Is there anything more satisfying than watching sunbaked grime and built-up dirt on your home’s exterior wash away in a matter of minutes? Soft washing or power washing your home can give it new life, restoring its original appearance from beneath layers of muck. However, if you didn’t know there’s a difference between a soft wash a pressure wash, you’re not alone.
As their names indicate, power washing involves more intense water pressure than soft washing. But there is also a middle ground: pressure washing. To make sense of these terms and how to choose the process that’s best for you, let’s talk about the differences between them.
Pressure Washing
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). As more water tries to squeeze its way through a hose, pressure rises. Conversely, less water moving through a line lowers pressure. Therefore, the higher the PSI, the greater the water pressure.
Pressure washing is appropriate for hard surfaces such as patio furniture, decks, and stone walkways. It is perfect for cleaning a surface before painting or staining it. But always be careful when pressure washing, as water pressure at these levels carries the risk of physical injury and can even cause damage to your property.
Power Washing
Power washing is essentially pressure washing with very hot water. While typical pressure washers don’t heat water, power washers can reach temperatures between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows them to clean more deeply and sanitize surfaces. Power washing equipment is mostly seen in commercial or industrial settings.
These heavy-duty machines are best for the hardest surfaces, such as rough concrete, asphalt, and stone walls. However, they should only be operated by professionals who have received training in their handling and safety protocols. At Vortex Pro Wash, all of our technicians are highly trained and certified in pressure washing, including power washing and soft washing.
Soft Washing
While soft washing is also a form of pressure washing, it uses a much lower pressure. The pressure washer’s nozzle is switched out for a modified tip that greatly reduces water pressure.
This makes soft washing ideal for more vulnerable surfaces, such as wood siding, vinyl siding, enclosures, and new concrete.
What soft washing loses in pressure, it makes up for with special chemical solvents used as cleaners. These cleaners effectively remove surface contaminants such as mildew, mold, and algae. They are typically eco-friendly and are safe for use on most protective coatings. Soft washing is a good choice for standard cleaning of your roof, deck, or house.
Let Us Handle the Dirty Work
Pressure washing is a complex and time-intensive project. Our technicians are seasoned professionals who are highly trained in operating pressure washer machines safely and efficiently. With two decades of experience, our team offers professional power washing, soft washing, and pressure washing services at an affordable price.
We are fully insured, eco-friendly, and are proud to have a five-star rating on Google. Call Vortex Pro Wash in Raleigh, NC at 919-795-1833 to schedule your consultation today. We’re happy to get our hands dirty so you don’t have to.
