There are so many types of cleaning out there it can be hard to keep track, especially if you don’t know the first thing about cleaning. Two of the most confusing terms are pressure washing vs. power washing. For real, what’s the difference? They sound so similar, and don’t pressure and power basically mean the same thing? The truth is, they are really similar, but there is an important distinction. Let’s talk it through.
What’s the Difference?
The main distinction between pressure washing vs. power washing is the temperature of the water. Power washing uses hot water, and pressure washing does not. While it may seem minimal, this is actually a very important distinction to make. Both use basically the same amount of pressure to clean your home or building, but the hot water is not safe for all structures. So, it’s important to keep these two terms straight, and work with a cleaning business that knows the difference.
What Surfaces are Safe for Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing?
Pretty much all exterior surfaces are safe for pressure washing. Pressure washing is the easy part, because the temperature is not nearly as hot. So, you can use it on your home, your sidewalk, your parking lot, etc. But, power washing cannot be used for everything. Often, the water is too hot to be safely used on your home or building itself. Instead, it is better to reserve power washing for more concrete structures … literally. Surfaces such as concrete are ideal for power washing because, not only are they sturdy enough to withstand the heat, they also get dirtier. Think about it: your parking lot or driveway is probably much dirtier than your home or office building, right? The heat of the water helps pull the grime up more quickly and efficiently than pressure alone.
Isn’t That Pressure and Heat Dangerous?
Pressure washing and power washing can sound scary. The water is coming out of the cleaner at a pressure high enough to clean quickly, and then you add heat on top of that. So what happens if something goes wrong?
Hopefully nothing will go wrong, but there is always the possibility for accidents, especially if a team is cleaning an upper level of a building. Should something happen, you don’t want to be held liable for something the cleaning crew did. So, it is always important to work with a cleaning company that carries insurance for its employees. Insurance is not required for cleaning companies, but it is always a good sign that a company takes its job and safety seriously.
Who Can Do Pressure Washing and Power Washing?
While you can buy pressure washers for home use, it is best to leave these tasks to the professionals. After all, accidents happen. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area or Sacramento, ASF Clean Team has you covered. We provide pressure washing and power washing services for both residential and commercial clients. Plus, we have insurance for all of our employees. Get a free quote today to get a sparkling finish for your home or building’s exterior.
