Has your property’s exterior become dirty over time? If so, you’ll want to do something about that. Dirty properties don’t just look worse; they are also at greater risk of surface damage, which could result in expensive repair bills. However, you might not be sure what the best way to clean your property’s exterior is. Chances are, you’ve heard about pressure washing and soft washing, but what is the difference between these two practices anyway? Discover the answers to all your questions below!
At Marin Exterior Cleaning, we are highly experienced in both pressure washing and soft washing. What’s more, we are prepared to provide you with either service for a fair price. Get in touch with us anytime you need professional assistance! We’re happy to help.
An Introduction to Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is relied upon by property owners all over the world because it is one of the best ways to restore exterior surfaces. What makes it so effective? Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to remove debris from property exteriors. Since this water is so powerful, almost all grime is washed away with ease. This results in stunning, visually appealing homes and businesses that stand out from the rest!
We also want to introduce you to the concept of pounds per square inch (PSI). This is how water pressure is measured in the context of pressure washing. Pressure washing can use as much as 3,500 PSI to remove debris from surfaces. As you can see, this is quite powerful—pressure washing is a force to be reckoned with! Because of this, pressurized water must always be handled with care. Never spray yourself because you can bruise or slice your skin.
What Is Soft Washing?
Now that you understand pressure washing, it’s time to figure out what soft washing is. Soft washing is a gentler alternative to pressure washing, making it the ideal choice for delicate surfaces. You see, some surfaces are too fragile to be pressure washed. In these scenarios, soft washing is a great choice because it won’t cause any damage to these sensitive areas of your property. Some examples include rooftops, softwood, and vinyl.
How much PSI does soft washing use? Typically, soft washing stays within the range of 150 to 500 PSI. As you can see, this is significantly weaker than pressure washing. The amount of power used is the key difference between pressure washing and soft washing.
Cleaning Solutions Can Help
Since soft washing uses less water pressure, does this mean that it is less effective than pressure washing? Technically, yes. However, there are ways to boost the efficacy of soft washing other than increasing water pressure. For example, using cleaning solutions! Cleaning solutions are special chemicals that break down stubborn grime. That way, it can be more easily removed, making soft washing a stellar choice for any delicate surfaces on your property.
How do you use cleaning solutions? Let’s use sodium hypochlorite. At Martin Exterior Cleaning, we simply apply this substance to any areas afflicted with tough debris. Then, we wait fifteen minutes for it to break it down. Finally, we wash the area clean, resulting in sparkling surfaces that impress all property owners.
When to Use Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing
So, pressure washing and soft washing are both available options. The question is, which one should you use during your project? That depends on the surface you are cleaning, but a general guideline is this. More durable surfaces can be pressure washed. Less durable surfaces should be approached with caution—and that means soft washing them instead.
We have compiled a few lists for your convenience. Below, you’ll find a few examples of surfaces that should be pressure washed. These include:
- Hardwood: 500–1,200 PSI
- Asphalt: 1,500–2,000 PSI
- Stone: 1,500–2,500 PSI
- Concrete: 2,500–3,000 PSI
On the other hand, you’ll want to make sure that these surfaces are soft washed (between 150 and 500 PSI). That way, you can avoid the risk of damage:
- Stucco
- Softwood Siding
- Vinyl Siding
- Painted Wood
How Often Should Surfaces Be Washed?
Between pressure washing and soft washing, there’s an appropriate way to clean any kind of exterior surface. The question is, how frequently should they be cleaned anyway? At Marin Exterior Cleaning, we typically suggest annual cleaning. This prevents debris from accumulating too much, resulting in two main benefits. Firstly, it improves the appearance of exterior surfaces. Secondly, it reduces the risk of debris-related surface damage—helping you avoid costly repairs and save money in the long run.
In some cases, surfaces should be cleaned multiple times per year. For example, if your property is surrounded by trees, and your surfaces gather pollen and other related debris quickly, you may need to clean them more frequently. Businesses will also benefit from more frequent cleaning because they need to stay in stunning condition year-round in order to attract more customers and generate more profits.
DIY Vs. Professional Surface Cleaning
When your property’s exterior surfaces are clean, there’s another choice you must make: whether to wash them on your own or reach out to professionals for assistance. So, which option is better? That ultimately depends on your preferences. If you are experienced in DIY projects, and you don’t mind spending time and energy to save some money, why not try doing the work on your own? You’ll just need to acquire pressure washing equipment and learn how to use it. It could be a highly rewarding experience.
However, if you don’t want to do your own pressure washing and soft washing, there’s a helpful alternative. Reach out to Marin Exterior Cleaning for the professional services you need! We are a locally owned and operated business in Kentfield, CA, and it would be our pleasure to clean your exterior surfaces for you. We’ll determine whether pressure washing or soft washing is the best choice for the job before revitalizing your surfaces to your complete satisfaction. Just contact us online today to schedule an appointment! We will get you a free quote, and there are never hidden fees.
