Soft washing is an effective and gentle exterior cleaning method that has become increasingly popular for maintaining the exterior of homes and buildings. At Elephant House Wash in Auckland, we specialise in this technique, which combines low-pressure water with a specially formulated cleaning solution.
Unlike traditional pressure washing, which can damage delicate surfaces, soft washing safely removes dirt, mould, and algae without harm. This method ensures a thorough clean but also helps protect your homes exterior from potential damage caused by high-pressure water.
In this blog, we will discuss what soft washing is, how it works, and why it is the ideal choice for keeping your house looking its best while safeguarding its surfaces.
House Soft Washing Process at Elephant House Wash
Our soft washing process utilises a gentle approach to clean exterior surfaces which negates the risk of damage.
The process begins with
- Preparing the area, ensuring that nearby plants or grass are protected.
- Next, we mix a specialised cleaning solution that typically includes water, surfactants, and a diluted, salt based cleaning product.
- This mixture is then loaded into a soft wash system, which uses low pressure—much less than a typical garden hose—to apply the solution evenly to the surface to be cleaned The solution penetrates dirt, mould, and algae, breaking them down at their roots.
- After allowing the solution to dwell briefly, we rinse the surface with clean water to remove any remaining residue.
This method offers thorough results and helps prevent future growth, making soft washing an effective and safe choice for maintaining your property.
Using Specialised Equipment
Specific equipment is essential for achieving the best results when performing soft washing effectively.
At Elephant House Wash, we use US low-pressure pumps designed to handle the cleaning solutions used in the soft washing method. These pumps generate the correct pressure while delivering a high flow rate to ensure even surface coverage.
We also use various nozzles to adjust the pressure and angle of the water to suit each cleaning task, from roofs to various claddings. We can thoroughly clean your property using the right tools while maintaining its integrity.
Differences Between Soft Washing and Water Blasting
Soft washing and water blasting are distinctly different cleaning methods, each with advantages and applications. Soft washing is a gentle cleaning method that uses low pressure combined with a specially formulated cleaning solution to remove dirt, mould, and algae from surfaces effectively. This approach minimises the risk of surface damage, making it ideal for delicate materials like roofs and painted walls.
Water blasting relies on high-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime. While this method can be effective for tough stains, it poses a higher risk of costly repairs due to potential surface damage. Water blasting can force water into cracks and crevices, leading to hidden issues that may not be visible until after cleaning. By choosing soft washing, you protect your property from unnecessary harm while achieving a longer, thorough clean.
Ideal Surfaces for Soft Washing
Soft washing is an excellent choice for various surfaces, making it a versatile cleaning method. It is particularly beneficial for
- Roofs
- Vinyl siding
- Decks
- Fences
- Gutters
- Windows, as high-pressure washing can easily damage these materials.
For instance, roofs often accumulate organic growth that can deteriorate shingles if not treated gently; soft washing cleans them thoroughly while preserving their integrity. Vinyl siding and windows are delicate and can suffer from scratches or cracks under high pressure. Soft washing ensures a safe and effective cleaning that protects these surfaces from damage, making it the preferred choice for maintaining your property’s exterior.
Benefits of Soft Washing Your House
Soft washing offers many benefits for cleaning your home or business. First, it’s gentle on surfaces, perfect for delicate areas like roofs, siding, and painted surfaces. Unlike water blasting, soft washing won’t cause damage or strip away materials. It also provides a deeper clean using special cleaning solutions that kill mould, mildew, and algae at their source, so they don’t return as quickly. Another benefit is that it’s eco-friendly, using biodegradable products that are safe for your plants, pets, and the environment. With soft washing, you get long-lasting results that keep your property looking fresh and well-maintained.
Safety Tips and Precautions While Soft Washing
When using softwashing, safety is always a priority. While the low-pressure method is safer for surfaces, handling the cleaning solutions and equipment still requires care. At Elephant House Wash, we use eco-friendly, biodegradable products that are safe for your plants, pets, and family. We also take precautions to protect nearby areas, such as plants and windows. Our team is trained to follow proper safety protocols, ensuring no one is at risk during the cleaning process. By hiring professionals, you can trust that your home or business will be cleaned thoroughly and safely.
