How to Soft Wash: A Beginner's Guide to Clean Homes

We all crave a clean, sparkling home exterior, but sometimes, the usual hose-down doesn't quite cut it. That's where soft washing steps in—a gentle yet effective way to wash the outer parts of our homes using less pressure and more focus on cleaning solutions. Our beginner soft washing guide is packed with everything we need to start, from understanding the process to mixing the right chemicals. It's not just about blasting away dirt; it's about being smart and safe, ensuring our homes look their best without damaging the surfaces we're cleaning.

In this guide, we'll dive into the nuts and bolts of soft washing, covering all the critical equipment required and how to properly use soft washing chemicals for house washing, roof cleaning, and other exterior cleaning projects. We'll walk through a step-by-step guide to softwashing a house, tackling common issues. Whether dealing with stubborn stains or worrying about how to mix our cleaning solution, we've got it covered. Let's prepare to make our homes shine in the safest, most effective way possible.

Understanding Soft Wash

Soft washing is a gentle, effective way to clean exterior surfaces using low-pressure and eco-friendly cleaning solutions ^[1]. It removes dirt, mold, mildew, algae, and stains without causing damage ^{[1] [2]}.

Unlike traditional power washing, which relies on high-pressure water, soft washing combines low-pressure water and biodegradable chemicals ^{[3] [4]}. This approach is safer for delicate surfaces like roofs, siding, and windows ^{[1] [2]}.

The cleaning solutions used in soft washing typically contain:

1. Bleach: Kills mold, mildew, algae, and other microorganisms ^[3]
2. Surfactant: Loosens and lifts dirt and grime from surfaces ^[3]
3. Water: Dilutes the bleach concentration ^[3]

Soft washing offers several benefits over traditional pressure washing methods:

• Gentler on surfaces, reducing the risk of damage ^[2]
• Extends the lifespan of materials by avoiding harsh blasting ^[2]
• Kills growths at their roots, providing longer-lasting results ^{[2] [4]}
• Uses eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning solutions ^[2]

Soft washing is suitable for a variety of surfaces, including:

• Roof shingles
• Siding (vinyl, cedar shake, wood panel)
• Windows and glass doors
• Stucco and coquina
• Outdoor furniture ^[1]

By effectively removing contaminants and preventing their regrowth, soft washing helps maintain a clean, healthy home exterior ^{[1] [4]}.

Essential Equipment for Soft Washing

Here's the essential gear we need to get started with soft washing:

Essential Soft Wash Gear

1. Soft wash system: This includes a tank for chemicals, a pump, hoses, a trigger gun, and a nozzle ^[5]. Delux offers pre-built systems like the Bronco, Maverick, or Stallion ^[5].
2. Chemical-resistant pump: Look for a pump that can handle sodium hypochlorite and other harsh chemicals ^{[6] [7]}.
3. Hoses and fittings: Invest in chemical-resistant hoses and the right fittings to connect everything ^{[5] [7]}.
4. Spray nozzles: Different nozzles provide various spray patterns and coverage ^[7]. Have a variety on hand.
5. Safety gear: Always prioritize safety with personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and eye protection when working with chemicals ^[7].

Optional Accessories

These add-ons can enhance our soft wash setup:

• Accumulator tank: Maintains pressure without straining the pump, leading to smoother flow and longer pump life ^[5].
• Hose reels: Titan stainless steel hoses are durable and designed for corrosive chemicals ^[5]. They keep hoses organized.
• Battery box: Protects the battery that powers the 12V system ^[5].
• Spray wand: A 24-inch PVC wand helps guide the spray ^[5].
• Nozzle holder: A J-Rod nozzle holder conveniently stores our most-used nozzles for easy switching ^[5].

Choosing the Right Products

The chemicals make all the difference. Here's what to look for:

• Sodium hypochlorite: The primary cleaning agent available at pool supply stores ^[5]. But it works best with additives.
• Surfactants and additives: Fresh Wash and EZ-Cling help the bleach solution penetrate stains and cling to surfaces for better cleaning ^[5].

With the right gear and products, we'll be soft-washing like pros. Remember, investing in quality equipment pays off in the long run with better results and fewer headaches ^[7].

Step-by-Step Guide to Soft Washing

Here is the step-by-step guide to soft washing your home:

Preparing Your Home

First, prepare the area around your home. Move potted plants, furniture, and other items away from the house ^[8]. Close all windows and doors tightly, placing towels down for extra leak protection if needed ^[8]—cover fishponds near the home ^[8]. Keep pets and kids inside during the soft washing process for safety ^[8].

Mixing Cleaning Agents

Mix your cleaning solution using 1 part household bleach, 1 part water, and 100ml of sugar soap per liter of mix ^[9]. The bleach cuts through mold, while the soap helps clean deeply and rinse quickly ^[9]. Apply this mixture to one section of your house at a time using a pressure washer with a soft wash nozzle attached ^[9]. Start at the bottom and reach the gutters to avoid streaking ^[9].

Executing the Soft Wash

After applying the cleaner, gently wash each section with the pressure washer, starting where you first used the solution ^[9]. Keep the nozzle about 30cm from the surface and spray at an 85° angle, never underneath cladding ^[9]. Use side-to-side motions at a consistent speed ^[9].

