Are you thinking about cleaning your property’s exterior surfaces in Leawood, KS? This is a fantastic idea because all property exteriors need maintenance. Otherwise, they will continuously collect debris, becoming dirtier and dirtier. The question is, though, what’s the best way to clean them? You’ve probably heard of pressure washing and soft washing, but what is the difference between these two techniques, and which is the right choice for you?
We are Midland Pressure Washing, and we have the answers to these questions. In this soft washing vs. pressure washing blog, we’ll review what sets these techniques apart. As you’ll discover, there are more nuances than you might have originally thought.
An Introduction to Exterior Cleaning
Before taking a closer look at soft washing vs. pressure washing, it’s good to understand why exterior cleaning is important in the first place. As previously established, exterior surfaces are constantly gathering grime. What would happen if you shrugged and ignored this problem? Great question. Expect the following negative consequences:
- Loss of Property Visual Appeal. The dirtier your property’s exterior surfaces are, the less visually appealing they will be. This spells disaster for business owners who rely on customer foot traffic to generate revenue.
- Increased Risk of Damage. Particles of debris grind against surfaces and gradually damage them. This can result in cracks, holes, and worst of all, leaks. These problems necessitate costly repairs, quickly emptying out your wallet.
- Increased Pest Activity. Dirty surfaces actually attract pests because they can use debris for food and shelter. Don’t want to host ants, termites, spiders, and mosquitoes? Clean exterior surfaces to ward them off.
Want to avoid these problems? If so, choosing between soft washing vs. pressure washing is necessary. Let’s look at these two options and help you pick one that’s right for you.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Let’s begin our soft washing vs. pressure washing comparison. First of all, what is pressure washing? This cleaning technique uses jets of highly pressurized water to clean exterior surfaces. As this water is sprayed at surfaces, it rinses away debris, including dirt, moss, mold, algae, pollen, dead insects, and bird droppings. Pressure washing is relied upon by home and business owners across the world, and it’s no different here in the Leawood, KS community!
Pressure washing is best suited for tougher, more durable materials. These materials are able to withstand the intense force of pressure washing without being damaged. A few examples include the following:
- Concrete driveways and sidewalks
- Brick and stone patios
- Metal fencing and railings
- Heavy-duty outdoor furniture
- Garage floors and parking areas
- Commercial building exteriors made of durable materials
What Is Soft Washing?
Now that you understand what pressure washing is, let’s take a closer look at soft washing. Soft washing is very similar to pressure washing; the difference is how much water pressure is used. Soft washing typically uses below 1,000 PSI, allowing for gentle cleaning. This is essential when working with delicate materials that would be damaged during pressure washing. Avoid damage, use soft washing, and enjoy the same quality results!
What are some examples of surfaces that are better off soft washed than pressure washed? Consider the following:
- Roof shingles
- Vinyl siding
- Stucco exteriors
- Painted wood surfaces
- Composite decks
- Screens and screen enclosures
Is Soft Washing Less Effective Than Pressure Washing?
When comparing soft washing vs. pressure washing, you may begin to wonder if one choice is more effective than the other. For example, if soft washing uses less water pressure, doesn’t that mean it will remove less debris from surfaces? This isn’t necessarily the case. While soft washing is technically weaker, the use of cleaning solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite, makes it more than capable of removing tough grime from your property’s exterior.
To use sodium hypochlorite, simply put a thin layer of it on dirty surfaces with a spray applicator. Then, wait fifteen minutes for stubborn debris to be broken down. At this point, soft washing can proceed. Even low-pressure water can easily remove grime after chemical treatment!
How Often Should I Pressure Wash/Soft Wash?
Is your property overdue for exterior cleaning? As a general guideline, we recommend having exterior surfaces cleaned once per year. This is because surfaces are never really safe from debris accumulation. By making sure they are pressure washed or soft washed annually, you keep your property beautiful, safe, and even more hygienic.
If it has been over a year since your home or business’s exterior was cleaned, don’t wait to do something about it. Figure out whether you need soft washing vs. pressure washing. Then, plan to either do the work on your own or schedule an appointment with a full-service company.
Why Professional Exterior Cleaning?
Consider professional exterior cleaning services if you want to revitalize your property’s appearance without having to invest your own time and energy into the work. For example, at Midland Pressure Washing, it would be our pleasure to lend you a hand with your project! Our qualified team will restore your home or business, leaving you with a smile on your face.
The crew at Midland Pressure Washing always understands the best techniques for the work. After a quick inspection of the surfaces you want us to clean, we’ll determine if soft washing vs. pressure washing is the best choice. Then, we’ll use our professional techniques to remove all debris from your property’s exterior, making it sparkling clean and visually appealing again.
How Much Does It Cost?
What will you pay for an appointment with Midland Pressure Washing? That ultimately depends on the overall size of your project. The more surface area you need us to clean, the more you can expect the final cost to be. There are never hidden fees or surcharges.
No need to sweat over soft washing vs. pressure washing. Our experts will pick the right technique for your project and leave you with stunning results. Ready to get started? If so, contact us online and schedule an appointment today.
