Understanding Soft & Power Washing: An Expert's Advice

Soft wash SC and power wash what’s the difference? Does your driveway shine? Yes, your driveway. What about your curb?

If your home’s driveway and sidewalk look more like your lawn than they should (read: green), it’s time for a power wash. But how can you keep these areas clean with your busy life and other home maintenance?

Even if you do have the time, how can you know which surfaces need pressure washing and which ones you should soft wash? Keeping exterior elements clean is a big job that requires specific knowledge. Keep reading to find out the differences between soft washing and pressure washing, and when you need which service.

PSI

Before you read about the differences between power washing and soft washing, you need to know about PSI.

Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) indicates how much pressure is coming from a source. When referring to a power washer, PSI tells you how much force is behind the water. PSI can also refer to air pressure in tires.

For reference, water coming from your home’s faucets and shower heads should fall between 45 and 80 PSI. Water spraying from a pressure washer (even soft washing) is considerably more than that.

What Is Power Washing?

Power washing uses air pressure, water, and heat to clean outdoor surfaces. Then a gas, diesel, or electric-powered machine is turned on. Lastly, the water inside the pressure washer heats up to reach approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Power washing uses PSI ranging from 1,500 to 4,400 or greater. The water exits through a nozzle connected to the pressure washer’s hose. Finally, the professional will spray the surface that needs cleaning with hot, pressurized water.

Some methods of power washing use chemical cleaners to help remove tough stains while others use only heated and pressurized water.

What Is Soft Washing SC?

Soft washing refers to pressure washers set at 500 PSI or less. Individuals who do soft washing may use a power washer. However, the water spraying from a soft washing nozzle is not heated. Soft washers may use detergents or soaps to help remove tough stains or grime.

Soft washing is ideal for surfaces that won’t tolerate high pressure or heat. And because of its lower PSI, soft washing usually doesn’t use as much water as power washing.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses a similar PSI range as power washing. However, pressure washing doesn’t use heated water. Pressure washing and soft washing can both be accomplished using a pressure washer.

Pressure washing can be done with or without cleaning agents.

Soft Wash SC This

So why soft wash? High pressures used in power washing can damage many common outdoor surfaces whereas, soft washing can clean tough stains or dirt while minimizing the likelihood of damage.

Wood surfaces like cedar siding, wood panel siding, and wood furniture should be soft-washed. Do you have vinyl or stucco siding? Power washing could wreak havoc on those surfaces. Soft washing is best for outdoor wood surfaces.

What about your screened-in porch, gazebo, or lanai? Too much pressure could rip a hole in screened-in areas. Soft washing SC is a great way to get screens clean without risking rips.

And those plants you have outside? They’re pretty grimy looking. As long as they’re rooted outside, soft washing can even help clean your outdoor plants.

Power Wash That

So what should you power wash? Surfaces that can stand up to more concentrated pressure. Think sidewalks, driveways, pavers, and curbs. Steel siding, fencing, gutters, and parking decks can also benefit from high heat and PSI provided by a power washer.

Not sure if your surface can hold up to power washing? A professional will tell you which surfaces are safe to power wash and which should be soft-washed.

You may want to provide a small, inconspicuous area to try power washing before covering a large, conspicuous area.

Why Wash?

Power washing and soft washing cover a vast array of (mostly) outdoor cleaning needs. Grimy-looking sidewalks and driveways take away from your home’s curb appeal. And you may be surprised at the difference a power wash driveway cleaning makes to your home’s appearance.

Over time, dirt, and moss collect on roofs, gutters, and siding. These elements can make a nice home look dingy or rundown. They can also lead to other problems for siding and shingles. Clean siding is likely to last longer. In conclusion, keeping siding clean may prevent potential health problems.

House pressure washing or soft washing should be a part of every homeowner’s maintenance routine.

Commercial Soft Wash SC

Power washing and soft washing aren’t just for homeowners. Commercial properties can reap a lot of benefits from professional pressure washing and soft wash SC.

Dirty parking lots aren’t a good first impression of your business. Moreover, if parking lots aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, wrappers and gum can collect on the premises. Do you want patrons to step out of their car onto ABC gum? What happens if they roll over empty bottles when backing out of their parking space?

Dirty lots and faded lines make spaces more difficult to see. And this can lead to people parking improperly, which can affect the number of cars that fit in your lot.

Regular pressure washing provides a clean, polished, professional look for your property.

Why Not DIY?

Ok, so you can buy a pressure washer and do it yourself, right? Sure, you CAN do a lot of things yourself. But should you?

When you take on pressure washing or soft washing yourself, you could be taking on a project you’re not qualified to complete. Moreover, incorrect pressure could give you a pressure wash that should have been soft. Now you’re looking at potential property damage rather than a simple cleaning.

If you’re using heat the risk of injury to yourself or others around you increases. Same with chemical soaps or detergents. You may mix the wrong amount or use a solution not intended for the surface you’re cleaning.

Call The Pros

The professionals at Sunset Pressure Washing can help you get the clean you deserve. We specialize in commercial and residential power washing and soft wash SC.

Our company values employee respect and pride in a job well done.