What is the Difference Between Pressure Washing and Power Washing

When looking for a way to clean outdoor surfaces, you may have encountered two popular methods: pressure washing and power washing. Both pressure washing and power washing use high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, mould, algae, and other contaminants from various surfaces. They are often used for cleaning driveways, sidewalks, decks, fences, siding, and more.

But what is the difference between power washing and pressure washing, and which should you choose to clean surfaces? Here are the main differences between pressure washing and power washing to help you decide which one is the best method for your cleaning needs.

Power Washing vs. Pressure Washing

They both use high-pressure water to clean surfaces, so power washing and pressure washing are similar. However, there is a difference in the temperature of the water. Power washing uses hot water, while pressure washing uses cold water. The hot water in power washing helps loosen and dissolve stubborn stains, dirt, grease, oil, and other contaminants. However, hot water pressure can also damage some surfaces, especially those that are delicate, painted, or prone to cracking. Therefore, power washing is unsuitable for all types of exterior surfaces and should be used cautiously. On the other hand, pressure washers cannot effectively clean some stains, dirt, and surfaces. So, you should choose the right method after considering all the factors.

To help you make an informed decision, here is a more comprehensive comparison of pressure washing vs power washing.

What is Power Washing?

It is a cleaning method that utilises hot water at high pressure to remove dirt, grime, mould, algae, and other contaminants from different surfaces. A power washer is considered for concrete, brick, stone, metal, and other durable and hard surfaces that can withstand the heat and force of the water. Power washing also effectively removes chewing gum, graffiti, stains, and other unwanted marks from sidewalks, walls, fences, and concrete driveways.

Power washers are considered more effective than high-pressure washing for removing tough and sticky substances. But they also consume more energy and water and require more skill and experience to operate safely. Whether you choose a power or pressure washer, the decision should be made only after careful consideration and understanding of both.

Best uses for Power Washing

As we said earlier, power washing is best used for cleaning heavily soiled, stained, and greasy surfaces. Also, the surfaces that can tolerate the high temperature and high-pressure water.

Here are some of the best uses of power washes:

• For cleaning driveways, parking lots, and garages
• For cleaning industrial equipment, machinery, and tools
• For cleaning oil spills, stoves, and ovens
• For cleaning farm equipment, barns, and stables
• Cleaning boats, docks, and marinas

 

Power washing is quite effective in sanitising and disinfecting surfaces exposed to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as they can not survive the temperature of heated water. It can also prevent the growth of moss, weeds, and mould.

What is Pressure Washing?

For a pressure wash, cold water is used at a high pressure to remove dirt, grime, mould, algae, and other contaminants from various surfaces. Pressure washing is suitable for deep cleaning wood, vinyl, plastic, and other delicate surfaces and might not be able to tolerate too much water pressure from the heating element.

It uses a pump to create a powerful stream of water that can dislodge and wash away unwanted substances. Pressure washing does not use chemicals or detergents, making it environment-friendly and cost-effective. Pressure washing services can easily eliminate stubborn dirt, grime, and stains. It has certain limitations, such as being less effective for removing oily and greasy substances and requiring a steady source of water and electricity, which is a huge difference when it comes to pressure washing vs power washing.

Best uses for Pressure Washing

Consider a pressure washer for cleaning surfaces that are not only easily damaged by cold water and high pressure, such as wood, vinyl, plastic, and other soft and sensitive materials. Pressure washing can help restore these surfaces’ original appearance and colour and prevent them from rotting, fading, or cracking. Some of the best uses of pressure washing are:

• Cleaning decks, patios, porches, and outdoor furniture
• Cleaning fences, railings, and gates
• Cleaning gutters, eaves, and roofs
• Cleaning pools, spas, and fountains
• Cleaning playgrounds, sports, courts, and equipment
• Cleaning statues, monuments, and sculptures

 

There are many other uses of pressure washing, such as removing mildew, moss, mould, and algae from the surfaces. It will improve the air quality and health of the occupants. Pressure washing is also useful in enhancing the curb appeal and value of the property and making it more inviting and attractive.

