Power washing and pressure washing are the same, right? No, just like the definition of power differs from the definition of pressure in physics, the washing techniques also vary significantly. Both indeed serve the common purpose of cleaning your yard and deck, but both serve different types of cleaning.
Power Washing and Pressure Washing - What is The Main Difference?
We understand that both power washing and pressure washing are used for different types of cleaning. But what is the exact difference between them? For that, we need to know what definition Physics gives for power and pressure:
● Power: The amount of work done in a given span of time.
● Pressure: The force exerted per unit area.
The same applies to the washing techniques. But the real question is that both look exactly the same to the naked eye, so what’s the catch? Here’s the difference:
● Pressure Washing: Washing dirt and grime off the porch, deck, and pavement with a high-pressure hose and nozzle.
● Power Washing: Using the same high-pressure water to clean your property’s outside area, but with heated water, which means more work in less time.
The Science Behind Power Washing
Pressure washing is simple to understand: Use high-pressure water to clean your deck and the surrounding cleanable area, and the stubborn grime will go away like a charm. But power washing is a little different and difficult to understand. Why not use cold water instead of hot water? Why would you need it when pressure washing can do just the same job? For that, we need to understand the science behind it.
See, the thing about heat is that it cleans things faster than usual. Try it for yourself: wash half of your clothes in cold water and the others in hot water, and note the time. You’ll be amazed by how quickly and effectively the hot water cleans your clothes. The same applies to pressure washing; power washing uses heat and cleans dirt and grime more effectively. But just like clothes, not all surfaces can use power washing because it might actually harm them.
When Do You Need Power Washing?
So, if hot water can damage the fabric of some clothes, when and where do you actually need power washing? There are certain instances where power washing is recommended, and some where it becomes necessary. Let’s start with the necessary ones:
● Heavy grease and oil stains
● Chewing gums
● Deeply embedded mold, mildew, and algae
● Certain industrial contamination
● Killing weeds without chemicals
Heavy Grease and Oil Stains - The Stubborn Enemies That Won’t Leave
Heavy grease and stubborn oil stains are like those uninvited guests who won’t just easily leave, unless you take the necessary measures and do something that forces them to leave. Pressure washing is not enough for them, as they require heat.
Chewing Gums - They Stick to Literally All Surfaces
You are chewing a piece of gum, you plan to directly spit it in the bin in the yard, but you fail to throw it in the bin. You reach the ground to pick it up, and the worst thing happens: you step on the gum, and now, part of the gum is almost permanently stuck on the ground. To make things worse, it’s a porous surface.
In such instances, pressure washing is just a waste of time; you have to opt for power washing.
Deep Molds - Your Deck’s Worst Enemy
Though it is recommended not to power wash your deck in most cases, there are certain exceptions. If the molds, algae, and mildews are stubborn and your deck is about to rot, power washing can be its savior.
Industrial Contaminations - Similar to Oil and Grease
Industrial contaminations, in many cases, are super hard to clean. For really baked-on dirt, certain types of industrial buildup, or stubborn residues that haven't responded to pressure washing, the addition of heat can provide the extra cleaning power needed to break them down.
Killing Weed - Heat is The Most Effective Method
The high heat of power washers can effectively kill weeds and prevent regrowth in cracks of driveways and sidewalks without resorting to herbicides. Cold pressure washing might just blast the tops off, leaving the roots intact.
But that’s not all. In certain instances, pressure washing can do the job, but power washing is recommended. These instances (and places) are:
● Heavy surface dirt and grime
● Porous surfaces (concrete, brick)
● Preparing surfaces for painting
● Mild algae and mildew on surfaces
● Commercial properties
Heavy Grime – Heat Does a Quicker Job
While cold pressure washing can remove dirt, hot water often loosens and lifts heavy grime more quickly and efficiently, potentially reducing cleaning time and the need for harsh chemicals. This is especially true for heavily soiled driveways, patios, or walkways.
Porous Surfaces - Power Washing Takes Less Effort
Hot water can penetrate the pores of surfaces like concrete and brick more effectively than cold water, helping to lift out embedded dirt, oil stains, and biological growth (like mold/mildew spores) for a deeper, more thorough clean.
Painting Prep - The Surface Looks Brand New and Ready to Be Painted
Power washing provides a very deep clean, removing not just dirt but also potential oils, residues, and stubborn contaminants that could interfere with the adhesion of paint or sealant. This ensures better preparation for a longer-lasting finish.
Mild Algae - Power Washing is Still Recommended
Even if the mold/mildew isn't super deep, hot water helps kill the organisms more effectively than cold water alone, potentially leading to results that last longer before regrowth appears. It can reduce the reliance on strong chemical cleaners.
Commercial Properties - Power Washing Removes Stubborn Commercial Stains
For businesses, appearance and efficiency are key. Power washing often cleans faster and more thoroughly, getting storefronts, sidewalks, and parking lots looking better quicker, which minimizes disruption and enhances curb appeal.
Forget About What Suits Your Property with Curb Appeal Pressure Wash’s Pressure and Power Washing Services
Still confused whether you should opt for power washing and pressure washing? Let’s forget about it and simply hire the experts to do the job. At Curb Appeal Pressure Wash, our cleaners know which surfaces and stains require pressure and power washing, and do the best job cleaning them and making them look brand new.
Don’t wait. Contact us now by visiting our website at https://curbappealpressure.net/ or calling us at (804) 229-1940.
