Soft washing - What's it all about? | Elite Jetting Kent
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Soft Washing - What's It All About?


soft washing render cleaning solution application
Soft washing - Render cleaning solution application

Soft Washing Guide



When it comes to cleaning the exterior of your home or business, many people think that a pressure washer is the only solution. However, using a pressure washer can do more harm than good in some cases. This is where soft washing comes in.

Soft washing is a gentle alternative to pressure washing that uses detergents and low-pressure water to clean fragile surfaces. It is ideal for delicate surfaces like render, stone, and wood, and it can be used on both residential and commercial properties.

If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to clean the exterior of your property, then soft washing is definitely worth considering.


What Is Soft Washing And What Are Its Benefits?


Soft washing is a method used for cleaning exterior surfaces that accomplishes the same purpose as pressure washing or power washing but offers several important advantages.

Rather than relying on high-pressure bursts of water, soft washing uses low-pressure streams of water to gently clean away dirt, grime, and built-up contaminants from the surface of buildings, driveways, patios, decks and other hardscapes. The softness of this technique can also help to avoid damaging surfaces that are made from soft materials such as render or wood.


Additionally, soft washing relies on chemical cleaners to get the job done rather than simply using water alone - making it much more effective at eliminating dangerous microorganisms like mould and mildew. This cleaning method is especially good for roofs and large exterior walls made of brick or stone. By combining the soft water spray with sanitizing chemicals, soft washing allows you to create healthier living and working environments in an efficient and eco-friendly way.

Long Lasting


Soft washing surfaces provides longer lasting results due to the use of cleaning detergents and chemicals purposely designed to remove specific contaminants residing on surfaces. Therefore, surfaces stay cleaner for longer especially when organic growth is present.


Overall, soft washing offers many different benefits over typical high-pressure power washers - including better results with minimal damage to many types of materials.


Soft Washing Method


Soft washing relies on three main elements: low pressurized water, cleaning agents and rinsing, to provide a thorough clean.


Soft Wash System


First, low pressurized water begins to loosen dirt and grime from the surface being cleaned. Then, soft wash cleaning solutions are introduced which help to break down stubborn residues that have been loosened by the initial rinse with water which remains gentle enough not to damage the surface being cleaned.


Finally, a second rinsing cycle helps remove dirt and debris entirely and leaves behind a streak-free finish.


What Chemicals Are Used For Soft Washing?


The chemicals used for soft washing vary depending on the surface being cleaned. Soft wash cleaning solutions are typically made from a combination of surfactants and biodegradable ingredients, as well as other additives that help to remove organic stains and break down organic material such as algae, mould and other microorganisms.

Detergent Assisted Washing


Soft wash detergents are designed to be gentle enough to not damage surfaces while being effective enough to provide a thorough clean.


Soft washing detergents can also be formulated with sanitizing agents which help to remove dangerous microorganisms like bacteria and fungi from the surface being cleaned.


Sodium Hypochlorite


Sodium Hypochlorite, also known as hypo, is a chlorine-based cleaning agent commonly associated with soft washing. It works by breaking down biological contaminants at a molecular level.


Sodium Hypochlorite disinfects and sanitizes surfaces by killing bacteria, fungi, algae and viruses on contact, making it ideal for use in both residential and commercial settings.


In addition to sanitizing surfaces, it's perfectly suited to removing organic matter from masonry and stonework surfaces without causing damage or staining.

It is important to follow safety protocols and the manufacturers instructions correctly when using sodium hypochlorite; proper precautions should be taken to avoid any potential harm from its powerful disinfecting properties. With the proper application technique, however, soft washing with hypo is an effective way to keep your home or workplace clean and safe.


Soft Washing Equipment


The equipment required can be as basic as a garden hose for pre-wetting & rinsing, a watering can or a pump sprayer to apply your soft wash solution mixture to surfaces on the ground or a broom & a bucket (scuttle's are better as the broom head fits into these better than a bucket) to apply to vertical surfaces. Which is ok for small areas but would be very time consuming for larger areas.


A professional soft wash system allows cleaning to be conducted far quicker and provides the ability to clean large areas such as buildings and carparks in a fraction of the time compared to using a basic setup, but the cost of a professional soft wash system can run into 10's of thousands of pounds or dollars.


Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing


Soft washing and pressure washing are two methods of exterior cleaning with distinct differences.


Soft washing is a gentle yet effective approach to cleaning delicate surfaces, such as roofing, siding and render such as K-Rend. It uses less pressure than traditional pressure washers and often includes a soft chemical cleaner that breaks down built-up dirt, organic matter and other debris on the surface. This chemical helps to keep the surface from becoming easily damaged due to using this low pressure washing technique & the low pressure applied to surfaces by the soft washer.


