If you’re a property owner in Greensboro, NC, you already know how frustrating it can be when exterior surfaces become dirty. Watching your home’s beauty fade into a dull, forgettable appearance can be downright intolerable. So, how should you go about bringing back that glow? You’ve probably heard about pressure washing and power washing, but which is the right choice for you, and what’s the difference between these two anyway? Cardwell Cleaning is here to clear up the confusion!
Discover what sets these techniques apart, and see for yourself their advantages. Then, consider reaching out to us for professional service! We are Greensboro’s #1 exterior surface cleaners, and we are ready to prove it.
Introduction to Pressure Washing
A great starting point is explaining what exactly pressure washing is. Pressure washing is the process of cleaning exterior surfaces with powerful jets of water. The key to successful pressure washing is a piece of machinery that is aptly called a pressure washer. This device connects to a water source, pumps the water, and expels it through a connecting hose. The result is highly pressurized water—sometimes up to 3,500 PSI of pressure! That’s roughly the same pressure you’d experience 2,300 feet underwater.
But what makes this high water pressure so useful? Simple: it makes it easier to strip away stubborn debris. Low-pressure water (like rain) can wash away some things, but deep-seated debris won’t really go anywhere. High-pressure water, on the other hand, forces deep-seated debris out of place and rinses it away with ease.
So What’s Power Washing?
To do a fair pressure vs. power washing comparison, we also have to take a look at what power washing is. This is where things sometimes get a bit complicated. That’s because not everyone seems to agree on what power washing is. But don’t get a headache yet. We’re going to break things down in the simplest possible way so you don’t become overwhelmed.
Let’s begin with the Cardwell Cleaning definition of power washing. We treat pressure washing and power washing as being the exact same technique—just with slightly different names. What this means is that asking for pressure vs. power washing makes no difference to us. You’re receiving the same fantastic service: exterior cleaning with high-pressure water jets.
Alternative Definitions of Power Washing
Some sources choose to define power washing differently. In this section, we’re going to review some of these alternative definitions. That way, you aren’t surprised when you see some websites or people claim that pressure washing and power washing aren’t identical.
The Difference Is Water Pressure
Some sources claim that power washing intrinsically uses more water pressure than power washing. In their eyes, the additional “power” comes from the fact that power washing is stronger than pressure washing. For these people, using 1,000-2,500 PSI may be considered pressure washing, with anything above 2,500 qualifying as power washing.
The Difference Is Temperature
Others say that power washing uses higher-temperature water than pressure washing. Is there a reason to use hot water during exterior cleaning? Absolutely! Some stains and blemishes, such as oil, wash away more easily when treated with hot, pressurized water.
The Difference Is Cleaning Solutions
Some even say that the difference between pressure vs. power washing is the use of cleaning solutions! For example, by using sodium hypochlorite, it’s easy to break down stubborn debris, such as moss, mold, and algae.
Don’t Forget Soft Washing
When comparing pressure vs. power washing, don’t forget soft washing. This is a third cleaning technique that has a very clear difference from the others! Soft washing uses streams of pressurized water, but the total amount of water pressure is much lower. Typically, soft washing uses less than 1,000 PSI, making it a safe choice for delicate surfaces.
If it can’t be pressure washed safely, soft washing is the best bet. We’ve listed several examples of surfaces that can’t be pressure washed but can be soft washed below:
- Roofing shingles
- Vinyl siding
- Stucco
- Painted wood
- Solar panels
How to Choose the Best Technique
Pressure vs. power washing vs. soft washing: which is the best choice for your project? Ultimately, you’ll need to do your research and figure that out for yourself. Your goal is to remove all debris. Maybe you need high-pressure water. Maybe you need low-pressure water. Perhaps you even need cleaning solutions or heated water! Whatever you choose, aim for perfectly clean surfaces: that way, your property can shine like never before.
Just keep in mind that this process will consume your time and energy. You may also have to purchase equipment for pressure vs. power washing as needed. So, you may want to make a budget and shop around for the best deals on pressure washers, detergents, cleaning solutions, etc.
Consider Professional Services For Your Convenience
As you’ve discovered, pressure vs. power washing is a more complicated subject than it first appears. So that leaves you with a decision to make. Do you want to try to take on this sort of work on your own? Or do you want to leave it to a professional team that actually understands the nuances of these techniques? For expert-grade results from a crew you can trust, reach out to Cardwell Cleaning, the #1 business in the Greensboro area.
We are happy to help home and business owners in our community. That way, they don’t have to do this hard work on their own. What’s more, we do the work for a fair price. What you’ll pay is based on the overall size of the project. There are never hidden fees or surcharges.
Get Started With Cardwell Cleaning
Ready to schedule an appointment with Cardwell Cleaning? If so, don’t wait to let us know about it. Contact us online with information about your project to receive a free cost estimate. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment. Our pros will be there soon to select the best cleaning technique for your project and put it into action!
