While the pressure washing technique is well-known for its effectiveness in blasting away stubborn dirt and grime, there’s another method that often flies under the radar: soft washing. As a leading house washing company in Auckland, House Wash Master is here to explain what soft washing is, its benefits, and when it should be the go-to method for cleaning your home‘s exterior.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a gentle cleaning method that uses low-pressure water, similar to the force from a garden hose, in combination with specific cleaning agents to remove dirt, grime, mold, algae, and other contaminants from your home’s exterior. The cleaning solution in soft washing plays a vital role in breaking down the dirt and organisms, allowing for their easy removal with low-pressure water.
The Benefits of Soft Washing
- Gentle on Surfaces: Unlike high-pressure washing, soft washing is less likely to cause damage to softer surfaces like wood, stucco, and painted areas. It’s a safer method for cleaning delicate architectural details and older homes with vulnerable materials.
- Effective Cleaning: The cleaning agents used in soft washing not only clean the surface but also kill mold, algae, and other organisms at their roots. This method can often result in a longer-lasting clean compared to pressure washing.
- Environmentally Friendly: Soft washing uses less water compared to high-pressure washing, making it a more eco-friendly option. At House Wash Master, our cleaning solutions are also biodegradable and carefully selected to minimise environmental impact.
When Should Soft Washing Be Used?
Soft washing is ideal for surfaces that may be damaged by the high pressure of traditional power washing. These include:
- Painted Surfaces: High pressure can strip paint, whereas soft washing cleans without risking damage.
- Wooden Surfaces: Decks, fences, and wooden sidings can be cleaned effectively with soft washing to remove algae and mold without causing splintering or other damage.
- Roof Cleaning: Roof tiles, particularly asphalt shingles, can be damaged by high pressure. Soft washing effectively removes harmful organisms like moss and lichen without damaging the roof material.
- Stucco and Rendered Walls: These surfaces are particularly susceptible to damage from high-pressure washing, making soft washing the ideal cleaning method.
Choosing between soft washing and pressure washing often depends on the type of surface and the nature of the dirt or stain. At House Wash Master, our team is skilled in assessing your home’s exterior and determining the most effective, safest method for keeping it clean and well-maintained. Whether it’s soft washing your delicate wooden deck or pressure washing your concrete driveway, we’re here to ensure your home shines in the Auckland sun.