Pressure washing removes loose paint, mold, algae, grime, dust, muck, chewing gum, and dirt from buildings, fences, stonework, some automobiles, and concrete or asphalt surfaces, including driveways and patios. Despite their similarities, “power washing” and “pressure washing” are two distinct cleaning processes. Both use high-pressure water to clean, whereas power washing heats the water.

Heated water cleans better than cold. Some things should be pressure washed with baking soda, vinegar, citric acid, or commercial power washing soaps, detergents, sanitizers, or disinfectants. Six things to know before power or pressure washing your home:

Power Washers vs. Pressure Washers

The idea of steam cleaning your home, deck, driveway, or other elements is appealing. High-pressure hot water removes dirt and stains. Masonry, brick, and concrete are bad choices. Costly cleaning. Power-washing damages surfaces. Clean your pressure washer.

Power washers are the heavy-duty option

  • Make use of it on expansive surfaces like expansive driveways.
  • Apply in areas with a high concentration of grime, oil, moss, weeds, and mold. Like hot water is more effective at cleaning dishes and floors than cold water, the warm water here can help release stubborn outdoor filth. Additionally, it eliminates mold and moss and stops them from returning quickly.
  • Power washers should only be used on heat- and pressure-resistant hard surfaces.

Pressure washers are safer for surfaces

  • Use more intimate outdoor spaces such as patios, decks, or driveways.
  • Use this when working with softer surfaces, such as wood decks, siding, or tiled areas.
  • Masonry, concrete, and brick surfaces are suitable for their application.

Home vs. Professional detergents, soaps, chemicals, and cleaning solutions

Different cleaners exist. Knowing the difference between cleansers can prevent damage. Pressure/power washers use four chemicals. Purpose and surface type are labelled. Sanitizers kill most germs in 30 seconds or less, and disinfectants kill all organisms in 30 minutes.

Surfaces vary. Each character requires different methods, nozzle sizes, pressure, and chemicals. If you’re not a pro, buy premixed cleaners like “Krudkutter” for home and siding vs. decks and fences. Concrete, wood, and driveway soaps exist. Select an appropriate cleaner—hot water, soap, and pressure clean better than power wash and water.

You should know what to wash and what not to wash

Unfortunately, you can’t use a power or pressure washer on everything inside or outside your home. Avoid using a power washer or high pressure on the following surfaces:

  • Granular sandstone – You may easily remove it by washing it or even carving into it. It’s not something you can power or pressure wash because of how delicate the material is.
  • Everything that has been painted – Even while painted goods can be washed, it is typically best to have a professional do it so that the paint is not damaged.
  • Coverings, Asphalt – The granules on an asphalt roof will be removed by power washing or pressure washing, which will ruin the roof.
  • Basically everything that is very old – The dry rot on old furniture, decks, wood buildings, etc., can be easily removed with a power wash. Intense water pressure can soften and even destroy quality wood.
  • Dyed wood – The wood stain can be removed by washing it with water under high pressure. You can do that if you like, but if the finished product doesn’t look quite right, you may need to re-stain the wood after it’s cured.

Think about the size and type of the area to be cleaned

Since the main difference between the two procedures is heating, evaluate the size and type of surface you’ll be cleaning. Hot water provides a considerably deeper clean than unheated water. Heated water cleans larger areas better. If you’re cleaning salt, mildew, moss, or weeds, use a power washer.

Compare professional and residential power washers

If you’re a DIYer, you must buy commercial pressure washers to clean huge areas instead of buying or utilizing a home. Hire a pro. Untrained homeowners can harm household or commercial units by leaving noticeable cleaning lines. You can hurt yourself or the power washer.

Be Careful with Power and Pressure Washing

Thin water may not appear dangerous, but it is. This wand shoots 2,000 pounds of power. Concrete and stone chips can rebound with the energy of a bullet. Power/pressure washing considerations:

  1. Always aim the nozzle away from any faucet or power outlet. Before spraying, ensure all faucets and power switches are turned off or covered.
  2. Never point the nozzle of a power or pressure washer directly at another person; doing so could cause significant injury or death.
  3. Wear protective eyewear when spray painting, whether it’s goggles, glasses, or a full face shield.
  4. Stay 5 to 6 feet away from the surface you’re cleaning until you know how the spray reacts.
  5. Before spraying it on windows or soft surfaces, please ensure the setting is at its lowest possible level and test it on a hard surface first.
  6. If you’re cleaning a vertical surface, start at the top and work your way down so that unclean water doesn’t pool on clean surfaces below.

Takeaway

Power/pressure washing is popular in fall and spring. Mild winter days are forecasted. In warm or cool temperatures, you can spray water into cracks and crevices, but in freezing circumstances, the water may freeze and expand, damaging your work—forecast before washing.