What Is Soft Washing?
It’s always frustrating when your home’s exterior becomes covered with debris. However, it may not be clear what the best way to solve this problem is. Maybe you’ve heard talk about soft washing as a method of cleaning home exteriors… but what is soft washing anyway? What are its benefits, what equipment does it require, and how exactly does the process work? Riptide Pressure Washing tells all below! We are Wilmington, NC’s favorite pressure washing business, and we are highly experienced in soft washing. We’ll teach you what we know.
What Is the Soft Washing Technique?
So, what is soft washing anyway? It’s an exterior cleaning technique that uses low-pressure water to remove debris from surfaces. Why low-pressure water? Some surfaces are more delicate than others and cannot be safely pressure washed. In these situations, soft washing is a safe alternative because it is a much gentler process.
Soft washing has numerous benefits that every property owner will love. For example, soft washing will improve the overall appearance of exterior surfaces, helping homes and businesses stand out. Additionally, soft washing can actually help surfaces last longer. This is because harmful debris is removed, preventing it from causing continuous damage to properties.
When Is Soft Washing the Best Choice?
Choosing between pressure washing and soft washing isn’t always easy. However, a quick Google search will help you find the answer in any given situation. For example, concrete and asphalt are durable enough to withstand pressure washing. On the other hand, stucco, vinyl, and painted surfaces should always be soft washed to prevent them from becoming damaged.
What other projects require soft washing? There are many examples, including:
- Asphalt shingle roofs
- Wood siding
- Older brick and mortar
- Screen enclosures
- Delicate stone surfaces like limestone or sandstone
What Tools Are Required For Soft Washing?
So, you’ve decided to soft wash your exterior surfaces. That’s great, but you’re going to have to purchase all the necessary tools. So, what is soft washing’s required equipment anyway? First and most importantly, you will need a pressure washer. This sophisticated device pressurized water so it is powerful enough to remove debris from surfaces. During the soft washing process, the desired amount of water pressure is typically between 150 and 500 PSI.
In addition to a pressure washer, you’ll also need the following:
- Hose/Nozzle. These allow you to aim and spray pressurized water onto dirty surfaces with precision and accuracy.
- Cleaning Solutions. These help break down stubborn debris that would otherwise put up a fight. We recommend using sodium hypochlorite.
- Safety Equipment. It’s important to protect yourself when soft washing. Please wear goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
How Can I Prepare For Soft Washing?
If you are planning to do your own soft washing, there are several ways you can prepare for the work ahead. First and foremost, have you given yourself enough time for the work? If you are soft washing a small screen enclosure, you may only need an hour. On the other hand, if you are soft washing your home’s entire exterior, you may need five or six! Set aside an appropriate amount of time so you don’t have to rush through your project.
You also need to consider the areas immediately surrounding the surfaces you are planning to clean. Are there any furniture or decorations you need to relocate first? If so, accommodate accordingly by moving them to a safe spot. Additionally, you may want to protect any nearby plants (or other parts of your landscape) with tarps or plastic sheets.
The Soft Washing Process
With all the preparations out of the way, it’s time to experience the answer to “What is soft washing?” for yourself. Begin by choosing an appropriate amount of water pressure for your project. The exact amount you’ll want to use depends on the project, but typically, anywhere from 150 to 350 PSI is a safe bet. You may even creep as high as 500 PSI for slightly more durable surfaces.
Next, you’ll want to use cleaning solutions to weaken any grime on the surfaces. Simply apply a thin layer of your preferred cleaning solution to the area. Then, wait ten to fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Once the time has passed, you’ll be able to progress into the final phase of the project.
With your pressure washing hose in hand, choose a starting point for your project. Then, spray the surfaces clean in a methodical fashion. We recommend working “row by row” so you can easily keep track of what you’ve already washed and what you haven’t. You’ll love how your property’s appearance improves as you go!
DIY or Professional Soft Washing?
Learning about soft washing isn’t difficult. However, actually doing the work on your own is. It’s a time-consuming process that requires specific equipment. It can also leave you physically fatigued by the time you finish the project. There is one core benefit to doing your own soft washing, though—you’ll save money! A professional team will need to be paid for their soft washing services, so by doing your own work, you’ll keep cash in your wallet.
Don’t want to sacrifice your time and energy to DIY soft washing? If you don’t mind paying for professional services, you’ll be able to take some time to relax while experts do the work for you. It would be our pleasure at Riptide Pressure Washing to lend you a hand. Contact us online, let us know about your project, and get a free cost estimate today. If you like our asking price, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be there soon!
