Pressure washing involves high-pressure, powered water spraying combined with designated cleaning compounds to clean such surfaces as driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, walkways, and structural sidings that cannot be cleaned as thoroughly by conventional un-powered means.

A special pump creates a forced-water flow through a nozzle that is believed to be strong enough to clean even the most stubborn debris or residues from hard surfaces such as concrete, tar, asphalt, or even marble. Pressure washing is now the most common cleaning technique for many homes or driveways and for many businesses’ drive-thru lanes, parking strips, and walkways.

But pressure washing is also considered an ideal technique for removing old paint or whitewash from homes or business structures, the high pressure involved able to remove old, worn paint from walls or doors without damaging their surfaces. It is also considered a good technique for cleaning numerous kinds of building sidings such as aluminum, vinyl, or brickface. It can also be effective for removing mold from the most stubborn gathering places.

Basically, pressure washing involves a balance between the water pressure, the flow rate, the cleaning solution you choose, and the temperature. Depending on the kind of dirt you need to clean and the kind of surface to which it clings, you will need to know whether to use cold or warm water, but it is also useful to remember that detergents or most cleaning compounds will be more effective in warmer pressures—especially if you want to clean stubborn grease and oils from a concrete, asphalt, or blacktop surface. Pressure washers are also useful for cleaning wood structures such as patio or pool decks, unless these decks have fatigued finishes.

These machines range from small portable models that are easily stored and operated to larger, usually wheel-mounted machines, both with hose lengths ranging from ten to fifty feet. A homeowner may find a smaller portable machine is all that is necessary, while a business owner may well opt for a larger machine no matter what the storage requirement. Pricing tends to range anywhere from, on average, $89 to $500, and accessories such as extra hoses, special cleaning compounds, variable-sized spray wands or nozzles, and assorted miscellaneous attachments can be found for reasonable prices. If your budget does not allow for purchasing your own pressure washing system, you may consider renting one from your local rental store or hiring a pressure washing business to perform your washing needs.