All exterior surfaces at any given property will eventually require cleaning. In some cases, the best choice for your project is soft washing. But what is soft washing, and how does it work? And what makes this technique different from pressure washing? In this blog, we’ll explore these questions, discover the answers, and help you decide if soft washing is the right choice for you!
We are Water Works Services, and it is always our pleasure to serve the Virginia Beach, VA community. Need professional soft washing? Then let us know—we’ll be there in the near future to complete this work for you.
Why Soft Wash at All?
What is soft washing? Before we answer that, it’s important to understand why some people choose to soft wash their properties at all. The answer is simple. Over time, exterior surfaces collect debris, and if this debris isn’t removed, it will steal away your home or business’s beauty. Some examples of this debris are:
- Dirt and Mud
- Moss, Mold, and Algae
- Bird Droppings
- Pollen
- Oils and Grease
Soft washing eliminates this debris, improving your property’s appearance. This increased curb appeal makes houses more appealing to you and your guests. The benefits are even more profound for business owners. Better-looking stores, restaurants, and hotels are more likely to draw in customers, increasing revenues and giving you opportunities to grow.
Reduce Surface Damage With Soft Washing
Another one of soft washing’s benefits is the reduced risk of surface damage. When your property’s exterior surfaces are allowed to become dirty, they don’t just look worse—they’re also in danger. Particles of debris grind against surfaces and gradually erode them. The longer this is allowed to happen, the more severe the damage will be. Eventually, you’ll have to pay for costly repairs to correct this, and your wallet won’t appreciate being emptied out.
So, what is soft washing going to do to help? It’s simple. By soft washing exterior surfaces and removing debris, you reduce the risk of this damage in the first place. This means you won’t have to spend as much money fixing your property. What will you do with the savings? Ultimately, that’s your decision to make!
Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing
What is soft washing, and what is pressure washing? What sets these two techniques apart, and how will you know which to use during your exterior cleaning project?
Pressure washing and soft washing both use pressurized water to restore your property’s exterior surfaces. They both use a specialized machine called a pressure washer to eliminate debris, and they both leave surfaces spotless and longer-lasting. The key difference between pressure washing and soft washing, however, is the amount of water pressure used:
- Pressure Washing: Uses as much as 3,500 PSI, making it a great choice for restoring sturdy, durable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt.
- Soft Washing: Uses much less water pressure (150 to 500 PSI in many cases), making it a great choice for delicate surfaces such as vinyl and softwood.
Additionally, soft washing is the go-to cleaning technique for roofs, brick exteriors, stucco exteriors, painted surfaces, and more. Whenever pressure washing would damage exterior surfaces, soft washing is the preferred alternative.
Cleaning Solutions and Soft Washing
If pressure washing uses more water pressure, what is soft washing going to do to stack up? Shouldn’t soft washing be a less effective technique by definition? You would think that this would be the case, but actually, soft washing can give you the same spectacular results as pressure washing. This is because soft washing uses cleaning solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite, to break down stubborn debris.
How do these cleaning solutions work? Allow us to tell you how we utilize them at Water Works Services. First, we apply a thin layer of cleaners to the surfaces that need to be washed. Then, we wait fifteen minutes for these cleaners to break down any grime. Finally, we soft wash the area, eliminating all debris and leaving surfaces spotless.
Is Soft Washing Eco-Friendly?
What is soft washing’s eco-friendly factor? Will scheduling soft washing services prove to be harmful for the earth? Professional soft washing equipment limits water usage, ensuring that only the necessary amount of water is used for cleaning. This reduces strain on water treatment plants, making your property maintenance plan much more environmentally sustainable.
Additionally, at Water Works Services, we only use eco-friendly cleaners, such as sodium hypochlorite. These cleaners break down naturally after your appointment, and they don’t cause any pollution.
How Often Should My Property Be Soft Washed?
Your property’s exterior is constantly accumulating debris. So, how often should you soft wash your home or business to keep it clean? Our general recommendation is annual soft washing. So, if your property has already gone longer than a year without cleaning, you should take action sooner rather than later. Either plan to do your own soft washing or reach out to Water Works Services for an appointment!
If you are a commercial property owner, consider semiannual or quarterly cleanings, especially if your business is prone to accumulating debris (e.g., gas stations, parking garages). This keeps the area attractive year-round so you can continue attracting new customers.
Should I DIY or Schedule Professional Services?
Wondering if you should do your own soft washing? While it’s certainly possible to do this work on your own, be aware that it requires a lot of time and energy. You’ll need to purchase all the necessary equipment for the project, and you’ll also have to learn how to use it. For some people, this is unapproachable, especially when juggling a full-time job and other responsibilities.
Alternatively, you can schedule professional soft washing from Water Works Services. We are a locally owned and operated business, and it would be our pleasure to serve you. Contact us online, let us know about your property, and get a free cost estimate. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to soft washing your home or business’s exterior in the very near future!
