Soft Washing Or Pressure Washing: Which Is The Right Choice?

Keeping a house beautiful and clean is every homeowner’s responsibility. As much as we keep home interiors clean, the home exterior also needs maintenance. It gives pride and satisfaction to see your home stand out over the other because of its cleanliness and exuding curb appeal. Also, regular cleaning prevents bigger damage that will lead to high-cost repairs in the future. It also increases your property’s value if you are planning to resell.

Although you can do some cleaning manually, bigger cleaning jobs require the use of pressure washers. Pressure washers can make the job easier and provides satisfying results. This also requires lesser physical effort and shorter cleaning time.

When we talk about pressure washing, soft washing also comes to mind. How do these terms or cleaning methods differ from one another? Where can we use pressure washing? When is soft washing more applicable? Is it okay to use both on any surface?

To start with, pressure washing and soft washing is a job for experts and professionals. Although pressure washers are available in different types and sizes and you can purchase or rent them easily, it is not a do-it-yourself kit that you can use on your own.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing is a common and effective technique use in residential and commercial exterior cleaning. Using a high-powered and heavy-duty machine, a stream of water is forcefully aimed at target areas to break down and wash off dirt and stains.

There are times that pressure washing and power washing are used interchangeably. Although both use high pressure in cleaning, power washing uses heated water to clean the surfaces for better results. In pressure washing, the pressure of the water is usually enough to do the cleaning job.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing also used the same washer used in pressure washing. The only difference is that the pressure per square inch or PSI is lowered to less than 500 PSI. This makes cleaning safer on delicate surfaces to avoid damages. Also, the nozzle is replaced with one that widens the spray that further lessens the pressure level. With soft washing, environment-friendly cleaning solutions are also used to remove molds, dirt, and grime.

To sum it up, hard or sturdy exterior surfaces are cleaned by pressure washing while delicate surfaces can be cleaned by soft washing.

Pressure Washing Or Soft Washing?

Nobody wants to find damaged surfaces after cleaning. That is why we need to understand what type of washing method are we going to do apply with the different outdoor surfaces. Always remember that the cleaning process varies depending on the part of the house and the type of materials that needs cleaning.

Siding

House siding is a very visible part of a building facade that is why it needs a thorough cleaning. Before cleaning, check the siding. What is it made of? Different types of siding need different cleaning. Vinyl is one of the most commonly used siding materials. This is soft and fragile. As an exterior coating, stucco is rough or textured, making it prone to dirt accumulation. Cedar shakes and wood panels can be delicate. These types of surfaces may not withstand the strong force of pressure washing. To avoid damage, the low pressure in the soft washing technique is used to clean these surfaces. With the help of a mild cleaning solution, you can completely eliminate dirt, stains, molds, and mildew on these surfaces.

Roof

The roof covers and shields the entire household from different harmful elements. It can take a lot of beating from strong winds, heavy rains, and snowstorms. But it does not mean that it can take the powerful force of pressure washing. The strong intensity of water can damage roof shingles that loosen them. This can lead to leaks that can cause more problems like decay and the formation of molds and algae. Aside from the damage to the roof itself, it can also ruin your home’s interior. Plan a regular roof cleaning schedule to avoid these problems.

Driveways And Walkways

These parts of the home exterior should greet guests with a warm welcome. These areas are prone to dirt, impact, weight, and other natural elements. Dirt and stains in the driveway can be removed using homemade cleaning solutions but we suggest pressure washing as it can get the job done with ease and in no time. Most driveways and walkways are made of concrete. Therefore, it is durable enough to withstand pressure washing eradicating spills, grime, molds, and more.

However, if the surface is made of brick and tile, high pressure can damage it along with its adhesive knocking the surface off.

Decks

A deck is a favorite place for a barbecue party and other gatherings with friends and family. It can also be a spot to relax while you read a book, play with the kids, or even take afternoon naps. But dirty decks can be a health hazard to humans as accumulated dirt can cause allergies and irritation. Also, algae, mold, and moss on its surface can cause the surface to become slippery that can lead to slip and fall.

Cleaning the deck depends on its surface material. Concrete decks are durable and can be clean with ease using a pressure washer. However, a deck that is made of wood should be given a proper soft wash so as not to damage it. Use an eco-friendly cleaning solution and rinse it off with a soft wash for a blemish-free and germ-free finish.

Why Do You Need Professionals For Pressure Washing And Soft Washing?

If you are in need of professional pressure washing services in West Linn Oregon, you can contact HydroCleaning NW LLC and avail of our services.

Our team of experts understands each exterior surface and applies the proper cleaning technique that it needs. We do not use harsh chemicals in our cleaning solutions so we can guarantee your property’s safety and care as we do the cleaning process.

Feel free to contact us for inquiries and consultation.