At present, 65.8% of Americans own their homes. Most homeowners are aware that there are innumerable cleaning tasks to be done inside and outside of the house. When it comes to outside cleaning tasks, some might be best achieved with a power washer, such as washing the driveway, cleaning siding, or even making the lawn mower shiny. But when it comes to these chores, should you be power or pressure washing? Many folks don’t know the difference. Let’s take a close look at the differences.
What is Power Washing?
Power washing is a cleaning method that employs hot water to obliterate dirt, grime, and stubborn stains from various surfaces. The high-temperature water, often mixed with detergents, aids in effortlessly eradicating tough contaminants. This method is particularly effective for surfaces like concrete driveways, sidewalks, and decks, where deep-seated dirt and oil residues are prevalent.
The intense heat generated during power washing gives you superior cleaning and can sanitize surfaces by killing bacteria and mold. This makes power washing an ideal choice for areas requiring thorough disinfection, such as outdoor patios and pool decks.
What Is Pressure Washing?
On the other hand, pressure washing utilizes a high-pressure stream of cold water to dislodge dirt, grime, mildew, and other impurities from surfaces. Unlike power washing, pressure washing does not involve heating the water. Instead, the sheer force of the pressurized water stream gets you your cleaning results.
Pressure washing is versatile and can be applied to a wide array of surfaces, including vinyl siding, brick walls, wooden fences, and even vehicles. It’s a preferred choice for routine maintenance tasks because it effectively removes surface-level contaminants without causing damage to the underlying material.
Key Differences
While both power washing and pressure washing share the common goal of cleaning outdoor surfaces (and use similar amounts of water pressure), their point of divergence lies in the temperature of the water used and the applications they are best suited for.
Power washing, with its hot water feature, is best at tackling tough stains, grease, and oil buildup, making it great for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Pressure washing, utilizing cold water under high pressure, is good at swiftly removing surface dirt and grime, making it perfect for regular maintenance and upkeep.
The heat employed in power washing enhances its ability to sanitize surfaces, making it a preferred choice for areas requiring deep cleaning and disinfection. In contrast, pressure washing is more gentle and can be safely used on a wider range of surfaces without the risk of causing damage.
While power washing and pressure washing are often used interchangeably, understanding their differences is important when selecting the most suitable method for your cleaning needs. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains on concrete or simply aiming to refresh your home’s exterior, choosing between power washing and pressure washing can significantly impact the outcome.
So, the next time you’re out there tackling one of your outdoor to-do list items, remember the distinction between power washing and pressure washing, and choose the best method for the job. If you have any power or pressure washing jobs you’d like to hand off to the professionals, please get in touch with us today.
