One question that frequently comes up among property owners is the difference between power washing and Soft Wash Pressure Washing. It gets more confusing when you are trying to decide which of the two would be best for your property or specific areas that you want to give a sparkling look.
Considering the fact that the sheer force of a power washer will not be appropriate for all materials, the question remains: which parts should soft washing be used on? Before we go into the details, we need to define the two terms in clear terms.
If you’re excited about this information about power washing in Rhode Island, then please peruse our website powerwashingrhodeisland.com or give our pressure washers in RI a call to get on the schedule.
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What is soft wash pressure washing?
This is a type of pressure washing that makes use of environmentally safe, eco-friendly, chemical solutions to clean the exterior of your property. To clean a surface using soft wash pressure washing, a special nozzle is attached to a pressure washer to reduce the force and speed of the water that comes out of the machine. With a pressure level below 1,000 PSI, it is not as abrasive and rough on surfaces as power washing.
Although it can withstand harsh outdoor elements, your home’s exterior is an extremely delicate feature. This is because the exterior of your home has layers of paint and weather coating protections that can easily be chipped away by a high-powered pressure washer.
Soft washing does not use the same method of cleaning as power washing or pressure washing where water is directly used to clean the surface. Instead, a cleaning solution is applied to the surface that is to be cleaned. After applying the solution, the soft wash is used to clean and remove the cleaning solution from the areas on which it has been applied. This allows the cleaning chemical to percolate the tiny cracks and the surface itself, thereby ensuring an even deeper clean than power washing.
What is Power Washing?
This is a common technique that is used to clean the decks, siding, driveways, walkways, and the brick of a home. It uses the pressure of the water to break down and wash off grime, dirt, mold, and other substances that are difficult to eliminate.
Power washing makes use of high-powered equipment to forcefully project a stream of water in a controlled flow to knock out dirt, which makes the surface or area look new instantly. Caution should be observed with power washing because not all areas or surfaces can withstand the intensity of the waster being released. That is why soft wash is usually the ideal option when power washing cannot be used.
Power Washing and Pressure Washing
You might be one of the people who think that power washing and pressure washing are the same because the two terms are often used interchangeably. While the purpose and general process of the two are the same, they are actually different. Both methods make use of pressurized water of more than 1,000 PSI to clean a surface. In comparison to pressure washing, power washing achieves more effective results by using heated water to get the job done.
Using Power Washing and Soft Washing Together
It is common for homeowners to ask whether soft washing and power washing can be scheduled for the same days or times. Fortunately, the two techniques go hand-in-hand and can be done at the same time. In fact, the simultaneous use of the two techniques widens the options available to the cleaning professionals for cleaning and getting any space looking sparkling.
Power Washing or Soft Washing: Which One Is Better?
Professional cleaning services usually know the most appropriate method to use to effectively clean the different areas of your property. That is why outsourcing the task to them is always the better option compared to doing it yourself. According to Grand View Research, the global pressure washer market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.4% from 2019 to 2025 to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2025. So, you are likely to have some professional cleaning close to you.
However, it is good for you to know which surfaces require the gentle touch of soft washing, and those that require the high pressure of power washing.
Cedar Shake, Vinyl, or Wood Panel Siding
It is easy to tell that these materials are fragile and more vulnerable to force. The high-pressure water of power washing can easily damage them. On the other hand, soft washing can effectively clean contaminants such as mildew, mold, and dirt from these surfaces. So soft washing is the way to go here.
Concrete Patio and Driveway
Many outdoor patios and driveways are built with concrete because they are strong and durable. Concrete accumulates mildew, algae, and mold over time, thereby increasing the risk of injury and health hazards. Considering how strong concrete is, power washing is more suitable for cleaning it.
Bricks, Pavers, and Tiles
These surfaces are often held together by mortar and sand, thereby creating the patterned effect that boosts the curb appeal of a property. The mortar and sand must be put into consideration when deciding whether to use power washing or soft washing to clean the bricks, pavers, and tiles.
The high pressure of power washing can damage the adhesives, thereby, knocking bricks, pavers, and tiles loose in the process. Considering this, soft washing is much gentler and effective.
Wood Decks
Power washing is a good cleaning method for Wood decks when handled by professionals. If the force of power washers is strong enough to damage bricks, you can imagine how it can affect your wood deck. Professionals have the skill to handle this balance, so let them do their job.
Roof
It is easy to think that your roof can withstand good beating, but highly pressurized water can cause some damage to it. Yes, you can restore the sparkly and new look to your roof with pressure washing. However, the force of the water can knock the shingles of the roof loose and increase the risk of water leaks. Soft washing is preferred for your roof.
If You Have Delicate Exterior Surfaces, Soft Washing is the Way to Go!
When handled by a professional, both soft washing and power washing are great techniques that can deliver impressive results. However, soft washing is often a better option, especially when dealing with delicate surfaces.