Power Washing Advantages

There are many advantages of power washing when you discuss pressure washing vs power washing. Some of the main advantages of power washing are:

Heat

A major difference between pressure washing vs power washing debate is heat. The hot water in power washing helps to break down and dissolve stubborn dirt, grease, and other contaminants that cold water might not be able to remove. Also, the heat kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi that might be present on the surface, making it more sanitary and hygienic. The heat also reduces the amount of cleaning solution or detergent needed, making it more eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Pressure

The high pressure with heated water works wonders when it comes to getting rid of dirt, debris, stains, etc. Too much pressure also helps in cleaning hard-to-reach areas of exterior surfaces, such as cracks, corners, and crevices. Also, the pressure effectively rinses off the residue and soap from the surface, leaving it shiny and polished.

Great for Weeds & Moss

A power washer is great for removing weeds and moss that often grows on the surface, especially on concrete, brick, stone, etc. With the combination of heated water and higher pressure, a power washer can easily uproot and wash away the weeds and moss, preventing them from spreading and damaging the surface. It can also help prevent the growth of weeds and moss by removing the dirt and moisture that they need to survive.

Great for Large, Commercial Jobs

Hiring a power washer is more appropriate for larger jobs. If a project involves a lot of cleaning and sanitising, such as industrial equipment, tools, machinery, oil spills, waste bins, Barbeque grills, ovens, stoves, farm equipment, stables, barns, boats, docks, marinas, animal shelters, hospitals, etc. Power washers can handle these tough and sticky substances and make the surfaces look new and fresh. A power washer can also save time and money as it can clean large areas quickly and efficiently.

Pressure Washing Advantages

In the power washing vs pressure washing debate, power washing also has some advantages over power washing, depending on the type of and condition of the surfaces. Here are some advantages of considering pressure washers over power washers.

Versatility

Pressure washing is way more versatile, as it can be used for cleaning a wide range of surfaces like wood, vinyl, plastic, and other soft and sensitive materials that might be soft and sensitive materials that might be damaged by hot water and high pressure.

A pressure washer can also handle cleaning cars, bikes, boats, and other vehicles without harming the paint or finish. Also, pressure washing can be adjusted to different pressure levels, depending on the surface and the dirt level. The expert will decide how much pressure is required.

Suitable For a Wide Variety of Jobs

Another major advantage of pressure washing over power washing is that it is suitable for various jobs that require a gentle and effective cleaning, such as docks, patios, porches, outdoor furniture, railings, gates, siding, shutters, windows, etc.

A pressure washer can help to restore the original appearance and colour of these surfaces and prevent them from rotting, fading, or cracking. Pressure wash can also help remove mildew, moss, algae, and mould from these surfaces, improving air quality.

More Options: Gas and Electric Pressure Washing

When it comes to power washing vs pressure washing, pressure washing has more options than power washing, as it can be done with either gas or electric pressure washers. Gas pressure washers are more powerful and portable. However, they are more noisy and produce more emissions. They also require more maintenance and fuel.

On the other hand, electric pressure washers are less powerful and less portable. But an electric pressure washer produces less noise and emission and requires less maintenance and electricity. You can choose the right pressure washer according to your needs.

Cost

A pressure washer is more cost-effective than a power washer. It consumes less water and energy and does not necessarily require any chemicals or detergents. It also reduces the need for repairs and replacements, as it can extend the lifespan and value of the surfaces, reducing the need for repairs and replacements. Pressure washing can save you money in the long run. It can also enhance your property’s attractiveness and curb appeal, increasing its resale value.

User-Friendly

Pressure washing is more user-friendly than power washing, as it can be easier and safer to use. Pressure washing does not risk damaging the surfaces, as it uses cold water and lowers pressure. It is ideal for softer surfaces. It is much easier to handle and does not require any specific licences or permits.