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Power Washing vs Pressure Washing

Shooters Pressure Washing • December 31, 2022

What is the Difference Between Pressuring and Power Washing?

Pressure washing house siding

There are some terms like power washing and pressure washing that is used by people interchangeably. But are they the same thing?


The short answer is no. Though they are similar there are many points on how they differ. Read on to get some insights on the answer.

Water Pressure

Power washing and pressure washing both use a similar amount of pressure. But the basic factor the water pressure depends on is the type of machine. Moreover, a single household unit won’t provide more power than industrial machines provide.


There is one key difference or element between the two is the use of hot water. A power washer not only provides high-pressure water, but also heats the water. This apparently small difference is the biggest element when it comes to the aspect of use and service one needs.


Power Washing

A power washer provides high-pressurized hot water, removing stains, dirt, or material from outdoor surfaces. Power washing can also enable you to remove salt, mildew, and any kind of mold from your patio, decks, and driveways, making the surfaces appear new again. The heat provided along with the pressure can also remove chewing gum as well from any space or sidewalk! Grease stains can also be dealt with the power washers, as hot water and soap trap grease for easy removal.


Another use is it's ability to keep weeds and moss at bay. The powerful pressure of hot water forcefully removes unwanted weeds and moss with clean cut lines. Power washing is the ideal case for any situation of a heavily saturated surface, and can handle more heavy-duty jobs.


Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is typically used for households and does not use heated water. Though regular temperature of water still does the work and make the dirt go away, it is not an ideal option to get away with moss and mold. Moreover, it also does not work on tough stains like grease. It is useful to remove basic dirt stains from driveways and siding.

Which option is better for you?

After knowing the difference, it’s time that you now think about which option you need for your home. The option you select will purely base on the need you want to fulfill through power washing or pressure washing. Following are some needs or services you want:

  • If you want it for regular household use then pressure washing is the relevant option. It is not harsh on surfaces. It can work well on masonry, bricks, or concrete. If you want to get a cleanup for your patio or deck then this is your ideal option.
  • If you need larger jobs to get done with any of the options, then you need to go for power washing it enables you to clean larger spaces like commercial driveways or patio spaces. The heated water makes the cleaning process efficient. You just have to be attentive to where you are using it. It is ideal for use on concrete. Moreover, power washing can damage softer surfaces.
  • So whatever cleaning method you want to decide you just have to be attentive to the fact that it’s better to hire a professional to get it done for you. It’s better to hire someone else when you are not good at handling the power washer or pressure washer. There are chances that you will damage the surface if you do it yourself. So it’s better that you take safety precautions.

Thus, it shows power washing and pressure washing are indeed different when it comes to the need or the service you want to have. The only same thing that makes people use them interchangeably is the basic sameness of providing high-pressure water.


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