PowerWash Simulator, the oddly satisfying game about cleaning away virtual dirt with pressurized water, has now reached 17 million players across all platforms. This milestone shows just how much people enjoy the simple pleasure of cleaning things, even in video game form.
Developed by FuturLab and initially published by Square Enix Collective, the game puts you in charge of your own power washing business in the fictional town of Muckingham. Your job? Transform filthy vehicles, buildings, and public spaces into sparkling clean versions of themselves, one satisfying spray at a time.
“This is a huge milestone, and we’d like to thank each and every one of you,” said Chris Mehers, COO of FuturLab, in an official statement. “Whether you’ve been part of our cleaning crew since early access or picked up the power washer later along the way, thank you for being a part of our wonderful community.”
The game’s journey started in May 2021 as an early access title on Steam, with its full release coming in July 2022 for Windows and Xbox platforms. It later made its way to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles in January 2023, with a VR version launching for Meta Quest headsets in November 2023.
According to SteamDB data, the game peaked at over 14,178 players five months ago (October 2024), with 2,000 to 3,000 players regularly playing it, as I last checked.
What’s the secret to its success? For many players, it’s the game’s no-pressure, therapeutic gameplay. In a world that can feel overwhelming, there’s something genuinely calming about methodically cleaning surfaces and seeing immediate results.
The gameplay is straightforward but engaging. In career mode, you earn money to upgrade your equipment – better washers, specialized nozzles, and effective cleaning fluids. There’s also free play for casual cleaning sessions and challenge modes for those who want to test their speed-cleaning skills. One of the best features? You can invite friends to join you online and clean together.
Beyond just cleaning, the game includes a light story told through client text messages. These add personality to the town of Muckingham, with quirky tales about dormant volcanoes and mysteriously missing cats that give the game extra charm.
According to FuturLab, two more free content updates are on the way – Muckingham Files 5 and 6 – scheduled for release in the coming months. The game has already received several expansions, including special DLCs featuring popular franchises like Back to the Future, Shrek, and Warhammer 40,000.
With this impressive player count, FuturLab has announced they’re now able to self-publish the upcoming sequel. “PowerWash Simulator has allowed us to self-publish a sequel, an exciting challenge we are delighted to undertake,” Mehers explained. PowerWash Simulator 2 is set to release in 2025 with new locations, better soap mechanics, a home base for players, and the highly requested split-screen co-op mode.
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