The Difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing

You want to clean your house and deck, but you are not sure if you need to power wash it or pressure wash it. It is easy to think they are the same thing because you often hear them used interchangeable. Power washing and pressure washing are incredibly similar, but not quite the same. They both clean a wide range of surfaces and objects. However, the way they clean them is different. While many use the terms interchangeably because they do not understand that subtle differences between the two, it is not accurate to do so.

What Is Power Washing?

Power washing is when you use hot water at a steady flow to deliver a powerful stream of water to the surface you are cleaning. The water temperature is what dictates if something is being power washed. It is the temperature and flow of the water that indicate power washing. A power washer has a thermostat on it to gauge the temperature of the water. The high pressure and high temperature combined allow you to remove items from the surface that might not otherwise come off. A good example of this is gum stuck to the sidewalk. Power washing removes mildew, mold, and moss. It may even help you kill weeds. Power washing works best when you are dealing with a large surface area or there is a large amount of stuck-on grime that you want to remove. It can literally blast away all kinds of dirt and grime. It can even remove grease stains from your driveway or garage floor. 

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing, on the other hand, only depends on the force of the water. The temperature of the water really does not matter. Pressure washers do not typically have a feature that heats the water. Pressure washing cleans decks, patios, walkways, brick, and concrete. It works best when there is no mold or mildew. It can clean quickly and efficiently as long as there is not baked on grime. 

The difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing

The major difference between the two is the temperature of the water. The water in a pressure washer is going to be the same temperature coming out as it was going in. Whatever the temperature is of the water you use, it remains that way. Power washing heats up the water you put in it so that it is a higher temperature and a lot of pressure. As a result, a power washer is better able to remove heavy-duty stains and mold. A pressure washer is not great at removing those types of stains. 

Which One Should I Choose?

It really depends on your specific needs, but for general household use, most likely all you need is a good pressure wash. It is not as harsh on surfaces, which makes it the best option for brick, concrete, and masonry. You can also pressure wash your deck to give it a quick clean up. 

When you have a bigger job, such as an extra-large driveway or patio, you might want to consider power washing. If you have a business, you also might want to consider power washing. You can finish the work quicker when you power wash because the heated water loosens up the dirt better. You have to be careful when using a power washer because the temperature is hot and it is coming out with a lot of force. You can damage softer surfaces with a power washer. When using a power washer, you should contain it to concrete or other hard surfaces. When in doubt, you should always call a professional to handle the job for you.