Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing: What's The Difference And Which Should You Use?

Professional exterior cleaning is necessary for homes for a variety of reasons. Over time, a home's exterior can accumulate dirt, grime, mold, and mildew, which looks unsightly and can damage the exterior surfaces. Pressure washing services use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to remove these contaminants, restoring the home's appearance and preventing further damage.

Regular exterior cleaning also helps to extend the lifespan of a home's exterior surfaces, such as siding, stucco, and brick. It can also improve the overall curb appeal of a home, which can be beneficial for homeowners looking to sell their property. In addition, regular exterior cleaning can help maintain a healthy home environment by removing allergens and other irritants.

However, there's a difference between pressure and soft washing, and you should work with a company that offers both. How your concrete is cleaned should differ from how your roof cleaning is handled.

Using Both Methods To Clean Your Property

Pressure washing and soft washing are both popular methods of exterior cleaning, but they differ in terms of the amount of pressure used to clean surfaces.

Pressure washing involves using a high-pressure stream of water to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from exterior surfaces. It's a powerful and effective cleaning method, and it's beneficial for cleaning hard surfaces like concrete and brick. However, pressure washing can also damage certain surfaces if not done correctly. For example, it can strip paint off wood and damage delicate stucco.

On the other hand, soft washing uses a lower-pressure stream of water and specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt, mold, and mildew from exterior surfaces. The cleaning solutions are typically biodegradable and safe for plants and animals. Soft washing is particularly effective for cleaning surfaces like roofs, siding, and decks, as it can safely remove contaminants without damaging the surface itself.

One advantage of soft washing is that it can be used on a wider range of surfaces than pressure washing, including delicate surfaces like stucco and wood. Soft washing is also less likely to cause damage to the surface being cleaned, making it a safer choice for homeowners who are concerned about potential damage to their home's exterior.

When deciding between pressure washing and soft washing, it's important to consider the surface being cleaned and the level of contaminants present. For tough stains and heavy grime, pressure washing may be the best option. However, for more delicate surfaces or lighter amounts of dirt and grime, soft washing may be the better choice.

Getting Professional Help

In general, it's best to leave exterior cleaning to the professionals, as they have the expertise and equipment necessary to clean a wide range of surfaces safely and effectively. Whether you choose pressure washing or soft washing, regular exterior cleaning is an important investment in the long-term health and appearance of your home. Call Hoffpauir Concrete in Lafayette when you need soft or pressure washing.