What Is Soft Washing and How Does It Work?
If you've ever noticed dark streaks on your roof, green film on a walkway, or mildew creeping across your siding, you may have wondered whether pressure washing is the answer. In many cases, the better answer is soft washing.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing
Pressure washing relies on high water pressure to physically blast away dirt and grime. Soft washing takes a different approach. Instead of leaning on pressure, it relies on specialized cleaning solution to do the heavy lifting. That means much lower water pressure is used, which makes soft washing a safer choice for delicate surfaces like roofing shingles, painted siding, stucco, and wood, where high-pressure water can cause damage.
How the Soft Washing Process Works
Soft washing is a simple, three-step process, but getting it right takes the right equipment and experience.
1. Applying the solution. We start by mixing a batch of our soft washing solution, formulated to break down organic material like algae, mold, mildew, and moss. We then apply it evenly across the entire service area, whether that's a roof, deck, fence, or exterior wall.
2. Letting it dwell. Once the solution is applied, we let it sit for an appropriate dwell time. This is where the real cleaning happens. The solution works its way into the surface, breaking down and killing organic growth at the source rather than just knocking it off the surface.
3. Rinsing away the residue. After the dwell time is complete, we return to rinse the area with low-pressure water. This washes away the dirt, dead mildew, mold, and other debris the solution has loosened, leaving the surface clean without the risk of damage that comes with high-pressure blasting.
Why Soft Washing Works So Well
Because soft washing kills organic growth at the root instead of just removing what's visible, results tend to last longer than a standard pressure wash. It's also gentler on your property, making it the preferred method for roofs, siding, and other surfaces that weren't built to withstand high-pressure water.
Is Soft Washing Right for Your Property?
If you're dealing with mold, mildew, algae, or moss on your roof or exterior surfaces in the Charlottesville area, soft washing is likely your safest and most effective option. Reach out to Dr. Powerwash to find out which cleaning method is the right fit for your home.