Did you know that power washing and pressure washing are not actually the same thing?

Most people use these terms interchangeably, but you might be surprised to learn that power washing and pressure washing are not the same. They’re different tools that should be used in different circumstances.

If you’re looking to clean something like your porch or your home’s exterior, you’re probably asking the question: power washing vs pressure washing, which one is better?

But before we can answer that question, we need to know—what is power washing, what is pressure washing, and what’s the difference between them?

We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn about the difference between power washing and pressure washing.

Similarities Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing

Before we break down the differences between power washing and pressure washing, let’s talk about what makes them similar.

In both methods, you use a machine with an attached hose to blast a dirty surface with a lot of highly pressurized water. 

Both pressure washers and power washers use pressurized water to wash away grime, dirt, grease, etc.

These two washing methods use similar amounts of pressure, which means there’s really only one difference between them.

Power Washing vs Pressure Washing

So what makes power washing different from pressure washing?

The answer is simple: heat.

Power washers have a heating element so that they can blast a stream of highly pressurized, very hot water. This makes power washing ideal for washing away substances that are especially hard to remove.

When Should You Use a Power Washer?

When you’re cleaning a surface that’s particularly hard to clean, you should think about using a power washer.

If you want to wash away things like old glue or dried chewing gum from sidewalks, a power washer is probably your best bet. The heated water does a better job of breaking down that stubborn grime.

But don’t forget that the temperature of the water can make it dangerous to your house’s paint and siding. Be careful where you decide to use power washing.

When Should You Use a Pressure Washer?

So what is a pressure washer?

Pressure washing is almost identical to power washing—but it doesn’t have the heated element.

Pressure washers blast highly pressurized water at a normal temperature. This makes them ideal for dealing with everyday materials like dirt, mold, and mildew.

Additionally, pressure washers can help to eliminate insects. This works because pressure washing can help to get rid of insect nests and cobwebs that hide around your home.

Consider Hiring a Professional

Power washing and pressure washing use highly pressurized water, which means that they can be very dangerous for an untrained professional. Untrained power or pressure washing can lead to serious injury.

Sometimes, pressurized water can lead to wounds that seem minor at first. These injuries then become more serious over time.

That’s why you should think about hiring a trained professional to do your power or pressure washing. Companies like Nick’s Window Cleaning Services can clean your dirty surfaces at no risk to you.

Choosing a Power Washer vs Pressure Washer

Now that you know the differences between power washing vs pressure washing, you can choose the method that’s right for you and your projects.

To get more help with your household projects, be sure to check out our Life & Household category!