Pressure washing and power washing have the same ring, leaving many confused and thinking they mean the same thing. However, that's not the case. Both are significantly different and carry different cleaning methods and practices.
Depending on your building's needs, the kind of space, and the settings, you may need either a power washing solution or a pressure washing solution. This guide compares pressure washing and power washing, discussing the differences between the two solutions and how they can produce excellent results.
What is Pressure Washing?
Commercial pressure washing is a cleaning method that involves using high-pressure water stream equipment to clean various surfaces. It's one of the best methods for removing dirt, grime, and other contaminants from hard surfaces such as concrete, stone, metal, brick, and glass. It's also ideal for smaller surfaces requiring precision cleaning.
A pressure washer is often behind the magic of this cleaning solution, thanks to a machine built to increase the pressure stream of water greatly. Depending on the job you want done, choosing the ideal machine is essential because it comes in different sizes and powers.
Experts always recommend starting with the lowest pressure setting to prevent potential damage to the cleaned surface. For further safety measures, you can gradually increase the pressure while following the instructions.
What is Power Washing?
Power washing is different from pressure washing and is seen as the more intensive form of pressure washing. A key difference is that it incorporates hot water and high pressure. This combination of heat and pressure is highly effective at tackling tough stains, grease, and grime on multiple surfaces, including patios, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks.
While similar to pressure washers, power washers have another clear difference: they have a larger nozzle and higher pressure settings that help them cover large areas quickly. Additionally, they're mostly gas-powered and consume more electricity than pressure washers.
Generally, power washers offer more during heavy-duty cleaning tasks, dealing with stubborn and resistant residues from stains and grime. The hot water, backed with so much force, breaks down stains and contaminants more efficiently than cold water.
Pressure Washing vs Power Washing
Here are some key factors that differentiate these two cleaning methods.
Best Surface to Clean
Pressure washing and power washing are methods applied to different surfaces and scenarios. Power washing equipment and methods are best for large, durable surfaces like concrete, bricks, and driveways. Such areas may host unsightly stains or grime.
Pressure washing takes a different turn because it is used for cleaning clogged drains and delicate surfaces. It's mostly used for decks, patios, and siding.
Water Temperature
The water temperature effectively sets the tone for the cleaning solution required. Power washing combines pressure and hot water to break tough stains and grime more effectively.
Cold water is the standard for pressure washing, especially for surfaces that don't need too much pressure. It is also suitable for general cleaning tasks.
Pressure Levels
Both require significant pressure to function correctly. However, power washing requires more pressure to clean large areas more efficiently. Since it combines superior pressure and hot water, careful handling is essential to avoid damage and risks to users.
Pressure washing takes less pressure than its counterpart, but there are adjustable pressure settings to boost versatility across different surface areas, particularly delicate ones.
Versatility in Cleaning
Because of the nature of some dirt and challenging spots, versatile equipment is essential for cleaning. While power washers are sturdy, powerful, and direct, they're less versatile and may destroy smaller domestic items. That's why their use is mostly restricted to a few surfaces.
Pressure washers are far more versatile and have several PSI settings, which means you can use them to clean most surfaces without causing damage. Different nozzles also mean changes in the degree of pressurized water coming from the hose. You can even step them down to clean cars, siding, and wood decking.
Pressure Washing vs Power Washing: Cleaning Tips
Test First
Before cleaning any surfaces, test the pressure, heat, and cleaning solution on a small, hidden area. This will help you avoid damage to the surface and yourself.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Experts recommend holding the wand at least 12 inches from the surface when starting. This will help to prevent etching or damaging the concrete. Always try to be consistent by maintaining the height of the wand for balanced results.
Protection for Surrounding Areas
Sometimes, water spraying may affect nearby plants, windows, and doors. To protect such areas from high-pressure water and cleaning chemicals, cover them with plastic sheeting or tarps.
Clean at an Angle
Spray at a 45-degree angle to the surface to help lift and remove dirt, debris, and other unwanted contaminants without driving them deeper into the concrete pores. This also helps ensure that any loose debris kicked up by the water's force goes in the opposite direction.
Conclusion
Now you know the differences between power washing and pressure washing. Power washing is more powerful and suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. However, due to the pressure and hot water involved, it's less versatile and requires more caution.
Pressure washing is preferable for general cleaning tasks on a smaller scale and for more delicate surfaces. Both are highly effective and useful in the right context once you’re able to follow the tips here to apply both safely to different scenarios.
But for larger projects or surfaces that require extra care, consider hiring a professional cleaning company. Trust Georgia Facility Services to get the job done right the first time, with the skills, experience, and equipment needed to undertake any project and deliver excellent results.