KNOWING WHICH PROCESS TO USE IS VITAL

Softwashing uses a combination of water spray and chemicals. The typical pressure of the sprayer is between 150–500 PSI.

Environmentally friendly chemicals and surfactants are used to achieve the desired results. They typically include sodium hypochlorite (pool bleach), sodium hydroxide, algaecides, and plain old water. Neutralizers and odor removers are often used in combination with chemicals to minimize the negative effects of runoff on plants and the environment.

Softwashing is highly effective on:

• Mold, mildew, and fungus
• Moss and weeds
• Algae and bacteria
• Wildlife debris, bird droppings, and bugs
• Oil and grease
• Tree sap
• Organic matter
• Rust
• Graffiti and paint spills

Surfaces best for Softwashing include:

• Vinyl siding
• Cedar shake siding
• Wood siding
• Roofs Pavers, brick, and tile
• Stucco Windows and doors
• Outdoor furniture

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water spray between 1,300-3,000 PSI. It's used to remove many of the same things that soft washing can, but that are more built up or calcified. It typically does it without the aid of chemicals relying primarily on higher water pressure to do the job.

Care must be used when pressure washing to avoid damage to surfaces, especially surfaces more suited for softwashing. Mortar or grout can be blasted from between bricks and tiles. Paint can be stripped. Even asphalt can sustain damage.

For that reason, pressure washing is usually limited primarily to:

• Stone
• Asphalt driveways
• Garage floors
• Sidewalks
• Patios
• Concrete
• Treated wooden decks
• Other hardened, less porous materials

By using a variable speed pump and/or different pressure attachments, we can regulate the strength of the water stream. When there are situations where the build-up of mold, algae or other dirt is just too much for softwashing, we will carefully employ the appropriate level of pressure washing as well as manually scrubbing the area.