There are different methods of cleaning. Based on the cleaning surface, you can deploy any of the methods of cleaning. One of the most effective ways for cleaning exterior surfaces is soft washing. Soft washing can be done by reducing the pressure rate of the water solution sprayed from your pump.
Unlike pressure washing and power washing, soft washing uses a much less pressure rate of less than 500 PSi. It also integrates the use of eco -friendly cleaning solutions to eliminate algae, mold, mildew, algae, etc.
How to soft wash
Before soft washing, it is essential to assess the surrounding area to ensure the lawn and other plant life are adequately protected. You can then begin by preparing your solution. In preparing your solution, you would need a mix of the following:
- Cleaning surfactant: It helps remove dirt and other substances by getting in between the surface material, forcing the dirt out, and carrying them away. Cleaning surfactant also helps keep the solution together while washing.
- Bleach: Soft washing is done using bleach to eliminate microorganisms such as algae, mold, spores, etc. It is capable of getting into the root system of any microorganism, thereby eliminating them.
- Water: You would need to reduce the concentration of the bleach by adding water.
Once the solution is prepared, it is then loaded into a sprayer and then applied to the cleaning’s surface area—the water used while soft washing will run through a pump and hose under low pressure. The water is then directed at the cleaning area, with the solution being sprayed out.
During soft washing, emphasis should be on the volume of cleaning solution and water than the pressure. Ensure the application is mild with very little pressure. Depending on the surface you are cleaning, you can allow the solution to settle and reach the microorganisms’ roots to eliminate them completely. You can rinse off the solution immediately after soft washing siding.
Equipment use for soft washing
Soft washing is usually done with the aid of a soft washing system. Nozzles are also needed to deliver the right amount of solution per surface area.
When should I soft wash?
You can soft wash when eliminating dirt and microorganisms on the exterior surfaces that could be a challenge for pressure and power washing to get rid of. Exterior surfaces, such as asphalt shingles, roof, windows, and screens, can easily be damaged when pressure or power washing methods are used.
Why soft washing is best for cleaning algae on asphalt shingles roof
Standing water on the roof, high humidity, and overgrown trees are huge factors that may cause algae’s growth on asphalt shingles roof. Gloeocapsa Magma is a blue alga commonly known for the formation of a dark pigmented pattern on shingles.
Over time, the activities of the algae would begin to erode the quality of your shingles. Soft washing requires low pressure in combination with a special solution to remove algae on shingles effectively. Pressure and power washing are capable of damaging your shingles, which could end up voiding your warranty.
As a result of its effectiveness in safely removing algae from asphalt shingles roof, soft washing is recommended by experts as the best and safest method of cleaning your shingles roof.
Reach out to us today at Extreme Clean Power Washing Services for a free quote! (443-891-6109)