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My definition of soft washing is to clean an exterior of a home or commercial building using less then 400 psi (100 psi or less for roofs).
Softwashing is gentle and non abrasive yet highly effective. We use a custom made softwashing system comprised of chemical solution tanks and low pressure pumps to clean and rinse
at minimal pressures. Although pressure washers can be used in softwashing systems (they act as large pumps) there pressure regulator must be turned way down.
Different surfaces require different levels of soft washing. For instance, the proper way to clean a roof is to use low, or what many refer to as no pressure roof cleaning.
There is some pressure, but the no pressure term is more to stress the point that the surface is receiving almost no agitation what so ever during the cleaning process.
With Vinyl and Painted surfaces, you can use more pressure then roofs but pressure is kept to the lowest level that affectively cleans the surface. The Cleaning solutions are the real
worker here.
There are, however, exceptions where using pressure is acceptable. Mainly these exceptions are limited to brick, concrete, stone or masonry type surfaces, but even then
the pressure is just part of the equation; the cleaning solutions are the real story.
Soft washing is possible via the extraordinary power of chemistry. Today there are many high quality cleaning compounds that are available to aid in cleaning just about
any surface. As quality professionals in the soft washing and roof cleaning trade we have a good working knowledge of many different kinds of cleaning solutions and how to
safely and effectively use them in the soft washing process.
Why choose soft washing over pressure washing?
While pressure washing may appear to remove the moss, lichen and algae, it's not going to kill it, and it will return much sooner than if you chose to Soft Wash. This is because
the pressure of the water merely blasts the surface level of the fungus away possibly driving some of it into cracks and behind siding. Soft washing actually kills it down to the roots. By killing algae and fungus, your exterior
surfaces remain clean longer than with a pressure wash. Soft washing also conserves water and uses far less than pressure washing.
What are the benefits of Soft Washing?
- It's Not Pressure Washing.
- Requires less water than high pressure power washing.
- A more thorough cleaning than high pressure power washing.
- No siding damage.
- No roof damage.
- No deck damage.
- Biodegradable.
- Repels Growth.
What will Soft Washing remove?
Softwashing is an alkaline based cleaning process and will remove many things like
- Most Organic material
- Algae
- Moss
- Mildew
- Lichen (some staining may remain)
- Pollen
- Loose Dirt
- Spider Webs
- Bug Droppings
- Bird Droppings
- Bee/Hornet Nests (some staining may remain)
What wont Soft Washing remove?
- Inorganic material
- Grease Based Stains
- Oil Based Stains
- Tar Splatter
- Concrete Splatter
- Paint drips/Graffiti
- Rust Stains
- Oxidation
- Chalking
- Tree Sap
- "Fallout"
- Artillery Fungus
What is Fallout?
Fallout is an industry term for grease, oil or mineral based airborne matter that is deposited over time onto
the siding of homes and buildings. Fallout usually occurs on the side of homes or building close to and
facing a busy road. Fallout can occur in areas near industrial parks, factories, etc. Fallout will not be
removed with alkaline based cleaner or pressure washing alone. Fallout usually requires a acid based cleaner
with manual agitation. Over time if left uncleaned, Fallout can permanently damage vinyl siding.
See a picture here
What is Artillery Fungus?
Artillery Fungus, or Shotgun Fungus, is a wood-decay fungus that likes to live on moist
landscape mulch. Artillery Fungus, looks like little black spots usually on siding over
and within twenty feet of mulched or wood chipped areas. Artillery Fungus is very
difficult to remove, usually requiring each black spot to be scrapped.
See a picture here
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