Pressure washing is certainly more powerful than soft washing but also poses a greater risk of damage if used improperly. It relies on high water pressure in order to clean tougher materials like brick and concrete, effectively stripping away layers of dirt that conventional soft washers may not be able to penetrate.

While soft washing offers an ideal solution for more delicately constructed surfaces, pressure washing maintains its place as a tool for deep cleaning surfaces which can't otherwise be cleaned with soft detergents alone.

Both soft-washing and pressure-washing offer homeowners effective solutions for keeping outdoor structures clean and looking their best. Knowing when to use each method is key in achieving maximum results without causing unnecessary damage or lasting scars.



When To Use Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing


One of the most common questions that comes up when it comes to exterior maintenance is whether soft washing or pressure washing should be used. While both methods use water and some degree of mechanical force to clean outdoor surfaces, they do so in different ways.


Soft washing requires a much lower pressure than traditional high-pressure washers, usually no more than about 500-700 PSI. Water coats the surface with cleaning agents and then the detergents are gently washed off to leave behind a sparkling result.


Soft washing is best suited for soft materials such as vinyl siding, wood shingles, render, brick and stone. Pressure washing uses a much higher pressure (at least 1500 PSI) and can typically reach areas in tight corners that soft washing may have difficulty reaching or require extra attention to clean.


In addition, hot water power washers not only work faster but can also reduce the amount of time necessary for chemical agents to break down tough contaminants like oil stain residue or bird droppings on hard surfaces like concrete driveways and sidewalks. Therefore, soft washing is best used on soft surfaces while pressure washing should be used on harder surfaces like concrete, metals and plastics because of its greater capacity to break down tougher substances.

Ultimately, whatever method is used will depend on what type of surface needs to be cleaned and what condition it's in. Using the right cleaning method ensures that a quality result can be achieved each time while also protecting your investment in the long run.


Conclusion


Soft washing is a gentle but effective approach to cleaning delicate surfaces, such as roofing, cladding, brick, stone, render and many others surfaces. It uses significantly less pressure than traditional pressure washers and relies on detergents and chemicals to break down contaminants residing on the surface.


Pressure washing is certainly more powerful than soft washing but also poses a greater risk of damage if used improperly. It relies on high water pressure to clean tougher materials like brick and concrete, effectively stripping away layers of dirt that conventional soft washers may not be able to penetrate.


While Soft washing offers an ideal solution for more delicately constructed surfaces, pressure washing maintains its place as a tool for deep cleaning and removing stubborn stains from resilient surfaces which can't otherwise be cleaned with Soft detergents alone.


Both Soft-washing and Pressure-washing offer homeowners effective solutions for keeping outdoor structures clean and looking their best. Knowing when to use each method is key in achieving maximum results without causing unnecessary damage or lasting scars.


Soft washing and pressure washing each have their own unique set of benefits and can be used together to achieve the best results. By determining which method is best suited for the job, homeowners can rest assured that they are getting the best possible clean without compromising the integrity of their surfaces.


Elite Jetting - A Soft Washing Company Serving Kent


Looking for a quality exterior cleaning company? Elite Jetting can help! Our professional Soft Washing service is gentle but effective, making it perfect for delicate surfaces like roofing, cladding and render. Contact us today to get a free quote!


Frequently Asked Questions


What is Meant by Soft Washing?


Soft washing is a cleaning method that uses low-pressure water combined with specialised cleaning solutions to remove dirt, grime, organic build-up, and other contaminants from exterior surfaces. Unlike traditional high-pressure washing, soft washing is gentler on surfaces, making it ideal for delicate materials like roof shingles, cladding, and wood. This method not only cleans but also treats the surfaces, helping to inhibit future organic growth, thus ensuring a longer-lasting clean.


What is the Soft Wash Technique?


The soft wash technique involves three key steps: applying a cleaning solution, allowing it to dwell and work on the dirt and organic matter, and then gently rinsing away the solution along with the loosened debris. The cleaning solutions used in soft washing are biodegradable and designed to effectively break down contaminants without damaging the surface or harming the environment. This technique is especially effective for surfaces that can be damaged by high-pressure washing, offering a safe yet efficient cleaning alternative.


Is Soft Washing a Roof Worth It?


Absolutely, soft washing a roof is worth it for several reasons. Firstly, it's a safe way to clean without causing damage to the roof tiles or shingles, which can occur with high-pressure washing. Secondly, it effectively removes harmful organisms like algae, moss, and lichen, which can degrade roofing materials over time. Soft washing not only cleans but also helps in extending the life of the roof and maintaining its appearance.


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