Because of the amount of power behind the process, an inexperienced user can unintentionally cause a great deal of damage. In professional hands, however, power washing is an efficient, effective cleaning alternative, often saving money over more labor-intensive methods. Power or high pressure cleaning is a directed blast of internally heated water, often discharged at five gallons per minute, under up to 3,000 pounds per square inch of pressure.

For specific cleaning and stain removals, certain chemicals or solvents are added. For specific or environmentally safe cleaning needs, there are several other blasting methods: With soda blasting, there are the advantages of being environmentally safe, and no pre-masking is required. It cleans multi-layered surfaces, as well as being non-corrosive and it is safe around food equipment.

Sand blasting is intended for jobs that require some stripping and abrasion.

Dry ice blasting shoots dense dry ice pellets that turn to a harmless gaseous substance on impact. This option leaves an instantly dry surface, and it is also safe around food equipment.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com