In our line of work, we are often asked, “Are soft wash, pressure wash, and power wash all the same?” When it comes to pressure washing, most people outside of the industry use the three terms interchangeably, but they are not actually the same. And not knowing the difference – or hiring a company that does not – could lead to the potential of costly damage. These are how they differ and what is safe to use where, explained by our pressure washing company.
What Are Pressure and Power Washing?
Pressure washing is a technique that uses high-powered equipment to remove dirt, debris, and algae build-up from the exterior surfaces of your home or office. Power washing is similar to pressure washing in that it uses the same high-powered spray, but power washing also includes warm water to get really tough stains out. Pressure and power washing are generally safe for non-porous and hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a different technique that uses a gentler water spray combined with industry-approved solvents and cleaners to tackle dirt and debris buildup. Soft washing is a more appropriate method for those areas that require a gentler touch to reduce the risk of damage. Soft washing is a better tool for things like painted wood or stained furniture or decks. If you use power or pressure washing on materials that aren’t strong enough, it can lead to chipping paint or the degradation of surfaces like roof shingles.
How Do You Know What to Use Where?
Although most people think that pressure washing is a great do-it-yourself project, it isn’t. By the time that you rent the equipment and spend the day cleaning, it makes much more sense to hire a professional company. The quality of the equipment that you use does greatly impact your results. What’s more, if you use pressure washing on surfaces that are not safe, then you could unwittingly be causing a lot of damage that might not show right away. Only a trained industry professional will know what to use for the best results and to reduce the risk of damage.
In the pressure washing industry, we are often asked whether soft washing, pressure washing, and power washing are all the same thing. They are not, and not knowing the difference – or hiring a company that doesn’t – can lead to extensive (and expensive!) damage. At Eco Clean Northwest, we have the most advanced pressure and soft washing equipment in the industry and we always err on the side of caution to ensure that you get the best results possible, and that your premises remain safe and damage-free. Contact us today to schedule your pressure washing appointment.
