Several homes require soft wash more often than pressure wash. While soft wash covers your roofs, wooden decks, and sidings, pressure washing keeps your walkways and driveways clean.
Making a choice for your property depends on several factors, such as the dirty area and the type of dirt or buildup you need to remove. You can make the right choice when you understand the differences between pressure washing and soft washing. Not to worry; read on to explore the key differences.
Some call it pressure washing, others call it power washing. Pressure washing in Seattle is a method for cleaning the outdoor environment using high-pressure water to remove debris from various surfaces. This method of washing is suitable for outdoor surfaces including some sidings, concrete driveways, and sidewalks.
Soft washing uses low-pressure water, as low as the pressure from a regular water faucet, with biodegradable chemicals to clean outdoor surfaces. This method is most suitable for delicate surfaces like roofs, wood attachments, and vinyl siding.
The main difference between soft washing and pressure washing methods is the mechanism of cleaning. Pressure washing relies on the brute force with which the water comes out, while soft cleaning uses the cleaning power of specialized solutions. Cleaning methods like soft wash, pressure wash or Seattle roof cleaning have the main aim of refurbishing dirty surfaces.
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water delivery to force water of up to 1,300 to 5,000 psi (pounds per square inch) to remove dirt and contaminants. The water could be of regular or warm temperatures, depending on the area to be covered. On the other hand, soft washing uses low-pressure water and combines this with specialized cleaning solutions to clean surfaces. As the chemical interacts with the dirt to break it down, water gently rinses off the dirt.
You can clean soft wash delicate surfaces including vinyl siding, roof tiles, wood panel siding, and asphalt shingles. Soft washing is preferable for fragile surfaces as it is less likely to cause damage, unlike pressure washing. In contrast, pressure washing is better suited for concrete hard surfaces like fences, driveways, patios, sidewalks, and some siding. These exterior areas can take the high pressure without damage.
The high pressure with pressure washing puts the surfaces at risk of damage. For example, paint on fences could be stripped off or there could be forceful removal of roofing materials. Soft washing is much more gentle. This method combines a small amount of water with gentle cleaning to reduce the risk of damage.
With Seattle pressure washing, you get clean results in minutes! However, your sidewalks may become dirty again in no time. Soft washing promises longer-lasting results. This method particularly kills bacteria and other plant bodies from the root, reducing the chances of regrowth. With a soft wash, you need less frequent cleanings.
As pressure washing uses only water to clean, it is an eco-friendly option. However, soft washing uses chemicals that are usually biodegradable. These chemicals may not be suitable for all environments or humans around the environment. If not properly washed off, some cleaning solutions can kill the grass and plants near the cleaning area.
Now that you know the differences, choosing the right method is an easy task. Consider the following factors to guide your choice between soft and pressure wash.
Surface Material: For durable surfaces like brick or concrete, pressure washing is more suitable. Opt for soft washing to clean fragile surfaces like wood surfaces or to clean roofs during Seattle roof cleaning.
Type of Dirt: If you’re looking to remove organic growth like moss or mildew, soft wash is more effective due to chemical use. Tough stains like oil or deep-set grime will only clear using pressure washing.
Environmental Concerns: Pressure washing offers you safe cleaning as it requires no chemicals. Also, if you wish to minimize water usage, soft washing is your better choice.
Long-Term Results: Pressure washing offers a quick solution for large spaces. However, it needs to be done more frequently as opposed to soft washing. The soft wash gives a longer-lasting result.
Location and Climatic Considerations: Pressure washing in Seattle or in humid areas is not advisable. Soft washing is preferred to prevent mold, mildew, and algae survival. Also, if your property is close to the road, you may require frequent pressure washing.
Cleaning your home or office exterior is a huge task that can go on for days. You need an initial inspection to choose which wash method to use. If you get confused at this point, simply call on a professional to take it up.
Professional pressure washers will come in to access your property and determine the best cleaning method without guessing. So, if you need a team of experts for your Seattle roof cleaning, patio, fence, or driveway cleaning, West Seattle Window Cleaners are here to help. Book us today and we will answer all your questions immediately.
Is soft washing better than pressure washing?
Soft washing is as good a method as pressure washing. Both methods are suitable for different scenarios. For example, pressure wash is better for a brick wall with a large stubborn stain.
What part of my home should I not power wash?
Do not pressure wash your wood decks, rood, sidings, and any other delicate exterior space in your home. Incorrect power washing can damage surfaces, causing extra money for repair.
Can I use a pressure washer for a soft wash?
Yes. You can use a pressure washer to rinse off the biodegradable chemicals after soft wash. Ensure to reduce the PSI to run water at a low pressure.
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