The Difference Between Power Washing and Softwashing

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Most of us have heard of the benefits of power washing for a variety of surfaces, such as concrete, brick, and siding. But did you know that power washing can sometimes lead to damage of the materials being cleaned, so they aren’t necessarily in better condition after the fact?

The Difference Between Power Washing and Softwashing

One alternative to power washing is softwashing. So, what’s the difference? Here are some important distinctions between the two:

  • Power Washing Uses Only Water. Power washing uses water that is highly pressurized to forcibly remove dirt, grime, and other unwanted matter from a variety of materials. There can be something very satisfying about watching something dirty become clean with power washing! The downside of this approach, however, is that power washing may damage the material being cleaned if it is less durable. Additionally, power washing doesn’t protect materials from collecting future grime on the surface.
  • Softwashing as an Alternative. Softwashing as an alternative to power washing offers some unique advantages. Firstly, softwashing uses water to help with cleaning, but does so at less pressure, making it easier on the materials being cleaned. Secondly, softwashing uses a specific mix of biodegradable chemicals that helps remove buildup, but that also won’t hurt the environment during or after use. These chemicals are designed to add a protective layer that helps prevent future mold, mildew, fungi, and other bacteria from re-growing on surfaces.

While there are benefits to both power washing and softwashing, ultimately, softwashing may be the safer option! At West Virginia SoftWash, we are equipped to help you clean and restore your outdoor surfaces, including siding, roofs, gutters, driveways, concrete patios, and more. Just give us a call to schedule softwashing services!