You’ve probably heard of soft and pressure washing, two common methods for cleaning outdoor surfaces.
Although both methods may remove dirt and grime efficiently, there are notable differences between them. Soft washing is a softer technique, using a low-pressure water spray, while Pressure washing utilizes a high-pressure water spray to clean dirty places.
In this article, we’ll examine the differences between soft and pressure washing to help you identify which approach is ideal for your cleaning requirement.
Pressure Washing Vs Soft Washing; How Do They Work?
To know the differences between working for pressure and soft washing, here’s what you need to know before employing them.
How Pressure Washing Works
In pressure washing, pollutants are removed from a surface by directing highly pressurized water towards it. Different pressure washers have varying strength ratings expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI).
Pressure washing is often seen as the finest way to get rid of loose paint or stains off surfaces, for example, if you’re removing paint or stains to make room for another coat.
When handled improperly, the major disadvantage of pressure washing is that it may damage surfaces. For example, applying significant pressure to a deck might create serious surface damage. A different PSI is required while working with wood as opposed to concrete.
Applying pressure washing:
- To remove soiled or loose paint from aluminium or timber siding
- To get a deck ready for staining (like when removing wood fibres and loose paint from the deck)
- To clean concrete, pavement, and other equivalent hard surfaces older than three years
How Soft Washing Works
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method. Soft washing helps you remove pollutants without damaging the surface, despite more pressure being applied than with a hose.
Soft washing permits the removal of mould, mildew, fungi, dirt, and other pollutants. You may use mild cleaning on materials like softer wood or concrete that’s less than three years old.
You can use soft washing for:
- For cedar shake construction, wood panel panelling, and comparable soft cladding materials
- To clean concrete less than three years old
- To remove dirt, grime, mildew, and other surface impurities without causing damage to the bottom
- To clean outdoor wood furniture, screens, rooted plants, and enclosures.
- To clean any ordinary surface, such as a roof or a deck, without compromising the surface’s structural stability.
Soft washing is often the best option for basic home, deck, or property cleaning. If soft washing fails to remove a particular problem area, pressure washing may be used.
When to utilize Pressure Washing or Soft Washing
So, which method is best to clean the external surfaces of your house? It depends on the surface and the degree of buildup and spots.
If there are stubborn stains or significantly dirty areas, pressure washing may be the most effective method.
This technique is ideal for cleaning concrete roads, patios, sidewalks, patio furniture, fences, and decks. While utilizing a pressure washer, take extra precautions since the high-pressure water might harm sensitive surfaces.
Soft washing suits more sensitive surfaces such as stucco, vinyl flooring, and painted surfaces. While high-pressure washing might harm roofs or tiles, this method is also ideal for cleaning roofs.
Soft washing is secure and efficient, and it protects surfaces from long-term damage by eliminating hazardous microorganisms such as mould and mildew.
Which Is Better for Your Home: Pressure Washing Vs Soft Washing?
Soft washing employs a cleaning solution with a low-pressure water spray, whereas pressure washing uses cold to hot water at high pressure. Pressure washing is the most effective method for surfaces with stubborn stains or extremely dirty areas, such as concrete driveways, terraces, and patio furniture.
Soft washing is more suitable for more fragile surfaces, such as stucco, wall coverings, and roofing shingles.
However, selecting the proper cleaning method relies on the unique demands and surfaces to be cleaned.
Conclusion
Whether you pick soft or pressure washing depends on the areas you want to wash and the level of dirt or dust buildup.
Soft washing is more appropriate for delicate surfaces that need a softer approach than a pressure washing, which is more suited for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
While choosing a method, it is essential to examine the possible dangers and harm that may result from improper usage of the equipment or technique. Choosing the right cleaning method and tools will allow you to enjoy a clean, renewed outdoor environment for years.
