Unlike pressure washing, soft washing uses low pressure pumps (soft washing uses about as much pressure as a regular garden hose) and a combination of biodegradable mildewcides, algaecides, and soaps that are custom-blended for your particular need. Soft washing is not only more effective, but it uses less water than power washing too!

Nick's Window Cleaning Services’s technicians will pressure wash with hot water using a low pressurize method to methodically clean all the shingles and remove algae, suit, mold & dirt safely without damaging your roof or voiding any warranties. We do not charge extra for heat or chemicals.

Power washing your home is just as important as taking care of your health. It is the tender loving care you give your home to protect and beautify its curb appeal. When is the ideal time to clean the exterior of your home?

How often should you do so? And what benefits does your home gain from commercial power washing? If you want answers to your questions, read on to find out what professional power washing services Nick’s Window Cleaning Services offers.

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HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SOFT WASH YOUR HOME?

As a homeowner, the recommended guidelines for soft washing your home vary depending on the local climate, your home’s proximity to worksites or large bodies of water, and the reasons for cleaning. If you want to soft wash your walls and exterior as a preventative measure to address mold, mildew, algae, and other contaminants, investing in annual service should be sufficient.

However, you may want to invest in bi-annual service if you live on the ocean, close to active construction sites, or major roads and intersections. Soft washing effectively removes dirt, grime, and mildew and can help prevent harmful buildup. The type of siding, roofing, and paint, as well as the age of your property, will also impact how often you should invest in soft washing.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOFT WASHING AND POWER WASHING?

Soft and power washing are two distinct, highly effective cleaning methods distinguished by the amount of pressure and the cleaning products used.

Power washing typically reaches a force of between 1,500 and 4,400 PSI and uses the force of the impact to blast dirt, grime, and contaminants from hard surfaces. On the other hand, soft washing uses water under 500 PSI and relies on specialized cleaning solutions to tackle buildup on your property.

Power washing is typically used for cleaning hard materials like driveways, decks, and heavy machinery. In contrast, soft washing is better suited to delicate surfaces that can be damaged by high pressure, like brick or roofing shingles. Soft washing uses the power of chemical solutions to break down organic growth before rinsing and is a more cost-effective, eco-friendly option.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS USED DURING RESIDENTIAL SOFT WASHING?

When soft washing a residential property, our team typically uses a commercial-grade system with low-pressure pumps, hoses, nozzles, and specialized cleaning solutions. We modify the cleaning solution used based on your property's needs, the material in question, and the scale of the project. We apply our chemical solutions with low-pressure equipment to effectively clean and disinfect your property's exterior.

Some of the most common materials used on residential properties include the following:

• Sodium hypochlorite (bleach): Bleach is a widely used cleaning and disinfecting agent because it effectively kills organisms, organic matter, and algae without damaging the surface underneath.
• Surfactants: Surfactants help lift dirt and common contaminants and improve the efficacy of cleaning solutions by lowering surface tension.
• Algaecides: This product helps eliminate existing algae buildup with targeted spraying and is highly effective in preventing new growth.
• Plant protectors: Plant protectors shield surrounding vegetation from the cleaning solution and help prevent the spread of harmful chemicals.
• Odor maskers and bleach neutralizers: These are typically applied after a soft wash to rinse off plants, equipment, and surfaces following service. They counteract the smell of bleach and safely rinse it off sensitive materials.

SHOULD YOU SOFT WASH YOUR RESIDENTIAL EXTERIOR?

Soft washing is a viable option if you want to clean your home's exterior without fear of stripping paint or damaging delicate surfaces. The low-pressure water used means you won't have to worry about dislodging, cracking, or fading on your home's siding, roof, and trim.

Our technicians have developed a streamlined process that delivers rigorous results without the risk of blasting away their protective coatings. Soft washing eliminates unwanted organic growth at the molecular level and thoroughly cleans all surfaces, boosting your home's curb appeal and protecting your exterior in the long run.

IS SOFT WASHING SUITABLE FOR CLEANING BRICK?

Although many homeowners use highly pressurized water to clean exterior brick surfaces, soft washing can be more effective with its low-pressure approach. If you're trying to dislodge debris and strip color before painting brick, power washing is a better approach. However, soft washing is suitable for cleaning bricks safely.

Some of the risks associated with pressure washing that soft washing can help you avoid include the following:

• Mortar erosion: High-pressure streams can dislodge and erode the mortar joints that hold bricks together. This can create gaps, compromise the structure, and lead to moisture infiltration.
• Surface damage/etching: High-powered water jets can chip, crack, and etch brick, compromising their protective outer layer and making them more susceptible to different types of damage.
• Moisture issues: When used at the wrong angle, high pressure can drive water deep into bricks due to its porousness. This can result in moisture penetration and mold growth, which can be avoided through soft washing.
• Delamination/fretting: Although this is less common, regular pressure-washing can trigger a gradual, irreversible crumbling of your brickwork and lead to expensive repairs.

Soft washing effectively cleans bricks without saturating the porous material with water or degrading the protective layer of your bricks. It can revitalize your façade and provide long-lasting benefits, especially when performed by experienced technicians.

WHAT IS ASPHALT ROOF SOFT WASHING?

When looking to clean your asphalt shingle roof, soft washing is the safest, most effective method available. Our team uses a very low-pressure stream, under 60 PSI, and carefully applies a cleaning solution without dislodging or damaging your shingles.

Our bleach-based solutions kill organic growth like moss, algae, and mildew, and we agitate and rinse your shingles to remove all traces of unwanted contaminants. With regular application from professional technicians, soft washing can extend the lifespan of your asphalt roof and ensure it performs optimally and looks great.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC ROOF MATERIALS THAT SHOULD NOT BE SOFT WASHED?

One of the many upsides of soft washing is that it can be safely and effectively used to clean several types of siding and roofing materials. Soft washing is appropriate and actually professionally recommended to remove organic matter from roofs and has numerous benefits.

Soft washing is a viable option for the following:

• Shingle roofs: Soft washing uses low water pressure and specialized solutions to remove contaminants without damaging shingle granules or lifting material.
• Tile roofs: Many tile roofs have unique textures and sloped surfaces, making them vulnerable to damage from high-pressure washing methods. Soft washing can thoroughly clean tile without causing leaks or compromising the integrity of your roof's seal.
• Metal roofs: When paired with a biodegradable cleaning solution, soft washing is one of the best options for cleaning metal roofs and keeping them free from substances that can impact their performance and appearance.

IS SOFT WASHING MORE EFFECTIVE THAN PRESSURE WASHING?

Soft washing is typically more effective than pressure washing when cleaning surfaces that are more delicate, porous, and prone to organic growth. Combining multiple products to create robust solutions, soft washing penetrates and kills organisms at their source, providing longer-lasting results than standard pressure washing.

Another reason soft washing can be more effective than high-powered pressure washing is that it avoids stripping protective coatings and retains the integrity of delicate exterior surfaces. Pressure washing may deliver quicker results, but soft washing offers a more comprehensive, far-reaching approach.