Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing

Posted on November 13, 2020 in Cleaning

How should you approach washing your building? The answer is more complex than you might think.

Soft washing and pressure washing are the two primary methods for cleaning surfaces on your property, but they are very different in scope. While they are both placed in the “power washing” category, it’s important to know when to use each method.

For example, if you are using high pressure to remove general surface contaminants, you may run the risk of structurally compromising that surface. Conversely, a soft wash may not thoroughly clean the surface if the proper detergents are not utilised.

There is a clear separation between a pressure wash and a soft wash, and the scenarios for which each lends themselves can greatly differ. Our goal with this post is to make sure you understand your options and which process caters to the surface that is being cleaned.

What is Pressure 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 another application of paint or stain. A major drawback of using high pressure to wash buildings or deck is that you can easily damage these surfaces if performed incorrectly

In short, higher pressure is best for:

• Concrete
• Wood
• Brick
• Metal

What is Soft Washing?

For the safest and most effective removal of surface contaminants such as mold, algae, mildew, and dirt, the best method to use is a soft wash. Soft washing uses a safe pressure and relies primarily on the specialised cleansers used in the process. Soft washing delivers the cleansers and water generally at a higher volume but lower pressure.

Concrete less than three years old requires a soft wash, and this is primarily to make sure the structural integrity of the surface isn’t compromised. On roofs, the best method of protecting the surface 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.

How Protech Can Help

Whether you are looking for a project that requires high pressure or a soft wash, Protech Property Solutions has the team to fulfil your needs. Give us a call on 0845 604 1288 for a free quote! or visit Protech Pressure Washing for more inforation.