An All-Around Cleaning Solution in Charlotte
Nothing gives a property a more outdated and dilapidated look than years of caked-on dirt and built-up grime. And while you can try to scrub the dirt away, nothing works better than pressure washing.
Charlotte Power Washing provides pressure washing solutions to homes and businesses in the Charlotte, NC area. Contact us today for more information.
Power Washing vs Pressure Washing: Understanding the Difference
Many people use “power washing” and “pressure washing” interchangeably. Contrary to popular belief, though, there is a difference between these two cleaning methods.
Although both methods use high-pressure water to clean various surfaces, the main difference lies in the water temperature. Pressure washing uses water in normal temperatures, while power washing uses hot water to clean surfaces.
Hot water makes it significantly easier to clean off stubborn stains, dirt, grime, mold, oil, grease, and other contaminants. It cuts through the dirt more effectively.
What About Soft Washing?
Whereas power washing uses hot water to clean surfaces, soft washing uses low-pressure water. Soft washing is the preferred method of cleaning when it comes to more delicate or fragile surfaces. This includes cedar shake, wood panels, stucco, screens, and even vinyl.
Soft washing uses a pressure level below 500 PSI. It’s a form of pressure washing, which means you can still perform soft washing using a regular pressure washer. You just need to set the machine to a lower pressure level. Additionally, the nozzle you use should be wider and more fan-like instead of focused and harsh. This directly affects the force of the water sprayed.
Comparing Electric and Gas-Powered Pressure Washers
When it comes to power sources, there are two main types of pressure washers: Electric and gas-powered. Understanding the difference between the two can help you make a decision about which one to use or get.
Electric Pressure Washers
Electric pressure washers are powerful enough, reaching 2,000 PSI. This means they’re great for home use and cleaning smaller items like outdoor grills, vehicles, and patios. This type of pressure washer is also very low-maintenance and doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. Additionally, pressure washers that run on electricity tend to be cheaper.
On the downside, electric pressure washers won’t last you very long. The quality deteriorates with time, and you’ll probably need to buy a new one in less than 10 years. Electric pressure washers are also lightweight and fairly portable. Though, since it isn’t recommended to use an extension cord, you’re limited to the length of its power cord.
Gas-Powered Pressure Washers
Gas-powered pressure washers pack more power than their electric counterparts, reaching up to 4,000 PSI. Of course, this power comes with a trade-off in the form of noise.
Gas-powered pressure washers also tend to be heavier since they’re usually used for commercial applications. But, they’re more portable than electric pressure washers since you’re not limited by the power cord. Additionally, most pressure washers of this type have wheels that make transportation easier.
When you buy a gas-powered pressure washer, you should expect to pay more since they’re not as cheap as electric ones. Moreover, since they operate on gas, you also need to buy gas every time you run out.
Common Cleaning Problems Pressure Washing Can Solve
Time and the elements can significantly cause damages beyond normal wear and tear. If you want to keep your property clean and looking brand-new, it’s imperative to invest in pressure washing services. Here are just some of the most common problems that pressure washing can address:
Dirt, dust, debris
Loose dirt, dust, and debris are easy to clean with a broom, but stubborn build-up of these pollutants are more difficult to remove. The force of high-pressure water can blast hard dirt, dust, and debris clean off.
Oil and grease
How many hours have you spent trying to remove oil or grease? Pressure washing using hot water (power washing) can effectively and efficiently break down oil and grease, cleaning them from any type of surface.
Mold and mildew
You don’t need to be an expert to know that mold and mildew can have adverse health effects on people. With the help of a pressure washer and a cleaning solution, you can get rid of mold and mildew and make sure they don’t grow back.
Rust stains
Metal surfaces are susceptible to rust, but a pressure washer is an easy fix for this type of staining. Cut through rust stains with high-pressure water and a rust remover.
Algae stains
Gutters and vinyl sidings, in particular, are vulnerable to algae stains due to moisture exposure. Remove these pesky stains and restore your surfaces with pressure washing.
Dirt, dust, debris
Loose dirt, dust, and debris are easy to clean with a broom, but stubborn build-up of these pollutants are more difficult to remove. The force of high-pressure water can blast hard dirt, dust, and debris clean off.
Gum
When gum is left on a surface, it can harden and become difficult to remove. But, the force of a pressure washer can peel it right off and clean the underlying surface, to boot.
Graffiti and paint
Vandalism is a real problem for many commercial (and even residential) properties. Remove unwanted paint with the help of a pressure washer.
Why Go With Pressure Washing?
