Cleaning your property’s exterior surfaces isn’t always an easy task. It requires a specific set of equipment, training, and an understanding of those surfaces’ specific needs. Because of this, it always pays to do your research before leaping into an exterior cleaning project—including soft washing projects. What is soft washing? How does it work, and when should you soft wash your project? Discover the answers in the paragraphs below!
At Bucher ProWash, soft washing is one of our many specialties. We’re excited to teach you more. You can also reach out to us for full-service soft washing in Richmond, VA. Just call us if you are interested.
Why Is Exterior Cleaning Important?
What is soft washing? It’s a form of exterior cleaning, but why exactly is exterior cleaning so important anyway? The long story short is that your property’s exterior surfaces will become dirty over time. It’s inevitable that these surfaces will gather debris, such as dirt, dead insects, bird droppings, pollen, algae, moss, mold, etc. (The list goes on and on.) So, without exterior cleaning, these surfaces will just become dirtier and dirtier, eventually leaving your property looking like a complete mess.
Obviously, you don’t want this to happen. Prioritize yearly exterior cleaning—such as soft washing—to keep your home or business in peak condition. This not only improves your property’s appearance but also helps exterior surfaces last longer.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing
When talking about exterior cleaning, there are two techniques that come to mind: pressure washing and soft washing. What sets these two processes apart? Let’s begin by reviewing pressure washing. Pressure washing is the process of cleaning exterior surfaces with high-pressure water—in some cases as much as 3,500 PSI. This makes it a great choice for cleaning durable materials such as hardwood and concrete.
On the other hand, soft washing uses as little as 150 PSI to gently restore exterior surfaces. This is necessary when cleaning materials that are too delicate to be pressure washed. Always take time to figure out the best technique for your project. That way, you can enjoy the highest quality results.
Soft Washing Projects
What projects should use soft washing instead of pressure washing? These projects typically include more delicate surfaces and structures. We have included a list of examples below for your consideration.
- Vinyl siding
- Roof shingles
- Stucco
- Painted wood
- Delicate exterior surfaces
It is instrumental that you soft wash these surfaces instead of pressure washing them. That way, you can remove all debris from them without damaging them with high-pressure water.
The Use of Cleaning Solutions When Soft Washing
Soft washing uses less water pressure than pressure washing. This makes soft washing a weaker technique—so doesn’t that mean it will give you ineffective results? Actually, soft washing can leave you just as satisfied as pressure washing. That’s because cleaning solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite, are used to break down grime during the soft washing process.
To use sodium hypochlorite, use a spray applicator to put a thin layer of it on the surfaces to be cleaned. Then wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Finally, soft wash the entire area, and you should find that all grime washes away with ease.
Soft Washing Equipment
Are you thinking about doing your own soft washing? If so, you’ll need all the necessary equipment, and you’ll need to learn how to use it. We’ve included a list of all the required tools below. Which ones do you already have? And which ones do you still need to buy?
- Pressure Washer. This piece of machinery pumps water and sprays it through an attaching hose, resulting in high-pressure jets of water.
- Cleaning Solutions. A basic pressure washing detergent and sodium hypochlorite go a long way towards breaking down debris and eliminating it altogether.
- Safety Gear. Always protect yourself during your soft washing project. Shield yourself from pressurized water by wearing goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
DIY Soft Washing Challenges
If you’ve been asking questions like “What is soft washing?”, you’re probably not prepared for the DIY soft washing process. This is especially true considering the number of difficulties you might face along the way. We’ve included several examples below.
Time Constraints
Doing your own soft washing is a time-consuming process. In fact, you’ll probably have to invest most of an entire day into the work. If you don’t have time to spare, then you might not have a chance to take on a soft washing project.
Learning to Use Equipment
After you’ve purchased all the necessary equipment for your soft washing project, you’ll have to learn how to use it. Improper use of a pressure washer could cause damage to your property’s exterior and even result in injury.
Physically Demanding Work
Doing your own soft washing involves a lot of manual labor. This work can easily leave you physically fatigued by the time you are done. This is the last thing you’ll want after a long day at work and running errands.
Consider Professional Soft Washing
When you’re hung up on questions like “What is soft washing?”, you probably shouldn’t do this work on your own. So why not rely on a team of professionals instead? At Bucher ProWash, it would be our pleasure to clean your property’s exterior surfaces for you. We proudly provide soft washing services to our neighbors, ensuring your home or business looks its best. What’s more, we do it all for a fair price.
What is soft washing going to cost? When you schedule an appointment with Bucher ProWash, what you’ll pay is based on the size of your project. There are never hidden fees or surcharges because we believe in transparency and honesty.
Get a free cost estimate today! All you have to do is contact us online and let us know how we can help you. Then, if you approve of our price, you can choose a time and date for our arrival. Look forward to the stunning results that only Bucher ProWash can provide.
