Pressure Washing Vs. Soft Washing

Hello, I’m Jason, the proud owner of Bright Spot Power Washing in Tennessee. Over the years, I’ve noticed a growing trend among our customers. They’re becoming more informed and curious about the methods we use to clean their homes. I’ve decided to shed some light on the topic and help everyone understand the difference between pressure washing and soft washing.

 

What's the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?

The distinction between pressure washing and soft washing is becoming clearer to many of our clients. Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to remove dirt, mold, and other contaminants from surfaces. On the other hand, soft washing relies on low-pressure water combined with specialized solutions (typically Sodium Hypochlorite, water, and a surfactant) to clean surfaces delicately.

I’ve had numerous customers ask if we use pressure on roofs or if we’ve transitioned to soft washing for houses. The answer is clear: We only softwash houses. The sole exception where we use pressure these days is on concrete surfaces.

Can you pressure wash roofs?

Roof cleaning, especially for metal roofs, is typically categorized under soft washing. However, when it comes to asphalt shingle roofs, which are the most prevalent here in Tennessee, the process is slightly different. Cleaning these roofs involves a low-pressure application of chemicals. The focus is on minimizing runoff into gutters and carefully managing where the chemicals end up after exiting the gutter downspouts. We take significant precautions, ensuring that we divert gutter downspouts to harmless areas below or neutralize the chemicals before they exit the downspouts.

 

What exterior surfaces need soft washing?

Soft washing is ideal for delicate surfaces that can be damaged by high pressure, such as houses and especially roofs. Our clients have come to understand the risks associated with using high pressure on these surfaces. They appreciate the gentle approach of soft washing, which combines the power of chemicals and detergents with low-pressure water to achieve a sparkling clean finish without causing any damage.

 

What surfaces can you pressure wash?

While soft washing is our preferred method for most surfaces, there are still areas where pressure washing is the best choice. Concrete surfaces, for instance, can handle and often require the intense force of pressure washing to get rid of stubborn stains and dirt.

 

what chemicals are used in soft washing

When it comes to soft washing, the primary chemical we use is sodium hypochlorite. This powerful cleaning agent is combined with added surfactants and detergents to enhance its cleaning capabilities. These combinations ensure a thorough clean without the need for high pressure.

 

Contact Bright Spot Power Washing Today

If you’re in Tennessee and need your home or property cleaned, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Bright Spot Power Washing. We pride ourselves on using the best methods to ensure your property looks its best without causing any damage. Whether it’s soft washing your home or pressure washing your concrete surfaces, we’ve got you covered.