What is the difference between power washing and soft washing?

Power Washing vs. Soft Washing: What Homeowners and Business Owners Need to Know

When it comes to maintaining the exterior of your property, two primary cleaning methods often come up—power washing and soft washing. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that are crucial for both homeowners and business owners to consider. But how do you know which method is best for your specific needs? Let's break down the differences between power washing and soft washing to help you make an informed decision.

What is Power Washing?

Power washing involves using high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, algae, and other contaminants from surfaces. It’s particularly effective for cleaning hard surfaces like concrete, brick, and decking.

Key Points About Power Washing:

• High Pressure: Utilizes high pressure to blast away dirt and stains.
• Best for Hard Surfaces: Ideal for concrete, brick, and decking.
• Not Safe for All Materials: Using high pressure on vinyl siding and wood can cause damage. The force of the water is hard to control and may inevitably damage the materials.
• Temporary Algae Removal: While it removes algae from the surface, it doesn't kill the algae, which means it will likely return.

What Damage High Pressure on Siding Causes

What is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses a low-pressure system combined with a chemical mixture to clean surfaces. This method is safer for materials like vinyl siding and wood, and it’s more effective at permanently removing algae and other organic growths.

Key Points About Soft Washing:

• Low Pressure: Uses low pressure with a chemical solution.
• Safe for Delicate Surfaces: Ideal for vinyl siding, wood, and other delicate materials where high pressure would be damaging.
• More Effective: The chemical mixture, often consisting of a low percentage of bleach and a surfactant, kills algae and other organic growths, preventing them from coming back.
• Environmentally Safe: When used correctly, the chemical mixture is not harmful.

The Soft Wash Solution:

• The chemical mixture usually includes a low percent of bleach (no more than 1.5% for siding) and a surfactant to help the solution stick to the surface.
• The bleach is diluted with water and the surfactant (often something as simple as laundry detergent).

Why Soft Washing is Often the Better Choice

While both power washing and soft washing have their places, soft washing is generally the better choice for most residential and commercial properties. It’s safer for your home or place of work and more effective at preventing the recurrence of algae and organic growths. Given the chemical mixture is not harmful when used correctly, soft washing offers a more sustainable and long-term solution for keeping your property clean.

Professional Help Recommended:

Given the complexities involved in mixing the chemical solution and applying it safely, it's highly recommended to hire a professional for soft washing tasks. We will ensure the job is done properly and safely, protecting both your property and the environment.

Conclusion

When it comes to maintaining the exterior of your property, understanding the differences between power washing and soft washing can save you time, money, and potential damage. Power washing is excellent for hard surfaces like concrete and brick but can be too harsh for delicate materials and doesn’t effectively eliminate algae. On the other hand, soft washing is a safe and effective method for cleaning a variety of surfaces while also preventing the return of algae and organic growths.

Interested in getting your home or business professionally soft washed? Contact us today to to discuss your job and see how we can help you maintain a clean and beautiful property.