In fact, they fall into one of two very distinct categories: hot water or cold water. Because both hot and cold water pressure washers have models with the same (1) flow rate, (2) pressure and (3) capability of cleaning indoors or outdoors, it begs the question: why do you need a hot water pressure washer when everything else is the same?

 

If you’re cleaning engines, automotive parts, or anything with oil or grease, you’ll need hot water. Like the dishes in your sink, hot water “melts” grease and grime; cold water only pushes it around. On the other hand, if you’re simply blasting away sand, caked-on mud, or even stripping paint, a cold-water pressure washer will work just fine. Combined with detergent, a cold-water pressure washer can be very effective in many applications.

 

The rule of thumb is simple: whatever cold water cleans, hot water will clean better, faster.