Have your property’s exterior surfaces become dirty over time? If so, you might be considering cleaning them, but what’s the best way to do this work anyway? During your research, you’ll likely come across two different techniques: pressure washing and soft washing. But what’s the difference? What sets these techniques apart, and which one is the best choice for your project? Discover the answer in our soft washing vs. pressure washing comparison in the sections below!
We are Ehrman’s Pressure Washing, and whether you need pressure washing or soft washing services in Jacksonville, we’re ready to help you. Just give us a call—we’d be happy to add you to our work calendar.
Why Exterior Cleaning?
What makes cleaning your property’s exterior surfaces so important anyway? A few things, actually. First, understand that exterior surfaces are constantly gathering debris whether you like it or not. The outdoors is a naturally dirty place, so this is inevitable. What sorts of debris will you find on your property’s exterior surfaces? All kinds, including dirt, pollen, moss, mold, algae, dead insects, bird droppings, and more. If this debris isn’t removed from surfaces, they will lose their visual appeal, gradually stealing away your home or business’s beauty.
Making your property look better isn’t the only reason to clean exterior surfaces, though. Exterior cleaning also helps surfaces last longer and resist damage. This helps you save money in the long run because it lets you avoid costly repairs.
An Introduction to Pressure Washing
Now, let’s establish the difference between soft washing vs. pressure washing. To start this comparison, we’ll introduce you to pressure washing. This exterior cleaning technique uses jets of high-pressure water to remove debris from surfaces. Why high-pressure water? Because it is powerful enough to wash away even stubborn debris. Even tough grime rinses away with ease when tackled with the pressure washing process.
Pressure washing is best suited for durable surfaces and materials that won’t be damaged by pressurized water. We have listed some examples below for your consideration:
- Concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and patios
- Brick surfaces like walls and walkways
- Stone surfaces like patios and retaining walls
- Wood surfaces like decks and fences
- Metal surfaces like railings, garage doors, and gutters
How Soft Washing Stacks Up
So, what makes soft washing different from pressure washing? Soft washing uses significantly less water pressure than pressure washing. For example, pressure washing uses as much as 3,500 PSI to restore surfaces, whereas soft washing generally stays within the range of 150 to 500 PSI. This makes soft washing a safe choice for surfaces that are too delicate to be pressure washed.
What surfaces should be soft washed instead of pressure washed? There are many examples, which we’ll list below for your convenience:
- Asphalt shingle roofs
- Painted exterior wood surfaces
- Stucco and EIFS exterior walls
- Delicate siding finishes or aged siding with oxidation
- Mold- or algae-covered roof surfaces
- Historic or fragile exterior materials
The Role of Cleaning Solutions During Soft Washing
When comparing soft washing vs. pressure washing, you may worry about the efficacy of soft washing. After all, if it uses less water pressure than pressure washing, doesn’t that mean that it can’t remove as much surface debris? It’s actually not that simple. Sure, soft washing does use less water pressure, but because of effective cleaning solutions, it’s more than capable of removing stubborn grime from exterior surfaces.
At Ehrman’s Pressure Washing, we use cleaning solutions such as sodium hypochlorite during our soft washing process. How it works is simple. First, we apply a thin layer of this cleaning solution to the surface. Then, we wait fifteen minutes for it to break down debris. Finally, we rinse the area clean, removing all grime in the process.
We also recommend using a gentle detergent during all pressure washing and soft washing jobs to facilitate the exterior cleaning process. It’s amazing how much oomph it will add. Remove more debris and enjoy higher-quality results.
How Often Should Surfaces Be Cleaned?
If you are comparing soft washing vs. pressure washing, it’s probably because you feel like your property’s exterior could use maintenance. The question is, how often should this work be done? Could your surfaces actually be well overdue for cleaning? As a general guideline, we suggest that exterior surfaces be cleaned once per year. This ensures that they never become too dirty, preventing needless damage and preserving your property’s beauty.
Some properties may benefit from more frequent cleaning. This is especially true in the case of commercial properties. Businesses tend to become dirtier faster due to the number of visitors they receive, as well as their locations near busy roads. Consider semiannual or quarterly cleaning as needed depending on your circumstances.
DIY or Professional Cleaning?
Some property owners choose to pressure wash or soft wash exterior surfaces on their own. However, whether this is a good option for you or not depends on your situation. For example, if you have time and energy to spare, and you love learning new things, trying DIY pressure washing may be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you have a busy schedule and can’t differentiate between soft washing vs. pressure washing, try professional services instead.
At Ehrman’s Pressure Washing, we are prepared for all kinds of exterior cleaning projects. We will review the surfaces that need to be cleaned and choose between soft washing vs. pressure washing. Then, we will use our technique of choice to restore your property’s exterior for you.
Get Started With Ehrman’s Pressure Washing
If you need soft washing, pressure washing, or any other kind of exterior cleaning, look no further than Ehrman’s Pressure Washing. We are prepared to meet your needs for a reasonable price you’ll love. There are never hidden fees or surcharges.
To get started with us, contact us online and let us know how we can serve you. Choose a time and date for your appointment, and then, receive a free cost estimate for our services. We look forward to seeing you soon! Let’s make your property’s exterior surfaces spotless.
