Regular cleaning practices can often be insufficient to achieve the desired levels of sanitation. There arises a need for specialised cleaning methods to ensure the surroundings are not only devoid of grime but also of germs. When we seek deep cleaning methodologies for the exteriors, soft washing and pressure washing are the terms often heard of. Through this insightful blog, let’s understand the key differences between the two and make an informed decision that is suitable for the requirement.
Understanding the Soft Washing Procedure
Let’s begin with understanding softwash cleaning. It is a non-abrasive cleaning technique where the professionals begin with using a specialised chemical for the targeted area. This seeps into the grime, mould, lichen and other contaminants to loosen it. After this, a high volume of water at minimal pressure is used to clear the surface.
Understanding Pressure Washing
Pressure washing, in other terms, power washing, is all about the application of force. It uses a super-strong stream of water to blast away dirt. While the water pressure is adjustable as per the surface, it’s mostly enough to blast away dirt and tough stains. In some cases, professionals can add chemicals, but the result is mostly due to water pressure.
Key Distinctions Explained: Quantifying the Differences
The disparity between soft washing and pressure washing is evident in their measurable differences. While soft washing employs controlled chemical applications, pressure washing depends on quantifiable water pressure. Although both methods achieve cleanliness, they operate with distinct numerical parameters. Below are a few:
Pressure Dynamics and Surface Stress
There is a significant difference in the pressure applied by soft washing and pressure washing your home and surroundings. Typically, the pressure is between 150 to 180 PSI (pounds per square inch). This low-pressure application ensures minimum stress and lesser chances of surface damage.
On the contrary, the force applied in pressure washing can range from 2000 to 3000 PSI. This high force ensures optimal cleanliness on hard surfaces that are not prone to damage when applied force.
Cleaning Agent Specificity
Another major difference is the usage of chemicals. During soft washing, professionals utilise specialised chemicals, mostly biodegradable, formulated with specific concentrations of surfactants and biocides. These agents require a dwell time of approximately 10-15 minutes to break down organic matter effectively.
Pressure washing, even with detergents, relies mainly on the water’s kinetic energy. Dwell time is minimal, and the cleaning effect is immediate but surface level.
Surface Porosity
Soft wash cleaning, due to its usage of specialised cleaning agents, can penetrate porous surfaces to a depth of several millimetres, ensuring the elimination of embedded contaminants.
Pressure washing, on the other hand, has a limited penetration ability. Water may only remove the top layer of dirt.
Cleaning Action
Soft washing’s chemical action occurs at a molecular level. It breaks down organic bonds within a range of nanometers.
On the other hand, the pressure washing’s kinetic dislodgement occurs at a macroscopic level. Hence, it removes particles measured in micrometres and millimetres.
Longevity and Preventative Maintenance
The biocidal action of softwash cleaning, which is basically the act of chemicals killing the spores to prevent organic growth on the surface, ensures that your premise has long-term protection. This can be upto 12 – 18 months or even longer, depending on environmental conditions.
Since pressure washing is a surface cleaning technique that doesn’t penetrate or use a specialised methodology to disarm further contaminations, it lasts for a lesser time, mostly for 3-6 months, requiring more frequent cleaning cycles.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Soft washing uses 1 to 2 gallons of water per minute (GPM), which is less than pressure washing. It must also be remembered that with soft washing, you do not have to conduct the procedure at regular intervals since the results are long-lasting.
The water usage for pressure washing depends on whether you’re utilising it for residential or commercial purposes. On average, pressure washing your house can consume upto 1.5 to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Similarly, in an industrial setup, water usage can increase from 2.2 to 10 gallons per minute.
Choosing Your Cleaning Method: A Space-by-Space Guide
When deciding between soft washing vs. pressure washing, the first step is to consider the specific areas of your building’s exterior. Depending on which space you want to clean, choosing the right approach becomes easier. Here is an easy guide:
- Asphalt ( Driveways and Shingles): While pressure washing can dislodge granules and shorten the roof’s lifespan, soft wash’s gentle chemical application removes algae, moss, and lichen without damage.
- Tile ( Roofs and Driveways): While durable, tiles can crack under extreme pressure. Using soft washing cleans tile safely, eliminating organic growth.
- Wood (Roof, Siding, Decks and Fences): Due to their highly delicate composition, soft wash cleaning is the only safe option. Pressure washing will cause irreversible harm.
- Vinyl (Siding, Fences and Gutters): Soft washing can eliminate the contaminants on a vinyl surface. However, opting for pressure washing can force water behind the siding, leading to mould growth.
- Stucco (Siding): Using soft wash cleaning assists one in eradicating grime, algae, mould and other organic growth from stucco without causing any damage, which is possible due to pressure washing.
- Brick (Siding and Paver): Pressure washing effectively removes dirt and grime. However, ensure the brick-and-mortar is sound. Soft washing can be used for more delicate older bricks.
- Concrete (Driveways, Pavers and Sidewalks): There are tough oil stains, dirt and other grime, which pressure washing can remove with the required pressure. However, in case of organic growth such as algae, reach out to soft wash cleaning.
- Natural Stone (Walkways): Although power washing can remove dirt and algae, determining the type of stone beforehand is critical. If it’s a delicate one, opt for soft washing.
- Composite Decks: Although pressure washing can be used with care, soft washing is generally preferred.
- Metal Fences: There can be signs of corrosion and dirt accumulation, which pressure washing can effectively eliminate. In most cases, a combination of both is apt for the eradication of grime and organic growth.
- Aluminium Gutters: Soft washing cleans dirt and algae. Pressure washing can dent the gutters or you can hire expert gutter cleaners near you.
Concluding Words
Both soft washing and power washing offer effective cleaning du to their distinct applications. By undersanding the key differences it becomis effortless to know the right cleaning approach for your premise. It ensures long lasting property protection and minimal costs on repairs.
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