Maintaining the exterior of a commercial property is essential for attracting customers, ensuring safety, and preserving the property's value. While pressure washing is a popular and effective method for cleaning a variety of surfaces, there are instances where a gentler approach is necessary. This is where soft washing comes into play. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the role of soft washing in exterior cleaning for commercial properties, the benefits it offers, and the scenarios in which it's the preferred method.

Understanding Soft Washing

Soft washing is a cleaning method that uses a low-pressure water spray along with specialized biodegradable chemicals to remove dirt, stains, algae, moss, mold, and other contaminants from surfaces. Unlike pressure washing, which relies on the force of high-pressure water to remove grime, soft washing is a more gentle and chemically assisted approach.

The Benefits of Soft Washing

Soft washing offers several advantages for commercial property cleaning:

1. Protection of Delicate Surfaces: Soft washing is ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces such as stucco, vinyl siding, painted wood, and roofs. High-pressure washing could damage these materials, but soft washing is safe and effective.

2. Thorough Cleaning: The chemical solutions used in soft washing help break down and kill organic contaminants like algae, moss, and mold. This results in a thorough and longer-lasting cleaning effect compared to pressure washing alone.

3. Prevention of Future Growth: Soft washing not only cleans but also treats surfaces to inhibit the return of contaminants. The chemicals used in soft washing can act as a protective barrier, preventing the regrowth of algae, mold, and other contaminants for an extended period.

4. Eco-Friendly: The cleaning solutions used in soft washing are typically biodegradable and eco-friendly. They minimize harm to the environment, making soft washing a sustainable choice.

5. Reduced Risk of Damage: High-pressure washing can be risky for some surfaces, as it may lead to erosion, chipping, or damage to paint. Soft washing eliminates these risks, ensuring that surfaces remain intact.

When Soft Washing is Ideal for Commercial Properties

Soft washing is suitable for a wide range of commercial property cleaning tasks. Here are some scenarios where soft washing is the preferred method:

1. Roof Cleaning: Soft washing is excellent for roof cleaning. Roofs are often covered with algae, moss, and lichen, and these contaminants can significantly reduce the roof's lifespan. Soft washing not only cleans the roof but also prevents the return of these contaminants, extending the life of the roofing materials.

2. Siding Cleaning: Exterior siding on commercial buildings can accumulate dirt, algae, and mold. Soft washing is the best method for cleaning and preserving the appearance of siding. It is gentle enough not to damage paint or surface materials while providing a thorough cleaning.

3. Deck and Patio Cleaning: Decks and patios are prone to the growth of algae and mold due to their exposure to the elements. Soft washing not only cleans these outdoor areas but also prevents the regrowth of contaminants, ensuring a clean and safe space for customers and employees.

4. Fence Cleaning: Wooden or vinyl fences can become discolored and infested with mold and algae. Soft washing effectively removes these contaminants and restores the fence's appearance.

5. Exterior Wall Cleaning: Some commercial properties have delicate exterior walls, such as those made of stucco or painted wood. Soft washing is the safest method for cleaning these surfaces, removing grime, mold, and mildew without causing damage.

6. Awning Cleaning: Awnings provide shade and protection from the elements, but they are also susceptible to contamination. Soft washing keeps awnings clean and helps extend their lifespan.

The Soft Washing Process

The soft washing process involves several key steps:

1. Assessment: A thorough assessment of the property is conducted to identify the type and extent of contaminants. This assessment guides the selection of the appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques.

2. Surface Preparation: Prior to applying soft washing solutions, any loose debris or contaminants are removed from the surfaces to be cleaned. This may include brushing, sweeping, or gentle scraping.

3. Application of Cleaning Solutions: The cleaning solutions used in soft washing are applied to the surfaces, typically using a low-pressure sprayer. These solutions are biodegradable and eco-friendly, designed to break down and kill organic contaminants.

4. Dwell Time: The cleaning solutions are allowed to sit on the surface for a specific period, usually around 10-15 minutes. This dwell time is essential for the chemicals to penetrate and break down contaminants effectively.

5. Agitation: In some cases, a gentle agitation process, such as brushing or scrubbing, may be used to dislodge stubborn contaminants. This ensures that the cleaning solutions can reach all areas and effectively clean the surfaces.

6. Rinsing: After the dwell time, the surfaces are rinsed using low-pressure water, removing the contaminants and cleaning solutions. The rinsing process is typically performed from the top down to prevent streaking.

7. Protective Barrier Application: In many soft washing applications, a protective barrier solution is applied to the cleaned surfaces. This solution acts as a deterrent to future contamination, inhibiting the return of mold, algae, and other contaminants.

Safety Considerations

Soft washing is generally a safe and eco-friendly method for cleaning commercial properties. However, some safety considerations should be kept in mind:

1. Protective Gear: Always wear protective gear when handling soft washing solutions, including safety goggles, gloves, and appropriate clothing.

2. Environmental Protection: Ensure that the cleaning solutions do not enter storm drains or bodies of water. Many soft washing solutions are biodegradable, but proper disposal is still necessary.

3. Avoiding Contamination: Take care to prevent soft washing solutions from coming into contact with plants, animals, and sensitive areas. Rinse down any overspray immediately.

Conclusion

Soft washing is a valuable method for cleaning and maintaining the exterior of commercial properties. Its gentle yet effective approach, combined with the use of eco-friendly cleaning solutions, makes it an ideal choice for tasks such as roof cleaning, siding cleaning, and other delicate surface treatments. By understanding when to use soft washing and the key steps in the process, property owners and managers can effectively clean and protect their commercial properties, ensuring that they remain attractive, safe, and well-maintained. Soft washing offers a long-lasting solution for preventing the regrowth of contaminants and preserving the integrity of building materials, making it an essential tool in commercial property maintenance.