Do you know the difference between power washing and pressure washing? We bet some of you are already scratching your heads at the title. To a lot of people, power washing and pressure washing are the same things, but they are not. Slight details between the two might seem minuscule, but when you start to look more into it, they really make the difference! We’ll clue you in on how to tell one from the other and help you decide which is more beneficial for your situation!
What is the difference?
The big difference is that power washing uses heated water. If you often clean things, you know the advantages of nice hot soapy water, especially on serious grime. This benefit makes it easy to clean a lot of tough areas. The power washing machine is very heavy duty, as the tank must be more durable to hold heated water. It is a very harsh option. Be sure if you choose this option that you consider the differences before you proceed! If not, it could result in a destroyed surface.
When is Power Washing Needed Over Pressure Washing?
We suggest power washing for these situations:
- Greasy or Slick Areas (gas stations, mechanic shops, fast food drive-thrus, and dumpsters)
- Extreme Mildew and Mold ONLY on outdoor surfaces
- Overgrown Areas (Overgrown lots with moss, dirt, or weed buildup)
- Large Areas (Extra-long and wide driveways or parking lots)
- Stains (graffiti and gum)
DO NOT use Power Washing on:
- Masonry
- Brick
- Old Concrete
- Softer Surfaces (Siding, decks, and tile)
Why Choose Pressure Washing Over Power Washing?
There are certain instances where more power isn’t always better. This is one of those instances. Pressure washing can sometimes be just as effective and even more on occasion. Cleaning solutions paired with pressure washing can really make it the ideal option. Be sure to know the differences between the cleaning solutions. Disinfectants can take up to 30 minutes to kill all organisms, while sanitizers kill most bacteria in 30 seconds! All surfaces will require a unique method from the type of machine, cleaning solution, type of nozzle, PSI, etc.
Pressure washing is great for:
- Small areas (decks, patios, and walkways)
- Brick
- Masonry
- Unstained Wood
DO NOT Pressure Wash:
- Anything old (It could have dry rot that will disintegrate.)
- Anything Painted (It could destroy the paint.)
- Asphalt Roofing (Takes granules off of the shingles.)
- Stained Wood, Unless You Want to Re-Stain (Destroys the stain.)
- Laminar Sandstone (Too soft a material. It could wash grooves into it or even wash it away.)
If Neither Option, What is the Right Choice?
At So Clean we offer Low-Pressure Washing. Our soft washing methods rely on soap to kill mold, mildew, and algae. Then we rinse the surface with low pressure. Low-pressure washing removes mold and mildew safely. We use this method on house siding, painted exterior, concrete walks, stained wood, windows, and more! This takes away the worry of deterioration and major leaks between nooks and crannies. Not only is this process much safer, but it also cleans much better than the traditional residential pressure washing method and lasts much longer!
We understand that your property is the most important investment that you have. At So Clean of Upstate South Carolina, we treat every place as we’re washing our own. We have specialized formulated detergents to effectively clean and disinfect your home or business. We clean all types of different exterior surfaces such as vinyl, cedar shake, aluminum, and more! Contact us to book today!
