Now and then, your roof needs a thorough cleaning. While power washing is the typical option, soft washing is a viable choice. Soft wash can be a good alternative to harsh pressure washing cleaning solutions. Below, we here at Evergreen Window Cleaning & Home Maintenance will talk about the differences between pressure washing and soft washing.
Soft Washing
What Does Soft Washing Do?
Pressure washing uses high pressures in the neighborhood of 1,500-3,000 PSI to scour surfaces and remove grime. Soft washing, in contrast, uses a low-pressure washer in combination with soaps, solutions, and other disinfectants to clean housing structures.
How Does Soft Washing Work?
Instead of relying on high pressure to blast away dirt and grime, soft washing uses a combination of low-pressure power washing and cleaning solutions to clean surfaces. These solutions settle in the layers of dirt, eating them away from the inside. The cleaners then use low-pressure power washers to rinse the surface.
Pros
- Effective. It combines gentle water with cleaning solutions, so it is very effective and yields long-lasting results.
- Gentle. It is much better for delicate structures or surfaces that high-pressure washing can harm. Soft wash roof cleaning is a common option as high-pressure cleaning can be bad for roofs.
- Easy to manage. High-power pressure washers are difficult to operate and can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. It uses low-pressure power washing, making it easier to control and presenting less risk of injury.
- Curbs harmful growth. High-pressure power washing may force water into the siding and soffit of your roof. Trapped water may then breed mold and algae growth.
Cons
- May not remove certain stains. It is great for all kinds of grime, but there are some kinds of stains that only a powerful pressure washer can remove, such as embedded dirt.
- Slower cleaning. Because you are using cleaning chemicals, it may take longer to perform than pressure washing.
Soft Wash Solutions
Soft washing uses several chemicals and solutions to clean surfaces:
- Bleach. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill most types of bacterial growth and mold.
- Surfactants. Surfactants reduce the surface tension of liquids so they can spread and penetrate grime on the surface.
- Neutralizers. Cleaners use neutralizers to prevent runoff from the cleaning chemicals harming plants and other materials. Neutralizers also create a protective coating, fortifying your walls and roof against further buildup.
- Odor removers. Lastly, soft washing solutions include odor removers.
Feel free to contact Evergreen Window Cleaning & Home Maintenance if you have any questions about the soft wash solutions we use.
The Difference Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing
The main difference between pressure washing and soft washing is the pressures involved. Pressure washing uses high-pressure water streams to blast away dirt and grime. Soft washing systems use a low-pressure power washer and cleaning solutions to clean surfaces.
Both pressure washing and soft washing use similar equipment but to different effects. The main benefit of soft washing over pressure washing is that it is much less likely to damage your roofing tiles or siding.
Signs Your House Needs to Be Washed
Here are some common signs that you need to power wash your home:
- Discolored roof and walls
- Grimy siding
- Stained walkways and driveway
- Stained deck
- Dust and cobwebs in corners
- Higher energy bill than average
A dirty house is more than an annoyance. It can increase your energy costs along with the risk of flooding and water damage. If your house is looking a little worse for the wear, consider calling a professional home cleaning company.
Choosing the Right Soft Washing Service For You
Keep the following tips in mind when looking for a soft washing company:
- Get a guarantee. If you can, get a service guarantee in writing. That way, you will be covered for any defects or problems.
- Ask about insurance. All home contractors and cleaning companies should have insurance. If a company does not at least carry liability insurance, look elsewhere.
- Look at reviews. Reviews can give you a picture of a company’s services in a way official descriptions can’t. Look at reviews for info on the quality of services, professionalism of the crew, etc.
Homes stand up to daily wear and tear and the elements. Mold, mildew, moss, and rust can discolor the siding, reduce indoor air quality, and even cause moisture damage. While you might think you can use a high-pressure power washer to clean your home’s exterior, that isn’t exactly true. Learn the difference between soft and pressure washing to know how to effectively clean your home.
How Do You Use a Pressure Washer to Soft-Wash a House?
