Here is a question we are often asked. What is the difference between pressure washers and soft washers?

An industrial pressure washer will achieve dramatic results. There is nothing more satisfying than watching that layer of dirt wash away. Where regular cleaning and maintenance methods falls short, then only jet washing can remove layers of built-up dirt and grime.

While googling cleaning companies in your area, you may well come across firms that advertise jet washing, power washing, pressure washing, or soft washing. If you have no idea or you do not know the differences between these terms, do not worry, you are not on your own.

Two of the most searched words and common services requested are Pressure Washing and Soft Washing, so let us look more closely at both types of procedures to find the difference.

Power Washing.

Pressure washing and power washing certainly sound like the same thing. However, power washing normally means blasting water at an extremely high pressure and uses hot water. This normally sets power washing apart from pressure washing because the hot water not only acts to sterilize surfaces, but it is also better at breaking down organic substances/materials.

Also, power washing machines are usually heavy-duty machines and can be extremely dangerous to you and your property without the proper training. Power washing is mainly for outdoor cleaning of driveways, block paving, stone walls, and rough concrete surfaces and are more commonly used and seen in commercial and industrial settings.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is a highly effective domestic solution when it comes to cleaning different surfaces around the home. Though pressure washers do not heat up water. The pressure of water that they deliver through their nozzles are still high enough to be dangerous as many people have learnt.

How dangerous are pressure washers?

Pressure washing appliances can be extremely dangerous, so it is always advisable to wear protective goggles, proper footwear – remember a jet of water against bare toes is going to result in a visit to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital – and never spray them at yourself or anyone nearby. The high-pressure water jets can cause severe injuries to skin and soft tissue. They are not playthings!

Remember! Pressure washing is meant for footpaths, decking, stone pathways, patios, patio furniture indeed anything that is hard and uneven with deep grooves which allows dirt to become rooted within it, then the pressure washer is the ideal machine to use.

Soft Washing

Ok, let us look at soft washing, I know many of you may be thinking that soft washing has nothing to do with pressure washing. However, and ironically, pressure washers are used in soft washing. That said, they will have been modified to lower the PSI (pounds of forced pressure per square inch).

Soft washing is normally carried out using as a rinsing or cleaning application. The nozzle of the pressure washer is replaced with one that widens the spray, thus dropping the point of pressure.

As well, soft washing would normally incorporate using special cleaning solutions that break down dirt and bacteria living on surfaces. It is seen as a safe and effective way to clean exterior surfaces.

Although soft washing is most used for roof cleaning, the method is also used to clean cladding on commercial building, rendering, block paved driveways, decking, tarmac, playgrounds, fences, and patios. In fact, almost all exterior surfaces you can think of.

The Benefits of Professional Washing

Giving your home or your business a deep clean is important, not just for the aesthetics as your health can be impacted by the long-term build-up of dirt, mould, algae, and rotting matter. Not only that, first impressions always count in every scenario!

All these pollutants can embed themselves into your exterior surfaces where the common garden hose cannot get to. Therefore, investing in a professional cleaning service is worth every penny.

So, when Should You Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash?

The type of washing is going to depend on how your house or building is built, the materials used in its construction and its surroundings. Typically, you will be getting one or the other done to your house or business premises, that is, unless you are getting your entire house or business premises done from top to bottom. In that case, you are going to want a soft wash for the roof, windows, and walls.

Personally, I would assume that the job would need to be broken into several phases. The first phase would be pressure washing all around the hard surfaces. The second phase, the soft washing phase would require the changing of the cleaning solution and the nozzle.

Can You Rent a Power Wash Machine to DIY?

The short answer here is a "yes." I guess the next question that should be asked is "should I?"

Pressure washers can be rented from most power equipment hire shops. However, they will require careful care when it comes to operation. As for soft washing by yourself, you can run into similar hazards having no experience in the use of chemicals.

You will need to use the right chemicals, equipment, and safety wear and have the correct nozzle fitted that allows you to soft wash.

Important Note! that the chemicals are extraordinarily strong, so you must use the correct dilution to get the right results without leaving a film or damage to the surface that is being cleaned.

We all know that there are some very adamant DIY’s out there who love a challenge and want to save money on home DIY projects.

However, we would still like to point out and ask to you to reconsider your planned project and hire a professional. You will get it done faster, cleaner and quicker!

Let’s face it cleaning the outside of any property or business premises is a huge job. You can easily spend a whole week trying to tackle it alone, throw in some great British weather and you have a recipe for frustration.

Personally, and it is only a suggestion I would be inclined to take a break, let the professionals handle all the outside cleaning.