There are thousands of homeowners in the Tampa, FL area. If you are one of them, you’re already aware that homeownership comes with both privileges and responsibilities. Yes, having your own home gives you an escape from the rest of the world, and you don’t have to worry about landlords or property managers. At the same time, though, that’s because you manage the property. So we ask: is your house overdue for house washing? Should you learn how to soft wash a house or let a team of experts do this work instead?
Learn the answers to these questions below! We are Elite Pressure Washing, Tampa’s #1 choice for pressure washing and soft washing services. Keep reading, learn what soft washing is all about, and decide if you would rather DIY or schedule a professional appointment.
What Is Soft Washing Anyway?
If you’re wondering how to soft wash a house, you may also wonder: what is soft washing? Soft washing is a form of pressure washing that is used to clean exterior surfaces. So, let’s start by explaining pressure washing. Pressure washing is when pressurized jets of water are sprayed onto surfaces, helping to rinse away debris. This is a highly effective way of removing dirt, moss, mold, algae, bird droppings, dead insects, and many other unwanted messes.
What sets soft washing apart from pressure washing is the amount of water pressure used. While pressure washing may use as much as 3,500 PSI to restore surfaces, soft washing typically does not exceed 500 PSI. This makes it a much gentler technique best suited for cleaning delicate surfaces.
What Surfaces Should Be Soft Washed?
So, what kinds of surfaces should you soft wash instead of pressure wash? As you might have guessed from this blog’s title, home exteriors are typically better suited for soft washing. This is true whether your home’s exterior is made of wood, vinyl, stucco, brick, etc. By soft washing these materials, you ensure they are completely cleaned without being damaged in the process. Avoid costly repairs and painful headaches this way.
We highly recommend that your house be soft washed once per year. If it has already been a year since it was last cleaned, it’s time to make a plan to change that.
What Equipment Is Needed For Soft Washing?
If you want to learn how to soft wash a house, you will have to purchase the correct equipment. Otherwise, you won’t have what you need to complete the work. We’ve included a list of the bare essentials below. What do you already own, and what will you need to buy?
- Pressure Washer. This specialized piece of machinery connects to a water source, pressurizes the water, and sprays it onto surfaces to clean them.
- Hose and Nozzle. A hose and nozzle are necessary so you can precisely aim water at surfaces and rinse them clean.
- Cleaners. A simple detergent can be added to your pressure washer’s soap tank to help break down debris. We also recommend having sodium hypochlorite on hand.
- Protective Gear. When handling pressurized water, you have to protect yourself. Be sure to wear full-length pants, closed-toe shoes, and eye protection.
Preparing For House Soft Washing
Once you have gathered all the necessary equipment, you’re a step closer to learning how to soft wash a house. Next, you’ll need to make a few additional preparations, such as giving yourself enough time for the work. House soft washing isn’t something you want to rush through; you’ll need to work methodically and gradually for the best results. Because of this, we recommend giving yourself most of the day for the soft washing process.
Additionally, you will need to move any items that are near your home’s exterior. By temporarily relocating furniture, decorations, and other objects, you’ll keep them safe, and you’ll prevent them from being obstacles during your work. Don’t forget to cover any flower beds or gardens with tarps—this prevents them from being doused with soft washing water.
The House Soft Washing Process
It’s time to learn how to soft wash a house. Begin by choosing an appropriate amount of water pressure; for soft washing projects, anywhere from 150 to 500 PSI is best. You can test your spray on an inconspicuous area to see how it reacts before committing to the full project. And don’t forget to put your pressure washing detergent in the soap tank.
To soft wash your home’s exterior, we recommend working in a row-by-row pattern. By slightly overlapping each pass, you’ll ensure that no surface area is left unwashed. Simply keep this pattern up, and by the end of your project, your home’s exterior should be spotless.
If you come across stubborn debris that won’t wash away, don’t give up! You can use sodium hypochlorite to target this grime. Simply apply a thin layer of this cleaner to the affected area. Then, wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Finally, soft wash the area again, and any debris that once gave you trouble should rinse away with little difficulty.
DIY Vs. Professional House Soft Washing
Learning how to soft wash a house isn’t easy. However, if you do the work on your own, you’ll enjoy a new look for your property—without having to pay anyone for it. At the same time, though, you’ll have to invest your time and energy into the process. If you’d rather use these resources for other priorities, don’t worry. You can always schedule professional house washing services from your friends at Elite Pressure Washing.
Elite Pressure Washing is a locally owned and operated business that proudly serves the Tampa, FL community. We’re committed to keeping our area’s neighborhoods clean, and we’d love to soft wash your home’s exterior. That way, you can skip the process of learning how to soft wash a house and take some time to relax! We’ll do it all for a fair price. Contact us online to let us know about your property today. We look forward to hearing from you.
