Even though these two words are often used interchangeably, they actually mean different things. So even if you know a lot about one of them, you still may not realize there’s a difference. Below we’ll look at how they’re different and which one to use on your next project.
Best Uses For a Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is one of those tools that can be used for many different surfaces. It uses high-pressure water to remove stains and dirt from surfaces. So, as long as the surface is durable, a pressure washer can be used. Some of the most common places to use a pressure washer include:
- Exterior facades of buildings
- Sidewalks, stairs, walkways, patios, and driveways
- Outdoor furniture such as chairs, tables, benches, etc.
- Tools such as lawnmowers, snow blowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, hedge clippers, chainsaws, etc.
- Brick, stone, and cement surfaces in general
- Outside surfaces of your home
Power Washing Vs. Pressure Washing
The primary difference between the two is that power washing adds the element of heat. Power washing machines still use pressurized water but the water is heated. The hot water helps to remove hard-to-clean stains and does a better job at cleaning surfaces than just pressure washing. However, a power washer isn’t always needed for the job if the area isn’t heavily soiled.
Which Method is Better For Your Home?
Both power washing and pressure washing are effective methods for cleaning your home. They both use different types of equipment to achieve similar results. However, there are some differences between the two. One major distinction is the type of water used. A power wash uses extremely hot water while a pressure wash uses normal-temperature water. This affects how each works and what you can clean.
Power Washing
A power wash uses a powerful stream of water to blast away dirt and debris. You can use a power wash to clean your driveway, patio, roof, siding, gutters, deck, windows, and much more. If you want to clean the exterior of your house, it’s best to hire a professional because you run the risk of damaging your property.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing uses a hose with a nozzle attachment. You can use a pressure washer to clean your driveway, sidewalk, gutter, roof, porch, doorways, and many other surfaces. Unlike a power wash, a pressure washer does not apply extreme heat. Instead, it sprays the surface with very fine particles of soap. This allows it to penetrate deep into crevices and cracks and loosen up even the most stubborn stains. Because it doesn’t use extreme temperatures, it won’t harm your paint job.
If you don’t know whether one method is better than another, ask yourself why you need to clean something. Your answer will help you decide which method is right for you. For most jobs around the house, pressure washing will get the job done and is a lower-risk option.
