Is your property’s exterior overdue for cleaning? If so, you’ll want to do something to change this. After all, the longer outside surfaces are allowed to stay dirty, the more disastrous the eventual consequences will be. However, it might not be clear what you should do about this problem. Pressure washing vs. soft washing—which is best for your project?
In this blog, explore the differences between pressure washing vs. soft washing. Then, consider a full-service appointment with Simple Softwash. Our team of Biloxi, MS professionals is ready to provide you with the correct service for your project, and for a reasonable price, too.
Why Clean Exterior Surfaces?
Before you try to choose between pressure washing vs. soft washing, we should explain why you need exterior cleaning at all. What would happen if you just ignored your property’s exterior and let it get filthier and filthier? At first, the problems wouldn’t be obvious. However, the longer surfaces stay dirty, the more blatant the consequences become.
For example, dirtier surfaces make for less attractive properties. By not cleaning your home’s exterior, you’ll make it a much less welcoming place. If you’re a business owner, the trouble is doubled. That’s because less attractive commercial properties struggle to draw in new customers, meaning lower revenues and lower profits.
Furthermore, surfaces are at higher risk of damage when they are coated with debris. This debris grinds against and erodes surfaces over time. Eventually, this damage will manifest as cracks, holes, and leaks. We highly recommend having exterior surfaces cleaned at least once per year as a form of preventative maintenance.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Let’s begin our pressure washing vs. soft washing comparison. To start, take a look at pressure washing. This is the first of the two techniques. The long story short is that pressure washing is the use of pressurized water to clean exterior surfaces. Pressure washing can use as much 3,500 PSI to clean exterior surfaces. This makes pressure washing a great choice for durable materials that can withstand the force.
Keep in mind that this level of force is something you need to take seriously. When pressure washing, you must not spray yourself with pressurized water; if you do, there is a serious risk of injury. Never aim the pressure washing hose at yourself, and make sure you wear protective equipment. This includes gloves, closed-toe shoes, goggles, and full-length pants.
What Is Soft Washing?
So, we’ve reviewed pressure washing. But what exactly is soft washing? It’s an exterior cleaning technique that is very similar to pressure washing. There’s one key difference, though. Soft washing uses much less water pressure (less than 1,000 PSI). You might be wondering, though—why would you want to use a weaker cleaning technique? Wouldn’t that make for less effective results?
The reason soft washing is useful is that pressure washing actually damages certain surfaces. For example, if you were to pressure wash a painted surface, it would likely strip away the paint. Alternatively, if you were to pressure wash a delicate vinyl surface, it could warp or crack. When surfaces can’t safely be pressure washed, soft washing is the way to go!
How Cleaning Solutions Help With Soft Washing
If soft washing uses less water pressure than pressure washing, doesn’t that mean it will provide lower-quality results? Not necessarily. At Simple Softwash, we use cleaning solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite, to break down stubborn debris and ensure the best possible results for our clients.
How does sodium hypochlorite work? We begin by applying a thin layer of sodium hypochlorite to exterior surfaces. Then, we wait up to fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Finally, we soft wash the area, rinsing away all grime—even stubborn grime!
We highly recommend the use of cleaning solutions during your soft washing project. Break down stubborn debris, restore your property’s beauty, and enjoy the best possible results. That way, your property can look its absolute best again.
Choosing Between Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing
Struggling to choose between pressure washing vs. soft washing? Consider the surfaces you want to clean and determine the best technique for the project accordingly. Pressure washing is the best choice for more durable surfaces, including:
- Concrete driveways
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Brick surfaces
- Paver patios
- Concrete patios
Soft washing, on the other hand, is best for delicate surfaces. Be sure to soft wash the following surfaces to avoid damaging them:
- Asphalt shingles
- Vinyl siding
- Painted surfaces
- Wood siding
- Solar panels
Challenges of Doing the Work On Your Own
Choosing between pressure washing vs. soft washing is hard enough. Having to do this work on your own makes the process even more difficult. You’ll need to purchase all the necessary equipment and learn how to use it. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the pressure washing or soft washing process. And then, you’ll need to invest your time and energy into the work, potentially leaving you exhausted by the end of your project.
To avoid the frustration of doing your own exterior cleaning, consider reaching out to Simple Softwash. We are prepared to restore your property’s outside surfaces for a fair price. There are never hidden fees or surcharges.
Schedule Our Services Today
If you’re still having trouble choosing between pressure washing vs. soft washing, we have good news. You don’t have to. Contact Simple Softwash, and we’ll figure out the best technique for your project so you don’t have to. Then, you can simply take some time to relax while our professionals restore your property’s exterior for you.
Contact us online, let us know about your exterior cleaning needs, and get a free quote today. We’ll give you an estimate based on the size of your project. Like our price? If so, choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to seeing you in the very near future. Whether you need pressure washing or soft washing, we’ll make sure you get the quality results you need!