Difference Between Soft Washing and Water Blasting for House Washing

Tired of staring at a grimy exterior? Your home deserves better! But when it comes to washing your house, choosing between soft washing and water blasting can often feel confusing. 

This guide breaks down the differences, helping you make an informed decision about the upkeep of your investment and the best way to restore your home's former sparkle. 

Discover which method suits your home best and say goodbye to dirt, grime, and pesky stains, all with the help of Exterior Cleaning Services!

Soft Washing vs Water Blasting: Understanding the Key Differences Between the Pair 

Deciding between soft washing and water blasting for your home's exterior might seem unimportant. But in fact, understanding the differences between these two methods empowers you to make an informed choice for you to maintain your home and protect your investment. Here’s what you need to know: 

Water Blasting (AKA Pressure Washing)

Water blasting, also known as pressure washing, packs a serious punch when it comes to cleaning power. It uses high-pressure water streams, typically ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 PSI, to blast away dirt, grime, mould, and other stubborn stains. 

While water blasting might seem like the ultimate cleaning solution, it's crucial to understand its limitations. Since it relies on the force of the water to clean, there's minimal to no reliance on cleaning solutions. 

This makes it highly effective for tough stains and hard surfaces like concrete driveways, sidewalks, and brick walls. However, that same high pressure can be a double-edged sword. 

If not used correctly, it can cause damage to delicate surfaces, like blowing off paint, damaging window seals, or even forcing water behind cladding, leading to hidden problems.

A Short Guide to Soft Washing

In many ways, soft washing offers the best of both worlds. It combines low-pressure water with specialised cleaning solutions. Unlike its high-pressure counterpart, soft washing utilises a gentle touch, typically around 400 PSI. This makes it perfect for tackling dirt, mould, mildew, and other contaminants on delicate surfaces like painted exteriors, vinyl siding, and even your roof.

Here's the magic behind soft washing. It’s the cleaning solutions that do the heavy lifting. These biodegradable solutions break down dirt and grime, allowing them to be easily rinsed away with low-pressure water. 

The result is a gentle yet effective approach, ensuring a thorough clean without the risk of damaging your home. Plus, the eco-friendly nature of soft washing, with its minimal water usage and biodegradable solutions, makes it a win for the environment!

Comparing the Pair: How to Choose the Right Cleaning Method for Your Home

Now that you understand the soft washing and water blasting differences, it's time to pick the perfect solution. Here's a three-part breakdown to help you decide:

1. Surface Type

   This is a key factor. For delicate surfaces like your roof, painted exterior, or vinyl siding, soft washing is the clear winner. Its gentle touch and cleaning solutions ensure a thorough clean without the risk of damage. On the other hand, if you're tackling tough surfaces like concrete, brick walls, or a heavily stained driveway, pressure washing might be the better option due to its powerful cleaning blast.

2. Cleaning Needs

   Think about what you’re trying to achieve. Soft washing excels at removing mould, mildew, and algae growth, thanks to the cleaning solutions' ability to break them down. However, if you're facing tough stains or heavy grime buildup, pressure washing might be more effective due to its powerful water stream.

3. Potential Damage

   Here's where soft washing shines. With its low-pressure approach, the risk of damaging delicate surfaces is minimal. However, pressure washing requires caution, especially on older or more delicate exteriors. If you're unsure about using a pressure washer yourself, it's always best to consult a professional.

Conclusion: Why Exterior Cleaning Services Champions the Soft Wash Approach

Both soft washing and water blasting undoubtedly have their place in exterior cleaning. But as Exterior Cleaning Services, we back the soft wash approach.

Our soft wash house washing services go beyond surface-level cleaning, thoroughly and carefully removing the root causes of dirt, algae and mildew. By targeting these at the source, we protect building materials like siding, roofs, and decks from deterioration, ensuring your home's longevity and value.

Soft washing offers a gentler yet more effective clean, preserving your property's appearance and safeguarding your investment. Experience the Exterior Cleaning Services difference – contact us today for a free quote on our water blasting in Auckland and let us restore your home's exterior to its former glory.