Did you know the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says more than 500,000 people get injured, and 300 diefrom ladder falls each year? These stats are heartbreaking, but a lesson too, that some things we should leave to professionals, and one of them is exterior cleaning of the house.
I am a homeowner myself and love DIY, but knowing these stats, I leave this cleaning job to professionals. They not only clean green streaks from my exterior walls but also clean the dark patches from the driveway, and wash the gray fences that used to be white.
Let’s continue with the article and learn what I did, what I learned, and why I think these cleaning experts are worth calling.
What Is Soft Washing?
Let’s understand this concept in a simple way, so soft washing is a gentle way of cleaning the outside surface. It uses a lower water pressure (50-150 PSI) than regular pressure washing, plus soft washing and exterior cleaning experts use special cleaning solutions (water-based solution containing surfactants and sodium hypochlorite) to remove dirt, mold, and algae.
Wondering if this soft cleaning even works or not? Well, it does because this special solution is so effective that it kills mildew, mold, algae, and even bacteria, while the soft rise washes away dirt without damaging delicate materials and surfaces (roofs, siding, decks, and patios).
Benefits of Hiring Soft Washing and Exterior Cleaning Experts
For me, hiring professionals felt like a big decision, but here are some huge benefits I experienced:
- Environmentally Safe: The cleaning products they used were safe for the environment.
- Safe and Smart: These folks knew exactly which solution to use for every surface.
- No Risk: They wore safety gear and managed tall ladders way better than I could.
- Prevent Damages: Low pressure lowered the chance of water getting into cracks, which could lead to water damage or mold growth inside the structure.
- Cost-Effective: Regular soft washing stopped buildup on my house exterior, making the surface last longer, and saved me money on future repairs.
- Super Cleaned: Everything looked fresh and new, even the places I’d ignored for years.
Services Offered by Professional Exterior Cleaning Companies
Honestly, most washing experts offer more than just wall cleaning. Some services I checked out included:
- Roof Washing: In this, they safely remove algae, moss, and lichen without damaging the roof.
- Siding and Brick Cleaning: No matter if your home has vinyl, wood, or stucco, soft cleaning helps clean these without damaging the paint or scratching them.
- Deck and Fence Soft Washing: They get rid of the dirt while gently cleaning the wood to keep it in shape.
- Driveway and Sidewalk Cleaning: By deep cleaning, experts clean the concrete, pavers, and stone surfaces.
- Window Cleaning: Professionals clean windows without streaks using special tools and solutions.
Some even do things like:
- Cleaning the patio and garden path
- Washing kids’ play equipment
- Removing graffiti
If any of this is outside your house, they probably know how to clean it.
How to Choose the Right Soft Washing Experts
Picking the right soft washing expert isn’t that easy; you literally have to compare a lot of things, do research, check reviews, etc. Want to know how I pick one for my house? Here is how:
- Credentials: I asked if they were insured and certified.
- Experience: Checked reviews online and asked neighbors for suggestions
- Quotations: Asked about their equipment, cleaning solution, and safety steps.
- Quotations: I got two quotes, and I picked the one that gave clear answers, not just the lowest price.
- Guarantees: My chosen company even offered to redo spots if I’m not happy.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Good companies are happy to explain everything.
Cost Factors for Professional Exterior Cleaning
The cost factor totally depends on several factors:
- How big is the area? Larger homes or roofs cost more.
- How dirty is it? More moss and black streaks might mean a higher price.
- Is it easily accessible? Hard-to-reach areas might increase the cost
- City: Some cities just cost more for everything
- Extras: If you ask for things like driveway and window cleaning together, you might have to get a packaged deal.
For me, washing the whole outside walls, roof, and driveway costs as much as a nice weekend trip. But seeing the results, it felt like money very well spent.
DIY vs Professional Soft Washing
I’ll be real, I thought about doing it myself. Here’s what it boiled down to:
DIY
- Cheaper if you already have gear
- But risky, I wasn’t sure which cleaner to use or how forceful to be
- I really don’t like climbing ladders, so cleaning my second-story window was a big NO
Professional
- More expensive upfront, but faster and safer
- Professionals guarantee good results
- No mess or confusion, and no risk of harming my house (or myself)
It was easy for me to decide after I thought about my time, safety, and the lasting outcomes.
Conclusion
After seeing how much better my house looked, I’m glad I picked professionals to do this job. Now my home looks bright and healthier than ever. If you also want to make your home more beautiful, start by calling the right professionals for cleaning. While hiring them, keep the above things in mind.
Trust me, once you give this to the exterior of your house, every time you walk up your driveway, you can’t help yourself notice the shine of cleanliness.
What chemical is used in soft wash?
Usually, the experts use sodium hypochlorite, a.k.a. Bleach.
How long does it take to soft wash a house?
It depends on the size and type of the house, but it takes 2–5 hours for a standard house.
How many gallons of water does it take to soft wash a house?
40–60 gallons of total cleaning solution (which is mostly water) for a typical home.
How many PSI is a soft wash?
Generally, it is 50-300 PSI, similar to a garden hose.
