Soft Washing 101
You may have heard the term “soft wash” in recent years when it comes to power washing. This term has become more and more prevalent in the exterior cleaning industry. The power washing industry has adopted this new technique when cleaning sensitive surfaces that could be damaged from high water pressure.
The term power washing is most commonly known as being synonymous with the term pressure washing. Using high water pressure to blast the dirt or debris off of a surface. This has been proven to clean surfaces and return them to their original appearance in a way that was previously impossible. The issue was that high water pressure would often damage and even completely destroy vulnerable surfaces such as asphalt or vinyl siding.
Ever wonder why your siding is turning green? It is actually a lot more dangerous than you think. Check out our previous article and video and learn more What is the Green Stuff on my Siding?
What is Soft Wash?
Soft washing is the process of cleaning sensitive surfaces with low water pressure combined with a cleaning detergent such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach).
The most common cleaning detergent is a mixture of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and water. You can also add a surfactant or foaming agent but that is not normally needed. This mixture is very safe with the proper use. The same mixture is often used in swimming pools and even drinking water.
The soft washing process begins with spraying this sodium hypochlorite mixture onto the surface. The mixture will begin to dissolve any dirt, algae, mildew or mold. After several minutes, you simply rinse the surface with low water pressure. This pressure should allow you to place your hand in front of the water without causing injury or even pain. A good practice to pre rinse and post rinse the surrounding area to prevent the cleaning detergent from damaging plants or grass.
This technique is often used to clean asphalt roofs, stucco, brick and vinyl siding. Even more so, soft washing has proven to be effective on just about every surface. When this service is applied properly, it is possible to clean and restore just about every surface without risk of damage.
Drawbacks of Pressure Washing
Until recently, houses were often power washed with a water pressure. Over time it was learned that this technique often caused several issues. Although it is still possible to pressure wash a home, it is no longer recommended.
One of the biggest issues with pressure washing is the requirement to be close to the surface. Remember, the surface is cleaned by the water blasting the dirt away. Not only do you need to be close to the surface so the water pressure is high, you must hit every single square inch of the surface with the water. Talk about time consuming! Furthermore, ladders and/or scaffolding are needed to reach the high points of a home.
The next problem that high water pressure causes is the most costly; damage! Oftentimes people would be excited to clean their home. Instead of a beautiful clean house, they were left with a damaged eyesore of a house. Soft washing will prevent this damage and need for repair.
Another issue with high water pressure is that no cleaning detergent is used. As previously stated, the water pressure is what’s cleaning the surface. Water pressure alone is not enough to properly clean a surface. Think about when you wash your car. Do you just hose it off with a high water pressure or do you use soap and then rinse off the surface? Well, that is basically soft washing.
So now you know the drawbacks of cleaning with high water pressure. Let’s get into the reason why you’re reading this article, soft washing.
Benefits of Soft Wash
- Extremely low chance of causing damage
- Cleaner results
- Reduced labor time and cost
- Less water usage
- No need for ladders
- Algae and mold are killed, not just removed
- Cleaning detergent also disinfects the surface
What Surface Should I Soft Wash
The two most common usages of soft washing are on asphalt shingle roofs and vinyl siding. This is primarily due to the high sensitivity of these surfaces. High water pressure on either of these surfaces will almost always result in severe damage, seriously don’t do it. ALWAYS USE LOW WATER PRESSURE and a cleaning detergent on an asphalt roof and vinyl siding.
The easiest way to remember what surfaces to use low water pressure (soft washing) on, is always. The combination of using a cleaning detergent and low water pressure will ensure maximum results and protection of any surface.
Learn more about what surfaces are safe to power wash right now!
Soft Washing Professionals
We have many years of experience using soft washing in Monmouth County, NJ. Give us a call now (732-570-4934) for your FREE INSTANT ESTIMATE over the phone. You will receive a 100% Money Back Guarantee and be invited to join our Referral Rewards Program where you can earn $75 for every single referral! Don’t spend your weekend power washing, let the professionals handle it while you relax with your family.
