Which Surfaces Can Be Soft Washed?

You might be wondering if you should do something about the spots around your home that look dirty or dingy. In southeastern Pennsylvania, the north side of a house tends to look worse, where black mold or algae take hold in the shade. You may also notice discoloration on your hardscaping, fences, decks, and roof. These are all signs that you need exterior cleaning, but should you power wash or soft wash?

When to Use Soft Washing

The same equipment used for power washing can also be used for soft washing. Soft washing uses a combination of low-pressure and cleaning agents. It is effective on surfaces that would be easily damaged by high-pressure force. There are certain surfaces that should only be soft washed:

  • Wood Panel Siding. Although it is weather-resistant, it is relatively thin and does best with a low PSI level and a cleaning solution.
  • Wood Fences and Decks. High-pressure washing can cut through the stain or paint meant to increase its weather resistance.
  • Stucco. Stucco is made from sand, cement, lime, and water, and easily crumbles under high-pressure water.
  • Windows and Window Screens. They are designed to keep out insects and small particles but cannot withstand high impact.
  • Shingles and Roofing Materials. The worst thing you can do to your roof is wash it under high pressure; soft washing is the only acceptable form of cleaning a roof.

How To Clean Driveway Oil Stains

When your driveway has suffered from an oil stain, there are a few steps you can take immediately to clean the area and protect your driveway. Acting quickly when a spill happens will give you a better chance of bolstering the look and continued durability of your property.

  • Wash It Off. Spray down the affected area with a hose or power washer to get excess oil or grease off of the driveway. Keep in mind that power washers can gouge and scratch the asphalt if you get too close to the asphalt with too much pressure, especially around the edges of the driveway.
  • Bust Out the Cleaning Products. Apply a degreaser to the stain, scrub with a brush, and rinse the product off. You can try a variety of household products for this and see which are most effective for you, including Simple Green, Dawn dish soap, baking soda, oven cleaner, and others. Whatever degreasing agent you try, be sure to follow the directions on the product.

Why Hire a Professional for Exterior Cleaning?

An experienced contractor knows precisely how surfaces will react to various cleaning techniques. They are familiar with the ideal PSI levels and cleaning solution combinations that get the best results. Attempting to do it on your own can result in expensive repairs.

Trust Your Home in Our Hands

At Maintain It All, our team of experts is ready to restore the natural beauty of your home, ridding it of unsightly grime and harmful organic growth. We have perfected the science of soft washing surfaces that require extra care. Contact us today – we are waiting for your call!

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