A professional pressure washing can achieve some really dramatic results. Watching that layer of dirt wash away is a pretty satisfying experience. Where regular cleaning and maintenance falls short, only pressure washing can take care of built-up grime.
While researching cleaning companies, you may come across services advertised as power washing, pressure washing, and soft washing. If you don’t know the differences between these terms, then don’t worry, you’re not alone.
The two most common services requested are pressure washing and soft washing, so we’ll look at them closer. Let’s learn what these services are all about
Power Washing
Pressure washing is done using water under pressure (or PSI) that is designed to clean stronger surfaces with more heavily embedded or ingrained contaminants. It is generally the best method to remove loose paint or stain in preparation for painting or staining. A major drawback of using high pressure for siding or decking is that you can cause damage if performed incorrectly.
High pressure is good for preparing aluminum siding for paint. However, it is not the suggested method to use without the intention of painting afterward. In this case, you run the risk of removing the finish of the siding. Concrete over three years old can also benefit from a higher pressure wash, but you should always exercise caution. Lastly, high pressure is not recommended for cleaning your roof since you can cause damage to your shingles and run the risk of nullifying its warranty.
Soft Washing
Now, you may be thinking that soft washing has nothing to do with pressure washing. Ironically, pressure washers are used to soft wash, but they are modified to lower the PSI, or pressure per square inch.
Soft washing is done using less than 500 PSI for rinsing or cleaning application. The tip of the pressure washer is replaced with one that widens the spray, dropping the point of pressure. On top of this, soft washing utilizes special cleaning solutions to break down dirt and organisms living on surfaces.
These cleaning solutions are eco-friendly and will not strip protective coatings on your home’s exterior. Soft washing methods are preferred in a variety of situations over pressure washing.
Concrete less than three years old requires soft washing, and this is to make sure its structural integrity isn’t compromised. On roofs, the best method of protection requires a wash that is even softer than a basic soft wash. It uses a less diluted form of cleansers than a standard soft wash. In general, when you are considering a standard cleaning of your house, deck, roof, or newer concrete, soft washing is the recommended method.
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