Cleaning your home’s exterior surfaces is key to its curb appeal and longevity. Over time, dirt, mould, algae, and grime build up before pressure washers accumulate on layers of dirt, making them look ugly and potentially cause water damage. When it comes to cleaning your home’s exterior walls, there are two popular methods High Pressure Power Washing and Soft Washing. But which one is the better method? Let’s look at both methods to see the differences and what’s best for your home.
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing, also known as power washing, is the use of a high-pressure water stream to remove grime from surfaces such as concrete driveway, brick walls and wooden decks. The cleaning process is good for tough stains and built-up dirt on hard surfaces like concrete surfaces, brick house foundations and patios.
Pros of Pressure Washing:
- Good for tough surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, patios and decks.
- Removes stubborn stains including oil and grease.
- Fast and effective cleaning method.
- Uses a pressure washer with high pressure water to break down grime.
- Good for heavy-duty cleaning jobs that require high water pressure.
- Outdoor pressure cleaning service is good for removing dirt and grime from walkways and driveways.
Cons of Pressure Washing:
- High-pressure water can damage delicate materials like vinyl, aluminium siding, wood siding and asphalt shingles.
- Traditional pressure washing can strip paint and loosen mortar between bricks.
- Pressurized water can force water into cracks and cause water damage and mildew spore growth.
- Risk of damage to fragile surfaces from high-pressure water stream.
- Uses gallons of water, higher water usage and cost.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is an alternative to pressure washing that uses a lower-pressure stream of soft water and special cleaning solutions to break down organic growth, grime buildup and bacterial growth. Soft washing is safe for fragile surfaces and sensitive building materials like siding, stucco, wood panel siding and roof shingles.
Pros of Soft Washing:
- Safe for delicate surfaces like siding, stucco and asphalt shingle roof tiles.
- Uses biodegradable materials and special cleaning solutions that kills mildew spores and dirt at the source.
- Deeper cleaning and longer lasting results than high pressure cleaning.
- A chemical mixture allows for organic growth removal.
- Soft washing is a gentler way of exterior cleaning services.
- Reduces risk of damage to exterior surfaces.
- Housewashing services can be customised to protect and maintain different types of home exteriors.
Cons of Soft Washing:
- Soft washing service may take longer due to the chemical mixture and dwell times.
- It may need to be cleaned regularly in heavily soiled areas.
- Not good for built-up dirt on concrete driveway and brick patios.
- Requires professional pressure washers to apply the soft washing solution.
Which one to choose?
It depends on the surface being cleaned. If you have a tough surface like a concrete driveway or brick patio, high pressure is the way to go. If you are cleaning your home’s siding, roof, window frames or any delicate surface, soft washing is the way to go to avoid damage.
Many homeowners use both methods for a full exterior cleaning. Hiring a professional pressure washing company means they will use the right method for each surface, so your home looks its best and is not exposed to dirt and water damage. Always better to hire a professional cleaning service, they have the expertise, equipment and special cleaning solutions to do the job safely and effectively.
Extras
- A Professional cement cleaning service will know the best technique for each exterior surface.
- Soft washing is the method of choice for roof-type materials like roof shingles and roof tiles.
- High pressure is for tougher stains and surfaces like brick house walls and concrete patios.
- The level of dirt on a surface determines if a power washing company should use soft washing or pressure washing.
- Washing vs power washing depends on what can be washed without damaging the surface.
- Facade cleaning keeps buildings looking good and durable over time.
- Clean gutters regularly to prevent water accumulation and damage to your home’s foundation.
By choosing the right cleaning method for your home you can clean brick homes and many surfaces and avoid damage. If unsure what power washing to use, always consult professional power washers or soft washers.
FAQ
Is soft washing good for all exterior surfaces?
No, high pressure is best for tough surfaces like concrete and brick. It can damage surfaces made of delicate materials like wood, aluminium sidings and vinyl.
How often should I soft-wash my house?
Soft wash your house every 1-2 years to prevent dirt buildup, algae growth and organic growth.
Can I pressure wash my roof?
No, traditional pressure washing can cause serious injury to asphalt shingles and roofing materials. Soft washing is the best alternative to pressure washing for roof cleaning Melbourne.
Is soft washing eco-friendly?
Yes, soft washing uses special cleaning solutions and biodegradable materials to remove black mildew and grime from surfaces without harsh chemicals that harm the environment.
Which one is more cost-effective?
High-pressure water cleaning may seem quick, soft washing over pressure washing gives longer-lasting results with soaps and dwell time, so it’s more cost effective in the long run.
