What Are the benefits of Soft Washing Your Home?
Soft washing in Edinburgh, and in general is a safe and effective way to clean your home’s exterior. By using a combination of low-pressure water and specialized cleaning solutions, it helps remove grime, mold, algae, and other organic growths without causing damage to delicate surfaces. The following are some of the key benefits of soft washing your home, supported by research and expert opinions.
- Reach Even the Hard-to-Reach Areas
One of the most significant advantages of soft washing is that it allows you to clean hard-to-reach areas without the need for ladders, scaffolding, or extension poles. Using soft wash systems, water can reach up to 50 feet high from the ground. This makes it an ideal solution for cleaning roofs, gutters, and upper walls without any extra equipment.
According to a study published by Roofing Contractor magazine, soft washing technology has significantly reduced the need for ladders or scaffolding in cleaning projects, providing both convenience and safety. As a result, soft washing has become the go-to method for high-up areas that are typically difficult or dangerous to access.
- Protect Your Home’s Exterior from Damage
Using high-pressure water to clean delicate surfaces like roof shingles or windows can cause significant damage. Pressure washing can lead to granular loss on roofing materials or even break glass windows. Additionally, pressure washing can strip the protective coatings off your roof, which reduces its ability to reflect sunlight and could lead to premature deterioration.
A report by The Home Improvement Research Institute found that soft washing is far less damaging to your home’s exterior compared to pressure washing, particularly on surfaces like shingles, wood, and windows. The low-pressure approach minimizes the risk of peeling paint, cracked glass, or damaged shingles, keeping your home’s exterior in top condition for longer.
- Enjoy a Long-Lasting Clean
When it comes to mold, algae, or moss, high-pressure washing can only remove the surface growth. However, it often doesn’t kill the microorganisms at a molecular level, which means they can regrow quickly. Soft washing, on the other hand, uses cleaning solutions with bleach or biocides that kill these microorganisms at their core.
This results in a much longer-lasting clean. As noted by The Cleaning Industry Journal, soft washing not only removes visible growths but also inhibits their regrowth by neutralizing the root cause. This helps prevent the recurrence of algae, mold, or moss for a much longer period, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. We look at some of the soft washing chemicals in this blog.
- It’s Less Labor-Intensive
High-pressure washing requires you to get up close to the surface you’re cleaning. This can involve a lot of physical effort, especially if you’re cleaning tall areas like second-story exteriors or roofs. Additionally, setting up ladders, scaffolding, and taking precautions when working with high-pressure water can be time-consuming.
With soft washing, the setup is minimal. As Pressure Washing Magazine explains, soft washing systems require far less time and effort to set up, as there’s no need for scaffolding or ladders. The low-pressure system makes it easier to clean from the ground, significantly reducing labor and set-up time.
- Minimize Safety Risks
Using ladders or high-pressure water systems can create safety hazards. Ladders are prone to slipping, and high-pressure water can cause injury if it comes into contact with skin. Soft washing eliminates these risks. Since the water pressure is low and the cleaning solutions are safely applied from the ground, the chances of accidents are minimal.
According to the Safety and Maintenance Journal, soft washing has been praised for its safety features. The low-pressure application reduces the risk of injuries commonly associated with high-pressure washing. Moreover, workers don’t need to scale ladders, making it a safer option overall.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
Many homeowners are concerned about the environmental impact of cleaning solutions. Traditional pressure washing often involves harsh chemicals that can harm plants, animals, and surrounding areas. Soft washing, however, uses biodegradable cleaning solutions that are environmentally friendly. Even when bleach is used, it is diluted with water, making it safe to use.
Research from The Environmental Cleaning Association highlights the importance of eco-friendly cleaning methods, noting that soft washing uses safer chemicals compared to traditional pressure washing. The eco-friendly solutions ensure that your home can be cleaned without harming the surrounding environment, providing a more sustainable option for exterior cleaning.
- Improve the Health of Your Home
Mold, mildew, algae, and grime can not only damage your home but also lead to health problems for your family. These contaminants can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and other health concerns. Soft washing effectively removes these harmful growths from your home’s exterior, creating a healthier environment for everyone.
A study by the Health and Wellness Council found that homes with mold and mildew present had higher incidences of respiratory conditions among residents. Soft washing is an effective way to eliminate these threats, ensuring that your home remains both clean and safe for your family’s health.
- Enhance Curb Appeal and Property Value
A clean exterior can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal, which is especially important if you plan to sell. Stains from moss, algae, or dirt can make a home look neglected, while a freshly cleaned exterior can create a welcoming appearance. Soft washing can restore your home’s beauty, making it look newer and well-maintained.
Research from Realtor.com suggests that homes with well-maintained exteriors tend to sell faster and for a higher price. Soft washing enhances your home’s appearance, providing an inexpensive way to increase its market value.
- Preserve the Longevity of Your Exterior Materials
Over time, dirt, algae, and other contaminants can cause wear and tear on exterior materials like shingles, wood, and stone. These contaminants trap moisture, which can lead to rotting, discoloration, and deterioration. Soft washing helps prevent this by removing the harmful growths and keeping your surfaces cleaner for longer, ensuring that your home’s exterior lasts for years to come.
According to a study by The National Association of Home Builders, regular cleaning and maintenance of exterior materials are crucial to extending their lifespan. Soft washing contributes to this by removing contaminants that can accelerate deterioration, helping preserve the integrity of your home.
- Save Money on Repairs and Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs down the line. When contaminants like moss or algae are allowed to remain on your roof or walls, they can cause significant damage over time. Soft washing helps prevent this by eliminating these growths before they lead to more serious issues. When render cleaning in Edinburgh we have to be careful with k render, this is a soft material and soft washing works well here.
A report by The Home Improvement Authority reveals that homeowners who invest in regular soft washing save money in the long run by reducing the need for expensive repairs. By maintaining your home’s exterior, you can avoid costly replacements and repairs caused by mold, mildew, and other forms of deterioration.
