The benefits of power washing come from the heat. Unlike pressure washing, power washing uses hot water to tackle tough stains, grease, mold, and grime that cold water alone just can’t handle.
Beyond cleaning, it’s a time- and money-saver, prevents damage, and even boosts curb appeal and home value — perfect for busy families like my aunt’s in Staten Island, New York.
So here’s her story:
A few years ago, she and my uncle were hosting a barbecue for her son’s college friends and needed their deck to look better than usual. There was green stuff (probably moss or algae) creeping along the edges and some stubborn stains that wouldn’t budge. Hiring a professional to power wash made all the difference.
Curious how power washing can help you too? Let’s dive into its many benefits below.
- Melts Mold, Moss, Grease, and Stains with Heat
- Sanitizes and Disinfects Surfaces
- Removes Things Pressure Washing Can’t
- Restores Surfaces Faster
- Prevents Damage
- Makes it Easier to See Needed Repairs
- Prepares Surfaces for Painting
- Saves Time and Money While Deep Cleaning
- Reduces Risk of Injury
- Increases Curb Appeal and Home Value
- FAQ
Melts Mold, Moss, Grease, and Stains with Heat
Power washing doesn’t just clean. The heat from power washing helps break down all the gunk that pressure washing just can’t handle. Here’s how it works:
| Mess | How Power Washing Melts It Away | Why Pressure Washing Won’t Work |
| Mold and Mildew | Hot water melts mold and mildew, breaking down the spores and preventing regrowth. | Pressure washing only moves spores around so mold can grow back quickly. |
| Moss | The heat loosens moss, breaking its grip on surfaces so the pressure can wash it away. | Pressure washing just pushes moss around without breaking it free. |
| Grease | Hot water melts grease, making it easy to wash away without hours of scrubbing. | Pressure washing struggles to break down grease, leaving you scrubbing endlessly. |
| Stains | Heat helps loosen and melt stubborn stains like tree sap or rust, allowing pressure to wash them off. | Pressure washing can clean some surface stains but can’t break down the tough ones. |
See Related: Power Washing vs. Pressure Washing
Sanitizes and Disinfects Surfaces
We all want a clean home, but did you know power washing can sanitize too? The hot water is effective at removing germs and bacteria from surfaces like outdoor furniture and play areas.
Whether you’re cleaning a patio or driveway, the heat helps to disinfect and sanitize the surfaces. This was especially important for my aunt, who wanted her outdoor space safe for her grandkids and guests during the barbecue.
Check out this quick video to see how power washing can instantly transform your outdoor surfaces:
Removes Things Pressure Washing Can’t
I’ve talked about how power washing handles the usual messes like mold, moss, and stains with hot water, but what about the really stubborn grime? These are the stains and gunk you think can never be removed — until power washing comes to the rescue:
- Grease spill and oil stains: Think that grease spill on your driveway is permanent? Power washing’s hot water melts the grease away and leaves your surface clean without endless scrubbing.
- Hard water mineral deposits: If you’ve got calcium or lime stains from hard water on your fountain or brick patio, power washing’s heat helps loosen and break down these tough mineral deposits.
- Grime in cracks: Over time, dirt builds up in cracks and corners that pressure washing just can’t get to. Power washing’s hot water loosens grime and debris that’s been stuck there for ages, making it easier to clean even the hard-to-reach spots.
- Rust stains: Rust stains on metal or concrete seem impossible to remove, but power washing’s heat breaks down rust and makes it easier to get rid of, even from your driveway or metal furniture.
- Paint and graffiti: If you have graffiti on your concrete wall or peeling paint on your deck, the heat in power washing helps loosen and strip away old paint or unwanted graffiti, something cold pressure washing just can’t do as effectively.
- Chewing gum: Stuck chewing gum on your sidewalk? You’ve tried everything, but it’s still there. Power washing’s hot water melts the gum and helps wash it off — no scraping required.
For my aunt, this meant stubborn stains on her deck and driveway were gone after a single session, without hours of scrubbing.
Important: Cleaning solutions like degreasers, rust removers, and detergents can make tough stains much easier to handle when power washing. Here’s how they help:
- A degreaser used before power washing breaks down grease and oil so the power washer works more efficiently.
- Applying rust remover before power washing helps break down rust, making it easier to wash away.
- Adding detergent to your power wash helps lift dirt and grime off surfaces like decks and driveways.
Restores Surfaces Faster
Cleaning outdoor spaces like your driveway or patio can take a lot of time, but with power washing, you can get the job done much quicker. The heat helps loosen dirt, grime, and stains, which means the power washer doesn’t have to work as hard.
