Posted on June 3rd, 2023

What is the Difference Between a Pressure Wash and a Soft Wash?

Many experts who utilize high-pressure sprayers interchange the terms "pressure wash" and "soft wash." Although there are many parallels, there are significant differences in the methods, pump pressure, tools, and chemicals used in each.

We'll compare pressure washing to soft washing, outline their main distinctions, and go into detail about the factors to take into account while making a decision.

What is "Soft Washing"?

Using a pump sprayer and a combination of water spray and chemicals, soft washing efficiently cleans exterior surfaces. The sprayer typically operates at a pressure of 150 to 300 PSI.To get the required outcomes, cleaning agents and surfactants such sodium hypochlorite (bleach), sodium hydroxide, algaecides, and regular water may be employed. Neutralizers are frequently used in conjunction with chemicals to lessen the harm runoff causes to the environment and to plants. When choosing a system, a pump's chemical compatibility is crucial to take into account.

You can use soft washing to get rid of the following buildups or stains:

fungus, mildew, and mold

weeds and moss

bacterial and algae

Bird droppings, bugs, and other wildlife detritus

Grease and oils

twig sap

organic substance

Rust

splatters of paint and graffiti

Surfaces suitable for outdoor mild washing include:

PVC siding

shingles made of cedar

Plywood siding

Roofs

Brick, tile, and pavement

Stucco

Doors and windows

furniture for outside

How Does Pressure Washing Work?

Pressure washing, also known as power washing, uses a high-pressure water spray that has a PSI range of 1,300 to 2,800 to clean external surfaces. Many of the same stains and buildup that soft washing may remove, such as loose paint, mold, muck, dust, filth, and grime, can be removed by pressure washing. However, it often accomplishes this without the use of chemicals and instead depends on the pressure of the water to do the work.

Do not undervalue the power of pressure washing. There is a risk of harm when pressure washing surfaces that are meant to be gentle washed. Brick or tile joints' mortar or grout can be taken out. Walls can be painted over and removed. While cleaning the roof, asphalt might be eliminated. Inadvertently forcing water beneath siding at high pressure can potentially result in water damage.

As a result, surfaces that should be pressure washed generally include:

Asphalt and stone driveways

garage ceilings

Sidewalks

Patios

Wooden decks treated with concrete

What is the most effective soft washing system?

A soft wash system is ultimately more adaptable than a pressure washer overall. So let's examine some factors to take into account while selecting a pump system for gentle wash.

A soft wash pump system should be capable of producing roughly 6.5 GPM at 150 PSI. These figures surprise some operators, who think they require twice as much GPM and PSI.

In the end, the output will depend on the nozzle choice. Soft wash operators frequently employ pumps that have flow rates of 10–11 GPM but nozzles that limit the flow to just 6 GPM. They ultimately just need a pump that was roughly half the size. Why is it important?

An overstated pump system wastes energy, which is crucial as systems switch to battery power owing to upcoming regulations that will outlaw the usage of internal combustion engines. A pump that is overestimated will also be bigger and take up more room on a truck's back. Cost is still another factor. Using a larger pump will inevitably cost more money.

Operators are able to invest in a system that is probably much smaller than they are used to by matching the data to a specific aperture. The secret to effective coverage and completing jobs more quickly is knowing the optimum flow rates, pressure, and nozzle combinations. If the output is too weak, you won't obtain enough vertical and horizontal throw; if it is too strong, surfaces will be damaged.

To ensure chemical compatibility, it's also crucial to know which surfactants are included in cleaning solutions. The components of a pump system can quickly corrode due to the nature of various cleaning solvents used to clean surfaces.