Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing: How To Choose The Right Method
For years, homeowners have debated which approach is ideal for cleaning their home's exterior. Many people have probably bought or rented a pressure washer once or twice and discovered that while it can get the job done, it does not last. Soft washing and pressure washing are two popular methods for cleaning outdoor surfaces. Be it commercial pressure cleaning or strata cleaning, this method can be used in all cases. Understanding their differences can help you decide which service is the most effective for your needs. We’ll outline the key details of each option so you can make an informed decision.
What is Soft Washing and pressure washing?
Soft washing is a cleaning method that uses low-pressure and specialized cleansers to gently remove dirt, grime, mildew, and other organic material from exterior surfaces. The use of biodegradable cleansers helps provide a more sustainable option for outdoor cleaning. This makes soft washing ideal for delicate or porous surfaces such as stucco, wood siding, and shingles. It’s also safer than pressure washing since it eliminates the risk of damaging the surface being cleaned.
Pressure washing is the process of using water pressure to remove dirt, stains, and debris from your home's exterior. Pressure washing uses a high-pressure stream of water to break down dirt and other materials on surfaces. While it can be done manually with a garden hose, pressure washing is most commonly done with an electric power washer. This is great for cleaning up large areas such as driveways or patios including brickwork, concrete and another masonry, wood, metal, and more.
Pressure washing, often known as power washing, involves the use of high-pressure water with a pressure range of 1300 to 3100 PSI. Meanwhile, soft washing consumes far less energy and functions as a powerful hose.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Deciding between soft washing vs. pressure washing can be tricky, as each option offers its own benefits and drawbacks. Soft washing is far gentler and safer, but it may not always be powerful enough to tackle tough dirt and grime. Pressure washing, on the other hand, relies on high-pressure streams of water that can be effective yet potentially damaging if not done properly.
Soft wash method, which involves spraying the surface with water and then gently scrubbing the area with a brush or cloth. The other method is a hard wash method, which involves spraying the surface with water and then using a high-pressure hose and nozzle to aggressively attack the dirt, grime, and debris.
For example, if your roof has been stained by tree sap or bird droppings in some way, you might want to use our soft wash method since it will simply spray water on top of whatever has stained your roofing materials rather than actually trying to remove the stain itself. It removes all dirt and surfaces from the house exterior. On the other hand, if your roof needs thorough cleaning after being damaged by hail or heavy rains during winter months (which would normally require hard washing), we recommend using our hard wash method instead since it will penetrate deep into cracks and crevices where dirt has seeped into them over time due to low temperatures outdoors before spring comes around again.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Soft Washing & Pressure Washing
Soft washing and pressure washing both have distinct advantages and drawbacks. Soft washing generally does not leave behind any residue after it is used, making it an ideal method for cleaning delicate surfaces such as stucco and wood. However, the lower water pressure of soft washing means that it’s less effective at handling heavy-duty dirt that requires a more powerful stream of water to dislodge. Pressure washing, conversely, is extremely effective in breaking up heavy-duty dirt but carries a greater risk of damage due to the high water pressure being used. Both washing systems need the hiring of a professional to complete the task.
How to Best Utilize these Services for Maximum Results
Depending on your property’s cleaning needs, it can be difficult to determine if soft washing or pressure washing is the best option. Soft washing may be ideal for areas with dirt and debris that can be easily handled at lower water pressures, while pressure washing can provide a deeper clean on tougher dirt buildup. That being said, whichever service you choose will depend upon the desired results and what surfaces need cleaning. To get the best result and maximize your investment in either soft or pressure washing services, it’s important to consult with experts and do an assessment of your property prior to selecting a service.
Now ask yourself the following questions to determine which option is genuinely the best:
Can I use a pressure washer to do a soft wash?
Yes! Your pressure washer's PSI (pounds per square inch) is likely adjustable. You can soft wash just fine if you can bring the dial down to below 500 PSI. Some nozzles can also aid in relieving hose pressure.
Is soft washing safe?
Absolutely! Soft washing employs gentle cleaning chemicals that are similar to soap and water to clean your home softly. Soft washing can help protect any paint or stains on your house's siding and extend its life. Soft washing is also safe to use on screens, wood paneling, and shingles, which would otherwise be harmed by pressure washing, and pressure washing is safe for concrete, driveway, and walkway.
When should a house be gently washed?
You can undertake gentle washing whenever you feel your house is dirty because it is safer and less destructive than pressure washing. However, every 2 to 3 years is a decent rule of thumb.
Can I soft wash the roof?
Sure! Soft washing is, in fact, the most effective method for cleaning your roof.
The decreased pressure reduces the likelihood of water entering your property by blowing up beneath the roofs or gutter cleaning. In addition, shingles are likely to have some debris and dirt on them, and a mild wash can clean them as well as eliminate germs and mold that can damage your shingles over time.
They are both great for cleaning the exterior of your home and removing the dirt that has built up around the foundation. Your home's curb appeal is important and will help it sell faster. Hire professionals for house soft washing and exterior area pressure cleaning. Without hesitation, you will get clean your space.
