Methods of cleaning have improved over the years. The invention of updated technology has also led to new ways of keeping homes spotless. Examples of these include the different washing techniques used more often for home exteriors.
These are known as soft, pressure, and power washing. Although some people may mistakenly believe that these three are the same, each of them has distinct qualities and uses. For a better understanding, here is a more detailed comparison.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing
Pressure washing is the method of using high-pressure water to sanitize surfaces. It usually utilizes 1,400 to 4,000 psi (pressure per square inch). It is recommended for hard surfaces like patios, roads, driveways, and sidewalks.
On the other hand, power washing is a somewhat similar procedure, but it uses heat. Unlike pressure washing, this method makes use of hot water to clean any stubborn dirt on the surface efficiently. As such, it’s ideal for industrial cleaning, which involves removing gums, mold, mildew, and grease residues on driveways and large commercial spaces.
Meanwhile, soft washing is the opposite of the two methods. It is the process of using specialized solutions to clean the exteriors of your home. It’s done with a low-pressure washing technique, usually around less than 500 psi, which is why it’s ideal for delicate surfaces. With this method, you can soft wash vinyl siding, wood panel siding, and even outdoor furniture made of wood.
What Will Happen if I Choose the Wrong Technique?
It’s better to be familiar with the qualities of each technique because it can cause damage to your home. For example, pressure washing is more suitable for tough exteriors since it can strip the paint off your wall, cause dents to the window, and create splinters or cracks on the wood. It can even cause mold growth if water builds up under the siding.
Power washing can also create the same problems as pressure washing, while the chemicals used in soft washing can be harmful to plants and animals. On top of these, other possible injuries and accidents can happen if the equipment is mishandled. That is why, before choosing which service to get for your house, it is best to consult an expert. That way, you can avoid these issues and enjoy the benefits that these techniques can offer.
Benefits of Power Washing and Pressure Washing
Most people may find it confusing to distinguish between power washing and pressure washing because they both use high-pressured water. As such, both of these methods may have the same effect and benefits. These include the following:
They Save Time and Energy
The traditional way of cleaning usually involves manually scrubbing stains off surfaces. However, this can take a long time to finish considering the size of your home. As such, pressure and power washing can help fast-track the process, especially with the use of high-pressured water.
They’re Less Toxic
Unlike soft washing, these two approaches only use water to remove unwanted dirt and other substances. That is why it’s considered to be less toxic because solutions or chemicals are not included in the method.
They Prep Surfaces for Repaint
Power and pressure washing are both ideal choices for priming walls or surfaces for repainting. The pressurized water will remove the dirt on the surface, including any peeling parts from its initial paint. This way, you can have a clean canvas where a fresh coat of paint can be applied smoothly.
Benefits of Soft Washing
Meanwhile, soft washing is considered a less harsh technique among the three. It’s because most of its cleaning power comes from the mixture of solutions used. Some benefits that homeowners can get include:
It Causes Less Damage
Because soft washing only uses low-pressure water, there is a lesser chance of causing damage to the house. Unlike power and pressure washing, it’s built to create a softer yet efficient effect in cleaning fragile parts of your home. This includes being able to soft wash vinyl siding, windows, and roof shingles.
It Can Clean Inaccessible Areas
It’s inevitable to have some parts in your house exterior that are harder to clean than others. With soft washing, you have the right amount of water pressure that is enough to reach these inaccessible areas. Some equipment can even allow water to reach up to 50 feet high, which is ideal for poles and gutters.
It Has a Longer Cleaning Effect
As mold, algae, and mildew tend to grow back, high-pressured water is often not enough to remove these particles. These instances may require the use of disinfecting solutions utilized in soft washing to eliminate them.
Key Takeaway
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to maintaining a spotless home. As such, before deciding on anything else, it’s important to conduct your research first. This way, you can ensure the safety of your home’s structure, as well as your family’s health. When in doubt about any cleaning technique, never hesitate to ask a professional who can help you make the right choices.
