Soft washing vs. pressure washing… they both get the job done so why does it matter which one you choose? When it comes to cleaning the exterior of your home or business, there are actually quite a few things you’ll want to consider in this debate. What is the siding of the building made out of? Are you working with concrete, brick, wood, vinyl, or something different? Also, are you just doing a routine cleanup or are you attempting to attack mold, algae, moss, and other grime? Technically, you could get your exterior clean with both techniques. But when is soft washing more efficient than blasting your siding with a pressure washer? In this blog, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of soft washing and pressure washing so that you can protect your home and save yourself some time, and money, in the long run.
Defining Each Technique
Before we dive into the differences, pros, and cons of each cleaning technique, let’s first learn the basics. What is pressure washing and what is soft washing?
Pressure Washing
When you pressure wash something, you are using a high-pressure water sprayer to remove dirt, dust, paint, mold, and other grime from various, usually outdoor surfaces. Other than to clean an area or building, pressure washing can also be used to reduce allergies and minimize hazards. Hot or cold water can be used. The ‘pressure’ is commonly expressed in pounds per square inch, or PSI. The higher the number of the PSI, the more pressure is being used. In simpler terms, the water is coming out of the spray nozzle very fast.
Soft Washing
Soft washing is the same idea as pressure washing, just doesn’t use nearly as much pressure. Hence the name! Typically, when soft washing, you will have to use a cleaning solution or biodegradable chemical if removing thick, caked on elements such as moss, algae, or mold. This gentle technique is common for more fragile areas of your building’s exterior, such as the roof, deck, fence, and more.
When to Pressure Wash
The PSI when pressure washing typically ranges from 1,300 to 3,100. With that much pressure, you can remove pretty much any stain. Think of all that mold around your windows, the oil stains in your driveway, and the grass and dirt grime on your siding, and more. Again, with that much pressure, think of how fast you can get this done! But first, stop for a second. This is where you have to be careful.
Remember earlier when we questioned what you were working with? Concrete, brick, wood, vinyl, or something different? If you’re working with a more delicate surface, such as vinyl, roof shingles, stucco, brick, or tile, you should probably put the pressure washer down. The high pressure can cause damage such as paint chips, cracking or chipping in material, and more. It’s common to stick to concrete when pressure washing!
Safety Side Note
Pressure washing can be hard to do by yourself, especially if you’re a beginner! When completing home projects of this degree, remember to suit up with the proper gear to protect yourself. Goggles, ear protection, long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and boots should do the trick. And remember, when in doubt, give the Sunshine Boys a call!
When to Soft Wash
With less water pressure used, soft washing may seem like it’s dragging out the exterior cleaning process. While it may take longer, the results will prove the experience was worthwhile! You can also feel better about soft washing because it is (1) environmentally friendly, (2) less likely to cause damage to your home or business, and (3) unlikely to cause you any harm while doing it!
So, you don’t have to worry as much about paint chipping or cracking your siding. Although, you may have to soft wash the area that you are attempting to clean a few times in order to get it as clean as you want it. Soft washing also commonly incorporates some type of cleaning solution that is tough enough to remove grime, but at the same time is safe for your home and any greenery nearby.
Affordable Exterior Cleaning Solutions in the CSRA
As explained above, there isn’t one technique you should necessarily avoid more than the other when it comes to soft washing vs pressure washing. Rather, you should be open to using both techniques in their respective ways to bring your home or commercial building’s exterior back to looking brand new again! When it comes to washing your roof or those other tricky, hard to reach areas, you need to be careful. Especially if you run a business here in the Aiken or Augusta area and are working on cleaning your building or walkways during busy hours! Our recommendation? Call the professionals. Sunshine SoftWash can come out at a time that works best for you and bring some life back to your business, all while keeping safety and professionalism a top priority. Reach our team at (803) 642-6341.
