
Soft washing is a safe and effective way to clean the exterior of your house, without causing any damage to the surface. This cleaning method uses low-pressure water and cleaning solutions to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the exterior of your home. Soft washing can be used on a variety of surfaces, including vinyl siding, stucco, brick, and even roofs. In this blog post, we will discuss five tips for soft washing your house, so that you can get the best results possible.
Use the Right Equipment
Soft washing requires the use of specific equipment to ensure that you get the best results possible. You will need a pressure washer that can produce low pressure, as well as a soft washing nozzle or tip that is designed for use with low pressure. You will also need a cleaning solution that is safe for use on your specific type of siding or roofing material. It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions before using any cleaning solution to ensure that you are using it correctly.
A pressure washer that produces low pressure is essential for soft washing. Soft washing requires a pressure of 500 PSI (pounds per square inch) or lower, compared to traditional pressure washing that uses a pressure of 3,000 PSI or higher. Low pressure is needed to avoid damage to the surfaces of your home. High-pressure water can cause dents or breakage on surfaces like vinyl siding or shingles, and it can also remove paint or cause water to seep into the walls or under roofing materials.
Protect Your Landscaping
Soft washing involves the use of cleaning solutions that are designed to break down and remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the exterior of your home. While these solutions are effective at cleaning, they can also be harmful to plants and grass if they come into contact with them. In addition, the chemicals in the cleaning solution can potentially harm pets or other animals that come into contact with them.
Before you start soft washing your house, it is essential to protect your landscaping and other surrounding areas from overspray. Overspray occurs when the cleaning solution or water from the pressure washer sprays onto areas that you do not intend to clean, such as your landscaping or neighboring properties. Overspray can be difficult to control, especially if it is windy or if you are not experienced with soft washing.
To protect your landscaping from overspray, you should cover any plants, shrubs, or grass with plastic sheeting or tarps. This will prevent the cleaning solution from coming into contact with them and causing damage.
Start at the Top
When soft washing your house, it is important to start at the top and work your way down. This technique ensures that the cleaning solution does not run down the siding or roofing and create streaks. Starting at the top and working your way down also helps to remove all of the dirt and grime off the surface, without causing any damage to the exterior of your home.
To begin, you should apply the cleaning solution to the highest point of your home, such as the roof, using a low-pressure setting on your pressure washer. Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes to allow it to break down any dirt and grime on the surface. After this, use the pressure washer to rinse the solution off, starting from the top and working your way down.
Don't Rush
Soft washing your house is a process that requires time and patience. It is important to take your time and not rush the process, as this can result in streaks or missed spots. Rushing can also cause damage to the siding or roofing, as you may not be able to control the pressure of the water or the amount of cleaning solution being used.
To ensure that you are soft washing your house effectively, you should work in small sections. This approach will help you to focus on a specific area and ensure that you are getting all of the dirt and grime off of the surface. It will also help you to avoid missing any spots, as you can work systematically and make sure that you have covered every inch of the surface.
Rinse Thoroughly
Once you have finished soft washing your house, it is important to rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water. This will remove any remaining cleaning solution, and it will also help to prevent streaks. Use the pressure washer to rinse the surface from the top down, so that the water runs off of the surface and does not create streaks. Take your time and ensure that you are rinsing the surface thoroughly, so that you can achieve the best possible results.
Soft washing your house is an effective way to clean the exterior of your home, without causing any damage to the surfaces. By following these five tips, you can ensure that you get the best possible results from your soft washing efforts. Remember to use the right equipment, protect your landscaping, start at the top, take your time, and rinse thoroughly. With these tips in mind, you can achieve a clean and beautiful exterior for your home.