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Power washing and pressure washing sound like the same thing, don’t they? While these terms are often used interchangeably, the fact is they are both the same thing that does different things. Huh? What does that even mean? Let’s elaborate.

The Similarities Between Power Washing & Pressure Washing

Before we dive deep into how they differ, let’s first talk about how they are the same: both power and pressure washing entails the use of highly pressurized water to remove dirt, grime, and other elements from hard surfaces. Their processes are very similar with some differences emerging depending on how each service is used. Understanding how power washing and pressure washing are used as services will help determine which service is the best for cleaning the exteriors of homes and other buildings. 

The Difference Between Power Washing vs a Pressure Washing

In terms of water pressure, both power and pressure washing use roughly the same amounts of pressure. However, the amount of pressure that’s applied is dependent on the type of machine that’s being used. Case in point: an industrial machine uses up more power than a household machine. 

Another thing that differs between a power washer and a pressure washer is the heating element. Whale both power and pressure washing machines have the capacity to generate high-pressure water in a strong, powerful stream, the power washer actually heats up the water. The application of heat in the power washer changes the way it cleans hard surfaces, as well as how it is used in other circumstances. 

The Best Uses Of Power Washing

Given that power washers use high-pressured hot water to remove dirt and other elements from exterior building surfaces, the application of heat to the pressured water makes it easier to blast off hard-to-remove material. Other materials power washers are great at removing from exterior hard surfaces like patios, driveways, and boat decks are salts, mold, and mildew. Power washers are also highly effective at removing grease stains from car garages and gum from driveways and sidewalks.

Other Good Uses Of Power Washing

In addition to removing tough materials from hard exterior surfaces, power washers are also effective at removing other inconveniences like moss and weeds. Since power washers stream hot pressure water, the heat from the water is effective at killing moss and weeds and slows down their regrowth. On the whole, power washers are the best “heavy-duty” option to use for removing tough materials and other hard-to-remove gunk from various exterior surfaces. They’re also highly effective at removing and slowing down the emergence of weeds and moss.

The Best Uses Of Pressure Washing

In contrast with power washers, pressure washers do not stream hot pressured water. Pressure washers do, however, still blast away dirt and other elements from exterior hard surfaces just as effectively as power washers. The only thing that differs is that they’re not as highly effective at removing hard-to-remove materials like chewing gum and grease stains from hard surfaces because they’re blasting water at a cold or lukewarm temperature. 

Without the heating component of power washers, pressure washers are not the best option to go with for removing moss and weeds as cold and lukewarm temperatures won’t kill or slow down their growth. Pressure washing is, however, the best option to go with for cleaning the exteriors of houses, apartments, and other residential buildings.

Deciding Between Power Washing & Pressure Washing Based On The Job

Now that we’re familiar with the core differences between pressure washing and power washing, we now have to decide which jobs are the best ones for both. This is especially true when deciding which is the best option for washing the exteriors of your home. In truth, which option is best is going to largely depend on the type of job that needs to be done.

Case in point: for normal, regular surface cleaning of a home’s exteriors, pressure washing is the best option for homeowners. Without the application of heat, pressure washing will be gentler on the home’s exterior surface, which is ideal for homes made of brick, concrete, and masonry. Pressure washing is also the best option to go with for a quick clean of the driveway, patio, and boat deck if you have one.  

For jobs requiring the cleaning of surfaces in larger spaces like commercial buildings, shopping plazas, parking lots, and any other public-use facility, power washing is the better option. Because these spaces tend to be occupied by a larger number of people, there are more opportunities for dirt and other tough materials like chewing gum to get stuck to surfaces. In order to clean these hard surfaces faster and leave them in a more pristine state, heated power washing is the way to go. Do note, however, that power washing shouldn’t be used on softer surfaces as the heated water can cause damage to these surfaces.

Having said all that, regardless of the method you choose to use based on your needs, it never hurts to consult with a professional or hire one to do the pressure washing for you. Professional pressure washers are trained to use both types of machinery and can help you achieve your needs without damaging any surfaces you don’t want to be damaged!

WNC Washer Pros specialize in both power washing and pressure washing. To learn more about how we can best serve your needs, check out our services page or contact us directly!