Power Washing vs Pressure Washing: The Difference

The difference between power washing and pressure washing is not always clear. Power washing is most often used for exterior surfaces, while pressure washing can be used on any surface that can withstand the force of water under high pressure. In this article we will discuss a power washing vs pressure washing comparison.

Power washing uses less water than a regular garden hose but has an increased amount of detergent to dissolve dirt and grime. The detergent loosens particles so they are more easily flushed away with the flow of water under high pressure. Pressure washers use far less soap because it is usually applied after the cleaning process, preventing the need for excessive soap buildup on non-porous surfaces like siding or metal objects.

Power washing is often used in conjunction with cleaning chemicals that break down mold, mildew and algae. Power washers are also powerful enough to be used for deep cleaning of decks, patios and sidewalks. This requires not only an abundance of water but detergent to help cleanse the surface of grease or oil stains caused by barbecuing.

Power washers can be rented from many hardware stores and cleaning companies, but the price varies depending on the type of power washing service and whether or not detergent is required. Power washing has a wide variety of applications and can be used for everything from removing road film to repairing oil spills. Most people hire power washers to deep clean their decks, patios and sidewalks. The cleaning chemicals used with power washers are usually sprayed on after the power washing process is complete, so they do not need to be used with water pressure in order to break down dirt or grime.

Pressure washers also use lots of water, but in most cases it is safe for the environment because the water is used only for a short time before it’s released to the ground. Water pressure washers are often found in car washes, but they can also be rented from hardware stores and cleaning companies. Industrial strength cleaners are usually not required when using a pressure washer because the high-pressure water is enough to remove most types of grime.

Pressure washing is beneficial for cleaning exterior surfaces like siding, brick and stone. Pressure washers are also used to clean large vehicles like tractors, buses and boats with metal exteriors. As opposed to power washers, most pressure washers do not use any detergents with the water stream because it can easily damage porous surfaces like wood and concrete.

Pressure washers can be more difficult to use than a power washer because the high-pressure spray requires operators to hold the wand at a steep angle while cleaning or risk damaging the surface. For this reason, pressure washing is best done by professionals instead of homeowners, especially on large properties or exteriors that are difficult to reach.

Prices for power washing and pressure washing services vary depending on the size of the job. Larger jobs, like cleaning an entire house, will cost more than smaller jobs like cleaning a deck or driveway. 

Pressure washing is typically less expensive than power washing. This is because pressure washers use less water and less soap than power washers. 

Most homeowners hire professionals to power wash their decks, patios and sidewalks because the chemicals used with the power washer can be harmful to their health. Professional pressure washers also have experience with using the right amount of water pressure for different types of surfaces.

Power washing and pressure washing both use water to clean surfaces; however there are many differences between the two methods. Power washers can be rented from hardware stores or cleaning companies, but pressure washers must be rented from a car wash or other business that provides professional power washing services. Pressure washing is generally less expensive than power washing because it uses less water and isn’t as intense. Power washers are better for large jobs, while pressure washing is more suited to smaller tasks.