Pressure washing services glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a pressure washing service provider in Myrtle Beach SC.

What are fan tip nozzle sizes?: Fan tip nozzles are interchangeable pressure washer tips color-coded by spray angle and pressure intensity, ranging from 0 degrees (red, most concentrated) to 65 degrees (black, most dispersed).
What are tannin stains?: Tannin stains are brown or rust-colored marks caused by natural tannins leaching from decomposing wood, leaves, and organic matter onto exterior surfaces like siding, decks, and concrete.
What is a chemical injector?: A valve device in a pressure washer that pulls cleaning solution from a reservoir and mixes it into the water stream at a set ratio before discharge.
What is a cold water pressure washer?: A cold water pressure washer pumps unheated water at high pressure (typically 1500-4000 PSI) to remove dirt, mold, and algae from surfaces without thermal energy.
What is a hot water pressure washer?: A hot water pressure washer heats water to 140-180°F and forces it through a nozzle at high PSI to break down and remove grease, oil, and heavy soils.
What is a surface cleaner?: A surface cleaner is a spinning-bar attachment that mounts on a pressure washer to clean large flat surfaces like driveways and concrete patios evenly without leaving streaks or lines.
What is a surfactant?: A surfactant is a chemical compound that reduces surface tension in water, allowing cleaning solutions to coat vertical surfaces and penetrate grime more effectively.
What is a turbo nozzle?: A turbo nozzle is a rotating zero-degree nozzle that spins to deliver concentrated pressure over a wider area, combining the force of a zero-degree stream with broader coverage than a fixed nozzle.
What is a wood brightener?: A wood brightener is a chemical treatment, typically formulated with oxalic acid, applied after pressure washing to restore a deck or fence's natural color and neutral pH.
What is a zero-degree tip?: A zero-degree tip is a pressure washer nozzle that fires water in a straight, concentrated stream without any fan spread, creating the most focused and forceful spray pattern available.
What is an oxalic acid wash?: An oxalic acid wash is a chemical cleaning treatment that uses diluted oxalic acid to remove tannin stains, rust marks, and gray weathering from wood decking and fence surfaces.
What is an X-jet nozzle?: An X-jet is a nozzle attachment that draws and applies soft wash chemicals through the pressure washer stream at distance, eliminating the need for a separate chemical pump.
What is biofilm?: Biofilm is a sticky layer of algae, bacteria, and fungi that forms on moist surfaces and returns rapidly if removed only with high-pressure washing.
What is black streaks (roof algae)?: Black streaks on roof shingles caused by Gloeocapsa magma algae that thrives in humid, shaded conditions and spreads through moisture and airborne spores.
What is chlorinated rubber paint?: Chlorinated rubber paint is a moisture-resistant coating commonly applied to pool decks and concrete surfaces that cures through solvent evaporation and is sensitive to aggressive chemicals and high-pressure cleaning.
What is downstreaming?: Downstreaming is a low-pressure chemical injection method that draws cleaning solution into the intake side of a pressure washer pump, where it mixes with water before being pressurized and discharged.
What is efflorescence?: Efflorescence is a white, powdery mineral deposit that appears on concrete and masonry surfaces when moisture wicks dissolved salts to the surface, where they crystallize and form a chalky coating.
What is GPM (gallons per minute)?: GPM (gallons per minute) is the flow rate measurement that describes how much water a pressure washer pumps and sprays in one minute.
What is oxidation in paint and siding?: Oxidation is a chalky, dull buildup on painted or vinyl surfaces caused by UV rays breaking down the finish, making colors appear faded and weathered.
What is PSI (pounds per square inch)?: PSI (pounds per square inch) is the unit of measurement for water pressure force delivered by a pressure washer, ranging from 1,500-4,000 PSI for residential work to 3,000-4,200+ PSI for commercial applications.
What is rust stain removal (iron out)?: Rust stain removal is a chemical process using chelating agents to bind and lift iron oxide discoloration from concrete and stone surfaces, without damaging the substrate.
What is sodium hypochlorite?: Sodium hypochlorite is a liquid bleach chemical used in soft washing to eliminate algae, mold, and mildew by disinfecting surfaces at low pressure.
What is soft washing?: Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that applies chemical solutions containing surfactants and biocides to kill organic growth like algae, mold, and mildew without using high-force water spray.
What is the difference between sealcoating and sealing?: Sealcoating refers to applying an acrylic-based protective layer to asphalt, while sealing generally means applying any protective product (acrylic, penetrating, or epoxy) to concrete surfaces like driveways and pavers.