Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash: Which One Should You Use?
Josh Richards • Jan 05, 2023
Soft Wash vs. Pressure Wash: Which One Should You Use?
The exterior wood is prone to several harmful elements. Whatever you do to protect it from those enemies, you can never defend it forever. For that, you need continuous protection.
Staining is one way to protect the exterior wood from elements like mold, mildew, and rotting. But before you stain the wood, you need to clean it thoroughly.
There are two significant ways to clean the outside wood:
Which method you should choose depends on the content sticking on the wood. This post gives details about both processes, with some differences, and their pros and cons. We will also help you choose if you must hire a professional or do it yourself.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing breaks down and washes dirt, grime, and other hard-to-remove substances. The method is usually best for hard surfaces, like brick, siding, walkways, decks, and driveways, to name a few.
A pressure washer uses a high PSI to clean the exterior wood surfaces. The PSI ranges from 1,300 to 3,100 PSI. The washer is easily available in electric and gas-powered models.
Pros
Cons
Soft Washing
The soft washer will also break down and wipe off dirt, grime, and elements. Soft washing is best for softwood and smooth surfaces, such as roofs, decks, patios, siding, or fences.
The soft washer comes with low-pressure nozzles and works best where the PSI level should be below 1,000 PSI.
Soft washing uses biodegradable chemicals to remove elements like molds, pollens, dirt, and moss without damaging your home and plants.
Pros
Cons
Differences Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing
The major difference between the two methods is the pressure involved. Pressure washers use high pressures (1,300 to 3,100 PSI) to clean the elements. In comparison, soft washers use low pressures (below 1,000 PSI)
Soft washing generally requires a blend of chemicals to work effectively. On the other hand, pressure washing is usually done only by applying water at high PSI to clean the wood.
Cost of Soft Washing and Pressure Washing
According to Fixr, the average cost of soft washing a 1,000 square foot is nearly $250, while pressure washing the same size may cost you almost $300.
Washing wood surfaces depends majorly on several factors, such as the wood’s size and the extent of work.
Soft wash is usually more inexpensive than pressure washing. But that isn’t always the case. Soft washing without using a solution will cut down the cost. Whereas using a solution will increase it.
Then, there are various solutions available with different price tags. You can also save costs by preparing a homemade solution, such as a mixture of bleach and other liquids.
The cost will also vary if you rent the washer instead of buying it. The rental can cost you between $40 to $100 per day. And if you plan to acquire services from experts, the cost of washing will drastically go up.
How to Wash the Wood?
The washing process is pretty simple. Before washing, be sure to remove any furniture or fittings from the wood.
Here are the steps to wash the wood:
Soft WashingPressure WashingGet the tools ready
Soft washing requires a low PSI washer and a wood cleaner (the cleaning solution).
Get a high PSI machine. We suggest one with PSI rane of 2,500 to 4,000.
Start washing
Apply the chemical. Let it soak in for some time (5 to 15 minutes). Scrub the wood, if required. Rinse with low PSI washer. Read the instruction before applying the chemical.
Wash the wood along the grain and keep the nozzle moving all the time. Maintain a distance of between 8 to 12 inches from the surface. Wash to avoid any damage to the wood.
Let it dry
Let the wood dry for at least 24 hours.
Let the wood dry for at least 24 hours.
When Should You Wash the Exterior Wood?
Some woods may require washing after six months of installing it. Others may require a different washing time. So how to decide the right time to wash the exterior wood?
Here are some signs of realizing the right time to wash the wood
You may also ask the wood provider about the right time to wash and stain the wood or
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Just like staining the wood, washing isn’t an impossible task. You may do that yourself. All you need is to rent a washer (and some solutions, especially if soft washing).
However, we don’t suggest rookies take a risk and make it a DIY project. You may damage the wood and would be spending a lot more than you were to save by hiring an expert. We suggest hiring an expert. It isn’t too expensive and will save you time and effort.
Choosing the Right Washing Service Near You
Keep these things in mind when you plan to hire a professional:
What to Do Next?
Once you have washed the exterior wood, what is the next thing you must do? Staining the exterior wood! You may choose to DIY or hire a professional. As always, hiring a team will cost you more than if you do it yourself. But the results would be unbeatable.
For more details about exterior wood staining, contact Precision Staining LLC.
FAQs
Which is best for your home: soft washing vs. pressure washing?
Pressure washing is best for strong and less porous surfaces. The high pressure will quickly wash away algae, mold, and other contaminants.
Soft wash is best for delicate surfaces, such as fences and decks. It will wash away easy-to-remove stains without damaging the wood.
How does soft washing work?
Soft washing uses a large volume of water and chemicals with low pressure to remove dirt. The chemicals will first interact with the dirt and loosen it. Then you may apply water to wash away the elements.
How to soft wash the wood?
Premix Sodium Hypochlorite with surfactant. Apply this mixture to the wet wood. Let it set into the wood. A low-porous wood may get ready for the next step in about five minutes. Once it sets well into the wood, rinse the surface with clean water.