What is the Difference Between Soft Washing and Pressure Washing?

Maintaining a clean exterior appearance for residential and commercial properties is not only essential for boosting curb appeal. Keeping it sanitary can also stave off potential health issues due to mold, fungus, mildew, and other growths. While one of the easiest ways to keep exterior surfaces tidy is by using the power of water and a few key cleansing solutions.

This brings to mind professional pressure washing services, but high-powered water may not always be the best solution. Certain materials and outdoor areas can be damaged by powerful water streams and might be best cleaned with a soft washing process. Our pros at the Squeegee Squad can help you determine which service you need and offer an affordable estimate. For now, we’ll discuss pressure washing and soft washing and some of the scenarios where one is more effective and beneficial than the other.

Schedule Your Pressure Washing Appointment Today!

Pressure Washing Explained

Pressure washers shoot out tap water at pressures up to 2500 pounds per square inch (PSI), and commercial-grade models can emit greater psi levels than the average consumer unit. Not to be confused with power washers that use hot water, pressure washing can effectively remove grime and stains, but the process isn’t as easy or safe as it might appear.

The high rate of water can remove paint from certain surfaces, destroy screens or shingles and result in damage to the siding. Improper use can result in bruises or cuts to users as well, making professional pressure washing services an attractive option. That being said, an expert might strongly encourage you to consider a more gentle option like soft washing instead.

The Soft Washing Process

Soft washing uses a modified pressure washer, but the water push rate is reduced to extremely low levels, typically under 500 psi. Professional soft washing forgoes the use of high pressure for cleaning surfaces in lieu of using Eco-friendly cleansing solutions and allowing them to sit for a while before rinsing.

The pressure washer tip is typically changed out to a wider nozzle that offers a gentle fan spray of water that helps prevent stripping away paint, stains, sealants, and other coatings. There are several areas where soft washing is effective and safer for cleaning residential and commercial structures and outdoor installations.

Understanding When to Pressure Wash or Soft Wash

Soft washing is a specialized process that several Squeegee Squad franchise locations offer their customers for areas that require extra care with gentle cleaning. Professional soft washing is recommended for more delicate surfaces and those that are painted, such as:

• Wood Panel Siding
• Cedar Shake Siding
• Vinyl Siding
• Outdoor Wood Furniture
• Coquina Surfaces
• Stucco Surfaces
• Screens
• Patio Enclosures
• Areas Where Plants are Present

Professional pressure washing is optimal for resilient surfaces and anything hard that has grooves that accumulate dirt and debris over time. Key areas that are quickly cleaned with pressure washing are walking surfaces like concrete driveways, sidewalks, pavers, and composite decking. Bricks, stones, cement fountains, wrought iron patio furniture, and other durable installations. Knowing what can and cannot be safely pressure washed is best determined by experienced technicians.

Ready to Clean Up? Let the Squeegee Squad Restore Exteriors with Ease

The experienced and highly trained professional pressure washing teams at the Squeegee Squad can assist with exterior cleaning at affordable prices. Whether you need pressure washing or soft washing services for your roofing, siding, gutters, sidewalks, and windows, find a location near you, and inquire about a pressure washing consultation and estimate.

Schedule Your Pressure Washing Appointment Today!