what is a soft wash?

Understanding Soft Wash

Soft washing is a cleaning method used primarily for exteriors of homes and buildings. Unlike high-pressure washing, soft washing utilizes a low-pressure system that's similar to a garden hose's pressure. The cleaning solution does the heavy lifting, effectively removing dirt, grime, algae, and mold without the potential for damage that high-pressure systems can cause.

The Soft Washing Process

The soft washing process begins with the application of a cleaning solution, typically a blend of bleach, water, and a surfactant. The solution is gently sprayed onto the surface and left for a period to break down and kill the organic material. After the solution has done its job, the surface is rinsed with low pressure.

Why Choose Soft Washing?

Soft washing is an excellent choice for many reasons. It's gentle on surfaces, making it perfect for older buildings or delicate materials that could be damaged by high-pressure washing. The cleaning solutions used are effective at killing organic material, not just removing it, which can help prevent regrowth. Additionally, because the pressure is so low, there's less risk of water getting into places it shouldn't, like under siding or into windows.

When to Use Soft Washing

Soft washing is ideal for many exterior surfaces, including siding, roofs, decks, fences, and patios. It's particularly effective on surfaces that have a lot of organic growth, like mold, mildew, algae, or moss. As it's a gentle method, it's also the preferred choice for historical buildings or delicate materials that could be damaged by high-pressure washing.

Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing

While both soft washing and pressure washing aim to clean surfaces, they do so in different ways. Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime, which can be effective but also potentially damaging. Soft washing, on the other hand, uses cleaning solutions to do the work, with the water primarily serving to rinse the surface. This makes it a safer option for many surfaces.

Professional Soft Washing

While it's possible to do soft washing yourself, hiring a professional is often the best choice. Professionals have access to commercial-grade equipment and cleaning solutions, and they have the experience to know exactly how to treat different surfaces and problems. They can also do the job more quickly and safely than most homeowners can on their own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, soft washing is a gentle, effective method of cleaning exterior surfaces. It's a great choice for any surface with organic growth or any surface that could be damaged by high-pressure washing. With its combination of effectiveness and safety, it's no wonder that soft washing is becoming increasingly popular for both residential and commercial properties.