Pressure Washer and Power Washer: A Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to high-powered cleaning tools, pressure washer, and power washer are two of the most popular. These cleaning tools work fast and effectively, removing hardened debris, dirt, and grime using water. Although pressure washers and power washers are similar in terms of what they do, there are differences that set each cleaning tool apart from the other. In today’s post, we are guiding you through the subtle differences between these cleaning devices and what important factors you need to consider when choosing the best power cleaner for your needs:

Power Washer VS Pressure Washer: What’s the Difference?

A power washer refers to a cleaning device that delivers a powerful stream of hot water at a steady flow rate. This washer has a thermostat gauge that sets the water to hot. You can adjust the water temperature using the thermostat. The hot water allows the power washer to effortlessly clean hard-to-remove debris such as chewing gum stuck on a sidewalk, water stains, etc. A power washer can also kill moss, weeds, mold, and mildew!

On the other hand, a pressure washer depends on the force of the water stream for cleaning, rather than the temperature. The jet of water generated by a pressure washer is powerful enough to clean concrete, masonry, and brick. Just like a power washer, a pressure washer is ideal for cleaning decks, wall, walkways, and patio. However, a pressure washer cannot kill mold.

Essentially, both washers work the same. The only difference is the temperature of the water used for cleaning. A pressure washer utilizes either cold or room temperature water. A power washer always uses hot water.

Types of Pressure Washers

Pressure washers come in two varieties: electric and gas-powered. Each one has its own corresponding sets of special attachments, etc.

Electric Pressure Washer

An electric power washer is suitable for small projects that do not require intensive cleaning. This pressure washer can be used to clean patio furniture, walkways, and sidewalks. Of the two types of pressure washers, the electric pressure washer is quieter and more compact.

Gas Pressure Washer

As the name implies, this power washer is powered by gas. Because it is larger, more powerful, a gas pressure washer is ideal for tougher, larger projects such as cleaning driveways, garage doors, or siding. Because it does not have a power cord, a gas pressure washer is portable. It might be larger than an electric washer but you can tote this around places where there are no power outlets.

Types of Power Washers

Power washers are often used commercially  to clean and kill harmful pathogens.

Aqueous Parts Power Washer

This type of power washer can clean and sanitize different equipment. An aqueous parts power washer is typically used in parts manufacturing. The power washer features conveyor belts that transport the items to be cleaned into the part of the unit where hot water is sprayed. The speed of the conveyor belt is adjustable.

Automotive Parts Washer

This powerful washer is meant to clean and sanitize automobile components and equipment. The washer requires industrial detergent to remove paint, grime and de-carbonize automotive parts.

Ultrasonic Washers

Unlike aqueous parts and automotive parts power washers, an ultrasonic washer does not utilize high-pressure jet of water to clean. The unit creates bubbles that scrub any surface clean. The bubbles are created using a mixture of vapor or solvent and water.