Pressure cleaning and soft wash cleaning are two distinct and different methods used for cleaning surfaces (such as exterior house/building walls, driveways, footpaths, pavers, steps etc). Here are the key differences between the two:
1. Technique: Pressure cleaning, also known as power washing or high pressure cleaning, employs highly pressurised water to (somewhat) forcefully remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other surface contaminants.
2. Water Pressure: It utilizes high-pressure water, typically ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 psi (pounds per square inch), to dislodge and clean the surfaces. We are able to alter this pressure on-the-go so no damage is caused.
3. Suitability: Pressure cleaning is best suited for hard surfaces like concrete, bricks, stone, driveways, pathways, and metal surfaces that can withstand high-pressure water without damage.
4. Cleaning Intensity: The high water pressure provides aggressive cleaning, making it effective for removing tough stains, built-up grime, and stubborn dirt.
5. Risk of Damage: Due to the high pressure, there is a slight risk of damaging delicate surfaces, such as softer woods, paint, window screens, or fragile structures. Care must be taken to avoid any potential damage, which is always our number 1 priority. Corerect training in this method is a must! LWC crew are BSCAA (Building Services Contractors Association of Australia) certified, not to mention have over 23 years experience backing us up.
'High pressure definitely has its place and is used very often. But it can be a less effective solution as it provides no direct sanitization benefits nor gentle, deeper cleaning properties like soft washing does.'
1. Technique: Soft wash cleaning employs a gentle approach using low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions to clean and sanitize surfaces. We use environmentally conscious solutions that do no harm to animals or plantlife. This is aimed at a deeper clean removing visible (and non-visible) mold, mildew, black and green marks on walls and ground surfaces etc.
2. Water Pressure: Soft wash typically utilizes water pressure ranging from 100 to 500 psi, significantly lower than pressure cleaning. Pluys we have a set of complimentary tools such as soft bristled brushes and sparyers to aid in this safe, deep cleaning method. The results speak for themselves.
3. Suitability: Soft wash is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including house/building exterior walls, rendered surfaces, painted surfaces, vinyl, wood/weatherboards, and delicate materials..almost anything. It is particularly effective for areas prone to mold, algae, and mildew growth.
4. Cleaning Intensity: Soft wash focuses on the application of eco-friendly cleaning solutions that penetrate the surfaces to manage and remove contaminants, compared to relying solely on high pressure force.
5. Safety and Preservation: Soft wash minimizes the risk of damage to surfaces by using lower pressure. It helps preserve the integrity of materials, extend their lifespan, and protect delicate finishes, while still achieving a thorough clean. We also treat areas afterwards with netralising agents so there is no risk at all to plantilfe and wildlife, kids or animals (and of course you, the home owner!). And, as mentioned ealier, LWC crew are BSCAA (Building Services Contractors Association of Australia) certified, not to mention have over 23 years experience backing us up.
'Softwash cleaning has multiple benefits including application to delicate surfaces, sanitisation and far deeper cleaning of stubborn residue that cannot be cleaned with pressure cleaning alone. No dangerous chemicals'.
Both of these examples had already been pressure cleaned and this was the final result (left side photos).
The right side photos in each example show the results of Softwash cleaning - full stain removal back to its original surface, and all done gently and effectively! No risk and no damage.
In summary, pressure cleaning is a more aggressive method that relies on high water pressure to remove dirt and grime quickly, mainly suitable for harder surfaces (more so in the industrial & commercial sector of things).
Soft wash cleaning, on the other hand, utilises lower pressure and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to provide a gentle yet effective clean, making it suitable for a wider range of surfaces, including delicate materials like sandstone, aged concrete, exterior house walls, delicate pavers and more. Perfect for homes and delicate or sensetive surfaces!
All the best - Leigh.
Director
Leighs Window & Pressure Cleaning
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