Roof cleaning costs $150 to $1,326 in 2026
Roof cleaning costs $150 to $1,326 in 2026. Fixr lists a national average of $612. HomeGuide lists $440, and Forbes lists $765 for a 1,700 square foot roof. Most jobs are priced by the square foot. Roof size, steep slopes, and the cleaning method change the bill. Soft wash is often priced a little higher than pressure wash. Ask for the method in writing.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists a typical range of $250 to $600 with a national average of $440, and moss prevention at $100 to $250. |
| Fixr | Fixr lists a national average of $612, an average range of $450 to $700, and soft wash at $0.30 to $0.75 per square foot. |
| Forbes | Forbes lists an average of $765 for a 1,700 square foot roof, a range of $340 to $1,190, and $0.20 to $0.70 per square foot. |
Roof cleaning price by item
| Item | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Typical range | $250 to $600 | HomeGuide |
| National average | $612 | Fixr |
| Average for a 1,700 square foot roof | $765 | Forbes |
| Soft wash, per square foot | $0.30 to $0.75 | Fixr |
| Pressure wash, per square foot | $0.20 to $0.70 | HomeGuide |
| Moss removal, per square foot | $0.20 to $0.75 | HomeGuide |
| Moss prevention treatment | $150 to $250 | Fixr |
| Zinc strips, per 50 foot roll | $30 to $60 | HomeGuide |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Roof size | Pros price by the square foot, so a bigger roof costs more. Fixr lists $0.10 to $0.60 per square foot, and Forbes lists $0.20 to $0.70. |
| Cleaning method | Soft wash uses low pressure and a cleaning mix. Fixr lists soft wash at $0.30 to $0.75 per square foot and chemical wash at $0.20 to $0.30. |
| Steep or tall roofs | A steep or multi level roof takes more time and safety gear. HomeGuide adds $0.15 to $0.20 per square foot for a steep roof. |
| Moss | Moss removal is its own job. HomeGuide lists moss removal at $0.20 to $0.75 per square foot and a prevention treatment at $100 to $250. |
| Stains | Black streaks and thick moss need more work than light dust. Forbes lists a soft wash on a 3,000 square foot, three story roof as high as $2,700. |
What the price includes
The price normally covers cleaning the roof surface with a wash method, plus cleanup. Moss prevention, gutter cleaning, and repairs can cost extra. HomeGuide lists gutter cleaning at $110 to $185 and zinc strips at $30 to $60 per 50 foot roll. Ask what the crew does to protect your plants and siding. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Roof cleaning companies, pressure washing firms, and some roofers do this work. Most bill by the square foot, and some give one flat price after they see the roof. Fixr lists $0.10 to $0.60 per square foot, and Forbes lists $0.20 to $0.70. Ask for a written quote with the method, the roof size, and what is included. A bigger crew may finish faster, but check that the company has insurance for work on roofs. Ask for proof of it, and check reviews from past customers before you pay a deposit.
When you need this
Clean the roof when you see dark streaks, green moss, or lichen. These grow in damp, shady spots. Left alone, moss can hold water against the shingles. A cleaning can also help before you sell, paint, or inspect the roof. Ask a roofer to check for damage if the shingles look worn.
How to judge your quote
- Does the quote name soft wash or pressure wash?
- Is the price per square foot or one flat price?
- Does it include moss treatment and cleanup?
- Is the total near $250 to $600 for an average roof?
- Compare the total with the range above: $150 to $1,326 per cleaning for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Bundle gutter cleaning with the roof job. HomeGuide lists gutter cleaning at $110 to $185, and one crew visit may cost less than two.
- Add zinc strips after a clean. HomeGuide lists them at $30 to $60 per 50 foot roll, and they help slow new growth.
- Get three quotes with the roof size and the method listed. Prices run from $0.10 to $0.75 per square foot, so the details matter.
- Treat moss early. HomeGuide lists moss prevention at $100 to $250, which is less than removing thick moss later.
- Clean on a set schedule instead of waiting for heavy build up. A light cleaning takes less time and costs less than a roof covered in moss.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from HomeGuide, Fixr and Forbes. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to clean a roof?
Fixr lists a national average of $612. HomeGuide lists $440 and says most jobs are $250 to $600.
How much does soft washing a roof cost?
Fixr lists soft wash at $0.30 to $0.75 per square foot. Forbes lists the same range.
How much does moss removal cost?
HomeGuide lists moss removal at $0.20 to $0.75 per square foot. A prevention treatment is $100 to $250.
Is pressure washing a roof cheaper?
Not by much. HomeGuide lists pressure washing at $0.20 to $0.70 per square foot. Forbes lists high pressure washing at $0.20 to $0.65.
How much do zinc strips cost?
HomeGuide lists zinc strips at $30 to $60 per 50 foot roll. Fixr lists a zinc oxide treatment at $0.05 to $0.15 per square foot.