Cold Water vs Hot Water Pressure Washing Methods

There are two different types of pressure washing. One type uses cold water to clean and the other utilizes hot water for extra cleaning power without the need for applying more pressure. So what do you need to know about these different cleaning methods and which do you need?

The first thing is to clarify what is meant by the terms hot and cold water cleaning. Knowing the difference will help you understand and decide which one you will need.

To provide hot water pressure washing you need a specific type of pressure washer with a burner that will heat the water that is supplied. These burners usually run on kerosene or diesel fuel, but can also be powered by natural gas or electricity. They are capable of heating water in excess of 200 degrees so caution must be used when using this type of equipment. These machines are usually quite large and can weigh over 1000 lbs.

Most cold water machines are much smaller and portable since they do not have a burner and the temperature of the water supplied remains constant. This makes these types of pressure washers much safer for do-it-yourself enthusiast.

The main difference between these machines depends on the substrate you want cleaned. Please understand that you can not clean just anything with pressure washers, especially when it comes to hot water systems. Here are some various things each of these cleaning techniques may be used for.

1. Hot water pressure washers are excellent for cleaning impervious surfaces such as concrete and are the easiest way to remove gum and oil stains without causing damage. Hot water washers are excellent for commercial cleaning applications as well. They allow for a more thorough cleaning of driveways, sidewalks and walkways which help present customers with a clean image from the time they arrive.

2. Cold water pressure washers are excellent for residential cleaning applications. In combination with the proper soaps they are great for cleaning all types of siding such as vinyl, drivit, stucco, and aluminum. As long as there is no gum or major oil staining, cold water is also great for cleaning porches, walkways, patios, pool decks and much more.

Hot water offers no better cleaning than cold water systems for parts of your home such as siding. This means there is no benefit for a homeowner to use this type of cleaning method. The only benefit is for the contractor, as in some cases it can speed up the cleaning process and save them time. This is a savings that is usually not passed along to the home owner either.

Most commercial concrete cleaning applications require the removal of gum and oil. There is no better way to remove these without causing damage than a hot water pressure washer.

The type of pressure washing method you will actually need depends on whether or not you are a home owner or a business owner along with what it is that you need cleaned specifically. So now that you know the difference, you will not have to worry about paying for a service you do not need.