Power Vs Pressure Vs Soft - What's the Difference?
Power washing and pressure washing are generally synonymous and used interchangeably. This method relies on high pressure water being used to blast away unwanted debris such as mold, algae, dirt, bacteria and mildew.
Some professionals differentiate power washing as pressure washing with hot water versus cold. Hot water can be very useful in removing stains with deeper penetration and is particularly useful with grease stains. Think of your dishwasher and its reliance on hot water compared to a cold water tap to wash a plate.
For most residences, pressure washing with cold water is entirely sufficient and less harsh on surfaces such as wood. Commercial cleaning services are much more reliant on the use of very hot water for power washing.
Soft washing is a low water pressure method using soaps and other chemicals to clean various surfaces. Living in a area with high humidity, soft washing particularly is a very effective approach as the chemicals will kill molds, algae, lichens and other living organisms at the root so they do not reappear after a few short months. Blasting with water only does not kill these living organisms that can penetrate into surfaces such as your roof.
Further, high pressure can damage surfaces such as vinyl siding even getting water and mold inside your walls endangering the structural integrity of your house and the health of your family.
When Bayside Clean sends you a quote, we formulate a specific roadmap that may include softwashing but custom tailored to the surface being cleaned with the proper cleaning solutions and their strength. This may vary which is why we ask..
Soft Washing can be used to remove the following stains or buildup:
Mold, mildew, and fungus
Moss and weeds
Algae and bacteria
Wildlife debris, bird droppings, and bugs
Oil and grease
Tree sap
Organic matter
Rust
Graffiti and paint spills
Appropriate outdoor soft wash surfaces include:
Vinyl siding
Cedar shake siding
Wood siding
Roofs
Pavers, brick, and tile
Stucco
Windows and doors
Pressure Washing
As such, pressure washing surfaces should be limited mostly to:
Stone
Asphalt driveways
Garage floors
Sidewalks
Patios
Concrete
Treated wooden decks