What is Soft Washing? (2024)
Understanding Soft Washing:
Soft washing is an advanced cleaning method that utilizes low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions to effectively remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew from exterior surfaces. One of the primary components of many soft washing solutions is sodium hypochlorite, which is the active ingredient in household bleach and pool chlorine, it is widely recognized for its effective disinfecting properties.
Though this may sound intimidating, it is completely safe and commonly regarded as best practice in the exterior cleaning industry. The concentration of sodium hypochlorite used in the soft washing process is about 0.5-1.5%, whereas a household bleach solution is 8-10%.
The Benefits of Soft Washing
Protecting Your Property: Unlike traditional high-pressure washing, which can cause damage to surfaces like wood, stucco, and siding, soft washing applies a gentle stream of water to rinse the house once the soft wash solution is applied. This method minimizes the risk of chipping, cracking, or stripping away paint, making it a safer option for your home’s exterior.
Thorough Cleaning: The sodium hypochlorite solution penetrates organic growth, breaking it down at a molecular level. This ensures a deep clean that not only removes visible stains, but also kills algae, bacteria, and other contaminants that can degrade your home over time.
Longevity of Results: Soft washing not only cleans your surfaces effectively but also typically lasts longer than pressure washing. This is because the solution kills the spores and future growth, delaying the return of unsightly stains and buildup.
Why Soft Wash Solutions are Safe for Your Home
Using sodium hypochlorite in soft washing presents several advantages over conventional pressure washing. The low concentration used in soft washing makes it less harmful to surfaces compared to the high-pressure streams of water used in pressure washing.
Surface Protection: High-pressure washing can lead to issues such as water ingress, which might cause rot or mold in wooden structures. The gentle application of a sodium hypochlorite solution mitigates these risks, ensuring that water doesn’t penetrate where it shouldn’t.
Controlled Application: Soft washing allows for precise application of cleaning solutions. This targeted approach means less solution is used overall, and it is applied in a manner that is controlled and safe.
Plant Safety Concerns When Soft Washing
One of the significant concerns when cleaning exterior surfaces is the safety of nearby plants and landscaping. The low concentrations of sodium hypochlorite used in soft washing are typically diluted enough to be safe for plants when applied correctly.
Environmentally Friendly Options: When soft washing is done by professionals, they employ techniques to protect surrounding flora, such as rinsing plants before and after the cleaning process or using absorbent materials to prevent runoff.
Minimal Impact: As the concentration is much lower than that typically found in household cleaning products, the risk to plants and surrounding vegetation is significantly reduced. Moreover, most of the chemicals used will break down quickly and do not persist in the environment.
If you have any questions about soft washing or other exterior cleaning services, please feel free to reach out to Renew Exterior Cleaning!
TLDR:
Soft washing using sodium hypochlorite is not only an effective cleaning method but also a safer alternative to pressure washing. By protecting your surfaces and ensuring the safety of your plants, this method offers an all around solution for maintaining the exterior of your home or business. If you’re considering exterior cleaning, soft washing may be the best way to achieve immaculately clean surfaces while preserving the integrity of your property.