Soft washing is a cleaning process that involves using low-pressure washing and certain surfactants and soaps. Soft wash is usually utilized when cleaning surfaces that may be damaged or difficult to clean with high pressure but still involves the use of a pressure washer.
When to Soft Wash
Soft washing is ideal when cleaning a surface that is not concrete or stone, such as:
- Windows
- Roof shingles
- Wooden decks
- Trucks and trailers
A specific soft washing machine or pump is not always required to perform the process, as the soft wash technique will work similarly by lowering the PSI on the pressure washer, generally to about 500 PSI or less.
How Do I Soft Wash with a Pressure Washer?
- Prepare = First, prepare the surrounding area that you are cleaning and shield any plants or objects that may be near the cleaning area.
- Choose a Cleaning Solution = Prepare a desired cleaning solution, most likely a specific detergent.
- Choose the Right Nozzle = When unsure of which pressure washer nozzle to use, the white nozzle (40 degrees) should be used, as it is gentle, effective for dirt and grime removal, and compatible with most surfaces.
- Spray = Add the cleaning solution to the sprayer and direct it to the surface to be cleaned.
- Leave on = When cleaning a roof, the cleaning solution may be left on the surface for a few minutes to eliminate mold or bacteria but may be rinsed off if washing the siding.
What Chemicals are Used for This Technique?
- Water = Generally used to dilute other cleaning chemicals.
- Bleach = Mostly used when attempting to eliminate mold, algae, moss, or any fungi that may be on a roof.
- Surfactant = Utilizing a cleaning surfactant allows for the loosening of dirt and organic substances. Surfactants work by separating the contaminants from the surface by bonding to the dirt and lifting it up.
Interested in Industrial-Strength Pressure Washing Chemicals?
TidalWashers provides various industrial-grade cleaning chemicals for an array of applications. Our high-quality products are cost-effective and safe to use. You may browse our selection of products here, or reach out to our specialized staff here for any special requests or assistance in finding the best product for your business needs.