Power Washing vs Pressure Cleaning - What Should You Get?

When it comes to effective cleaning, there are two popular methods that people are often confused about: power washing and pressure cleaning. Both use a powerful tool that utilizes highly pressurized water to sweep off the dirt and grime on a surface fast. They might sound the same—but these are actually two distinct types of cleaning processes that are undergone for different purposes!

Let this article help you understand the difference between these two to know the type of cleaning you need. 

Power Washing VS Pressure Cleaning

On the Machine Used

At first glance, the machine used to conduct power washing and pressure cleaning might look the same. These two have long forked handles for easy gripping. They also have almost the same size. However, if you would observe them closely, you would notice the big difference in their design and spraying capabilities. 

The power washer (also known as a surface cleaner) has a rotating bar. It also has two nozzles that take care of the cleaning process. On the other hand, the pressure cleaning only has a single nozzle that allows it to focus on a specific targeted area.

On How to Operate

To understand their difference better, think of power washers like the floor waxers you see in buildings. They have round disc ends that move back and forth along with the whole equipment. It applies pressure to everything underneath it, ensuring an even cleaning. 

Meanwhile, the pressure cleaner can either have an electric powered motor or a gas-fueled engine. Any of them can power up the water pump. This pump then accelerates the water from the supply (for example, a garden hose) and releases water at high pressure. 

On Where to Use

Power washers (or surface cleaners), from its name, are only applicable to use for cleaning surfaces. That includes flat, large areas and ground-level surfaces like the driveway, walkway, patio, or wooden deck. 

On the other hand, the pressure cleaner’s single nozzle and adjustable setting make it an easy tool to use in cleaning just about any surface you want. It is most effective when used in large areas, but can also be used in cleaning outdoor furniture, concrete, wood, outdoor equipment, and even windows. However, make sure that you know the proper pressure to use to avoid damaging any delicate surfaces!

On Cleaning Quality

Both options are capable of doing an excellent cleaning job. The only difference is the scope of cleaning they can provide. For example, since the pressure cleaner utilizes a single nozzle, it would require more time to clean large surfaces, unlike the power washer with a disc-like end that allows it to clean a larger area at a time. 

On Which You Should Use

Your choice of cleaner depends on what parts of the house you plan to wash. Both the equipment has their pros and cons. If you plan to invest in one, choose which one you would be able to use more. 

Choosing a pressure cleaner, for example, will get you an easy-to-use cleaner. You can use it to clean your building’s exterior or driveway quickly. When everything is kept clean and dirt-free, it helps preserve and prolong their life span—therefore, it has fewer needs for repair or replacement over time!

Conclusion

Anything that requires an easy and effective method for removing dirt, grime, and other particles can benefit from power washing or pressure cleaning. Know what kind of cleaning you need by learning the ideal pressure for the item you plan to wash! Whether you opt for a power washer or a pressure cleaner, know that they are both excellent ways to clean your property.

If investing in equipment is not ideal for you, you can always rent out service from contractors! Kingwood All Star Window & Power Washing is your local area expert and pressure washing service provider at Kingwood, TX. You can depend on us for results that are steeped in expertise. Call us now at (713) 360-1997 to book a service. 

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