It’s inevitable that your property’s exterior will eventually need maintenance. There’s no way to avoid this because debris will gather on outside surfaces whether you like it or not. While you can’t prevent surfaces from becoming dirty, you can clean them! This introduces a new challenge, though: determining the best cleaning technique for the job. In this blog, we’ll compare soft washing vs. pressure washing, see what sets them apart, and help you pick the right process for your property maintenance project.
Need help with exterior surface cleaning? If so, reach out to Spotless Abode! We are Windsor, ON’s preferred pressure washing company, and we would love to lend you a helping hand.
Why Clean Exterior Surfaces at All?
Before comparing soft washing vs. pressure washing, it’s important to understand why exterior surfaces should be cleaned at all. “Won’t the rain wash away grime?” you might ask. This would be an incorrect assumption. In many cases, debris is too stubborn to simply rinse away during storms. If you ignore this debris, it will build up over time, robbing your home or business of its beauty—and this won’t make anyone happy.
This isn’t all, though. If you don’t clean your property’s exterior surfaces, they are actually at a higher risk of damage. This is because particles of debris will grind against them over time, and the longer this is allowed to happen, the more severely they will deteriorate. We recommend annual exterior cleaning to prevent this.
An Introduction to Pressure Washing
Let’s kick things off by introducing you to pressure washing. What exactly is this exterior cleaning technique? As the name suggests, it’s the use of high-pressure water to rinse debris off exterior surfaces. High-pressure water is an effective way of removing debris from surfaces because of its strength. Deep-seated debris that could withstand standard cleaning will be easily sprayed away when pressure washed!
However, you need to understand that pressure washing’s power is sometimes a drawback. Whenever you pressure wash surfaces, you must cover your skin with protective wear, such as goggles, gloves, and full-length pants. This reduces the risk of accidentally bruising or cutting yourself with pressurized water.
You must also research how much water pressure to use during your surface cleaning project. Different surfaces require different levels of force. For example, you can use up to 3,500 PSI to pressure wash concrete; using the same pressure on a hardwood deck could cause damage.
When to Soft Wash Instead
So, what is soft washing, and how does it compare to pressure washing? The long story short is that soft washing uses less water pressure. This makes soft washing the preferred choice when surfaces are too delicate to be pressure washed. Some examples of these surfaces include:
- Painted surfaces
- Roofs
- Most home exteriors (stucco, brick, vinyl)
- Softwood
Soft washing typically stays within the range of 150 to 500 PSI. This makes it significantly less forceful than pressure washing.
How Cleaning Solutions Help During Soft Washing
If soft washing uses less water pressure than pressure washing, does it mean that it’s a less effective technique? Not necessarily! It’s because of specialized cleaning solutions that soft washing can be just as useful as pressure washing.
At Spotless Abode, we use cleaning solutions such as sodium hypochlorite during the soft washing process. Sodium hypochlorite is the same chemical that makes bleach so powerful. Not only can this cleaning solution break down stubborn debris, but it also kills moss, mold, and algae, allowing for its easy removal. Sodium hypochlorite is also 100% eco-friendly and won’t pollute our environment.
The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Technique
What happens when you soft wash when you should have pressure washed? It could result in lackluster results. Concrete driveways, sidewalks, and heavily soiled patios often need the stronger force of pressure washing to fully remove debris. By not giving them the treatment they demand, you’re falling short of fully restoring your property’s beauty.
On the other hand, if you pressure wash when you should have soft washed, the consequences will be much more drastic. You could accidentally peel paint off surfaces, erode delicate materials, and cause significant damage to your property. This will saddle you with expensive repair costs, which isn’t good news for your checking account.
Why Consider Professional Exterior Cleaning?
When comparing soft washing vs. pressure washing, you may start planning ahead for your project. Should you do this work on your own, or is it better to reach out to a team of professionals? When you’re not sure if soft washing or pressure washing is the right choice, reach out to Spotless Abode. Our professionals always know the best technique for the job, helping you avoid property damage.
There are many additional benefits of scheduling services from a professional business like us. Consider the following:
- Higher-quality results. Our experts understand the ins and outs of exterior cleaning. Rely on us to completely revitalize your property. We provide our customers with better results than the typical DIY project.
- Save your time and energy. By having Spotless Abode clean your property’s exterior, you won’t have to do the work on your own. Spend your time and energy however you like while our professionals transform your home or business’s appearance.
- Enjoy reasonable prices. We proudly provide fair prices to all our customers. What you’ll pay is based on the overall surface area you need us to clean. There are never hidden fees or surcharges.
Get Started With Spotless Abode
If your property is overdue for exterior cleaning, and you don’t want to do the work on your own, reach out to us. We’ll decide between soft washing vs. pressure washing, give your home or business the treatment it needs, and leave you with a smile on your face.
To get started, contact us online and let us know how we can serve you. Get a free upfront quote; then, choose a time and date for your appointment. We will be there to serve you in the very near future.
