Skip to main content

Which pressure washer is right for the job–hot water or cold water?

What is best for the work I need done? Trying to fight off dirt and grime or do you have to battle oil and grease? Here are a few things to consider:

Cold Water Pressure Washers

Cold water pressure washers are ideal for cleaning dirt and grime off surfaces. From concrete driveways to metal vehicles, you can clean several surfaces with a cold-water pressure washer in hand.

The pressurized water the machine produces is often enough to break up any dirt on a surface. You can add detergent to the mix to wash surfaces more effectively.

If you need to clean surfaces coated with dirt and mud, a cold-water wash is perfect for rinsing away that grime. Cold-water pressure washing can spray away soil without the extra expense of hot water washing.

In addition, cold water is preferred for some surfaces like wood or plastics that may warp under high temperatures. Likewise, cold water is one of the best ways to power wash decks, siding and even cars and boats.

The only weakness of a cold-water pressure washer is its inability to clean oil and grease as effectively as a hot water model.

Hot Water Pressure Washers

Have you ever tried to clean oil and grease off a pan in your kitchen with cold water? You probably did not have much luck. It is the same with pressure washing.

Hot water pressure washers can remove oil and grease from surfaces just as easily as a cold-water pressure washer can break up dirt. It breaks down the bonds that exist on a molecular level in oil and grease and can rid surfaces of bacteria, algae, and other things more effectively due to the heat they distribute.

Hot water pressure washers, which are often larger than their cold-water counterparts, also utilize pressurized water to clean surfaces, but they can create water heated up to as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes hot water pressure washers more effective when cleaning oil, grease, and more off various surfaces.

Hot water offers extra cleaning power when you need it most. These washers are also generally a better option in cold-weather climates where water lines have the potential to freeze. Some hot water washers can also meet sanitation requirements for food processing, making them a viable option for certain food service applications.

Which Option Would Be Best for You?

At ABC Power Washing & Coating Inc, we offer both hot and cold-water pressure washers. Contact us today to learn about any of the pressure washers in our inventory and to receive a free quote!