As the seasons change, we tend to notice a thin layer of debris and grime on our homes and outdoor items. A layer of dirt can dampen the look of any great space, but with Reyco’s help you can have a beautifully clean home exterior. Pressure washing and soft washing of your home can quickly erase nasty grime. It’s important to know which service is best for your home before calling a company for help. Incorrect cleaning techniques can damage your roof and other exterior items. Discover the key differences between soft washing and pressure washing, their pros and cons, and how to choose the best method for your home cleaning needs.

The Definitions of Soft Wash and Pressure Washing

Soft Washing

Soft washing is a type of cleaning method where you use a low pressure water source with a cleaning additive to remove dirt, mold, and other grimy items from surfaces. Because of the lower pressure system, soft washing is a great option for the cleaning of more fragile household spaces, such as roofs, siding, or wooden decks. Too much pressure can cause the deterioration of these more delicate parts of the home. When combined with the cleaning solutions in the water, a soft wash can erase any mold growth or grime, keeping the surface clean for a longer period,  and protecting the integrity of the surface. 

Pressure washing

Compared to soft washing, pressure washing increases the pressure of the water so you can remove dirt, grime, and mold from surfaces that do not need a more gentle cleaning. It is typical to use pressure washing on things like driveways, sidewalks, or brick siding as these materials can withstand greater pressure without causing damage. Because of the intense pressure of the water, pressure washing can remove stains and clean out crevices that cannot be cleaned with hand washing. With cleaning solutions in the water, pressure washing can transform outside spaces that were once grimy, but it involves careful usage so as to not damage delicate surfaces.

What is power washing?

Power washing is the most extreme form of water washing, as it involves very high pressure, but the water is typically also heated. Having heated water makes the cleaning solutions work more effectively, in turn leading to more grime removal. Because of the increased pressure and heat, this should only be used on harder surfaces such as concrete, brick, and metal. Power washing is a great resource if you have very dirty surfaces that can withstand a lot of water pressure.

Soft wash vs Pressure Washing: Compare the Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of a Soft Wash

Soft washing is a great option if you have delicate exterior surfaces since the decreased water pressure ensures that you won’t crack siding or roofing, destroy paint, or break wood. But with the decrease in pressure, you cannot easily remove deep stains without repeat washes.

Pros and Cons of Pressure Washing

The power of pressure washing is its greatest benefit. The increased pressure ensures that you remove dirt from tiny crevices and can get rid of any dirt in heavily soiled spots. Unfortunately, the pressure can also lead to its downside. Pressure washing, although powerful, can also cause damage to delicate items like siding, and can lead to cracked paint and wood if not done carefully. 

Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing: When to Use Each Method

When to Use Soft Washing

If you notice stains on your siding, roof, or a wooden deck, you should use caution and start with a soft wash. If you use too much pressure on these items, you may cause damage. It’s recommended that you start with a soft wash and increase pressure as needed. If you see a spot that is dirty, but is not extremely coated with grime, you can use a soft wash where the cleaning solution will get rid of grime without too much pressure. 

When to Use Pressure Washing

When you are tackling heavy stains on your driveway, sidewalks, or any brick, you should typically use pressure washing. If something is made of concrete or brick it holds in stains, requiring more cleaning solution and higher pressure to clean. Thankfully, these materials can handle the pressure without breaking the material. If you’re really unsure of what wash to use, give Reyco Pressure Washing a call today. We can chat with you about what we offer and answer questions you may have. 

Soft Wash vs Pressure Washing: Which Is Better for Your Home? 

As with most things, the answer to this question varies based on your particular home. If your house has vinyl siding and a dirty roof, you should use soft washing. If you want to clean tougher surfaces made of brick or concrete, you’ll want to use pressure washing. You can also make a decision based on the amount of grime you need to clean. If it’s a small surface with a thinner layer of grime, start with soft washing before you add pressure. Typically, one type of washing does not work for all parts of your home, so decide what is more delicate and start with a softer wash. 

Signs Your House Needs to Be Washed

There’s no person who knows your home better than you do, and you can decide when your home needs to be washed! If you look at the outside of your home and notice patches of mold and green moss or large areas of dirt, it’s time for a wash. Any sort of discoloration on outside items does not suggest you need a replacement, but just that you may need a washing. Buildup of dirt or other contaminants can be solved with the proper washing. At Reyco Pressure Washing in Richmond, VA, we help you find the services you need. Give us a call today and stop your search for pressure washing near me. 

Can Pressure Washing and Soft Washing Be Used Together? 

A thorough washing of your house actually requires the use of both pressure washing and soft washing. It’s important to know the differences and benefits of each before washing your home. You can tackle most things with a soft wash, and then increase the pressure for tougher surfaces and bigger buildups of grime. 

Should you DIY or hire a professional for washing your home? Give Reyco Pressure Washing a Call

As with any household protection, many homeowners wonder, “Should I do this myself or hire assistance?” Pressure Washing is something that can be tackled alone, but does involve specific equipment and the knowledge of what type of washing to use to ensure the integrity of your surfaces. Hiring a professional to do your pressure washing will ensure that your surfaces are cleared properly and that delicate areas are handled with care. At Reyco Pressure Washing, we tackle every cleaning project with the utmost precision and care. If you’re tired of your home’s exterior grime and need a wash, explore the rest of our website and give us a call today. 

FAQs about Soft wash and Pressure washing

What is a soft wash in pressure washing?

Soft washing involved using less water pressure combined with a cleaning solution to clean dirt and grime off more delicate surfaces like siding, roofing, and wood. 

Is soft washing more expensive than pressure washing?

This all depends on what you need washed. Since it requires specific cleaning solutions and more delicate practices, soft washing is typically a bit more expensive. But, the extra cost leads to more careful cleanings which will protect your home’s surfaces.

 How many PSI is a soft wash?

Soft washes typically range for 40-80 PSI. 

What do professionals use to soft wash a house?

If you hire professionals for a soft wash you can expect them to have specialized hoses that have low pressure systems. The washer will also include a gentle cleaning solution that can remove grime. At Reyco Pressure Washing we use top of the line equipment to protect your home. 

Is soft washing better than pressure washing?

This all depends on what you need cleaned! If you have delicate surfaces, soft washing is a great option. But for rougher surfaces with a lot of grime, pressure washing will do the job. 

Can you use a pressure washer for a soft wash?

This is possible as long as you can adjust the pressure of your pressure washer. Make sure to use the proper PSI and safe cleaning products if you are tackling a soft wash on your own. 

What does soft wash mean in power washing?

Soft washing means using gentler methods for power washing. You typically lower the water pressure and use softer chemicals to ensure more delicate items are not damaged during the washing.