What is Soft Washing?
What is the difference between traditional pressure/power washing and soft washing?
Soft washing is a method of low pressure cleaning, utilizing water, algaecides, and surfactants, to clean delicate surfaces such as vinyl siding of algae, mildew, and organic stains.
Power/pressure washing does utilize surfactants and detergents, like soft washing, but its primary method of cleaning is utilizing high pressure water to strip surfaces of their dirt. On the flip side, soft washing is strictly low pressure, utilizing pressure about the same of a garden hose, which is around 70-100 psi.
Why and When Should You Use Soft Washing?
Soft washing is the only safe way to clean delicate surfaces, such as
- vinyl siding
- stucco
- asphalt shingles (most common)
- metal roofs
- and more
The reason you should only utilize a low pressure technique like soft washing on these surfaces is that traditional high pressure can and will permanently damage these surfaces by striping them of their layers or permanently puncturing them. Even if damage isn’t seen at first, over time it can start to appear, like oxidation on vinyl siding.
What chemicals are used in soft washing?
In order to effectively soft wash a surface, you need the following chemicals:
Water – Pretty straightforward!
Algaecides – There are a variety of algaecides you can use to soft wash, but the most popular is sodium hypochlorite. It kills any type of algae, mold, mildew, moss, and more from any surface. Not only does it completely rid the surface of it, but it actually disinfects the surface as well, which helps prevent the organic build up from returning in a short time.
Surfactant – This is a biodegradable detergent that allows the solution to cling to the surface, letting it dwell longer. At M&N Pressure Washing LLC, we utilize scented surfactants, which cover up any type of smell omitted by the algaecides. It also makes the exterior of your home smell like apples!
