Power washing is an effective way to rid your home of dirt, dust, and other hazardous contaminants that build up on exterior surfaces over time. This cleaning method uses anywhere from 2000 to 3000 PSI to eliminate even the toughest of stains and grime.
Depending on the type of surface you need cleaned, it’s important that you hire the right services to avoid damaging your property. The truth is, pressure washing is NOT for everything, however effective it is. For some surfaces, it’s a little too effective and can cause significant damage.
In this article, we discuss what you can and cannot power wash as well as an alternative to this popular cleaning technique.
What Can You Power Wash?
Durable surfaces like concrete (and asphalt) driveways, walkways, sidewalks, and patios are the perfect candidates for power washing. They are strong enough to handle the high pressure cleaning and are not easily damaged.
Consider cleaning your exterior walkways and driveways about once per year to maintain their appearances and help them last longer. Regular cleaning is proven to prevent cracking on your pavement, which is caused by dirt and oil that are allowed to sit on the surface for long periods of time. Blast away all contaminants and keep your driveway healthy!
Regular maintenance also keeps you and your family safe! When there are oil and grime sitting on these surfaces, they can cause a dangerous slipping hazard when wet. Removing any contaminants from the pavement and walkways prevents these potential hazards!
Don’t Pressure Wash These Surfaces!
For a damage-free cleaning job, avoid pressure washing more fragile materials like siding, soffit roofs, outdoor wood furniture, windows, and wood decks. Power washing can dent vinyl siding, tear apart asphalt shingles on the roof, shatter windows, and splinter wood!
Pressure Washing Do’s & Don’ts
Do Power Wash
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Sidewalks
- Concrete patios
Don’t Power Wash
- Siding
- Soffit
- Roofs
- Outdoor wood furniture
- Wood patios
- Windows
So, what can you do to clean these surfaces then? Good news: there is an alternative that is just as effective!
The Solution: Soft Washing
Soft washing is a powerful and gentle cleaning technique that does not involve high pressure cleaning. This process relies on eco-friendly detergents designed to break down the dirt and grime which is then rinsed away with a PSI level below 500. This method leaves your home shining and damage-free.
The Soft Wash Process
When you hire a professional cleaning technician, they will likely do a pre-inspection of your home before the hoses and detergents come out. Certified and licensed soft washing technicians like Kings Power Washing of Davidsonville, MD will first ensure your plants and nearby vegetation are safe from the solvents. They do this by spraying a layer of water on the vegetation which serves as a protective shield from the chemicals. If needed, technicians will also cover the plants with a tarp for added protection.
Then, the soft washing begins! The cleaning solutions are sprayed onto the surface(s) and allowed to sit for several minutes, enough time for the dirt and grime to break down. When this is done, the technicians will use a wide spray tip at the end of the hose to gently rinse the area, leaving a sparkling clean surface!
