Ever heard of power washing? It’s an excellent way to clean exterior surfaces quickly, so it’s no surprise that it’s the go-to option for many. But what if you could keep the same level of cleaning power while also protecting the surface you’re cleaning? This is where soft washing comes in.
This article will explain what power washing and soft washing are and how to determine which is best for your specific needs. Read on to learn more about both techniques and decide which is best for you.
What Is Power Washing?
Power washing is a high-pressure cleaning technique that blasts dirt, grime, and mildew away with pressurized water. The pressurized water removes accumulated dirt over time and can operate at up to 3,000 PSI (pounds per square inch).
It can remove even the most stubborn concrete, brick, or wood stains. Because it’s so strong, it can also remove layers of paint or sealer if misused. That is why it is critical to find a skilled power washer operator. Power washing is also good for the environment because it only uses water!
Where can I use power washing?
Power washing is commonly used outdoors and on hard, non-porous surfaces (like concrete and asphalt). It’s excellent for removing tough dirt, grime, mold, and mildew from outdoor surfaces like decks, patios, driveways, and sidewalks.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a gentler cleaning method that uses low-pressure water and special detergents to clean surfaces. It’s also ideal for areas where power washing pressure could harm trees, paving stones, or other landscaping features. A soft wash is also gentler on your surface because it will not erode sections of siding or wear away fading paint like a power washer would.
The method removes dirt, grime, moss, and mildew from various surfaces using low-pressure water, specialized detergents, and cleaners. Soft wash detergents are designed to be safe for any surface you clean and will not destroy or damage it.
Where can I use soft washing?
Soft washing is the best choice for incredibly delicate surfaces, like the exterior of your home, where a hard wash might damage the paint, siding, or other sensitive areas. You can use soft washing to clean your roof, driveway, porch, or deck. Soft washing is also ideal for any delicate surface that’s susceptible to water damage, including vinyl siding and wood.
The Difference Between Power Washing and Soft Washing
Let us now examine the distinction between power washing and soft washing. Both methods involve using a high-pressure spray nozzle to clean surfaces, but the pressure levels used in each process are noticeably different.
Power washing uses high pressure to remove dirt, grime, and stains. This works best on outdoor surfaces such as siding or driveways, where it can effectively remove stubborn dirt and moss. However, use this method cautiously. Too much power can damage certain surfaces, such as wood decks or siding, so consult a professional before power washing on a sensitive surface.
Soft washing is gentler than power washing because it uses a lower-pressure spray and specially formulated cleaning agents to break down tough stains. This method is preferable for more delicate surfaces such as window frames or brick walls because it does not cause any damage. It is also more effective for mold and mildew removal than power washing because it uses cleaning agents that dissolve the mold spores rather than simply blasting them away.
In conclusion, power and soft washing are used depending on the surface you’re working on. When deciding between the two, consult a professional to ensure you get the best results while avoiding damage to your property.
Choosing Between Power Washing and Soft Washing
So how do you choose between power washing and soft washing?
Both power and soft washing can be effective cleaning methods. The key is understanding the distinctions between them to use the appropriate one for any given task.
Power Washing
Power washing blasts dirt and debris from surfaces like decks, patios, and walkways with a high-pressure stream of water. It’s an excellent choice for removing tough stains, mold, and moss from your property. However, it should be used cautiously because the high-pressure stream of water can damage or even destroy some materials if not done correctly.
Soft Washing
Soft washing is an eco-friendly alternative to power washing that uses low-pressure water and special biodegradable cleaning agents to clean surfaces without putting too much strain on them. It’s an excellent option for more delicate materials like stucco or terracotta roof tiles because it won’t damage them as power washing would.
When deciding between power washing and soft washing:
- Consider the material that requires cleaning
- Consider how easily it can be damaged
- Choose the best one for the job at hand
Conclusion
Both power and soft washing have benefits and can be excellent options in various situations. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to the task. Power washing is better suited for tougher jobs, such as removing built-up dirt and grime from heavy equipment, whereas soft washing is better suited for surfaces that cannot handle power washing and require more gentle cleaning.
Regardless of what you choose, the most important thing is to hire an experienced professional. This ensures that the job is done correctly and reduces the risk of property damage. You’ll get the desired results without any unpleasant surprises if you use the proper power washing or soft washing service!
Here at Wet & Wild Pressure Washing, we offer a wide range of pressure washing services designed to fit your specific needs. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or ongoing maintenance, we can create a custom plan that fits your budget and schedule.
Contact us at 678-883-1113 or request a schedule and get a Free Quote.