Cleaning the outer part of your home is not just for aesthetics but also to protect your property. Stains, soot, mildew, and mold not only make your house look ugly. However, they also damage the siding, roof, and other parts of the house. This is where exterior cleaning methods such as pressure washing, and soft washing come in. But what distinguishes these two techniques?
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a cleaning process characterized by the application of cleaning solutions on the outer surfaces of a structure using low pressure. Pressure washing uses water with high pressure to wash, while soft washing uses chemicals that dissolve and wash away bacteria, mold, mildew, algae, and other dirt.
How Does Soft Washing Work?
Soft washing is a process of washing that is mild on the exterior of the items being washed but very efficient in the removal of dirt and other materials. The soft washing process typically involves these steps:
- Pre-wetting: I rinse the surface with clean water to emulsify the dirt and other materials on it.
- Solution Application: A cleaning solution which is prepared separately is then sprayed on the surface at a very low pressure. This solution may include bleach, algaecides and other cleaning agents depending on the nature of the problem to be solved.
- Dwelling Time: The solution is allowed to stay on the surface for a particular time to dissolve the dirt.
- Rinsing: I rinse the surface with clean water to remove the cleaning solution and the loosened dirt and debris.
The Benefits of Soft Washing
Soft washing offers several advantages over pressure washing, especially for delicate surfaces:
- Gentler Cleaning: The low-pressure approach minimizes the risks of damaging the siding, roofing, gutters, and other parts of the house exterior.
- More Effective Cleaning: Soft washing uses cleaning solutions specifically chosen to eliminate organic growth that pressure washing cannot manage.
- Long-lasting Results: Soft washing is also more effective than pressure washing because it eliminates mold, mildew, and algae spores at their root.
- Safer for Plants: Low-pressure application is safer for the surrounding plants and other features than forceful pressure washing.
Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing
Although soft washing is a very effective cleaning technique, pressure washing is more effective in some circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of when to use each technique:
Use Soft Washing for:
- Roofs (asphalt shingle, wood shake, and metal roofs)
- Siding (Vinyl, wood, stucco, fiber cement)
- Decks and patios
- Driveways and walkways
- Fences
Use Pressure Washing for:
- Pavement areas (driveway, walkways, patio)
- Paver stones
- Brick walls
- Graffiti removal
- Build up of thick layers of dirt and grease
Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal Today!
Pressure washing is a fast and effective way to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew from your home’s exterior surfaces. Curb Appeal Pressure Wash LLC offers various pressure washing services, including roof cleaning, driveway cleaning, and siding cleaning. They also use eco-friendly cleaning solutions to protect your home and the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Schedule your free quote today!
