Power Washing vs Pressure Washing: Read This Before Choosing

Key Summary

Power washing uses heated water, while pressure washing uses unheated water. Power washing is better suited for cleaning tough stains and grease, while pressure washing is better for general cleaning and maintenance.
The decision of which method to use ultimately depends on the specific cleaning needs of your property, the type of surface being cleaned, and the level of dirt and grime present.
Both power washing and pressure washing can be effective cleaning methods, but it’s important to use them properly to avoid damage to delicate surfaces and underlying structures. Professional power washers can provide the expertise needed to determine the best cleaning method for your specific needs.

What is the Difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses pressurized water and sometimes cleaning solutions to clean surfaces, while power washing uses pressurized water and heat.

So, which one should you use? In the match between power washing vs pressure washing, who wins? It depends on the job at hand.

What is Power Washing?

Because power washing employs heat in addition to highly-pressurized water jets to remove dirt, tough grime, and other surface debris, it is sufficient for removing paint from hard surfaces or deep cleaning concrete.

What is Pressure Washing?

On the other hand, no heating element is required for pressure washing, which uses high pressure water to clean both soft and hard surfaces like driveways, decks, garage floors, and house siding. Pressure washing is excellent for heavy-duty jobs and regular household cleaning. Pressure washing is effective for cleaning dirt and grime and is generally considered more gentle than the higher pressure power washer.

Is Power Washing Better Than Pressure Washing?

Power washing can be effective on various surfaces, as high pressure and hot water can remove tough dirt and grime, but it’s essential to be careful not to damage delicate materials. The main difference between power washing and pressure washing is the use of high-temperature hot water. Both methods work well on outdoor patios and vinyl siding, but power washing is sometimes considered to be the more heavy-duty option.

When to Power Wash

A power wash can be a decent choice if you’re dealing with a more stubborn mess like paint or grease stains, but overall, there isn’t a big difference between the two methods.

When to Pressure Wash

There are a variety of circumstances when pressure washing is the best option:

When you need to effectively clean dirt, grime, chewing gum, or other tough stains without damaging softer surfaces. (although pressure washing can damage softer surfaces when done incorrectly)
When you want to avoid using too much water pressure

When to Hire a Professional

Pressure washing vs power washing. Another possibly more important question is when to hire a professional. Hiring a professional might be a good idea if you’re not sure what pressure washing is.

You Are Concerned About Damage to Your Home or Property.

If you’re unsure about which type of cleaning is right for your needs, or if you’re concerned about damaging your property, it’s best to call a professional pressure washing company. They can assess your cleaning needs and recommend the best option for you.

You have Safety Concerns.

Whether you decide to power wash or pressure wash, each has at least some safety concerns and a few things you need to keep in mind:

With both power washing and pressure washing, you want to be careful not to use too much pressure on any items, especially glass.
Make sure you have the right equipment. You’ll need a pressure washer, detergent, and a brush or scrubber.
Wear safety glasses and comfortable clothes
Be careful not to damage your property. Start with the lowest pressure setting and work your way up if needed.
Be aware of your surroundings. Pressure washing can create a lot of water and soap runoff, so be sure to do it in an area where the runoff won’t damage plants or other property.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your pressure washer, and be sure to wear protective clothing, eyewear, and gloves when operating the machine.
Never point the pressure washer nozzle at yourself or anyone else.
Be careful not to slip on wet surfaces.

You Might be Washing Lead Paint.

Could lead paint be a hazard? Yes, pressure or power washing could dislodge lead paint chips and create hazardous dust. If you pressure wash or power wash a surface that could contain lead paint, be sure to wear a respirator and protective clothing. Also, be sure to contain the area you’re working in to prevent the spread of lead dust.

When in doubt, always consult a professional!

Time Constraint

If you don’t have the time to pressure wash your home or property yourself and want to ensure the job is done correctly, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. They will have the equipment and expertise to pressure wash your home or property quickly and efficiently and the experience and knowledge to do the job correctly without damaging it.

Buying the Equipment can be Expensive and Confusing.

Choosing the right pressure washing equipment can be confusing and time-consuming if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

You need to know the difference between cold and hot water pressure washers.
You also need to decide if you want a gas-powered pressure washer or an electric pressure washer and know how much pressure you need.
Consider whether you want a portable pressure washer or a stationary pressure washer.

