If you are a business owner looking into whether pressure washing or power washing is the right choice for your business, you are not alone. This is a common question that we get asked all the time. Both pressure washing and power washing are great ways to clean the exterior of your business, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making a decision. It is important to be familiar with each method and which applications are best for each in order to decide whether you should opt for power washing or pressure washing for your business.

Keep reading to understand more about pressure washing vs power washing and find out which one is right for you.

Are the Terms Pressure Wash vs Power Wash Interchangeable?

While many people use power wash vs pressure wash interchangeably, there are a few key differences worth noting between pressure washing and power washing. At first glance, anyone unfamiliar with the two methods might think they are one and the same. But, if you take a closer look, you will see the key distinctions lie in the method of how each one cleans.

What is the Difference Between a Pressure Washer and a Power Washer?

It is important to note that while power washing and pressure washing are both cleaning methods that use water, they are not the same. Let’s go into detail so we can have a better understanding of the comparison of pressure washing vs power washing and answer the question “What is the difference between power wash and pressure wash?” once and for all.

What is a Pressure Washer?

A pressure washer is commonly used for cleaning surfaces with lighter dirt and grime levels. It also uses high-pressure jets of water to remove the build-up but does not use hot water or chemicals. Pressure washers are often used on surfaces that require gentler water pressure, such as patios, decks, and siding.

What is a Power Washer?

A power washer uses high-powered jets of water to remove dirt, grime, and other build-up from harder surfaces. It uses mainly hot water and sometimes chemicals or detergents to loosen the dirt before washing it away with high-pressure jets of water. Power washers are often used to clean surfaces where there is a lot of build-up, such as concrete sidewalks or driveways.

What are the Key Differences Between Pressure Washing vs Power Washing?

Factoring in equipment, cleaning agents, and application, the most notable difference between power washer and pressure washer is the water temperature used. While pressure washers are most commonly used with cold water, Hotsy has a line of pressure washers that uses hot water. This way, you can get the best of both worlds; the power of a pressure washer with the heat capabilities to remove tougher build-ups.

Hotsy’s pressure washers offer reliable industrial-grade cleaning power, whether you need a cold water or hot water pressure washer, so you can take on any cleaning projects.

Pressure Washing vs Power Washing: Which is Right For Your Business?

For a more in-depth look at pressure washing vs power washing, let’s go through some of the pros and cons of each method so you can better decide whether to opt for power washer or pressure washer solutions.

Pressure Washers

Pros:

Can clean virtually any surface: One of the best things about pressure washers is their versatility. Whether you need to clean your vinyl siding, brick sidewalk, or driveway, a pressure washer can handle the job. With Hotsy’s hot pressure washers, you can easily remove oily stains, gum, and more difficult-to-remove build-ups compared to conventional pressure washing machines.
Less expensive than power washers: You only need one tool to clean your whole property or any surfaces. This means saving money in the long run since you don’t need to buy multiple types of equipment or rent a power washer. Using Hotsy’s degreaser soap in your pressure washer can also save you time and money by allowing you to quickly break down tough grime, oil, and grease. Moreover, it can be used for either hot or cold pressure washers making it an ideal mainstay cleaning agent on your shelf.
Relatively easy to operate: It does not take a professional to operate a pressure washer. You can quickly learn how to use it with just a little practice. Just make sure to read the user manual that comes with your Hotsy’s pressure washer to avoid any accidents.

Cons:

Can be too powerful for some surfaces: Water pressure that is too high can damage some surfaces. That’s why it’s important to start with the lowest pressure setting and work your way up.
Can cause injuries if not used properly: Improper use of pressure washers can cause serious injuries. Make sure to read the user directions that come with your pressure washer and always point the nozzle away from yourself and others.

Power Washers

Pros:

Can easily clean oily and greasy surfaces: Due to the standard use of hot water, power washers are excellent at breaking down and removing tough build-ups like oil and gum.
Saves time: Compared to manually scrubbing surfaces, a power washer can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to clean. That’s because it has much stronger water pressure which cleans surfaces more easily.

Cons:

More expensive than pressure washers: In addition to buying the power washer itself, you’ll also need a hot water supply, which can become costly.
Requires more training to operate: Power washers are more complicated to use than pressure washers and often require more training to properly operate.
Can damage some surfaces that are sensitive to heat: While it can be used in many areas, some surfaces that are sensitive to heat can get damaged by the hot water.

Tips for Getting Started with Pressure Washing or Power Washing

Now that we know the difference between power washer and pressure washer, choosing your preference between the two should be much easier. Regardless of which choice you make, here are some quick tips to get started with pressure washing or power washing:

Pressure Washing Tips

Read the user manual that comes with your pressure washer: One of the most common mistakes new users make is not reading the manual that comes with their pressure washers. By reading the manual, you’ll know about all the features of your pressure washer and understand how it works and how to use them.
Choose the right size of pressure washer: Depending on the cleaning project you will be undertaking, choosing the right size from many different types of pressure washers will give you the desired outcome. Knowing what and when to use a pressure washer will also help you determine the size that is perfect for your cleaning needs.
Choose the right nozzle: Different nozzles give different angles and patterns of sprays. Different projects might require different nozzle types so make sure to choose the right one for you. Also, make sure to know how to properly soap with a pressure washer to achieve the best results.
Always use both your hands when operating the pressure washer: Using the proper pressure washing techniques will require the use of both hands. This is especially true when you are a beginner.
Start with the lowest pressure setting and work your way up: If not sure whether to start with a high or low-pressure setting, always go for the lowest first. You can increase the pressure if the results are not to your liking.

Power Washing Tips

Choose the right cleaning agent: The cleaning solution that you use will determine the overall outcome of your cleaning project. Make sure to select a solution that is compatible with the surface you are trying to clean as well as the power washer.
Test the power before using it on the actual surface: Familiarize yourself with how the power washer works by testing it first on an inconspicuous area. This will give you an idea of how much pressure to use and how to maneuver it.
Choose the right nozzle or tips: Just like pressure washing, the different nozzles for a power washer will give you a different result. Depending on the surface and stubbornness of the dirt, make sure to select the right nozzle.

Final Thoughts on the Pressure Washer vs Power Washer Debate

The power washer vs pressure washer debate has been ongoing for a long time. In general, a pressure washer is suitable for most cleaning projects as it is powerful enough to clean most surfaces and is relatively easy to operate. However, a power washer is best suited for projects that require hot water or require cleaning of tough build-ups.

Hotsy pressure washers in San Antonio offer an all-in-one solution for all your cleaning jobs. Our pressure washers are highly flexible offering both hot and cold water operation to easily adjust to any cleaning project. Our pressure washers also come with an array of accessories to help make your cleaning jobs even easier. We also carry a powerful cleaning agent that can be used with our hot and cold pressure washers to clean virtually any surface. With our products, you don’t have to worry about figuring out what is the difference between power wash and pressure wash. No more power wash vs pressure wash comparisons, debates, or concerns.

Shop at Hotsy today and discover the best pressure washer or power washer for your needs.

Pressure Washing vs Power Washing: What’s The Difference & Which Is Right for Your Business?