Professional power washers have trained for years to operate pressure washers properly. Experts place special nozzles on the pressure washer to clean homes’ exteriors, using low water pressure to achieve optimal soft-washing capabilities.
Industrial-grade high-pressure washers use over 40 gallons of water a minute at an astounding 1,000 PSI, while soft-washing techniques use around 10 gallons of water per minute at 400 PSI.
Trained experts begin by soaking the surface in an environmentally friendly cleaning solution.
Professionals then attach a 0°, 15°, 25°, or 40° nozzle to the pressure washing machine. Low-degree nozzles allow pressure-washing experts to clean surfaces without damaging your property. Experts gently wash away cleaning solutions and leave your surfaces clean and damage-free.
Which Is Better for Your Home: Pressure Washing or Soft Washing?
Take caution before renting a power washer and attempting to clean your home. Pressure washing experts undergo extensive safety training and education to safely and effectively clean surfaces. Pressure washing companies hold business licenses and insurance to protect their employees from injuries and homeowner’s property from damage.
Soft-washing techniques work best for cleaning your home’s siding and roof. Pressure washers with soft-washing nozzles risk damaging siding, cracking roof tiles, and breaking glass windows. Soft-washing services, on the other hand, are entirely safe for all exterior home surfaces.
The many benefits of soft-washing your home include the following:
- Removal of mold, mildew, and moss
- Lower water usage
- Removal of pest infestations
- Window cleaning capabilities
- Protects siding and roof tiles
- Improves indoor air quality
Soft-washing techniques have been widely used for home cleaning projects since the 1990s. Many pressure-washing companies offer 100% Satisfaction Guarantees, gutter cleaning services, and comprehensive house inspections to help homeowners identify mold growth and pest infestations. Soft washing thoroughly cleans window screens, outdoor furniture, glass surfaces, asphalt shingles, vinyl tiles, and more.
Ask your local pressure-washing experts about soft washing vs pressure-washing services for your home. Give your home the love and care it deserves by considering soft washing for your home the next time spring cleaning rolls around.
Can Power and Soft Washing Be Used Together?
You can use power and soft washing services together. Pressure washing companies use soft washing techniques for fragile surfaces and high-pressure power washing to remove stubborn stains, rust stains, and graffiti marks.
Some surfaces, like softwoods and vinyl tiles, benefit from soft washing, while some stains on driveways or patios require pressure washing. Power washing companies may utilize both pressure washing techniques for your cleaning projects.
The following surfaces require high-pressure power-washing services:
- Brick
- Concrete
- Metal
- Hardwood
- Aluminum
Avoid using high-pressure power washers on painted surfaces, cars, windows, and softwood surfaces. Highly pressurized water may strip paint off surfaces, ruin the finish of wooden surfaces, and tear apart delicate siding. Also, avoid using hot water during pressure washing services to reduce costs and protect your home’s exterior.
How Pressure Washing and Soft Washing Work
The constant flow of pressurized water and special nozzles to control water pressure easily remove dirt and debris from homes. Advanced cleaning solutions consisting of oxalic acid and ammonia loosen dirt buildup before pressure washers remove the remaining debris.
Pressure cleaning services typically start with the technician inspecting your property for signs of mold growth, damage, and mildew. Then, they start at your roof and clean the shingles, gutters, and siding. Ladders and safety harnesses protect pressure washing employees when working on roofs.
Most pressure-washing projects require only one day of work. Talk to your local pressure washing experts about areas of your home that would benefit from pressure and soft washing services. Regular pressure washing of your home’s exterior increases curb appeal, prevents pest infestations, and leaves your house cleaner than ever.
Your Professional House Washing Services Company!
Whether you lack the time or effort to clean your house yourself or want a pro soft washing, Evergreen Window Cleaning & Home Maintenance can help. We have been serving the Seattle area for over 25 years and are committed to excellence in all that we do.
Contact us today and schedule an appointment today to learn more about soft washing vs pressure washing.
