Have your property’s exterior surfaces become dirty over time? It’s unfortunate, but this is an inevitable consequence of being in the outside world. The question is, how will you go about solving the problem? Maybe you’ve heard about a cleaning technique called soft washing, but what exactly is this technique anyway? How does soft washing work, and how can you use it to your advantage?
Discover the answers with Marin Exterior Cleaning, a locally owned and operated business. We’re your community’s soft washing experts, and we’ll share our knowledge with you below.
What Is Soft Washing?
How does soft washing work? Before anything else, let’s review what soft washing is. This technique uses pressurized water to remove debris from exterior surfaces. Immediately, you may find yourself thinking of pressure washing. What’s the difference between that and soft washing? Simple—soft washing uses less water pressure, making it a safe choice for even the most delicate surfaces. A few examples include most home exteriors, roofs, softwood, vinyl, etc.
Soft washing is relied upon by property owners all across the Kentfield, CA community. That’s because it has numerous benefits. It improves the appearance of exterior surfaces, and it even helps them last longer. That’s because removing debris protects surfaces from erosion. Preventing this erosion will help you avoid costly repairs in the long run.
The Role of Cleaning Solutions in Soft Washing
If soft washing uses less water pressure than pressure washing, doesn’t that make it a less effective technique? Technically, yes. However, there are workarounds. Soft washing almost always involves cleaning solutions to make it a more effective process. A simple pressure washing detergent goes a long way towards breaking down debris on exterior surfaces. You can find these detergents at supermarkets and hardware stores in specially marked bottles.
When dealing with especially stubborn stains, something stronger than a typical detergent may be needed. At Marin Exterior Cleaning, we frequently use sodium hypochlorite to break down tough grime when it’s putting up a fight. This cleaning solution is safe for exterior surfaces, and it’s also safe for the environment because it will decompose in the time after the project.
Should I Do My Own Soft Washing?
How does soft washing work when you’re doing the project on your own? As you’ve probably already guessed, it’s completely different from scheduling professional services. When you do your own soft washing, you’re in charge of the project from start to finish. You’ll have to purchase the necessary equipment, learn how to use it, and ultimately invest your time and energy into cleaning your property’s exterior surfaces. Whether this is feasible depends on your schedule. How busy are you? Do you have an opening in your calendar that you can use?
If you are already dealing with a mountain of responsibilities, perhaps DIY soft washing isn’t right for you. However, if you’re confident you can do this work correctly, keep reading, and we’ll teach you about the DIY process.
Preparing For DIY Soft Washing
Before you can soft wash any surfaces, you’ll need to make the correct preparations. First and foremost, do you have the necessary tools for the project? You’re going to need a pressure washer, of course. In addition to this, you’ll need an attaching hose and nozzle, the cleaning solutions we mentioned above, and safety equipment. This safety equipment includes gloves, goggles, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes. These items will cover your skin and lower the risk of you accidentally damaging your skin with pressurized water.
Don’t forget to also clear off the surfaces that you need to clean, if necessary. For example, if you want to soft wash a softwood platform, you’ll want to remove any items from the area, such as furniture or garbage cans. We recommend that you sweep the surfaces, too. This prevents you from launching debris all over the place, which raises the risk of window and windshield damage.
The Soft Washing Process
How does soft washing work? You’re about to find out. At the beginning of your project, you’ll want to set your pressure washer to an appropriate water pressure setting. (This is almost always between 150 and 500 PSI; research the specific surface you are cleaning to get a definite answer.) Then, pre-treat the surface with cleaning solutions. This helps break down debris immediately. Now, soft wash the surface in a row-by-row pattern. That way, you can easily keep track of what’s already been cleaned and what still needs your attention.
Remember, there’s no point in rushing through the soft washing process. Take your time and pay attention to what you’re doing. By working thoroughly and ensuring every square inch of the surface is rinsed clean, you’ll ensure your home or business looks stunning at the end of your project. Not only that, but completely clean surfaces are also less likely to become damaged over time. This prevents the need for costly repairs.
Enjoy More Benefits With Professional Soft Washing
When you do your own soft washing, you’ll save money, but at the cost of your time and energy. We won’t mince words: these sorts of projects can be exhausting when you’re doing them on your own. This is especially true if you’re asking questions such as “How does soft washing work?”. If you don’t have time and energy to dedicate to the process, consider professional soft washing services from Marin Exterior Cleaning. With these services, you can take some time to relax while a crew of experts does all the work for you.
Professional soft washing isn’t just convenient—it’s also more effective! A team of experienced workers will bring out the best your property has to offer. For unmatched quality, schedule an appointment with us. Getting started is as simple as contacting us online with details about your project. You’ll receive a free cost estimate for your consideration. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment. We will be there soon to serve you! We look forward to revitalizing your property’s exterior for the better.
