How to Pressure Wash a House: Why Soft Washing is the Better Choice

Pressure washing your house might seem like a straightforward solution for removing dirt, mold, and grime from your home’s exterior. However, while pressure washing is effective for certain surfaces, it can be detrimental to your home’s structure and aesthetics. In this blog, we’ll discuss why pressure washing is not ideal for your house and why soft washing is the preferred method for safe and effective cleaning.

The Risks of Pressure Washing

Pressure washing involves using high-pressure water spray to remove dirt, grime, mold, and other contaminants from surfaces. While it is effective for driveways, patios, and other hard surfaces, it poses several risks when used on a house.

1. Damage to Siding and Paint

High-pressure water can strip paint, damage siding, and even dent or crack certain materials like vinyl or aluminum. This can lead to costly repairs and reduce the overall lifespan of your home’s exterior.

2. Water Intrusion

Using high-pressure water can force water behind the siding, into the walls, or under roof shingles. This can lead to water damage, mold growth, and structural issues. Once water penetrates these areas, it can be difficult and expensive to remediate.

3. Injury and Safety Concerns

Pressure washers can cause serious injuries if not handled properly. The powerful spray can cut through skin, and the high-pressure hoses can be difficult to control. This makes pressure washing a potentially dangerous task for untrained individuals.

The Benefits of Soft Washing

Soft washing is a cleaning method that uses low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions to safely remove dirt, mold, mildew, and algae from surfaces. This method offers several advantages over traditional pressure washing.

1. Gentle on Surfaces

Soft washing is designed to be gentle on all types of surfaces, including delicate siding, shingles, and painted surfaces. The low-pressure application prevents damage while still providing a thorough cleaning.

2. Effective Cleaning Solutions

The cleaning solutions used in soft washing are specifically formulated to break down and remove organic growth, dirt, and grime. These solutions are often biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making soft washing a greener choice.

3. Longer-Lasting Results

Because soft washing solutions penetrate and eliminate the root of the mold and algae, the results tend to last longer compared to pressure washing. This means your home stays cleaner for an extended period, reducing the frequency of cleanings.

4. Safe and Efficient

Soft washing is safer for both the operator and the structure. The low pressure minimizes the risk of injury, and the cleaning solutions do the heavy lifting, making the process more efficient.

Steps to Soft Wash Your House

If you’re considering soft washing your house, here’s a basic outline of the process:

1. Prepare the Area

• Clear the area around your house of any obstacles.

• Cover plants, electrical outlets, and other sensitive areas to protect them from the cleaning solution.

• You're going to want to stay away from electrical areas, cameras, brass door handles and keyholes as much as possible to prevent any kind of corrosion. So take note beforehand and pay close attention where you're going to be spraying.

2. Mix the Cleaning Solution

• Prepare the soft washing solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves a mix of water, bleach (or Sodium Hypochlorite) diluted to about 1.25%, and a few OZ of Dawn Dishsoap or surfactant to help let the bleach stick to the siding.

3. Apply the Solution

• Wet all plants and vegetation, wood and particularly cedar wood around the house to prevent damage or discolouration.

• Using a soft wash system or a LOW-pressure sprayer, apply the cleaning solution to the exterior surfaces of your house.

• Start from the bottom and work your way up to avoid streaks.

4. Let It Dwell

• Allow the solution to sit on the surface for the recommended amount of time, usually 10-15 minutes. This dwell time helps break down dirt and organic growth.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

• Rinse the surfaces with clean water using a garden hose or a LOW-pressure rinse. Ensure all cleaning solution is removed.

• Rinse any pooled up areas of water a little bit extra to make sure the solution is very diluted

6. Inspect and Touch Up

• Inspect the cleaned surfaces and touch up any areas that may need additional cleaning.

Conclusion

While pressure washing might be suitable for certain applications, it is not the best choice for cleaning the exterior of your house. The risks of damage and water intrusion far outweigh the benefits. Soft washing provides a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution for maintaining your home’s exterior without the risk of damage. By choosing soft washing, you can keep your house looking its best while protecting your investment for years to come.

If you’re unsure about performing the task yourself, consider hiring a professional soft washing service to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

If you're on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, feel free to reach out to us!

sunshinecoastpressurewashing.ca

Have a beautiful day everyone!