Power washing and soft washing are two methods that are often used to clean the exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. While both methods involve the use of water and cleaning solutions to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants, there are some key differences between the two. Here are important factors to consider when deciding to hire a soft washing company or a power washing company to handle your cleaning project.
Water Pressure is a Big Difference
One of the main differences between power washing and soft washing is the pressure of the water being used. Power washing involves the use of high-pressure water jets to blast away dirt and grime. The motors and components of pressure washing equipment are usually stronger material so they can handle the larger pressures. Many are gas-powered but some newer models can achieve nearly identical pressure levels with electric motors.
Soft washing uses a lower pressure and relies more on the cleaning solution to do the work. The process for soft washing often takes longer since the cleaning solution needs time to operate and erode the dirt or stains on the property. The solutions are often more expensive also since more chemical treatment is involved. One thing to keep in mind is the environmental impact of the cleaning solutions, so we recommend working with more eco-friendly choices for soft washing.
The higher pressure of power washing makes it effective at removing tough, stubborn dirt and stains, but it can also cause damage to softer surfaces like wood, stucco, and brick. In contrast, soft washing uses a gentler approach that is less likely to cause damage to these types of surfaces. That is often why people choose soft washing for roof cleaning to minimize any damage possibility.
Cleaning Solutions is Another Important Distinction
Another difference between power washing and soft washing is the cleaning solution that is used. Power washing typically involves the use of a simple detergent or soap to help loosen and remove dirt, while soft washing uses a more advanced cleaning solution that is specifically designed to target and remove specific types of contaminants.
For example, soft washing solutions may contain ingredients like surfactants, enzymes, and biocides that are effective at breaking down algae, mold, and other organic growths that can stain and damage exterior surfaces. These types of cleaning solutions are generally more expensive than those used in power washing, but they are also more effective at removing a wider range of contaminants.
One of the benefits of soft washing is that it can be more effective at removing stains and discoloration from exterior surfaces. This is because the cleaning solution used in soft washing is able to penetrate deeper into the pores of the surface and lift out the contaminants that are causing the stains. In contrast, power washing may simply blast the surface clean without actually removing the underlying cause of the stain.
Choosing Can Depend On Your Specific Application
Overall, the choice between power washing and soft washing will depend on the type of surface being cleaned, the type and severity of the contaminants, and the desired level of cleaning. Power washing is generally more effective at removing tough, stubborn dirt and stains, but it can be more likely to cause damage to softer surfaces. Soft washing is a gentler approach that is less likely to cause damage, but it may not be as effective at removing tough stains and may be more expensive due to the use of specialized cleaning solutions.