One really common question we get about what we do is what pressure washing is and how that relates to soft washing. The truth? They’re related, but slightly different. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between pressure washing and soft washing.
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is a process of using a jet of water with a very high PSI to clean a specific surface. Most professionals in this industry will tell you that the actual figure depends on the task at hand, the machinery being used, and what you’re trying to accomplish. For example, there are pressure washing tasks that require a stream strong enough to remove paint and go well above 4,000 PSI. Likewise, the average homeowner can purchase a small unit that puts out only about 2,000 PSI.
Generally, heavy-duty pressure washing is best left to the professionals, like our team here at Griffs Pressure Washing Services. Why? To start, the process is extremely time-consuming and messy if you aren’t sure where to begin. And the dangers of operating a high-powered pressure washer can be great. That’s why it is always best to leave those tough jobs to us.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing simply refers to the amount of pressure used during the project. More specifically, it is 500 PSI or less. This type of professional washing is generally great for those situations when a typical garden hose won’t do, but something as strong as a full pressure wash is just too much. Often, this depends on the surface you’re trying to clean.
So, what are the benefits of soft washing? Well, the biggest is that patio screens, certain types of wood siding, and even broad-leaf plants can be cleaned without having to use special chemicals. It’s also great for situations where there is slight paint damage that you don’t want to make worse or where there’s a smaller amount of dirt that doesn’t require a higher level of pressure.
When Do You Need Pressure Washing and When is Soft Washing Better?
Now that you know the difference between pressure washing and soft washing, it’s important to understand when you might choose one option over the other. Obviously, the item you’re power washing needs to be able to withstand higher pressure for the first option, while gentler items can undergo soft washing.
If you’re having your home professionally washed, you might notice that the technicians do a combination of the two. The roof, siding, and windows are usually soft-washed. After that, the sidewalks, decks, or driveway are then pressure washed at that higher PSI level. The process always starts from the top and works down to keep dirt and debris away from the surfaces that were just cleaned.
Professional Power Washing Done Right
At Griff’s Pressure Washing Services, we offer both pressure washing and soft washing to suit your needs. There’s nothing like a good cleaning to keep the exterior of your home looking great, so please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
