Answer box (last verified Sep 23, 2026)
- Founding price: $39/mo flat, solo + 1 crew
- Your $19 deposit counts toward your first month
- Confirmation emailed to you after purchase
Your founding-member confirmation is emailed to you after purchase. Your $19 counts toward your first month and is fully refundable any time before you start. Refund policy
The CSLB rule
Per CSLB’s December 30, 2024 press release, an unlicensed person may complete projects under $1,000 only if they do not hire workers and no building permit is needed. Advertising is allowed under $1,000 if the ad states the person is not licensed. Anyone who bids more than $1,000, performs permitted work, or employs workers without a license is subject to legal action: administrative fines up to $15,000, up to six months in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Where washing fits
CSLB’s D-38 Sand and Water Blasting classification (under the C-61 Limited Specialty license) covers a contractor who “uses the force of compressed air in conjunction with abrasive materials or water to clean or prepare surfaces for any protective, decorative and/or functional treatment.” Whether a particular cleaning-only job counts as contracting work is a CSLB question - if your jobs reach $1,000 or you hire, ask CSLB about the D-38 classification before you bid.
Other layers
- Business registration with the California Secretary of State if you form an LLC or corporation.
- City or county business license where you are based and, often, where you work.
- Stormwater: California cities run MS4 stormwater programs; ask your city what it requires for wash water.
Official links
Last verified Sep 23, 2026 from CSLB sources. Informational only, not legal advice.
Quote, schedule and invoice in one place - $39/mo founding rate
ExteriorClean HQ is being built for pressure washing and window cleaning businesses. Founding members lock $39/mo for life. Joining the list is free; a refundable $19 deposit reserves a spot.
Software for exterior cleaning operators
- Founding price: $39/mo flat, solo + 1 crew
- Your $19 deposit counts toward your first month
- Confirmation emailed to you after purchase
Your founding-member confirmation is emailed to you after purchase. Your $19 counts toward your first month and is fully refundable any time before you start. Refund policy
Frequently asked questions
Can I pressure wash in California without a license?
Only for projects under $1,000 total, with no employees and no permit required, per CSLB. Ads must say you are not licensed.
Which CSLB license covers pressure washing?
CSLB’s C-61/D-38 Sand and Water Blasting classification covers cleaning or preparing surfaces with water or abrasives for a treatment. Confirm fit with CSLB.
Does window cleaning need a license in California?
CSLB licensing applies to contracting work; routine window cleaning is generally handled through local business licensing. Confirm with your city and CSLB.
Sources
- CSLB press release #24-21 - Handyperson exemption increases to $1,000 (Dec 30, 2024) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- CSLB - D-38 Sand and Water Blasting classification (accessed 2026-09-23)
- California Contractors State License Board (accessed 2026-09-23)
- US EPA - Stormwater discharges from municipal sources (MS4) (accessed 2026-09-23)