Pressure washing and soft washing are seemingly similar cleaning services with some major differences. Both are great for cleaning your house or any other surface that needs a deep cleaning.
Not only does it get rid of stubborn stains and dirt, but it turns your home into a new house. So what is the difference between a soft wash and a pressure wash?
Keep reading to learn about both processes and see what suits you and your home maintenance.
The Differences in Pressure
Pressure washing and soft washing are two popular methods of cleaning surfaces. Pressure wash utilizes highly pressurized water to remove dirt and debris.
This method is particularly versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including concrete and brick. Refrain from employing the pressure wash method on surfaces like shingles and siding to avoid these pressure washing mistakes, as high pressure can easily damage the surface.
On the other hand, soft wash uses far lower pressure levels and relies more heavily on cleaning agents. It is more suitable for surfaces like shingles and siding and less likely to cause damage.
The significant help of a soft wash is that it leaves the surface more presentable. It can give a longer-lasting clean than a pressure wash job.
The Difference in Applications
The difference between pressure washing and soft washing lies in the applications they are used for. It also lies in the strength of the water being used.
Pressure washing utilizes high-pressure water to clean surfaces and items to remove dirt, mold, algae, and other buildups. It is commonly used to clean decks, patios, siding, and other hard surfaces around the home.
On the other hand, soft washing uses low-pressure water to disinfect surfaces such as roofs, sidings, and masonry. Soft washing is often necessary when treating areas sensitive to high pressure.
Such as shingles, porous surfaces, and delicate materials like paint. Both pressure and soft washing are beneficial due to their effectiveness in cleaning and sanitizing various surfaces.
The Amount of Chemical Usage
The amount of chemical usage is one of the significant differences between pressure wash and soft wash. Pressure washing relies heavily on chemicals because the high-pressure water is not enough to remove all dirt, debris, and other stubborn substances.
Soft wash, but, works by spraying a mixture of biodegradable detergents and other specialty cleaning chemicals at low-pressure levels. Soft wash is preferable for delicate surfaces.
This gives it a deep clean, making it more eco-friendly than Pressure Wash. Since Soft Wash is more gentle and less abrasive, the natural cleaning solutions are more effective and must less chemical usage.
Pressure Wash is perfect for light touch-ups, while Soft Wash provides a deeper clean that can’t be attained with Pressure Wash. Chemical usage between the two services is a significant factor to consider when choosing the right choice.
Cleaning them mostly with detergent also effectively avoids damage from the pressure of the water. The soft wash uses fewer toxic chemicals than a pressure washing, making it safer and more eco-friendly.
The difference in Effect
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water, up to 3000 PSI, to cut through dirt, grime, and other unwanted materials from the home’s exterior or building. Soft washing combines low-pressure water, from 200 to 600 PSI.
Pressure washing is usually the best option for heavy accumulations of dirt, grease, grime, and mildew, while soft washing is best used on painted exteriors, siding, and wood surfaces.
The difference in Effect is that pressure washing can be more aggressive and strip away some of the materials the surface is made of. Soft washing is gentler and pulls out more of the dirt and grime without damaging the surface.
This is important because it allows for a complete cleaning without having to replace or refinish the surface. Both pressure washing and soft wash can do an excellent job cleaning outdoor surfaces. However, the benefits of a soft wash are that it is a more effective form of cleaning for delicate materials.
Safe and Efficient
When it comes to safety, pressure washing sprays pressurized water at a surface of up to 3000 psi to remove dirt and grime. This can be very effective, but if misused, it can also cause damage to softer surfaces.
This method is particularly useful for more complex surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and other inorganic surfaces that do not carry the risk of being damaged. Soft washing, but, is far less invasive.
However, it is an inherently slow process as the detergents must adhere to the surface before being rinsed away. But still achieving the desired result as all cleaning materials used are biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for animals and plants.
Both processes are highly safe, but soft washing is often the best choice when it comes to efficient cleaning. In general, it is a highly effective and cheap way to clean home exterior surfaces.
Cost Comparison of Pressure and Soft Wash
When it comes to the cost comparison, the cost varies depending on the job and the contractor. The price is usually lower for small standard pressure washing jobs compared to soft washing.
Pressure washing is a more straightforward job that requires less time. It offers an aggressive approach; therefore, the labor cost is usually lower.
Soft washing can cost more because of the added time needed to apply the cleaning solution. However, it is often preferred since it causes less damage to the washed surface.
Soft washing is often recommended for exterior surfaces such as roofs, siding, and decks. The cost of soft washing may be more than pressure washing.
However, in the long run, it does a more thorough job of cleaning surfaces. Ultimately, the choice between pressure washing and soft washing will come down to the client’s needs and budget.
Deciding Which Option is Best For Your
Pressure and soft washing offer a great variety of advantages when cleaning surfaces. Both have pros and cons, so figuring out which one best fits your needs is essential.
Whichever choice you choose, you can be sure that the results will be great! Reach out to a local washing service today to find out more and discuss the best choice for your needs.
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