Pressure Washing vs Power Washing: Understanding the Difference
What is the difference between pressure washing vs power washing? Many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably, but each cleaning method is distinct. Read on to understand how they vary and when to use each.
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is more commonly used in homes. This cleaning method uses pressurized water to come out as a jet stream blast powerful enough to remove dirt and grime from surfaces. It uses regular temperature water hooked up into a powerful electric or gas pump that accelerates the water flow, which goes through a hose and exits at the nozzle at high pressure.
However, since it does not use high-temperature water, it may be less effective in removing tougher stains and residue, such as mold, mildew, and grease.
When to Choose Pressure Washing
The pressure is usually enough to remove dirt buildup, mud, dust, and debris on most hard surfaces outside your home. It is also effective in cleaning up and declogging your gutters and downspouts.
Pressure washing also gives you a bit more freedom since you don’t need to generate heat to increase the temperature of your water. This means you also don’t have to worry about heat damage.
What is Power Washing?
On the other hand, power washing uses hot water pressurized into a high-powered stream that blasts away dirt and grime from outdoor surfaces. The combination of high pressure and high water temperature makes it more effective in removing stains, grime, and debris stuck on surfaces.
Power washing effectively removes residue from surfaces, like mold and mildew. The hot water also effectively removes sticky substances, like chewing gum, from your driveways or pavement.
When to Choose Power Washing
Power washing is best suited for cleaning up large hard surfaces with stains that a pressure washer can’t remove. It is mostly used in commercial settings for businesses prone to stained surfaces, like a restaurant kitchen with grease stains or a mechanic’s workshop to remove oil stains.
Of course, power washing could also be used and does well in a domestic setting. This method is effective for homes with outdoor surfaces that deal with mold, mildew, and other surface stains. But when you do so, you must ensure that you’re not using it on delicate surfaces, as both the pressure and the hot water can damage them.
In addition to general cleanup, power washing is also suitable for sanitation. Hot water, especially at scalding temperatures, helps kill germs and bacteria from surfaces.
Pressure Washing vs Power Washing Pros and Cons
Both pressure and power washing come with their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some to consider.
Pressure Washing
Pros:
- Pressure washers get the primary job of cleaning most outdoor surfaces in homes done.
- Pressure washing is usually more cost-effective than power washing. It is less expensive to buy or rent a pressure washer or hire a professional to pressure wash, primarily since it does not involve the heating element needed by power washers.
- There is more flexibility in pressure washing than power washing. Pressure washers do not need heat and have a range of settings that you can use for many different jobs without causing much damage.
- Pressure washers also need less water to clean up surfaces compared to power washers.
Cons:
- Pressure washers are not as effective in cleaning tough stains. Yes, they can remove most dirt layers on the surface, but they are less effective in removing grease, moss, or mildew.
- Even though you don’t have to worry about heat damage, high pressure can still damage some delicate surfaces.
Pros and Cons of Power Washing
Pros
- A power washer can cover larger surface areas, so it’s best used commercially or for large domestic surfaces like driveways and walkways.
- Because of the hot water used in power washing, it also helps sanitize surfaces by killing germs and bacteria.
Cons:
- It costs more to have your property power-washed, as buying or renting a machine or hiring professionals to do it for you is more expensive.
- A power washer is more restrictive because it requires hot water and cannot be used on more delicate surfaces.
- Power washers can cause heat damage to delicate surfaces and softer materials. It is only best used for hard surfaces like cement or concrete.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Pressure Washing or Power Washing Better for the Environment?
When comparing the two, pressure washing is considered more environmentally friendly. It uses less energy than power washing since it does not need heated water.
Do I Need Special Detergents for Pressure or Power Washing?
Not necessarily, since the pressure is usually enough to remove all the dirt and gunk on the surfaces, but in some cases where heavy-duty cleaning is involved, such as removing grease and mildew, you may need special detergents or cleaners that are specifically used with pressure or power washers.
How Often Should I Pressure Wash or Power Wash My Property?
The frequency usually depends on your location and weather conditions. Some areas are more prone to dirt and mildew buildup, and those must be cleaned more frequently.
A good rule of thumb is to do pressure or power washing cleanups once a year for general maintenance. But the best time to do so is before winter or in spring.
Can I Use a Power Washer vs Pressure Washer for Cars?
A power washer may be overkill for a car as it can easily lift the paint off during the cleaning process. Pressure washers can be used on cars, but likely with less pressure and more caution.
Knowing the Differences
There are many differences between pressure washing vs power washing, so you must learn which one you will need for your home. Either way, both are great choices for your property’s maintenance.
Superb Softwash offers residential and commercial pressure washing services. Call us today at 210.649.5655 or contact us online to get a free estimate!
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