A pressure washer uses high-pressure jets of room temperature water to clean surfaces. A power washer or power cleaner, on the other hand, uses high-pressure jets of steaming hot water. The hot water helps tackle more tough-to-clean substrates and bacteria that cold or lukewarm water can't clear on its own.

Pressure washers that range from 2,000 to 3,000 PSI are generally suitable for most industrial cleaning tasks. This range strikes a good balance between power and precision, allowing you to tackle various challenges without causing unnecessary wear and tear.

On average, a professional will take between 1 and 3 hours to pressure wash 1,000 square feet of driveway space. A heavily soiled surface will take closer to the maximum end of this time range, while a lightly soiled driveway can be cleaned much faster.

Choosing a Pressure Washer Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi). Determine whether you will rent or buy your machine.