealant, sand and detergent
- Trailer and bowser costs
- Before-and-after photo gear and social media
Vehicle costs
Most pressure washers claim either a flat rate per mile (55p for the first 10,000 business miles in 2026-27, then 25p) or the actual running costs of the vehicle, but not both on the same vehicle. Compare them over a year before you choose, because once you use the flat rate for a vehicle you must stick to it. The details are in expenses you can claim.
Keep records as you go
Photograph each receipt on the day and file it under the right heading. Your accountant, or HMRC if they ask, will want to see the receipt behind every figure.
Run your pressure washing in WorkWise
Get paid when it's done: A pay link goes to the customer when you tap Done: card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Pay by Bank. Cash and cheque are one tap to mark paid.