What Materials Should Be Soft Washed Instead of Pressure Washed?

Pressure washing might seem like the only way to get rid of dirt and grime, but is it really? In reality, pressure washing can damage some materials. Soft washing uses lower water pressure and special cleaning solutions to remove grime without causing damage. Compared to pressure washing, soft washing is a great choice for delicate surfaces. What surfaces should be soft washed instead of pressure washed?

 

Roofing Materials

Asphalt shingles can be easily damaged when they are pressure washed. The force from a pressure washer can dislodge the granules on asphalt shingles, which leads to premature wear and tear and sometimes leaks. Soft washing gently removes dirt, algae, and moss without doing damage to the structure of your roof or your roofing materials. The special cleaning solutions used in soft washing can also help kill mold and mildew to prevent regrowth.

By having your roof soft washed instead of pressure washed, you can experience a thorough clean without doing damage to your roof materials. You can also rest assured that no moisture will accidentally make its way underneath shingles and enter your home. Despite what the name might imply, soft washing still works on hard-to-remove moss and grime.

Wood Siding and Wood Fences

While wood surfaces can be pressure washed, soft washing is often a more appropriate choice. Some woods, like cedar and pine, are porous. High pressure forces moisture into porous wood. This can lead to mold growth, swelling, or warping. Pressure washing wood can also strip away the paint or stain. Soft washing removes debris and dirt on the surface without the risk of surface damage or water penetration.

Choosing soft washing for your wood fence or siding will protect the work that you’ve done to paint or stain the surface and stop potential water infiltration that can cause mold or wood rot. Additionally, soft washing will not cause splintering or damage to the wood itself that would require replacement.

 

Stucco

Stucco can easily chip or crumble under the pressure of a power washer. The high pressure of a power washer can lead to cracks, which look unattractive and can lead to long-term damage as water seeps in. Soft washing is a safe and effective way to clean stucco, and it can remove dust, dirt, and organic debris without causing harm.

If you have your stucco soft washed, you will be able to preserve its structure and appearance and avoid problems with cracking or chipping that might lead to the need for repair or replacement. Additionally, soft washing can safely remove algae and mildew without unintentionally creating an environment where it might flourish again in the future. 

Painted Surfaces

Paint on your siding, trim, or decks, will require a softer touch, as pressure washing can strip paint. Soft washing ensures that the surface is cleaned without compromising the paint or the surface underneath. This is especially important for older homes with lead-based paint or other potentially hazardous materials that could become airborne under high pressure.

Having your home soft washed instead of pressure washed will ensure that all painted surfaces stay looking beautiful while still getting a great, deep clean. Pressure washing can sometimes lead to a need for repainting and additional work, while soft washing provides great results without the potential for damage. Additionally, soft washing is a safe choice for homes where lead paint may be present.
 

Get Your Home Clean With Shine Select

Shine Select offers soft washing, pressure washing, and other home maintenance services to make your house look beautiful this fall. We work with homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. We’re proud of our deep roots in the area, and we’ve earned our reputation for exceptional results. We have the experience, tools, and equipment to get the job done right the first time. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more and schedule your fall soft washing services today, call us now at (703) 888-8551.

Shine Select
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pthak1Bt2Wr2GDNd9
2724 Dorr Ave Ste 106, Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 888-8551
https://shineselect.com/