The terms power washing and pressure washing are used interchangeably in most conversations — and most contractors use them interchangeably too. There is a technical distinction, and it matters for certain Boston applications.
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water at ambient temperature. Power washing uses high-pressure water that's been heated — typically to 150–200°F. The heat in power washing provides additional cleaning power for grease, oils, and organic material that cold water pressure alone can't fully remove. Industrial power washers are common in commercial kitchen cleaning, fleet washing, and graffiti removal applications where heated water significantly improves results. In most residential applications in Boston, the distinction is rarely relevant. PWNA pressure washing industry standards →
Hot water pressure washing produces meaningfully better results for: heavy grease on concrete (gas station pads, garage floors, cooking grease on commercial kitchen concrete), oil stains on driveways where cold water alone can't break the hydrocarbon bond, and heavily soiled commercial surfaces with organic buildup. For Boston residential applications — house washing, deck cleaning, driveway cleaning — the combination of appropriate cleaning chemistry and cold water pressure produces excellent results without the cost premium of heated equipment. EPA safer choice cleaning products →
Whether the water is hot or cold, the most important variables in exterior cleaning results are: the correct PSI for the surface (too high damages surfaces, too low doesn't clean effectively), the correct nozzle for the application (0-degree nozzles are for stripping paint, not for washing houses), appropriate cleaning chemistry for the contamination type (mildewcide for biological growth, degreaser for oils, oxalic acid for tannin and rust stains), and sufficient dwell time for the chemistry to work before rinsing. Getting these variables right produces excellent results with cold water equipment. This Old House exterior cleaning →
We use professional-grade cold water pressure washing equipment for residential applications and adjust technique — PSI, nozzle selection, cleaning chemistry, dwell time — for each surface type. For Boston house washing, we use soft wash technique with appropriate biodegradable cleaners on all siding. For concrete and hardscape, higher pressure with appropriate surface cleaner attachments. For decks, medium pressure with wood-specific cleaners before staining. The goal is the cleanest possible surface with the least risk of damage — which is achieved through technique and chemistry, not just raw pressure. TWP wood cleaning products →
Need Power Washing in Boston?
AURA Painting Inc serves all Boston neighborhoods. Licensed MA #193121, fully insured, 2-year warranty. Free estimates — most jobs scheduled within the week.
Call (617) 777-7700 ← Back to Power Washing