Power Washing vs. Pressure Washing

And How Pressure Washing Equipment Can Make The Difference

The age old question—power washing vs. pressure washing—what is the difference? Well, we’re glad you’re here to learn about it from the professionals. When you’re deciding on a service to clean your home, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two methods, and what pressure washing equipment is optimal for your surfaces. First, let’s start with the basics. 

Power washing vs. pressure washing—the two processes are often used interchangeably to describe the same thing, but they are different. Both terms refer to using pressure washing equipment and machinery that produces a high pressure stream of water to clean surfaces including concrete, pavement, and composite decks. The technical difference is that power washing refers to using hot water with high pressure in the cleaning process. On the other hand, pressure washing uses a similar pressure and process, but the water is not hot. Due to the combination of hot water and high pressure, power washing is typically more effective at cleaning stains like grease and oil. That doesn’t mean it’s always the better option, though. 

Without a doubt, the combination of pressure and heat gives power washing its punch—however, it can actually be risky to use in some cases. When thinking of power washing vs. pressure washing, power washing is harsher on surfaces and can cause damage, especially on older concrete or pavers. While most people think of their driveway or paver patio as durable, those surfaces do deteriorate over time, so it’s important to take caution and think about the type of surface you’re cleaning when answering the question—power washing vs. pressure washing? To put it simply, pressure washing is most commonly used for residential cleaning because it’s effective at removing dirt and grime buildup in places like the driveway, patio, and deck. Now that you’re a pressure washing pro, the question still remains—what is the pressure washing equipment like?

Not only is there a difference between power washing vs. pressure washing, but there’s a vast difference between residential and commercial pressure washing equipment. There are two main measurements to look for when evaluating pressure washing equipment—PSI and gallon per minute (GPM). PSI is the water pressure that the unit can produce and it’s measured in pounds per square inch. Gallon per minute measures the volume of water that comes from the unit. Essentially, the higher the combination of PSI and GPM, the more powerful the pressure washing equipment, making it a faster and more efficient cleaning tool. But be cautious—there are dangers involved with using too much pressure on surfaces that aren’t intended for a certain type of pressure which can lead to chipped paint, cracked surfaces, and other damages. So, it’s best to leave pressure washing services up to the experts, ensuring the safety of your home. 

After learning the difference between power washing vs. pressure washing and diving into the details about pressure washing equipment, you now know the right questions to ask when hiring a home cleaning service. Please keep in mind that professional exterior cleaning companies have high-quality, gas-powered equipment and a knowledgeable staff that’s ready to help you keep your home clean and cater to its unique surfaces. You don’t have to do this alone! 

 

More from Pressure Washing