So, it’s time for your exterior cleaning project. Your Chicago property has looked dirty long enough, and you’ve decided you’re going to change that. However, before you can barge into the work, you have some important questions to answer. For example, what’s the best technique for your project? Between pressure washing vs. soft washing, which should you choose, and what sets them apart in the first place?
Discover the differences with Chicagoland Pressure Washing. In this pressure washing vs. soft washing comparison, we’ll break down the distinctions and help you choose the best technique for your project.
Why Dirty Surfaces Need Special Treatment
Do surfaces really need to be cleaned? Why can’t you just let the rain take care of it? Unfortunately, the weather alone can’t keep exterior surfaces in good condition. Some debris is deep-seated, meaning a gentle drizzle won’t remove it. This is why more advanced techniques, including pressure washing and soft washing, become necessary.
Don’t get complacent. Your property’s exterior won’t clean itself, so picking between pressure washing vs. soft washing is a necessity. Of course, figuring out which technique is best isn’t always easy.
Introduction to Pressure Washing
First and foremost, let’s take a look at pressure washing. What exactly is this cleaning technique, and what makes it such an effective way to clean exterior surfaces?
Pressure washing uses a special piece of machinery called a pressure washer. This device connects to a water source, pumps the water, and expels it through a hose. The resulting jets of water are so powerful that it makes it easy to rinse away deep-seated debris. Pressure washing is trusted by property owners all across the world. It might just be the best choice for your project, too.
Introduction to Soft Washing
This can’t be a pressure washing vs. soft washing blog without showing off both contenders. Soft washing is pressure washing’s younger brother, and although they have a lot in common, soft washing is a much gentler process. Pressure washing uses as much as 3,500 PSI to clean surfaces, whereas soft washing trends below 1,000 PSI.
Soft washing is best suited for surfaces that are too delicate to be pressure washed. It makes sense: if pressure washing would damage it, lower the water pressure setting! Since pressure washing and soft washing are both options, there’s no surface that can’t be cleaned.
And yes, you can soft wash surfaces with a pressure washing! It’s as simple as turning down the water pressure dial. No need to buy a second set of equipment.You can use everything you would to pressure wash to soft wash, too.
About Soft Washing Cleaning Solutions
Soft washing uses less water pressure than pressure washing. So, does that mean it’s a less effective technique? This isn’t necessarily true. That’s because soft washing relies on cleaning solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite, to break down stubborn grime.
At Chicagoland Pressure Washing, whenever we soft wash exterior surfaces, we typically do a chemical pre-treatment. With a spray applicator, it’s easy for us to put a thin layer of sodium hypochlorite on the surface. Then, we wait fifteen minutes for debris to break down. Finally, we thoroughly soft wash the area, eliminating all grime with ease.
Sodium hypochlorite is 100% safe for the environment and your property’s exterior. You can use it without having to worry about any negative consequences. Go through your project stress-free!
Examples of Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing Jobs
Now that you know the difference between pressure washing vs. soft washing, let’s review some examples of either project. That way, you know which technique is best suited for your project.
First and foremost, remember that pressure washing is best suited for tougher, more durable surfaces. This includes the following:
- Concrete driveways
- Patios and walkways
- Brick surfaces
- Paver surfaces
- Metal fences
In comparison, soft washing is the best choice for surfaces that would be damaged during pressure washing. Examples of these surfaces include:
- Vinyl siding
- Asphalt shingles
- Stucco
- Composite siding
- Painted surfaces
So What’s Power Washing, Then?
In this pressure washing vs. soft washing article, you’ve learned a lot about both these techniques. However, you might wonder where power washing falls in the grand scheme of things. The answer is more complicated than you might think at first.
What power washing is depends on who you ask. For example, at Chicagoland Pressure Washing, we treat pressure washing and power washing as synonymous. So, whichever you ask for, you’re getting the same great service: high-pressure washing and the complete removal of all debris on your exterior surfaces.
However, other sources make some sort of distinction between pressure and power washing. For example, you might see some companies say that power washing uses more water pressure, more cleaning solutions, or even higher-temperature water. Remember, it never hurts to ask what exactly you’re getting before you request it.
Chicagoland Pressure Washing Can Help
Having trouble picking between pressure washing vs. soft washing? We understand that it isn’t always easy to figure out the best technique for the project. The good news is that you don’t have to thanks to Chicagoland Pressure Washing. We will happily clean any surfaces for you, and when it comes to choosing pressure or soft washing, we always make the right decision!
The best part? We do the work for a fair price that you’ll love. At Chicagoland Pressure Washing, we determine how much you’ll pay by estimating the square footage of the surfaces you want us to clean. There are never hidden fees or surcharges.
Ready to Get Started?
If you want to experience the difference Chicagoland Pressure Washing can make for yourself, contact us online and let us know about it. No need to quibble over whether pressure washing vs. soft washing is right for your appointment—we’ve got you covered. Rely on our team to provide you with five-star service. In the meantime, you can sit down, relax, and enjoy the show!
