What is SoftWashing?

When it comes to exterior cleaning, terms like "power washing" and "pressure washing" are well-known. However, there's another method that has been gaining popularity for its effectiveness and gentleness on surfaces: SoftWashing. 

Have you heard of softwashing and you’re curious what it is? Are you considering hiring a SoftWash company but want to do your research first? Then you’ve come to the right place. 

In this blog, we aim to share our years of experience and knowledge with you to provide an in-depth look at what SoftWashing is and answer some of your other pressing questions. 

 

What is SoftWashing

SoftWashing is a cleaning method used to clean a building’s exterior or the surrounding property. It uses low-pressure water combined with specialized solutions to safely remove mildew, bacteria, algae, and other organic stains from roofs, exteriors, and other surfaces. 

SoftWashing looks like and is often confused with pressure washing. But, unlike traditional pressure washing, which relies on the sheer force of water to clean surfaces, SoftWashing leverages the chemical properties of the cleaning solution to do the heavy lifting, ensuring that the surfaces are not damaged in the process.

So, instead of the blowing and blasting of a pressure washer SoftWashing results in a cleaner, sanitized surface that lasts 3-6x longer and uses 2/3 LESS water.

 

Why Choose SoftWashing

SoftWashing has been rising in popularity since its inception in 1991. With its unique way of cleaning it offers a range of benefits that make it a preferred choice for many homeowners and professionals when it comes to cleaning exterior surfaces. 

Why exactly is it growing in popularity over power washing and other methods in recent years? 

Let’s discuss the advantages to see why SoftWashing stands out compared to other exterior cleaning methods.

 

Gentle on Surfaces

One of the primary benefits of SoftWashing is its gentle approach. Unlike pressure washing, which uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime, SoftWashing employs low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions. This gentle method is particularly advantageous for delicate surfaces such as:

• Roof Shingles
• Painted Surfaces
• Older Brickwork and Mortar

With SoftWashing, you are able to avoid the risk of disloging shingles or damaging the exterior materials of a home. 

 

Effective and Thorough Cleaning

SoftWashing leverages powerful, biodegradable cleaning solutions that penetrate and dissolve dirt, grime, mold, mildew, algae, and other organic stains at their root. This method ensures a deeper clean by killing microorganisms and removing stains.

SoftWashing solutions are designed to kill mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria at their source, rather than just removing surface dirt. This thorough approach prevents regrowth and ensures a longer-lasting clean

When it comes to organic stains, especially those that can be particularly stubborn such as those caused by algae and mold SoftWashing effectively breaks down these stains, restoring surfaces to their original appearance.

 

Longer-Lasting Results

Not only does SoftWashing softwashing thoroughly clean, but it has a much longer-lasting result. The thorough cleaning action of SoftWashing, combined with its ability to kill microorganisms at their root, means that the results often last longer compared to pressure washing. This unique cleaning solution creates a sanitized surface that lasts 3-6x longer than pressure washing. 

As a SoftWash company, we see these results firsthand. We have so much confidence in it, that we offer our clients multi-year guarantees on their home cleanings. 

 

Environmentally Friendly

The solutions used in softwashing are typically biodegradable and eco-friendly. SoftWashing also uses much less water compared to pressure washing. This means less water consumption but it also reduces the chemical runoff compared to other cleaning methods ultimately reducing the risk of contaminating soil or ruining flowerbeds.

 

Prevents Damage

High-pressure washing can cause significant damage to various surfaces, leading to potentially costly repairs. This damage can take the form of surface erosion which is common in softer materials like wood, stucco, and older masonry. It also increases the risk of water infiltration which can cause mold growth and structural damage. 

SoftWashing reduces these risks by using a gentle flow of water that better preserves the integrity of the materials it’s cleaning. 

 

Improves Aesthetic Appeal

The number one reason people contact an exterior cleaner for their home is because they want their property to look nice. A clean exterior boosts curb appeal, making the property look well-maintained and attractive. 

