Choosing the right washing method for different parts of your house matters. While people use pressure washing and soft washing interchangeably, these techniques differ in several ways.
At Devins Powerwash, we specialize in both soft washing and pressure washing. In this post, we explore the differences between soft washing vs. pressure washing.
Understanding Soft Washing
While pressure washing relies primarily on high pressure to scour surfaces and remove grime, soft washing uses a low-pressure washer in combination with cleaning chemicals, solutions, soaps, and other disinfectants for a gentle but thorough clean.
Cleaning solutions and chemicals typically used in soft washing include:
- Bleach
- Sodium hydroxide
- Neutralizers
- Surfactants
- Odor removers
These solutions settle in the layers of dirt and break them down from the inside to allow for a low-pressure rinse.
Understanding Pressure Washing
Pressure washing or power washing uses a high-pressure water stream (over 1,000 PSI) to remove dirt, grime, loose paint, mud, and many of the same build-up and stains that soft washing can.
Pressure washing works well for the following hardy surfaces:
- Brick
- Metal
- Hardwood
- Stone
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Aluminum
Both pressure washing and soft washing use similar equipment — pressure washers. However, pressure washing experts know how to adjust the soft washing vs. pressure washing settings and nozzles to achieve the desired results.
Areas Best Suited for Soft Washing
Soft washing helps to clean surfaces or structures that can’t handle high-pressure washing, such as:
- Vinyl siding
- Roofs
- Wood siding
- Cedar shake siding
- Stucco
- Outdoor furniture
- Doors and windows
- Pavers and tile
The gentle nature of a soft wash makes for a safe cleaning experience that preserves the material’s structural integrity.
Areas Best Suited for Pressure Washing
Surfaces that stand to benefit from pressure washing include:
- Driveways
- Decks
- Patios
- Sidewalks
- Garage floors
The high-pressure water will effectively remove tough stains and build-ups from these areas.
Safety and Damage Considerations
Both pressure washing and soft washing come with individual upsides and downsides. For example, pressure washing can remove just about any stain, but you can’t use it safely on every surface. Soft washing, on the other hand, will clean all exterior surfaces safely.
Both techniques require professional handling of equipment, as improper use may damage surfaces. As such, always hire an expert to clean your exterior surfaces.
Devins Powerwash’s Approach to Home Washing
At Devins Powerwash, we first assess your exterior surfaces to determine the best cleaning method for each part of your home. Once we determine what works best, we’ll apply the appropriate washing technique.
Recommendations for Homeowners
Ultimately, you want to choose the proper washing technique for your home. Consider consulting with experts like Devins Powerwash for a customized approach.
Make the Right Choice for Your Home With Devins Powerwash Expertise
The key difference between soft washing vs. pressure washing lies in the pressure involved. Both techniques yield satisfactory results, albeit for different surfaces. Selecting the proper washing method for each area of your home will safeguard your property and yield satisfactory results.
Call Devins Powerwash at (440) 429-1282 for expert advice or to request a free estimate for service in North East Ohio.
