When your property’s exterior surfaces become too dirty for you to tolerate, you’ll want to take action sooner rather than later. Consider soft washing as a solution to your problem. Soft washing is typically the best choice for home exteriors and is a great way to remove all debris from outside surfaces. But what is soft washing? How does it work, and what sets it apart from other techniques, like pressure washing? Good questions—keep reading to find out the answers!
At JayBee Pressure Washing, we specialize in Atlanta, GA pressure washing and soft washing services. Discover our insights on the soft washing process. And don’t forget that we’re ready to soft wash your surfaces if you need our help!
Why Exterior Surfaces Need to Be Cleaned
So, your property’s exterior surfaces have become dirty. Why is this even a problem? Couldn’t you just ignore this dilemma if you wanted to? We highly recommend against it. If you were to shrug and forget about surface cleaning, a number of negative consequences would unfold. This includes the following:
- Reduced Visual Appeal. The dirtier your exterior surfaces are, the less visually appealing your property will be. This is especially concerning for business owners who need to attract customers to stay open.
- Greater Risk of Damage. Did you know that debris can actually damage surfaces over time? It wears down surfaces and eventually leads to the need for repairs. By preventing the need for repairs, you’ll also save money.
- Increased Pest Activity. Pests, including insects and rodents, are attracted to surface debris because it can be used for food and shelter. In other words, skipping soft washing makes your property a less hygienic place.
We highly recommend that you have your property’s exterior cleaned at least once per year. So, if it has already been longer than a year since it was last washed, it’s time to do something about it.
Pressure Washing Vs. Soft Washing
So, what is soft washing, and what sets it apart from pressure washing? Perhaps the best way to explain the difference is by reviewing the pressure washing process first.
Pressure washing is the process of cleaning exterior surfaces with highly pressurized water. This work requires a specific set of equipment. Of course, a pressure washer is needed. This piece of machinery pumps water and expels it through an attaching hose. In addition to a pressure washer, you will also need a pressure washing detergent and safety gear (i.e., goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes).
So, what is soft washing in comparison? It is a variant of pressure washing; the real difference is how much water pressure is used. For example, pressure washing uses as much as 3,500 PSI to clean exterior surfaces. Soft washing, on the other hand, uses much less force, typically staying within the range of 150 to 1,000 PSI. This makes it a safe choice for delicate surfaces.
Examples of Soft Washing Projects
What is soft washing best suited for? If you have any surfaces that could be damaged by high-pressure water, soft washing is the way to go. This includes the following:
- Roofs (asphalt shingle, tile, and slate)
- Vinyl siding and painted exterior surfaces
- Stucco and other delicate masonry
- Wood surfaces (fences, siding, and decks)
- Screen enclosures, awnings, and outdoor furniture
- Solar panels, gutters, soffits, and fascia
How Cleaning Solutions Help Soft Washing Projects
If soft washing uses lower-pressure water, does this not make it a weaker cleaning technique? This would be true if it were not for cleaning solutions. For example, a gentle detergent goes a long way during your soft washing project, helping to break down grime so it can be more easily washed away.
Even so, you may come across especially stubborn debris during soft washing, such as moss, mold, and algae. When faced with a challenge like this, you may want to use more powerful cleaning solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite. This strong chemical should be applied to surfaces with a spray applicator. Then, wait fifteen minutes for powerful debris to be broken down. Finally, rinse the area, and you will be impressed by its stunning new look.
When Should I Soft Wash My Property?
If you’re asking questions like “What is soft washing?”, you may also be wondering when you should soft wash your property. As mentioned before, you should clean your home or business’s exterior surfaces once per year. So, if you’re already overdue for your annual soft washing appointment, it may be prudent to schedule it as soon as possible.
At the same time, the weather plays an important role in scheduling your soft washing project. If it’s incredibly cold outside, you won’t be able to soft wash your property without water freezing. Similarly, if it’s too hot, water will evaporate before cleaning solutions can work their magic. We recommend soft washing during spring and autumn; take advantage of moderate temperatures!
DIY or Professional Soft Washing?
Should you do your own soft washing, or should you schedule services from a professional business? If you’re up to the challenge, you can absolutely do this work on your own. However, understand that you’ll need to put your time and energy into the process. You’ll also have to learn how to use all the necessary soft washing equipment.
Chances are, if you’re still asking questions like “What is soft washing?”, you’re not ready for the DIY process. There’s no shame in that; just reach out to JayBee Pressure Washing for help! Our professional team would love to soft wash your property’s exterior. We will remove all debris and leave your home or business in peak condition—and for a fair price, too!
Contact us online with information about your project to get a free cost estimate today. If you like our asking price, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. Look forward to meeting the JayBee Pressure Washing team—we can’t wait to soft wash your property and make it look its absolute best again.