SoftWashing enhances the aesthetic appeal by offering a uniform cleaning and restoring the material’s original appearance. It removes stains and discolorations, bringing back the original clean look of the surfaces.

 

Real Results of SoftWashing

It’s important to know what SoftWashing is and its benefits but it’s equally important to see the results with your own eyes. SoftWash isn’t just a gimmick it really works. And to help you see it firsthand, we have included a couple of before and after photos. 

   

 

Applications of SoftWashing

SofWashing is a pretty amazing solution. And as people gain interest in it they tend to wonder if it works for their specific needs. In most cases, the answer is yes. Below, we have highlighted some of the most common requests that can cleaned with SoftWashing. 

1. Roofs: SoftWashing is particularly effective for cleaning roofs, as it can remove algae, lichen, and moss without damaging the shingles. This helps maintain the roof's integrity and appearance.

2. Exterior Walls and Siding: Whether your home has vinyl, brick, or wood siding, SoftWashing can clean it without the risk of damage that high-pressure washing poses. It can even work on painter surfaces or fiber cement siding.

3. Decks and Patios: SoftWashing can rejuvenate wooden decks and stone patios, removing grime and organic growth while preserving the materials. Whether it’s composite or wood, stained, painted, sealed or natural, softwashing will work on your deck. 

4. Fences: Just like with decks, SoftWashing works on wooden, vinyl, and composite fences. It can clean them thoroughly without causing wear and tear or killing your landscape plants. 

5. Driveways and Walkways: While concrete surfaces can typically withstand higher pressures, SoftWashing can be used in areas with heavy organic staining or for concrete around areas that require a gentler touch like the sidewalk and patio areas that are surrounded by garden beds. 

6. Gutters: Homeowners understand the importance of cleaning the sticks and leaves out of their gutters but what about the gutters themselves? SoftWashing can remove the dark layer of oxidation and/or striping effect and is considered a restoration process as it restores gutters to their original white color.

Chances are, if you are in need of exterior cleaning, softwash will be able to do the job. As you can see, it is versatile and suitable for a wide range of surfaces.

 

A Warning when Hiring Softwashing Companies

SoftWashing really is a great solution, but like with any other service, homeowners should we leery about who they hire to do the job. Our company Superior SoftWash was the first company to offer SoftWashing services in Maryland and over the years we have seen homeowners constantly being scammed or ripped off. 

As experts and advocates in our industry, we want to do our best to educate homeowners to ensure they are working with companies who will do the job right. 

Here are some things to look out for:

• Inexperienced techs
• Pressure washing companies who say they offer “softwashing” services
• Prices that are “too good to be true” 
• People doing it as a “side hustle”

Not all inexperienced or cheap SoftWashing companies are necessarily going to rip you off. But we often see is companies masquerading as offering SoftWash services when they really are just offering low pressure washing services. We also have seen and heard many stories of newbies or inexperienced techs causing damage to property simply because they don’t have the property training or experience. 

When hiring a SoftWash company, ask about their experience, training and certifications. You can also ask them to explain how their services are different form power washing to see if they are actually experts. And always be sure to check the company’s reviews. 

 

Considering SoftWash Serivces?

We hope you now have a beter understanding of SoftWashing. SoftWashing truly is an innovative and effective cleaning method that offers numerous benefits over traditional pressure washing.

With its unique offering of a gentle approach with powerful cleaning solutions, it ensures a thorough cleaning that preserves the integrity of your property. Whether you're looking to clean your roof, siding, deck, or any other exterior surface, SoftWashing provides a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly solution. 

If you are considering SoftWashing for your home or business we encourage you to go for it! It’s a great way to achieve outstanding results without the risks of power washing. And if you’re looking for a SoftWash company in Maryland, PA or VA that you can trust, then give us a call! We are the most experienced SoftWash Company in the area!