When most people think of roof, patio, or driveway cleaning, power washing is what they imagine, but could soft-washing actually be a better option?

Soft washing, as you could probably guess, requires lower water pressure than power washing, but features a chemical solution that is highly effective in removing organic matter such as algae, moss and mildew without damaging the surface beneath.

At Nutech Cleaning, we offer both power washing and soft washing services to our customers, ensuring we are able to safely restore and revive any exterior surface.

 

What is soft washing?

Many people have never even heard of soft washing, so what exactly is it, and is it really as effective as the power of a pressure wash?

Well, soft-washing may be a low-pressure cleaning method, but it is a formidable opponent of dirt and grime, due to the variety of chemicals used alongside water in the cleaning process.

Soft washing is a cleaning method that combines bleach, surfactants, algaecides, and water to safely remove fungus, algae, and other organic stains from hard surfaces such as patios, roofs, cladding, and driveways.

The ability of this biodegradable cleaning solution to break down organic matter means a professional soft wash will often succeed where pressure washing may fail, despite the low pressure of the application process.

Surfaces where less pressure may be required include roughcast, render such as K-Rend, monocouche render, wood panels, windows, roof shingles, sidings. decking and driveways.

 

When is a softwash better than a pressure wash?

There are two main reasons that you would use soft washing instead of a more traditional power or pressure wash.

Removing Organic Matter

The chemicals used in soft washing breaks down fungus, mildew, algae, and other organic matter without resulting to brute force alone.

The chemicals used in the soft washing process settle into the layers of dirt and grime clinging to the surface, loosening them up and making them easily to remove using a low-pressure washer.

After the solution has been applied, a quick rinse using a washer no more powerful than a standard garden hose will restore the original colour and condition of the surface with remarkable effectiveness.

Protecting surfaces

Soft washing is the ideal washing technique for surfaces that need to be cleaned but may be damaged by the high pressure of power washing and pressure washing.

Surfaces where less pressure may be required include wood panels, windows, roof shingles, and sidings.

The risk of damage decreases significantly when a soft washer is used, making this a much safer way to clean the exterior of your property.

In fact, soft washing was first created as a way to remove algae from roofs without dislodging or damaging the shingles beneath.

 

Hot water vs cold water for soft washing

Both! In general, cold water is sufficient but soft washing can be carried out using both hot and cold water. Steam is often used on delicate surfaces in combination with soft washing as it is very gentle. It really depends on the type of grime you are trying to remove and the surface you are cleaning.

Steam is sometimes best for organic matter, killing bacteria and penetrating deeper into the surface, whilst hot water is often the better choice for removing vehicle oil and breaking down stubborn grease.

Luckily, when you call Nutech Cleaning, you won’t need to worry about making this decision. Our expert cleaners will be able to identify exactly which soft washing method is best after a quick examination of the surface in question, using their expertise and experience to recommend the perfect approach for the most impressive and long-lasting results.

 

What chemicals are used in soft washing?

We use “Professional User Only” chemicals from Pureseal Services and have the training to safely and legally use them. These chemicals are not available to the general public and are dangerous if not used correctly. The exact chemical composition of a soft-wash solution can vary depending on the nature of the job and the type of bacteria you are looking to remove.

However, most solutions consist of the following substances:

Bleach (Sodium hypochlorite) – Effective in killing algae, mildew spores, fungus, and other plant matter and preventing future growth.

Water – Dilutes the solution

Surfactants – Active cleaning agents that help to loosen and break down dirt by clinging to them and making it easier to wash them away.

Biocides – Quaternary biocides can have a deterrent effect on porous surfaces.

 

Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing: When is pressure washing better?

It isn’t a binary decision and the two are commonly used together, soft washing after pressure washing can give a deeper, longer lasting clean. Our soft washing solution is highly effective in a huge range of different situations, but sometimes the high-pressure of a power wash is the only way to shift a stubborn stain on a surface suitable for it.

If you are unsure if soft washing or pressure washing is the better choice for your cleaning needs, get in touch with the experts at Nutech Cleaning today and we will be delighted to advise!