This is especially helpful when cleaning larger areas like driveways, patios, or decks. Just imagine how my aunt was surprised at how quickly the pros transformed her deck and driveway before the barbecue.
Caution: Avoid power washing more delicate surfaces like wood, aluminum, or vinyl siding, as the heat can cause damage.
Prevents Damage
If you leave dirt, mold, or grime sitting on your surfaces for too long, it can start to cause damage. Whether it’s rotting wood or cracking concrete, build-up can really take a toll.
The beauty of power washing is that it prevents damage by removing contaminants before they have a chance to really mess things up. The heat in the water also helps to break down substances that can cause corrosion or rotting over time.
Makes it Easier to See Needed Repairs
You might not realize it, but that dirt and grime on your deck or driveway could be hiding cracks or rust. Power washing cleans away the buildup and makes it much easier to spot problem areas.
Whether it’s a crack in the concrete or a loose board on the deck, power washing helps you see what needs fixing before it becomes a bigger, more expensive problem.
Prepares Surfaces for Painting
If you’re planning to paint your house, power washing is a must. The hot water helps loosen old paint, dirt, and oils that might be stuck on the surface. That means when it’s time to paint, you’ll have a clean canvas for the new coat.
Without power washing, your paint might not stick properly, or worse, it could peel off faster.
Saves Time and Money While Deep Cleaning
For families like my aunt’s, power washing is the ultimate time-saver. Between work and spending time with her grandkids, she didn’t have the energy to deep-clean her outdoor spaces manually. But power washing cuts down the time you spend scrubbing away dirt and grime.
The hot water does a lot of the heavy lifting, and with the pressure added, you’re cleaning large areas much faster.
It also saves you money by preventing costly repairs. By regularly power washing your exterior, you’ll keep everything in great shape, and you won’t have to deal with the big repair bills down the road.
Reduces Risk of Injury
Moss, algae, and mold can make your sidewalks, driveway, and deck really slippery. And that’s a huge safety risk, especially if you’ve got kids or older family members around.
Power washing removes those slippery substances more effectively than pressure washing, which means you’re less likely to slip or fall. The hot water works faster and cleans those slippery spots before they become dangerous.
Increases Curb Appeal and Home Value
We all want our homes to look good, right? Power washing is one of the easiest ways to boost your curb appeal and make your house look well-maintained. My aunt loved how clean and polished her home looked after the deck and driveway were power washed.
But the benefits go beyond looks — power washing can increase your home’s value, too. When potential buyers see a clean, well-maintained exterior, they’re more likely to see your property as a good investment.
FAQ
While power washing is effective, it can be too harsh for certain surfaces. The high heat and pressure may damage softer materials like wood and vinyl siding, delicate paint, or older concrete.
For surfaces like stucco or anything prone to cracking or chipping, soft washing or pressure washing with lower settings may be a safer option.
See Related: How to Pressure Wash a House with Vinyl Siding
The cost of power washing varies depending on the size of the area and the type of surface. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $0.40 to $0.55 per square foot. Hiring a pro may feel like an upfront expense, but it ensures the job is done right without risking damage to your property.
See Related:
• How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost?
• How Much Does it Cost to Pressure Wash a Driveway?
Yes, you can DIY power washing if you’re comfortable using the equipment and understand the risks. But you’ll need to rent or buy a power washer and follow proper safety guidelines to avoid injuries or property damage.
Keep in mind that DIY jobs often take longer, and mistakes — like using the wrong settings — can lead to unintended damage. For larger or more delicate areas, hiring a pro might be the better choice.
• Soft washing uses low-pressure water (typically under 500 PSI) combined with specialized cleaners to remove mold, dirt, and algae. For delicate surfaces like windows, roofs, and vinyl and wood siding, this method is better and gentle enough to clean without risking any damage from heat or too much pressure.
• Pressure washing, on the other hand, uses higher-pressure water without the heat to clean surfaces.
• Power washing is similar to pressure washing but includes the use of hot water, making it more effective for breaking down grease, oil stains, and deeply embedded grime.
See Related:
• Benefits of Pressure Washing
• What is Soft Washing?
Ready to Power Up Your Home?
Whether you’re getting ready for a backyard barbecue like my aunt or just tired of dealing with stubborn stains and grime, power washing could be exactly what your home needs. It tackles tough messes like moss, grease, and mildew, leaving your surfaces fresh, sparkling, and ready to impress.
Power washing works faster, cleans deeper, and helps prevent expensive damage down the road. It’s a lifesaver for busy families who want their home to shine without spending hours scrubbing.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Image Credit: bubutu / Adobe Stock Free / License
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