If you’ve never heard of or seen pressure washing in action, it’s understandable to wonder what makes it so special. Why is it that many experts prefer to go with pressure washing over other cleaning techniques? Here are the benefits of pressure washing:
Saves Time
Cleaning any surface takes a lot of time, particularly if there’s a lot of gunk or staining involved. With a pressure washing machine, though, you can speed up the process and get better results at the same time. There’s no need to clear an entire Saturday just for cleaning — and you won’t wind up feeling tired in the end, too.
Better Results
There’s only so much that soap and a damp cloth can do to clean surfaces. Sure, it may get rid of loose dirt, but stubborn pollutants that have hardened over time take more than sheer elbow grease to remove.
A pressure washer cleans surfaces more effectively than regular cleaning methods due to its use of pressurized water to blast away contaminants. This, coupled with a potent detergent, can quickly and easily eliminate dirt, grime, mold, algae, and other filth.
Cost-Efficient
It’s hard to convince yourself that pressure washing is a good option because of the cost involved. After all, why hire someone else to clean something you can do yourself?
Professional services, though, tend to be cheaper in the long run. There’s no need to buy all the specialized equipment and cleaning products. Plus, inexperienced hands typically end up wasting time and money due to errors.
A professional company such as Charlotte Power Washing can do the job right the first time. We are a fully insured company, and our service packages can fit any type of budget.
Better for the Environment
Instead of using exorbitant amounts of water trying to wash away that stain that just won’t come off, try pressure washing. A pressure washer uses less water because it depends more on pressure (as well as effective cleaning solutions) to strip away any pollutants. If you care about the environment, pressure washing is the way to go.
The Case for Professional Pressure Washing
Aside from the cost factor, hiring a professional company like Charlotte Power Washing has many benefits. When you partner with us, you can expect unparalleled results and an unmatched level of commitment.
Safety First
Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of our customers and workers. Pressurized water is stronger than you think. Before each cleaning job, we ask you to move any furniture and cover all nearby plants with a tarp. Our technicians also make sure to dress in personal protective equipment for every job.
In addition to this, we fill up a Job Hazard Analysis form before each job. Charlotte Power Washing has full insurance coverage as well, so you can rest assured knowing we have proper protection of all kinds.
Inspect for Hazards
Before starting the pressure washing process, our technicians first conduct a comprehensive inspection of the surface. We include any openings or hazards we spot in our report. In doing so, we can eliminate the potential for further damage.
Knowledge of Pressure Level, Tools, and Equipment
Amateur or DIY pressure washers usually lack the expertise required to perform a seamless and damage-free operation. Certain materials call for specific pressure levels. Using too high a pressure level on a more delicate surface can cause damage beyond repair.
For example, you can use 3,000 PSI to pressure wash concrete because it’s tougher and can withstand more force. However, if you use the same pressure level to clean wood, you’ll end up dealing permanent damage. Wood requires a PSI in the 500 to 1,200 range.
In the same way, nozzle type plays a role in how effective or disastrous pressure washing can be. A 0-degree nozzle, for instance, uses a more concentrated force that can easily etch more fragile surfaces.
Charlotte Power Washing technicians are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively pressure wash surfaces without causing damage. We use a wide range of nozzles, too — from 0-degree nozzles to 65-degree nozzles. Whether we’re dealing with concrete, wood, vinyl, stucco, or some other material, we know the best way to clean it.
Effective Detergents
Charlotte Power Washing uses a proprietary mixture that effectively knocks dirt, grime, and other pollutants lose, making it easy to rinse them away. Additionally, our cleaning products are friendly to the environment.
Customizable Work Schedules
We know how hectic your schedule can be, which is why Charlotte Power Washing makes a point to adjust to our clients’ calendars. Depending on how big or small the project is, we can complete it in one go or space it out over the course of a few days. We make sure to work with what you feel most comfortable with.
Pressure Washing Done Right
Charlotte Power Washing offers residential and commercial cleaning services designed to fit your specific needs and budget. With 10 years of experience in the business, our services are sure to make any customer satisfied. To learn more about how we can help you, call us today at (980) 580-5112 or contact us online.
Charlotte Power Washing
We service the Charlotte NC area. This includes Concord, Gastonia, Denver, Mint Hill, Rock HIll SC, Matthews, Indian Trail, Huntersville, and Cornelious. Call us today at (980) 580-5112 for a free quote.
Contact Information
Phone: (980) 580-5112
Email: sales@charlottepowerwashing.com
Address: 205 Regency Executive Park Drive Suite 460, Charlotte, NC 28217
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday : 8AM – 6PM
Saturday – Sunday : Closed