Soft washing is one of the most efficient cleaning methods for keeping outdoor spaces well-cleaned. It’s different from other cleaning methods such as power washing and pressure washing, which work in a similar way. Soft washing, pressure washing, and power washing utilize different kinds of cleaning equipment, levels of pressure and chemical solutions.
In terms of pressure level power washing and pressure washing use a higher water pressure than soft washing. The water temperature power washing uses is much hotter than that of pressure washing. Soft washing is using water with the lowest temperature than the other two cleaning methods.
What is soft washing?
Soft washing is a cleaning method that applies low pressure and it’s designed for cleaning different types of exterior surfaces. It works with an electric diaphragm pump that sprays the cleaning solution at 40-80 PSI.
This cleaning technique includes the use of a mixture of water, bleach, surfactants, and algaecides. It has a powerful effect on different types of dirt such as mildew, organic stains, and algae.
One of the key differences between soft washing and the other two cleaning methods is that soft washing works with a cleaning solution that is biodegradable. This type of solution works well against different types of mold issues (mildew, mold, fungi, moss, algae, bacterial contamination).
Soft washing is suitable for cleaning surfaces that cannot be cleaned with standard cleaning methods, but at the same time, they don’t need much cleaning power because there is a risk of damage.
Some of these surfaces are window glass, wood panel sidings, screens, stucco, roof shingles, enclosures. Their structure is delicate and they need a cleaning power that’s not too high to damage them and too low to leave them not properly cleaned.
Soft washing incorporates soft washing systems with electric sprayers and different types of cleaning nozzles. Each type of nozzle offers different water power and you need to choose the right one depending on how dirty the spot you need to clean is.
As a matter of fact, soft washing was originally designed as a method for cleaning the kind of algae that develops on roof shingles.
Why soft washing is important?
Regular cleaning of any property is always a good step in preventing structural damage and eventual health problems for the inhabitants.
Why soft washing works?
One of the reasons why this cleaning method is effective is the cleaning solution used in combination with soft washing machines. This cleaning solution consists of different ingredients, some of which have a powerful cleaning effect that is proven to work on different kinds of dirt.
These are bleach, cleaning surfactant, and water, as the purpose of adding water is just to dilute the mixture. If you plan to use soft washing for your property, then you will need to make a cleaning solution by yourself.
Bleach is a well-known ingredient in many household cleaning solutions. It has a proven effect on mold, mildew, moss, algae, plant spores and different types of fungi. It can even prevent root systems from growing and damaging your property.
A characteristic feature of bleach is the fact that it not only fights bacteria, but it also prevents it from developing again in the future.
The role of the cleaning surfactant is that it loosens the dirt particles on a surface and catches them. And it also helps the dirt substances to be easily washed away. Therefore, this makes the whole cleaning process much easier and faster.
A cleaning surfactant has the ability to complete the so-called “roll-up” process. This means they enter the space between a surface and the different dirt particles, bacteria and spores that are stuck on that surface.
Afterward, the chemicals of the cleaning surfactant cling to the dirt particles and loosen them up. It can also enhance the water’s ability to flush away everything that doesn’t belong to the surface.
Another advantage of cleaning surfactants is that they make the solution stay on the surface for longer and don’t flow over quickly. And as we know, the longer a cleaning solution stays on a surface, the better.
Is a Soft Wash Always a Better Choice?
Soft washing comes with its own set of pros and cons. One of its main advantages is that due to its low pressure it’s completely safe and eco-friendly. It won’t damage the surface you want to clean with it. With soft washing you don’t need to worry about destroying protective coatings or polluting the environment.
The disadvantage of soft washing is that it may not work for all types of surfaces, especially those with a stubborn dirt build-up where high water pressure is needed. For very dirty spots you may need to work with your soft washing nozzle for a longer time to get rid of the dirt completely.
