Soft washing is a cleaning technique that uses low-pressure water, rather than high-pressure water used in traditional cleaning methods, along with specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt, algae, mold, and more from exterior surfaces. Also, unlike high-pressure washing, soft washing employs chemical action to break down and remove grime, making it safer for fragile surfaces such as roofs, siding, and stucco. Keep reading to learn more.
Understanding Soft Washing
- Chemical Solutions: The cleaning solutions that soft washing uses are crucial to its operation. Surfactants, sodium hypochlorite, and other chemicals that work together to degrade organic material are common components of these solutions. Depending on the formulation, stabilizers, pH adjusters, and rinse aids may be added to improve performance and protect surfaces.
- Low-pressure Application: Soft washing uses low-pressure pumps to administer the cleaning solution. The pressure is usually less than 100 PSI (pounds per square inch), which is moderate enough to avoid surface damage while distributing the solution evenly.
- Spray Nozzles: We use special nozzles to create a broad, even spray pattern. This guarantees that the cleaning solution effectively covers the surface without creating erosion or damage.
- Dwell Time: The cleaning solution’s effectiveness depends on how long it remains on the surface after application. During this period, the chemicals penetrate and degrade pollutants. The result effectively prevents regrowth, which is something traditional power washing can’t promise.
- Rinsing: Following the dwell time, the surface is washed with clean water. This stage eliminates the loosened impurities as well as the cleaning solution residue.