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What really drives the price up or down, and why an on-site quote is the only honest figure.
There is no single fixed price. The cost of cleaning a driveway in Ireland depends on its size in square metres, how dirty or damaged it is, the surface type, how easy it is to access, and whether you add sealing or re-sanding. A small tidy path is a very different job to a large stained driveway, so the only accurate figure comes from a free on-site quote.
Yes, size is the biggest single factor. Cleaning is measured by the square metre, so a compact front driveway takes a fraction of the time a large double or wrap-around driveway does. More area means more hours on site, more water and more of the cleaning solution, and that is reflected in the quote. It is why two homes on the same street can be quoted very differently for what looks like the same job.
A driveway that is cleaned every year or two is quick to bring back. One that has years of thick moss, algae, weeds, oil stains or ingrained dirt takes far more work, and heavy staining sometimes needs a second pass or a targeted treatment. If you have let it go a long time, expect it to sit at the higher end. Regular upkeep is almost always cheaper in the long run, which is the point we make in our guide on how often to clean your driveway.
It does. Block paving usually needs the joints re-sanded after cleaning so the blocks stay locked and weeds are kept out, which adds a step. Tarmac needs a gentler touch to avoid loosening the surface. Imprinted or pattern-imprinted concrete often needs re-sealing to restore the colour and finish. Natural stone and older surfaces may call for softwashing rather than pressure, which changes the method and the time involved. Each surface is priced for what it actually needs. You can see how the main surfaces compare in our driveway surface comparison.
Practical access matters more than people expect. If we can park close, reach an outdoor tap and get equipment straight onto the driveway, the job runs smoothly. If the only route is through a narrow side passage, up steps, or a long way from water and power, it takes longer to set up and pack down, and that time forms part of the price. Steep or awkward layouts and the need to protect nearby planting or paintwork can add to it too.
Cleaning and sealing are two separate jobs. A standard clean restores the surface, while sealing and re-sanding are optional extras that protect the result and make it last longer. Kiln-dried sand re-locks block paving, and a quality sealer helps resist weeds, oil and staining and keeps the colour looking fresh. They add to the upfront cost but they stretch out the time before the next clean, so many customers choose to add them. Our guide on whether sealing is worth it weighs it up honestly.
A typical driveway and patio cleaning job includes assessing the surface, treating and removing the moss, algae, weeds and dirt, and leaving the area rinsed and tidy, with sealing or re-sanding added only if you want them. Because every driveway differs on size, condition, surface and access, no honest company can give a real price down the phone without seeing it. We come out, look at the surface and give you a clear, no-obligation quote. Get in touch for a free quote and we will tell you exactly what your driveway needs and what it will cost.
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