Pressure washing your fence can restore its appearance and keep your home looking great. Learn how much it costs based on factors like square footage and material.
What Is Pressure Washing? When to Do It and How It Differs From Power Washing
It’s time to put pressure on those dirty decks
Photo: filmstudio / Getty Images
Photo: filmstudio / Getty Images
Highlights
Pressure washers use a stream of highly pressurized water to dislodge grime.
Power washers are different from pressure washers because power washers include a heating element that warms up the water.
Pressure washing is safe for certain surfaces, like aluminum siding, but you should never pressure wash windows or the insides of gutters.
Pressure washers are affordable to own, but you can also hire a professional to reduce the risk of a costly DIY mistake.
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When it comes to washing, water’s good, but water under pressure? Even better. Pressure washing uses a highly pressurized (but unheated) spray of water to blast tough messes off surfaces, including everything from dirt to old paint. Keep reading to explore the best uses of this impressive (pun intended) cleaning method and how it differs from power washing.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is any cleaning done with a pressure washer, which sends out a pressurized spray of water in a powerful blast. Basically, think of pressure washing as a supercharged hose.
The power of pressure washers is expressed in PSI, or pounds per square inch. A pressure washer with 2,000 PSI or less is useful for regular household tasks, while higher-powered pressure washers can get extra-dirty jobs done.
That said, if you have a serious mess, delicate materials that need a clean, or just want assistance on your project, a power washing pro near you can get the job done quickly without a mess or potentially costly mistake.
DIY Pressure Washing Cost
If you want to DIY pressure washing, the machines are relatively affordable for homeowners to purchase and keep. You can buy an electric pressure washer for $100 to $200, though higher-powered gas models cost closer to $500 apiece. You’ll also spend $20 to $80 per gallon for an eco-friendly cleaning solution at your local home improvement store.
Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing
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Now that we know what pressure washing is, what makes it different from power washing? Pressure washing is what we’ve described above (cleaning with a strong blast of water), but power washers create a blast of water and steam that’s highly pressurized and hot.
In short, heat is the big difference between pressure washers versus power washers. Adding heat to the process makes power washers more effective at cleaning tougher messes, but it also makes them more dangerous to use and more liable to damage soft or porous surfaces. This is why hiring a pro for power washing is the safest and most effective move for your dirtiest surfaces.
When to Pressure Wash
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Because pressure washing is, well, high-pressure, there are several parts of your home you shouldn’t pressure wash. You can call a pressure washing company for more specific advice, but as a DIYer, avoid pressure washing the following:
Stained decks or those made with composite materials
Brick, stucco, or painted siding
Windows
Light fixtures
Electrical panels
HVAC units
Vehicles
On the other hand, pressure washing can help remove built-up grit and grime from hard, durable surfaces, such as:
Unstained, natural-wood decking
Siding made of cement, vinyl, or aluminum
Concrete slab driveways and walkways
Again, if you have questions or don’t want to risk damaging your home, you can always hire a professional to help you get the job done right. After all, the water is supposed to be the one under pressure—not you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to pressure washing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to pressure wash a deck depends on its size, condition, material, and whether you DIY the job. Help set your budget with this cost guide.
Need to breathe new life into that old, dirty siding and exterior trim? Use this guide on the cost to pressure wash a house to boost your curb appeal instantly.
To keep your pressure washing running whenever you need it, make sure to follow this pressure washer maintenance checklist.
Safely pressure wash your shower or bathtub without damaging your caulking, fixtures, and tiles. Choose the best nozzle and equipment for your needs.
To avoid damaging your siding, outdoor furniture, or other vulnerable items outside, learn how to start a pressure washer safely with this guide.