When washing around windows, doors, or cavities, angle the spray away to prevent leaking ^[9]. Check for any missed spots and re-apply cleaner if needed, letting it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing again ^[9].

Following these steps, you can effectively softwash your home's exterior. The specialized cleaning solutions and low-pressure technique will remove dirt, mold, and stains without damaging surfaces ^{[1] [2] [4]}.

Common Issues and Solutions

Here are some common issues we may face while soft washing and how to troubleshoot them:

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If our 12v softwash pump surges on and off, it may be due to a faulty pressure switch or a non-calibrated pump. We can adjust the pressure switch for the best performance ^[10].

Air leaks are another common problem that can cause the system to lose pressure and efficiency. Loose connections, worn-out o-rings, and damaged components can cause air leaks. If we notice a pressure drop or hear hissing sounds, these may indicate air leaks ^[10].

Tips to Improve Results

To prevent air leaks and ensure the best performance, we should:

1. Make sure all connections are tight and secure
2. Inspect hoses and nozzles for any damage or wear
3. Check the pump electrical connections for rust and ensure they are fully connected ^[10]

It's also important to check that the leisure battery powering the 12V pump is charged and that it is turned on ^[10].

Maintenance for Longevity

Softwash pumps can last several years with proper maintenance, but eventually, they may need to be replaced depending on usage. Signs of a failing pump include:

• Decrease in pressure or flow rate
• Strange noises
• Leaks ^[10]

Factors to consider when deciding to replace the pump are the cost if it fails on a job, its age, and the frequency of repairs if it is causing problems ^[10].

Regular maintenance and troubleshooting are essential for keeping our softwash equipment in good working order. Carrying spares and tools on our work vehicles is a natural saving grace that every software professional should consider ^[10].

Conclusion

We've walked through the ins and outs of soft washing, from gearing up with the right equipment to mixing our cleaning solutions just right. This guide aims to make you savvy in soft washing, ensuring your home shines without harm. Remember, soft washing is not just about keeping surfaces clean; it’s about preserving our homes in the gentlest way possible. This cleaning method removes the tough stuff – mold, mildew, and dirt – while being kind to your home's exterior.

Soft washing is more than a clean-up; it's care for your home using wisdom and the right tools. If you're keen to see your home sparkle safely, remember professionals are just a call or email away. For homes that deserve gentle yet effective care, contact Softwash Your Roof for a free quote at (786)876-3505. Clean homes are healthy, and you're always covered with soft washing. Let's keep our homes gleaming with the right touch and the best solutions.

FAQs

1. What is the step-by-step process for soft washing?
Soft washing involves a careful, step-by-step approach to ensure safety and effectiveness:

• Safety First: Always prioritize safety before starting.
• Gather Your Materials: Assemble all necessary equipment and cleaning agents.
• Prepare the Area: Clear the area of any obstacles or delicate items.
• Mix the Cleaning Solution: Prepare the cleaning mixture according to specifications.
• Apply the Solution: Evenly distribute the cleaning solution over the surface.
• Let the Solution Sit: Allow the solution to work on the stains and algae for a while.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Wash off the solution completely, ensuring no residue remains.
• Inspect and Touch Up: Check the area for missed spots and clean as needed.

2. What are the fundamental principles of soft washing?
Soft washing is a gentle cleaning technique that combines low-pressure water with algaecides, bleach, surfactants, and water. This method effectively removes organic stains, mildew, and algae from exterior surfaces without causing damage.

3. What equipment do professionals use to softwash a house?
Professionals employ a soft washing system that utilizes a low-pressure cleaning technique. This system typically includes a mix of bleach, algaecides, surfactants, and water to effectively clean exteriors plagued by mildew, organic stains, and algae growth.

4. What components are needed for a basic softwash system?
A basic soft wash system comprises several key components:

• Chemical Tank: To store the cleaning chemicals.
• Pump and Hoses: To transfer the chemical solution.
• Trigger Gun: This is used to control the flow of the cleaning solution.
• Nozzle: To accurately direct the spray onto the surfaces.

References

[1] – https://washh.com/residential/what-is-soft-washing/
[2] – https://clearviewpressurecleaning.com/what-are-the-advantages-of-using-soft-wash-equipment-over-traditional-methods/
[3] – https://spaceclean.net/soft-washing-what-is-soft-washing-how-is-soft-washing-done/
[4] – https://wiseguysprowash.com/the-benefits-of-soft-washing/
[5] – https://powerwash.com/spray-tips/start-soft-washing/
[6] – https://3rpressurewashers.com/product-category/parts-and-accessories/soft-wash-parts-and-accessories/
[7] – https://southeastsoftwash.com/blogs/blog/how-to-choose-a-soft-wash-system-an-easy-guide
[8] – https://www.maintainitall.com/preparing-your-home-for-soft-washing
[9] – https://www.blastawayguys.co.nz/blogs/how-to-wash-a-house-in-5-steps
[10] – https://www.herosoftwash.co.uk/12v-softwash-equipment-problems-and-how-to-fix-them