All You Need to Know About Power Washing

​​Power washing is a famous and influential cleaning method. It is done by acquiring water from a hose or another water source and using a pump or engine to generate water pressure and heat. The main element in power washing is a heating mechanism differentiating it from pressure washing. To increase water velocity, nozzles or wands are used. The elevated water pressure effectively cleans stains, dirt, and dust from different surfaces. Let’s try to figure out “All You Need to Know About Power Washing.”

Gas or Electric Power Washer?

It depends upon your needs and preferences on what option you want to avail yourself. Usually, gas pressure washers are used if you have a large area and have a tough job to do where heavy cleaning is required. 

Electric pressure washing is done when looking for an affordable washing solution. It is used for smaller jobs and is easier to do. Gas-powered pressure washers are expensive and require less maintenance. Electric pressure washers are less costly and require less maintenance.

How Power Washers Work

Power washers usually work through a motor which gives power to the attached pump and ultimately creates water pressure. The water source is typically a hose through which water comes from a nozzle or a wand. That process creates a pressured water steam. 

These nozzles and wand can be adjusted, and your choice maintains the pressure. Using too much pressure can cause harm and damage to your property or things like windows, doors, or furniture. Therefore, a calculated pressure is created. Some Power washers have tanks to add detergents, soaps, or other cleaning solutions. Power washing requires training and experience. So be careful before you use power washing in your home or anywhere else.

Things You Can Wash with a Power Washer

• Dirt 
• Dust 
• Stains 
• Loose Paint
• Algae 
• Mold 
• Mud 
• Chewing Gum 
• Leaves

Areas You Can Clean Through Power Washer

• Driveway
• Walls 
• Sidewalks
• Patios
• Walkways
• Garage Floor
• Garage Door
• Deck
• Windows
• Outdoor Furniture
• Vehicles
• Swimming Pools

Power Wash vs. Pressure Wash

Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two cleaning methods. The only difference between pressure washing and power washing is the temperature of the water used. Both methods use high-pressure water for cleaning, but power washing adds heated water. 

This combination of high-pressure and hot water results in more effective cleaning, mainly when removing tough stains. In some cases, pressure washing alone may not be able to remove specific stains, which is where power washing can be a practical option.

Difference Between Commercial & Home Power Washers

Commercial power washers are used to clean commercial buildings and parking lots. They can wash large jobs and are more potent than home power washers. Also, there is a factor of durability involved. 

Commercial power washers are heavy-duty pressure washers more durable than home pressure or power washers. Also, there is a price difference and size difference. Commercial washers are costly and more extensive, whereas home pressure washers are inexpensive and smaller. 

You can also use a medium-duty pressure washer for homes and small areas. It depends on your needs and preferences and which pressure/power washer you want to use.

Power & Pressure Washing are Dangerous – Be Safe.

It’s essential to know the difference between pressure washing and power washing. Pressure washing can cause severe injuries and damage to you and your property. Due to the high pressure of the water, there are risks of injury. Therefore, it is better to approach the cleaning process with care and experience. If you are still determining whether you can handle the task safely, it is recommended to hire professional cleaners. 

Attempting pressure washing on your own without proper training is not recommended. Get yourself trained by professionals or learn the cleaning process from experienced cleaners before trying it on your home or property. It is always better to seek professional help first to avoid any potential damage or injuries.

Tools & Accessories

Several tools and accessories can be used to increase the effectiveness of power washers. This includes spray nozzles, extension wands, surface cleaners, Hose reels, Detergent tanks, and Brush attachments.

Turbo nozzles: These nozzles usually have a rotating head that creates high pressure and helps clean tough and challenging stains.

Spray nozzles: These are used to change the patterns of the water that create more throw and intensity. There are different sizes of spray nozzles, starting from 0 degrees to 40 degrees. The spray nozzles are attached to one end of the wand.

Extension Wands: To maximize the reach of the wands, extension wands are attached to the wands. These are usually used to wash gutters or walls.

Surface Cleaners: These are used for flat areas like patios, driveways, and sometimes decks.

Hose Reels: These are used to organize the hose and keep it safe from damage.

Detergent Tanks: Power washers sometimes come up with detergent tanks in which soap or detergent is used.

Brushes: Sometimes, to clean tough stains scrubbing power is required. For that, brush attachments are attached to the pressure wash wants. It helps in better cleaning of surfaces.

All these tools are additional and provide better and more efficient cleaning. So you can add these accessories to your collection for better results.

Which Nozzle is Best for Your Job?

Choosing the proper nozzle for your washer can help make cleaning easy. It depends on the surface type and the material to which the nozzle type is used. Pressure-washed areas give better results if you use different nozzle types. 0 Degree nozzle is used for tough stains on hard surfaces like metal and concrete. 

It created a very high concentrated pressure water, making it easy to clean tough stains. As the degree of the nozzle increases, the pressure reduces. So for soft surfaces, you can use a 40 – Degree Nozzle that will create less stress and clean the surface effectively. Similarly, Soap nozzles are also used for cleaning.

Power Washing Safety Tips

It is always important to keep safety in mind while using power washers. You should read the manufacturer’s instructions and understand all safety measures. Additionally, wearing protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes is crucial. Research, read, and understand the type of nozzle to use; otherwise, you may cause damage to surfaces. Electrical safety is also necessary, so ensure that all electrical appliances and connections are away from water. Remembering these safety tips is essential for injury prevention.

Conclusion

There are many styles of power washing, and it depends on what you want to use for effective cleaning. It depends on the surface type and the stain type also. Understanding pressure washing techniques requires time and experience. 

Power washing can also be done using other types of equipment, including electric-powered pressure washers, medium-duty pressure washers, and cold-water pressure washers. It all depends on your preferences, budget, and the type of stains you want to be removed.

Best Pressure Washing Experts, Chris’s Pressure Washing

Chris’s Pressure Washing gives your home a new look by cleaning it the best way. We provide services like Power Washing,  Gutter Cleaning and Leaf Removal, Residential Pressure Washing, Window Washing, and Deck Cleaning.

Our Professional services ensure the best home cleaning services for you. We are equipped with the latest cleaning equipment and have years of experience in cleaning. Contact us today and book an appointment.