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What Is Pressure Washing and When Do You Need It?

Pressure washing uses a high-pressure stream of water to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, loose paint and other contaminants from surfaces. Pressure is measured in PSI and delivered through a specialised nozzle at high velocity, cleaning surfaces that would be difficult or impossible to clean by hand. It can be done with cold or hot water, and often uses cleaning chemicals for better results.

What is pressure washing?

Pressure washing is the process of using a high-pressure stream of water to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, loose paint and other contaminants from surfaces. The equipment generates water pressure measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch, and delivers it through a specialised nozzle at high velocity.

It can be performed with cold water or hot water depending on the application, and may incorporate cleaning chemicals for enhanced results. Ameritech has manufactured and supplied professional-grade pressure washing equipment since 1988. Whether you are maintaining a home or running a commercial cleaning operation, pressure washing is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to restore surfaces to like-new condition.

When do you need pressure washing?

Homeowners typically need pressure washing when exterior surfaces show visible buildup of algae, mold, mildew or general grime. Common triggers are preparing a home for sale, seasonal cleaning in spring or fall, and restoring a driveway or patio after winter.

Commercial properties usually require pressure washing on a regular schedule to maintain curb appeal, meet health and safety standards, and protect surfaces from the long-term damage that contaminant buildup causes.

The most common situations that call for pressure washing are:

Who is pressure washing equipment for?

Pressure washing serves two distinct audiences, and the equipment that suits one is usually wrong for the other.

HomeownerCommercial operator
Typical PSI2,000 to 3,0003,000 and above
GPMLowerHigher, 4 to 10+
Machine typeElectric or smaller gasCommercial gas, belt-driven pump
Use patternOccasionalHours at a time, daily
Typical workDriveways, siding, decks, fences, furnitureBuildings, fleets, lots, industrial sites

Commercial users include professional pressure washing contractors, property managers, restaurant operators and fleet maintenance teams. They need durable, reliable systems capable of running for hours at a time across a range of surfaces. Ameritech specialises in equipping commercial operators with the machines, trailers and chemicals they need to run profitable cleaning businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pressure washing?

Pressure washing uses a high-pressure stream of water, measured in PSI, delivered through a specialised nozzle to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, loose paint and other contaminants from surfaces. It can be done with cold or hot water and often uses cleaning chemicals for better results.

How often should a house be pressure washed?

Most homes benefit from seasonal cleaning in spring or fall, or whenever exterior surfaces show visible algae, mold, mildew or pollen buildup. Homes are also commonly pressure washed before being put up for sale and after winter weather.

What PSI does a homeowner need?

Homeowners generally need 2,000 to 3,000 PSI for routine cleaning of driveways, siding, decks, fences and outdoor furniture. Electric or smaller gas-powered units are designed for this occasional use.

What PSI do commercial contractors need?

Commercial operators need 3,000 PSI or above with higher GPM output, using commercial-grade machines with belt-driven pumps that can run for hours at a time.

Can pressure washing damage a surface?

Yes. Too much pressure on softwood, vinyl siding or roofing will cause damage. Roofs in particular should never be high-pressure washed; they require a low-pressure soft wash approach.

Not sure where to start?

Tell our Tampa team what you need to clean and how often, and we will point you at the right equipment.

Talk to the Tampa Team