Pressure, Power, or Soft Washing: Which To Use When?
If you've ever done research on pressure washing, you may have come across the terms soft washing or power washing along the way. Both are valid methods of pressure washing, but each technique has its strengths and weaknesses and should only be used on certain surfaces for the absolute best results. Keep reading to find out which method is used when—great knowledge to have under your belt when you're looking for a pressure washing company you can trust!
Why The Method Matters
The type of pressure washing method used matters because each exterior cleaning technique is suited for different types of exterior surfaces. Check out the list below to learn a little more about the three main types of pressure washing and how they should be used when cleaning your property!
- Soft washing is a low pressure wash performed at a pressure setting at or below 500 PSI (pounds per square inch), and it's almost always paired with a safe chemical solution in lieu of water for a thorough clean.
- When it should be used: This method can and should be used on most surfaces for the safest clean possible, but it's important to use it on more delicate materials such as glass and vinyl siding to reduce the risk of property damage. It's also the only method that should be used for roof cleaning!
- Pressure washing is the standard method, and it's a high-pressure wash done at around 2000 to 3000 PSI in most cases. It can be done with either plain water or an eco-friendly chemical solution for the best results.
- When it should be used: Pressure washing is great for reliably cleaning harder surfaces like stone or brick. It can also be used for wooden decking and fencing, but many pressure washers will choose soft washing for those in various cases.
- Power washing is similar to pressure washing in that it's a high-pressure wash, but the key difference is that power washing involves the use of hot water to clean and sanitize a surface. It can only be done with a pressure washer that has a heating element attached.
- When it should be used: This method should only be used on the toughest surfaces like concrete, but it's especially great for cleaning hard materials that typically attract a lot of bacteria.
Should I Try Pressure Washing Out For Myself?
The short answer to this question is no, probably not. The reason for this is because even if you have a basic understanding of each method and why it's used, you still won't have the training or industry experience to yield the best results. Not only that, but pressure washing can be incredibly dangerous when performed by a hobbyist or amateur, and you run the risk of damaging yourself or others during the process. You can also cause accidental property damage, and that can lead to costly repairs and replacements that you didn't originally account for.
Instead of doing it yourself, choose the trusted professionals here at Mid-Florida Power Cleaning to take on the work for you. Give us a call or fill out our online service request form to get started on your next pressure washing project!
