Understanding the difference between soft washing and pressure washing is essential when washing your home. In general, the main difference between the two is the amount of pressure used to do the work. The soft washing cleaning method uses low pressure to apply cleaning solutions. Pressure washing on the other end uses high pressure to wash exterior surfaces. When power washing properties in and near Charlotte, Bluewhale Powerwash use both soft wash and pressure wash cleaning methods depending on the job at hand. Knowing which cleaning method to use to achieve the best results safely.
Soft washing
With the soft washing method, cleaning solutions are applied to exterior surfaces using low pressure. Rather than using brute force with a pressure washer, soft washing relies on the effectiveness of the cleaning solutions applied to do the work rather that the PSI of a pressure washer. Soft washing can be performed in one of several manners: dedicated soft washing equipment, down streaming and up streaming. Whatever the approach used with this cleaning method, the pressure used is usually less 300psi. In our experience washing homes in and near Charlotte, soft washing is a much safer and efficient method to wash exterior surfaces than pressure washing. While some pressure washers still use high pressure to wash homes, it is not safe and can cause a host of damages including etching surfaces and breaking building materials.
When washing residential and commercial properties in the Charlotte area, Bluewhale Powerwash uses soft washing to clean vinyl siding, cement fiber boards (Hardie boards), wood siding, stucco, wood surfaces, shingles, metal surfaces (roof and siding) and fences. We have had zero issues washing properties with this method and have achieved excellent cleaning results every time. Because softwashing relies on the power of the cleaning solutions rather than pressure, having a good understanding of which specific cleaning solutions to use and mixing ratios are particularly important. Using a cleaning solution that is formulated too strong for the job at hand can damage exterior surfaces and vegetation. Having a professional and reputable company like Bluewhale Powerwash wash your home is the best way to ensure you home gets cleaned safely and thoroughly.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing usually involves spraying water at 3000 psi or above using different equipment: a high pressure wand, surface cleaner and ball valve (for rinsing purposes). Pressure washing is generally used to wash concrete, brick, pavers and some stones. Depending on the surface and its age, the pressure can be lowered to prevent etching surfaces. For example, newer concrete (4 years or younger) on driveway, sidewalks and patios, should not be pressure washed with high pressure. Doing so could result in permanently etching the concrete surface. The amount of gallons per minute a pressure washer puts out is also important. The higher the gallons per minute, the deeper and faster the cleaning process. While consumer-grade pressure washers usually put our 4GPM or less, commercial-grade pressure washers usually put out 8GPM or more. Bluewhale Powerwash uses commercial-grade pressure washing equipment to wash properties.
Benefits of soft washing
Soft washing has been recognized as the best method of washing homes. The benefits of soft washing (over pressure washing) include:
1. Safe for all surfaces and eliminates the need for high pressure cleaning. No pressure lines, broken or loose siding.
2. Yields deeper cleaning results by leveraging the power of cleaning solutions to remove organic growths like mildew and algae. Pressure washing on its own does not fully remove organic growths.
3. Allows for cleaning and rinsing a property from the ground rather than having to climb a ladder. Most two-story homes can be washed from the ground with soft washing.
4. Longer lasting results. The algicide solution used in soft washing cleans exterior surfaces at microscopic levels leaving surfaces cleaner for longer.
5. Soft washing allows for cleaning homes quicker and better. No need to spend hours pressure washing a home when better results can be attained using soft washing in a fraction of the time.
If you live in or near Charlotte and are interested in getting your home soft washed, call the professionals at Bluewhale Powerwash today to request a free quote. Our house washing services carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee whereas if you are not fully satisfied with our work, we’ll come back at no charge to re-clean your home.
