As spring develops and we edge closer to summer in Dillsboro, NC, house washing season is upon us! Whether you rent or own your property, periodically washing your house can go a long way toward protecting long-term structural integrity as well as protecting the health of the occupants.

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about washing your house or driveway very often. But did you know that it’s important to do this on a regular basis? Not only does it make your home or business look nicer, but it can also help protect against damage from the elements. In this article, we will discuss the difference between soft washing and pressure washing, and why soft washing is a better option for many homeowners and businesses.

Why Washing Your House and Driveway Is Important

Aside from keeping your property looking clean and looked after, there are several pragmatic reasons to wash your siding, driveway, roof, and gutters as well. First and perhaps most importantly, keeping your property clean protects against damaging elements like mold, mildew, and rot. Think of washing your house like investing in insurance against future repairs! Getting up close and personal with the siding of your house during cleaning is also a great way to inspect your property for damage or the arrival of pests.

Second, ridding your property of mildew, mold, dust, and pollen is an investment in the well-being of the occupants. Even if you do not suffer from allergies, removing allergens may help to prevent you from developing allergic reactions later in life—and at the very least, it’s generally wise to remove mold spores before they develop into a health concern.

Third, keeping your walkways and driveway clean removes the potential safety hazard of a slippery walkway. The last thing you want to worry about when you’ve got an arm full of groceries or you’re escorting grandma out of the car is the increased potential of slipping hazards due to moss, mildew, algae, or some other natural substance.

While washing your house can go a long way towards improving the overall appearance of your house, the practical reasons for washing your house alone should indicate that washing your house is not an optional endeavor. In fact, pressure washing your house is the first step in many renovation projects, such as repainting the exterior.

Different Kinds of House Washing

When you call the professionals to come and wash the exterior of your house, you will likely have several different services available to you: pressure washing, power washing, and soft washing. Pressure washing is the process of using high-pressure water to blast away dirt, grime, pollen, mold, moss, and more, often involving interchangeable nozzles that affect the pressure. Power washing relies on similar principles, but the water is heated before it is applied to the exterior of the house. For more information on the differences between power washing and pressure washing, read our recent article on the topic!

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing also relies on pressurized water to remove dirt, mildew, and debris, but typically at a much lower PSI than pressure washing or power washing. For example, power and pressure washing can reach pressures upwards of 4,000 PSI while soft washing typically relies on 500 PSI or less to get the job done. As such, it is considered a gentler form of house washing that is especially beneficial for wood or vinyl siding or porches. Soft washing also typically utilizes a pressure washer, but with a nozzle with a wider spray tip to reduce the water pressure.

Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing

The difference between soft washing and pressure washing does not just stop at the water pressure, however. Oftentimes, professional soft washers will include bleach and surfactant chemicals, which help to penetrate the surfaces and remove stubborn grime or debris. Because soft washing utilizes a lower PSI than pressure or power washing, some folks opt to increase the number of detergents and cleaning agents in the mix—but others simply opt for making several passes over the same area to avoid unnecessary chemical pollution that might kill plants or ruin landscaping.

Should I Soft Wash or Pressure Wash My Home?

The answer to this question relies on several factors, like how dirty your house is, when you last had your house pressure washed, and the type of material you are looking to wash. For example, power washing and pressure washing do wonders on concrete walkways, stone, or driveways—but you wouldn’t want to apply pressure that forceful on a material that is more porous or easily damaged, like natural wood decks or cedar shake siding. It would be quite counterproductive to cause damage to your home in the act of cleaning it—so selecting the right PSI, chemical blend, and temperature of the water of your home wash is important to attaining the results you want.

Generally, it’s better to opt for a combination of pressure washing and soft washing your home and reserving power washing for the tougher stuff like concrete furniture, walls, or driveways. If you’re unsure which method is best for your property, it’s always best to start at a lower PSI and work your way up.

Dillsboro, NC House Washing

Many homeowners have heard of pressure washing their home, but did you know you have the option to power wash or soft wash your home as well? With ample reasons to protect your investment and many options for finding the right house washing method for your needs, there’s no reason not to pressure wash your house once—or even twice—a year. Doing so will not only create a visual appearance that you can be proud of, but it will also protect your property from rot, pests, and potential safety hazards as well.

When it comes to house washing, it’s better to leave the pressure washing to the professionals if you have any doubts at all about what method is best for your circumstances. Are you looking for Dillsboro, NC house washing services? Call WNC Wash Pro’s today for a consultation, or click here for a list of services!