Pixel Sundays: How PowerWash Simulator Turned Dirt into a Gaming Phenomenon
This week, our Pixel Sundays article focuses on a relatively new franchise, one that’s all about relaxation and cleanliness. We’re talking about the PowerWash Simulator. In these games, you take on dirt and grime armed with your trusty power washer. The game was developed by FuturLab, with the first entry released in 2022 for PC and Xbox.
Summary
- Origin of PowerWash Simulator (2022)
- Expansions, Crossovers, and Special Packs
- The Sequel PowerWash Simulator 2 (2025)
- How a Cleaning Job Became a Feel-Good Game
- Conclusion & Outlook Where Is the “PowerWash” Journey Heading?
The PowerWash games are quite different. You won’t find a traditional story here, yet this unusual concept fits perfectly within the Pixel Sundays series. The gameplay radiates pure relaxation. Today, we’ll talk about its gameplay, history, and significance.
Origin of PowerWash Simulator (2022)
It all began in 2021, when the PowerWash Simulator was released in Early Access on Steam. Later, on January 31, 2023, it was also ported to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The game was developed by the British studio FuturLab and published by Square Enix. You play as a small business owner running a power-washing company in the fictional town of Muckingham.
In the game, you take on a variety of jobs, cleaning houses, vehicles, and even a Mars Rover in one mission. You can upgrade your washer over time, with different nozzles that vary in strength and spray pattern. There are also special cleaning agents that work better on specific surfaces, making it easier to remove dirt. Some grime is more stubborn than others, so you’ll need to use the right tools to get the job done.
The act of cleaning feels extremely satisfying. Every object has its own progress bar, showing how much dirt remains. You can set up ladders or climb onto roofs to reach higher areas, and you keep at it until everything shines.
PowerWash Simulator features several modes. The Career Mode lets you grow your business and take on contracts. There’s also an online co-op mode, allowing you to clean together with friends. Finally, the Challenge Mode adds extra difficulty with time or water limits.
The game was praised for its relaxing, almost zen-like gameplay. The mechanics are simple, and the cleaning process is deeply satisfying. One of the main criticisms, however, was the soap and cleaner system, which wasn’t as effective as players had hoped, along with character movement that sometimes felt clunky.
Expansions and Crossovers
PowerWash Simulator has received numerous free bonus job updates over time, adding new locations and stories within the fictional world of Muckingham. The latest major content drop was The Muckingham Files 6 on May 29, 2025.
Beyond the free updates, there were several paid crossover packs with popular franchises. These included Shrek, SpongeBob, Tomb Raider, and even Midgar from Final Fantasy VII. Other collaborations featured Back to the Future and Warhammer 40,000, so there’s truly something for everyone.
The Sequel PowerWash Simulator 2 (2025)
Just a few days ago, on October 23, 2025, the sequel PowerWash Simulator 2 was released. It launched for PC, PS5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2. The sequel was self-published by FuturLab and is available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
PowerWash Simulator 2 introduces new tools and nozzles. For example, there’s a new nozzle that lets you adjust the spray width manually. There are also new tools such as floor cleaners, lifts, and more. On top of that, the soap and cleaning system has been completely overhauled. The improved soap now sticks better to tough dirt, offering a much more satisfying feel than in the first game, where it was fairly useless.
Another new feature is the multi-stage jobs, where you unlock new areas step by step. For example, you might start with the exterior before being able to move inside. The final major addition is your own base, which you can decorate with furniture and trinkets.
The sequel also expands its setting. You now go beyond Muckingham into Caldera County, where you’ll discover new towns like Sponge Valley, Power Falls, and Lubri City. In addition to new areas, there’s a new way to play: you can now enjoy the game in local split-screen co-op with friends, not just online, though that’s still an option too. There’s even a shared online campaign progression.
The sequel clearly shows that the core idea of relaxing cleaning gameplay can be deepened meaningfully. The new tools, mechanics, larger world, quality-of-life updates, and multiplayer features make it better without losing the accessible and calming loop. The launch price was just €24.99.
How a Cleaning Job Became a Feel Good Game
PowerWash Simulator turns everyday chores that people usually don’t enjoy into fun and satisfying gameplay. Instead of combat, exploration, or story, the focus lies on cleaning, an otherwise mundane activity. The rewarding feeling and satisfaction in-game counteract the sense of doing work. While the game doesn’t have deep mechanics or lots of different things to do, you still want to keep going. You want to finish that one object, make it sparkling clean.
PowerWash Simulator even worked with the Oxford Internet Institute, part of the University of Oxford, to conduct research. Their 2023 study focused on the effect of video games on mental health. Many players stated that they found the game relaxing and calming. The study also gathered more insights into player well-being.
In this unique study, participants shared their PowerWash Simulator gameplay data and in-game mood. The results were published in March 2023. A total of 8,695 participants from 39 countries took part. Researchers at Oxford University found that 72% of players felt happier after playing PowerWash Simulator. This was based on player data statistics including more than 162,325 in-game mood reports. So for most players, their mood improved after playing the game.
Conclusion and Outlook Where Is the PowerWash Journey Heading?
The first PowerWash offered a simple yet deeply satisfying cleaning simulation that replaced action with everyday chores. With PowerWash Simulator 2, the concept was expanded just days ago with new tools, larger environments, and a shared multiplayer career. The game proves how a seemingly mundane activity can be turned into a successful indie simulation. It now boasts a large community, an ongoing DLC policy, and even scientific attention.
So what’s next? For 2025 and 2026, we can expect three paid IP DLCs and three free Caldera Chronicles jobs. There’s also potential for a VR port of PowerWash Simulator 2, since the first game already received a separate VR version. PowerWash Simulator clearly shows that ordinary everyday tasks combined with rewarding gameplay can make a hit game. So what’s next? Whatever it is, for now it’s time to grab the pressure washer and make everything spotless.
Hey, I’m Kilian, but online you’ll probably know me as “Tux1243.” I've been part of the team for almost two years now, always trying to keep you in the loop with the latest and coolest gaming news. I also have a huge passion for doing deep dives and detailed analyses of entire game series and franchises. I love getting to the bottom of things and exploring the little details and backstories that make game worlds so fascinating.
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I have a friend with over 3k hours in Powerwash so I assume the game is amazing,lol . #Sharkman
Wow, a sequel for PowerWash Simulator? I didn't know that. Thanks for the article. 4ssen
I like clean places but I don't like cleaning at all, but this game can be played to distract myself. :)
Not my type of game, but if people enjoy it, I don't judge. drreaper#7894
It amazes me how some games can have such impact. This simulator is very fun, casual and relaxing.