When comparing pressure washing vs soft washing, it’s essential to understand that they are two completely different cleaning methods. What’s the best choice for restoring a roof? What about preparing a deck for sealing?
The experts at ClearView Home Services are here to help you understand the difference between these cleaning techniques and how to make the best decision for your home.
Pressure Washing vs Soft Washing:
To learn more about pressure washing vs soft washing, read more below.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing involves using high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, and other buildups from exterior surfaces. The PSI (pounds per square inch of pressure) sets this method apart from others.
To give you an idea of the power behind pressure washing, most pressure washers have a PSI between 1,300 and 4,400. Compare that to a standard garden hose, which has a PSI of about 40, and you can see how this technique gets its cleaning power.
The house washing service professionals by ClearView Home Services use high levels of pressure combined and heat of up to 140°F to clean your property’s exterior effectively.
What Surfaces Can Pressure Washing Clean?
Pressure washing can damage surfaces when not done correctly. For instance, using this method on shingles can cause them to loosen, lift, or even crack.
At ClearView Home Services, we use general pressure washing to clean surfaces like:
- Brick
- Stone
- Patios
- Sealed concrete
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
We can also use pressure washing to prepare wood surfaces for staining or remove paint.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is pressure washing that uses a much lower PSI (usually less than 500). This process is ideal for more delicate surfaces because it doesn’t rely on high-pressure levels to achieve results.
Instead, soft washing methods rely on the power of biodegradable cleaning solutions and time. Cleaners apply the solution to the surface and let it sit for a while (usually 10-15 minutes) before rinsing it off.
What Surfaces Can Soft Washing Clean?
Soft washing is perfect for delicate surfaces like:
- Roofs
- Vinyl siding
- Wood panel siding
- Stucco and coquina
- Outdoor wood furniture
- Screens, enclosures, and lanais
Soft washing can also kill mould, mildew, and other types of bacteria, depending on the solution. We often recommend this method for anyone who wants to deep clean vulnerable surfaces without the risk of damage.
What About Power Washing?
If you hear someone refer to power washing, it’s almost the same as pressure washing but with one key difference. This method also uses high heat, usually hot water, to address more stubborn issues.
The extra heat can help speed up the cleaning process and handle tougher stains, heavy buildup, and grease removal. Some power washers can reach 311°F.
At ClearView Home Services, we use this heavy-duty cleaning method on surfaces with more rigid surfaces like driveways, walkways, stone and concrete surfaces, and heavily soiled areas.
The Right Time To Get Professional Cleaning Services
Now that you know more about pressure washing vs soft washing, it’s time to decide when to get professional help. Watch out for these signs that you need to call expert cleaners:
- Dirty exterior. Thick dirt buildup, discoloured surfaces, and general grime are all signs it’s time to call in the pros.
- Overflowing gutters. Gutters filled with leaves, sticks, and dirt can lead to poor drainage, leaving your property vulnerable to water damage.
- Stained or streaky roof. Do you see black streaks or dark spots on your roof?
- These usually stem from mould, mildew, or algae growth; you need to remove them as soon as possible.
- Rising heating and cooling costs A dirty property can make your HVAC system work overtime, driving energy bills.
- Pest infestations. Bugs, rodents, and other pests love dirty environments. Getting rid of them usually starts with a good cleaning of your property.
Get in Touch With ClearView Home Services
Now that you know the difference between pressure washing vs soft washing, is it time to give your property a good cleaning? If you answered yes, contact ClearView Home Services. We offer different pressure cleaning solutions to keep your property looking its best.
Our experts will assess your surfaces and advise you on the best course of action. We also offer other services, including window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and more.
Get in touch with us today for a free quote. We can handle anything from pressure washing your vinyl siding to preparing your deck for staining.
