In our experience at Piedmont Home Services, the most well-known method of exterior cleaning is power washing, which uses high water pressure to remove dirt and grime. While this method of exterior cleaning is effective, it is not always the best choice for all applications. For example, our team generally avoids using power washing equipment on softer materials such as siding or wood, as the intense water pressure can damage them. In this article, we will provide more information about power washing to help you determine if this method is suitable for your needs.
- Material – The main factor we consider when deciding whether to use power washing or soft washing (our other preferred method) is the material that needs to be cleaned. As we mentioned above, power washing uses intense water pressure, which can damage softer materials such as wood if not used with caution. Because of this, our team generally reserves power washing for use on concrete or stone structures and relies on soft washing for materials such as wood, vinyl, roof tiles, or glass.
- Types of Stains – Another factor we consider when choosing between power washing and soft washing is the type of stains that need to be removed. If dirt is the main stain-causing substance, then power washing could be a good fit, as this method is excellent at removing dirt particles. However, if you are worried about stains caused by mildew, mold, or algae, then our founder (who does everything himself) will most likely recommend soft washing, which is designed to eliminate these stain-causing organisms.