Did you know that a pressure washer and power washer aren’t the same thing? Few people do. In fact, one is much more powerful than the other and can remove everything, from grease to wax to bubble gum. If you’re not sure what the difference is and which one you need, this article will help clear up any confusion and give you all the information you need to pick between pressure and power washing for your cleaning needs.
What is Power Washing?
A power washer uses a pressurized stream of very hot water to remove dirt, grime, and loose paint from surfaces and structures. Compared to a regular hose, power washers can produce quick results thanks to a steady uninterrupted supply of water at high pressure. It’s the perfect option for when you need a little extra force to lift stains from the back deck, prepare the siding for painting, or remove muck and mildew from your patio or walkway. However, because of the high heat and pressure, it’s not always the best option if you don’t know what you’re doing. The force mixed with high heat has the potential to cause damage to delicate surfaces and materials.
Electric vs. Gas Power Washers
Power washers generally come in two variations – electric and gas-powered. If you’re looking for the most power out of the two, gas-powered models produce more water pressure than electronic ones, but they also use more water. If you’re only removing stains and not trying to deep clean surfaces, an electric power washer will provide you with just enough force to do the trick.
Buying a Power Washer
Finding a power washer is also relatively easy. You can find a power washer to purchase at a local department store and some may even offer rentals.
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing, on the other hand, uses high-pressurized water from a specially designed pump and a powerful hose. This type of cleaning method literally blasts things clean, washing away dirt and dust in a matter of seconds, leaving the surface looking brand new. The main benefit of using pressure washing is that it can use cold water, hot water, and also steam to remove difficult stains like oil and grease. This is particularly useful on more delicate surfaces such as brick and stone that are more susceptible to damage.
Cold Water
Cold water is ideal for cleaning caked-on grime and dirt off of driveways, surfaces, and other stubborn areas. The pressurized water can produce enough power to break up dirt and wash it away. Because cold water costs less than hot water, this is a cost-effective option.
Hot Water
Hot water is far more effective at cleaning than cold water. Hot water pressure washers have the ability to remove encrusted dirt, dried on substances, tough to remove bubble gum, and other stains with ease. Plus, it can remove oil and grease and other substances that cold water can’t.
Steam
For projects that need more heat to get the job done, steam pressure washing can provide a deeper clean. Steam can be introduced at higher temperatures to loosen and wash away stubborn stains and increase the effectiveness of cleaning chemicals. It offers a huge advantage over regular washing as it can remove oily residue completely, as well as, sterilize and disinfect an area – something that’s not easy to do with regular water pressure. Steam also uses less water and produces less splashback and runoff which can be a benefit when cleaning indoors. It’s also an ideal option when working with delicate areas, as the steam creates less pressure, reducing the likelihood of damage.
Combination Pressure Washers
For commercial and industrial applications, the best pressure washer you can have is a combination that produces both heat and steam. The mix produces an intense clean that can do everything from degreasing, degassing, dissolving, disinfecting, as well as preparing surfaces for painting and restoring masonry surfaces.
Buying One
When it comes to pressure washing, the size of the tank and the PSI produced matters. If you want the most effective pressure washer possible to clean commercial and industrial grade stains, you won’t find it in the stores. You need professional power washing services to come to you.
When you need a thorough power or pressure wash, contact us at H2GO Home, your residential cleaning solution. We can tackle any mess with ease. With 4000 gallons of onboard portable water that can produce hot water and steam blasting capabilities, reaching up to 1200 feet directly from our truck, we can get the job done easily and in no time. Contact us today to learn more.
