Power washing is the new obsession for people. And not just as a way to de-stress by watching others do it. More and more people either are trying to do it themselves or hiring professionals to have their driveways, patios, or roofs power washed. GlobeNewswire predicts that the global pressure washing sector will rise over 4% by 2026.

But wait – pressure washing? Is that the same as power washing? Well, yes and no. For us viewers who want some satisfying before-and-after pics, the result after both pretty much will always be the same. The difference lies in the water temperature that the machine uses. A power washer uses heated water, while a pressure washer uses cold water.

So, which one's better – pressure washing or power washing? Depends on what you're cleaning. Power washers are best for jobs to clean difficult-to-remove stains like grease, mold, mildew, dirt, and grime. They're ideal for commercial jobs where there's a bigger area to clean. Since the water pressure is higher in a power washer, it can damage some surfaces, so it's best for cement or concrete.

Pressure washers are better for home use. People can clean their cars, decks, and even bikes with a pressure washing machine. They have more settings, so there's less risk of damaging a surface. The experts at Advantage Pro Services recommend using pressure washers for removing surface dirt, moss, algae, and mold from patios, walls, driveways, and windows.

Many people turn to power washing because professional cleaners claim it's environmentally friendly. Since it's quick and gets the job done in less time than other washing practices, it saves water. When done with biodegradable solvents or water only, it's also a great alternative to traditional cleaning methods.

However, others caution that when done recklessly, it can have quite the opposite side effects for the environment. Lead paint chips or contaminants from vinyl siding can get blown into the garden soil or playgrounds. And, when you're cleaning mildew, algae, and mold, it releases spores into the air, which can be a health risk for people with allergies or asthma.

Robert Weitz, a principal with the environmental testing firm RTK Environmental Group, says that pressure washing can lead to disasters when people don't know what they're doing. "It's important to know what you're cleaning and whether or not there is mold, lead, or other dangerous substances on the building's exterior," he warns.

Still, whether you're doing it yourself or just watching through a screen how someone else does it, power washing is deeply satisfying. There's something therapeutic about the repetitive motion, but more so, it's about seeing how someone is removing all the dirt and grime: it's relieving.

It's the psychology behind why all kinds of cleaning videos are so satisfying to watch. Some scientists say we use it to regulate our emotions: it gives us a sense of control. "If people might want to experience something vicariously like control, then it could be possible through something like cleaning videos," says Giulia Lara Poerio, a psychologist at the University of Essex in England.

We might turn to satisfying content featuring other people cleaning because we feel overwhelmed in some aspects of our lives. Such pictures and videos are especially appealing to people who struggle with depression. "[It's] aspirational because we're getting visual access to an inner healing that is beginning to take place, which is inspiring," therapist Caroline Given, LCSW, says.

You no longer need to buy or rent a pressure washer to have a go at power washing: there's a video game where you can never run out of things to clean! The PowerWash Simulator, released in 2022, is a favorite for those who are seeking a calming catharsis. Matt James claims that it's like "watching low-stakes golf on TV." "You don't 'just wash things' in PowerWash Simulator. You defy time and age, and you make everything around you better," James writes.