Homeowners often ask, “What’s the difference between power washing and pressure washing?” Both terms are used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Pressure washing uses a high-pressure spray to clean surfaces. Power washing is a more general term that refers to any cleaning method with water pressure. So which one should you use? It depends on what you’re trying to achieve.
What is Power Washing?
Power washing is the process of using high-pressure water to clean surfaces. The term is most commonly used in reference to cleaning exterior building surfaces, but it can also be used for other purposes such as stripping paint or blasting debris from a surface.
High-pressure water can be very effective at removing dirt, grease, and grime from a surface. It can also be helpful in removing built-up layers of paint or sealant. However, it is important to use caution when power washing, as too much pressure can damage the surface being cleaned.
What is Pressure Washing?
On the other hand, pressure washing uses high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, and other deposits from surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, patios, decks, and more. Power washing is an extremely effective way to clean tough stains and bring back the original beauty of your outdoor living spaces.
A pressure washer uses a powerful pump to force water through a small nozzle at high speeds. The result is a jet of water that can tackle heavy-duty cleaning jobs in a fraction of the time it would take to do with a garden hose.
Pressure washing is ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach areas or areas with sensitive surfaces such as decks and siding. Pressure washing can remove dirt, grime, and other deposits without damaging the surface when used correctly.
The Difference Between Power Washing vs a Pressure Washing
There are a few key differences between power washing and pressure washing. Power washing generally uses hot water, while pressure washing uses cold water. Power washing also usually employs some kind of soap or detergent, while pressure washing does not. Additionally, power washing typically has a narrower spray than pressure washing machines.
Another key difference is that power washers tend to be more expensive than pressure washers. This is because power washers require more expensive pumps and heating elements to function properly. Pressure washers, on the other hand, are typically less expensive and easier to find.
Finally, it’s important to note that power washing can be more dangerous than pressure washing if not done correctly. This is because power washers can generate much higher water pressures, leading to injury if used improperly. For this reason, it is generally best to hire a professional for large-scale power washing jobs. However, a pressure washer is a great choice for smaller cleaning tasks around the home or office.
Best Uses of Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is a powerful piece of cleaning equipment that can be used for a variety of applications. Some of the best uses for a pressure washer include:
- Cleaning driveways and walkways – Pressure washers are great for giving your driveway or walkway a deep clean. Be sure to use the proper nozzle setting and hold the wand at least 12 inches from the surface you’re cleaning to avoid damaging it.
- Cleaning cars and trucks – You can use a pressure washer to remove caked-on mud and dirt from your vehicle’s exterior. Just be sure to use a gentle setting and keep the wand moving to avoid scratching the paint.
- Cleaning outdoor furniture and decking – A pressure washer can be a great tool for removing dirt, grime, mildew, and other gunk from your outdoor furniture or wooden deck.
- Cleaning wood siding – If you have wood siding in your home, a pressure washer can be an effective way to remove stains and mildew. Just make sure that you use a low-pressure setting and keep the wand moving to avoid damaging the wood.
- Cleaning gutters – You can use a powerful pressure washer to quickly and effectively clean out your gutters. Just be sure to use a ladder and take care not to damage the gutters themselves.
Best Uses for a Power Washing
There are a number of ways to use a power washer, and the most effective way to use one depends on the type of equipment you have. Some popular applications for power washing include:
- Cleaning the exterior of a home or building
- Removing paint or graffiti from a surface
- Cleaning concrete or asphalt driveways and sidewalks
- Washing cars or other vehicles
- Helping to remove mold and mildew from surfaces
If you’re facing a first-time deep cleaning project, then power washing is likely your best bet. This is because power washers deliver a much stronger and more efficient stream of water than its pressure washer counterpart. As a result, it’ll be easier to break through any caked-on dirt, grime, and debris.
Consider The Time Of Year
When doing a power/pressure wash, it is important to consider the time of year. This is because of the weather. For example, you wouldn’t want to power/pressure wash in the winter because the water could freeze on the surface and cause damage.
Another thing to consider is whether or not there will be rain in the forecast. If there is rain in the forecast, you don’t want to do a power/pressure wash because it will just rinse away all of your hard work.
The best time to do a power/pressure wash is in the early spring before the flowers bloom and the pollen count increases. This is because you’ll be able to get a better cleaning and not risk damaging any of your landscaping.
The time of year you choose to pressure wash your home or business will also depend on the specific type of cleaning you need done. If you are trying to remove dirt, mildew, or paint from a surface, conditions will be optimal for washing between spring and fall when the temperature is mild.
If you are trying to remove mold from a surface, it is best to do so in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Keep in mind that using a power washer with a high-pressure setting can damage many surfaces if used incorrectly. So always consult with an experienced professional such as Shine Windows before starting any power washing project.
