🔥 1. Uses Heat, Not Just Force
- Steam cleaning heats water to producing hot vapor that breaks down grease, oil, mold, and grime.
- Pressure washing relies mostly on high water pressure — often 1,500–4,000 PSI — to blast dirt away.
- Heat from steam loosens contaminants at a molecular level, making it more effective on oily or greasy surfaces.
🌿 2. Kills Germs, Mold, and Bacteria
- Steam naturally sanitizes surfaces — it kills up to 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores without chemicals.
- Pressure washing only removes visible debris; it doesn’t disinfect or kill microorganisms.
🧼 3. Gentler on Surfaces
- Steam cleaning uses lower pressure (usually under 150 PSI), making it safe for delicate materials like wood, paint, siding, and grout.
- Pressure washing can damage softer surfaces — stripping paint, etching concrete, or forcing water behind siding.
💧 4. Uses Less Water
- Steam cleaning typically uses 80–90% less water than pressure washing.
- This makes it more environmentally friendly and ideal for areas with water restrictions.
🧽 5. Better for Stain and Grease Removal
- Steam cuts through oil, gum, graffiti, and food residue more effectively than cold or warm water under pressure.
- That’s why it’s preferred for kitchens, industrial equipment, and vehicles.
⚙️ When Pressure Washing Might Be Better
- For large outdoor surfaces (like driveways or decks) covered in mud or loose dirt, pressure washing is faster and more economical.
- Steam cleaning is slower and may not be practical for very large areas.
✅ In short:
- Steam cleaning = deep, sanitary, eco-friendly cleaning (great for grease, mold, and sensitive surfaces).
- Pressure washing = fast, high-volume cleaning for big outdoor jobs.
Why Seal your walkways and Patios
🧱 1. Protection from Moisture and Freeze-Thaw Damage
- Concrete is porous — it absorbs water.
- When water seeps in and freezes, it expands, causing cracking, scaling, and spalling.
- A sealer repels water and reduces this damage, especially in freeze-thaw climates.
☀️ 2. Resistance to Stains and Chemicals
- Sealing helps prevent staining from oil, de-icers, salt, and organic matter (like leaves).
- It also protects against damage from fertilizers and other household chemicals.
💪 3. Increased Durability
- Sealers reduce surface wear from foot traffic and abrasion.
- This means fewer repairs and a longer service life for your walkway.
🎨 4. Enhanced Appearance
- Sealers can deepen the color of decorative concrete or exposed aggregate.