Softwashing vs. Pressure Washing: A Comprehensive Guide
In the world of exterior cleaning, there are two techniques that have dominated house washing the past 25 years: softwashing and pressure washing. Both methods have their unique advantages, but understanding their differences is key to determining the best approach for your home.
What is Softwashing?
Softwashing is a gentle yet effective cleaning method that uses low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions. It's particularly suited for delicate surfaces where high-pressure water can cause damage.
What is Pressure Washing?
Contrastingly, pressure washing uses high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, and other substances from surfaces. It's a powerful cleaning method, ideal for handling tougher jobs like cleaning driveways or sidewalks.
Key Differences:
Pressure Intensity: Softwashing operates at a lower pressure compared to pressure washing, making it safer for certain surfaces.
Cleaning Solutions: Softwashing relies more on cleaning solutions to break down dirt and organic growth, while pressure washing primarily uses water force.
Suitable Surfaces: Discuss which surfaces are best for each method, highlighting the risk of damage with pressure washing on certain materials.
Benefits of Softwashing:
Gentle on Surfaces: Ideal for roofs, siding, and other delicate areas.
Effective Against Organic Growth: Excellent for treating mold, mildew, and algae.
Longer Lasting Results: Slower regrowth of organisms due to the effectiveness of cleaning agents.
Benefits of Pressure Washing:
Speed and Efficiency: Quickly cleans hard surfaces like concrete and brick.
Powerful Cleaning: Effectively removes tough stains and buildup.
No Chemicals Needed: Primarily uses water, reducing the need for chemicals.
What Chemicals Are Involved in Softwashing?
Softwashing involves the use of bleach, soap, and water. You may notice Spa City Softwash using chlorine or pool shock when washing your home. Pool shock is bleach at a higher strength. Pool shock strength is 12.5% sodium hypochlorite, household bleach is typically around 6%, Spa City Softwash’s house wash mix is approximately 1.4%.
In addition to the bleach, we use various surfactants. Surfactant is industry jargon for soap. We use several different surfactants specifically manufactured for house washing which include bleach neutralizers to lessen the negative effects of bleach and scents to leave your home smelling like it went through a car wash.
Our housewash mix is safe for all landscaping and plants when the proper precautions are taken. Our professional crew is trained specifically to ensure the safety of your property. All plants and grass surrounding the home are pre-treated with water before application of softwashing and rinsed after.
The choice between softwashing and pressure washing depends on the specific needs of your property. For vinyl, aluminum, or other types of siding or organic growth issues, softwashing is typically the safer and more effective choice. For hard surfaces like brick and concrete with tough grime, pressure washing might be more suitable.