Portable pressure washers are great for small jobs around the house.
Stationary pressure washers are great for big jobs like cleaning commercial buildings or pressure washing driveways.

Once you’ve decided on the pressure washer you want, you need to choose a suitable model for your needs. You can select a lower PSI model if you use your pressure washer for light-duty cleaning. You’ll need a higher PSI model if you use your pressure washer for heavy-duty cleaning.
You also need to consider the features that are important to you. Some pressure washers come with built-in soap tanks and detergent injectors. Others come with hose reels and storage compartments.

DIY vs. Hire a Professional: Final Thought

Now that we’ve considered power washing vs pressure washing, a better, more pressing question might be: Do you like to be dirty and wet? Hiring a professional typically costs between $200 and $400, a lot less than potentially causing expensive damage to your home or worse. Particularly if you have special surfaces and especially if you have safety concerns, like a two-story home or lots of glass that can easily break, it’s worth reaching out to your local pressure washing service for a quote.

Looking for PRESSURE washing services near you?

Dirty driveway? Moldy siding? Rusty patio furniture?

We can help! Pressure washing is the perfect way to clean all those surfaces and make them look new. Plus, it’s a great way to get rid of any dirt, dust, or grime that may have built up over time.

Our experienced professionals will work diligently to ensure your property looks its best.

FAQ

Is power washing better than pressure washing?

Power washing and pressure washing are often used interchangeably, but technically, power washing uses heated water while pressure washing uses unheated water. Power washing is better suited for cleaning tough stains and grease, while pressure washing is better for general cleaning and maintenance. However, the decision of which method to use ultimately depends on the specific cleaning needs of your property.

What are the cons of pressure washing?

While pressure washing is a quick and effective cleaning method, it can also be damaging if not done properly. High pressure can cause damage to delicate surfaces like wood and stucco, and even concrete if used at the wrong angle. Additionally, pressure washing can also force water into cracks and crevices, causing damage to the underlying structure if not done with care.

What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?

Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses a mix of water and cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, and mildew from surfaces. Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt and debris. Soft washing is better suited for delicate surfaces like roofs, while pressure washing is better for tough stains on hard surfaces like concrete.

What do professional power washers use?

Professional power washers typically use a combination of hot water and cleaning solutions to effectively remove dirt and grime from surfaces. They may also use specialized equipment like surface cleaners or telescoping wands to clean hard-to-reach areas. Ultimately, the specific tools and techniques used will depend on the surface being cleaned and the level of dirt and grime present.

What PSI is good for washing a house?

The PSI (pounds per square inch) needed to wash a house will depend on the type of siding and level of dirt and grime present. As a general rule, a pressure washer with a PSI of 1500 to 2000 should be sufficient for most residential cleaning needs. However, it’s important to always test a small area first and adjust the pressure as needed to avoid damage.

Can you pressure wash with just water?

Yes, it is possible to pressure wash with just water, but the effectiveness will depend on the level of dirt and grime present. For tougher stains and grime, using a cleaning solution can help break down the dirt and make it easier to remove. It’s also important to use the appropriate pressure and nozzle for the surface being cleaned to avoid damage.

Is it OK to run a pressure washer without water?

No, it is not safe to run a pressure washer without water as this can cause damage to the pump and other internal components. Running a pressure washer without water can also create a dangerous buildup of pressure within the system, which can cause injury or damage to property.

How many gallons of water does it take to wash a car with a pressure washer?

It typically takes between 30 and 45 gallons of water to wash a car with a pressure washer. However, this can vary depending on the size of the car and the level of dirt and grime present. It’s important to use an appropriate nozzle and pressure to avoid damaging the car’s paint or other surfaces.

Can a pressure washer damage plumbing?

While pressure washers can be powerful, they are unlikely to cause damage to plumbing if used properly. However, it’s important to avoid using high pressure near plumbing fixtures like faucets and spigots, as this can cause leaks or damage to the connections. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to turn off the water supply to the house before using a pressure washer to avoid any potential issues.

How many gallons of water does it take to pressure wash a driveway?

The amount of water needed to pressure wash a driveway will depend on the size of the driveway and the level of dirt and grime present. On average, it can take between 100 and 150 gallons of water to pressure wash a standard-sized driveway. However, this can vary depending on factors like the type of surface being cleaned and the specific cleaning needs. It’s important to use the appropriate pressure and nozzle for the surface being cleaned to avoid damage and waste of water.