Trying to decide how to clean the exterior of your home or business? You may be wondering what the difference is between power washing and pressure washing.
Keep reading to learn more about each option to make the best decision for your needs!
Which Should I Use? Power Washing or Pressure Washing?
The terms “power wash” and “pressure wash” are largely used interchangeably by the public to describe the same process: the use of pressurized water to remove unwanted stains from a variety of surfaces (some very tolerant of pressure and some extremely vulnerable, requiring more care).
The types of stains being addressed and the substrates (surfaces) being washed determine whether or not the following will be employed: heat, cleaners, and variable levels of pressure (from very high to very low).
Generally, residential properties with a wide variety of substrates (stone, brick, siding, stucco, etc.) and associated ancillary tasks (walks, patios, decks, fences, etc.) may be safely cleaned using proper techniques.
A professional washing company should employ a variety of nozzles and equipment specified for each type of task. Reduced pressures and cleaners further improve the likelihood of optimal organic stain results while minimizing the chance of damage.
Inorganic stains/discoloration (rust, paint, oil, abrasions, chemicals, etc.) may require other means of removal (chemical, scrubbing, etc.).
However, within our industry, historically, many consider Power Washing to mean the use of pressurized water with the inclusion of heat and Pressure Washing to mean the use of pressurized water with no heat.
Heated water helps to remove stubborn stains such as chewing gum on a public walk and some chemicals. Non-heated water is widely used to effectively clean most other surfaces (businesses, houses, roofs, decks, concrete, etc.), at times with the addition of specific cleaning agents.
Now that you know a little more about power washing and pressure washing, you may be wondering which one you should use to clean your home or business.
The answer depends on what surface you need to clean and the types of stains you seek to remove.
If you want to turn your home or business into a pristine environment, email us or call at (717) 533-2240.