Educational material, like books for dummies, exist on so many topics. However, hiring for home services is not one of them. Learn-as-you go or hindsight is twenty-twenty is usually the outcome. Uncommon services, or services new to you, are particularly hard to manage expectations without a guideline. Since soft washing is a very different procedure than traditional pressure washing, these frequently asked questions are a good place to start. These answers address common concerns and equip you to hire with confidence.
Q-What is soft washing?
A-Soft washing is the alternative to pressure washing using water-based, biodegradable solutions that emulsify dirt and grime. Soft washing dissolves cobwebs and kills mold, bacteria, and algae while sanitizing surfaces. It uses one-third the water of pressure washing and last four-to-six times longer.
Q-What is the best time to soft wash?
A-Spring and summer are the most popular times to soft wash pool decks, stone, and siding. However, any sunny day works. Colder or cloudy days may require more applications or longer dwell times. Roof washing is ideal during fall or sunny winter days. If it’s too hot cleaning smaller sections at a time is a must.
Q – Is soft washing safe for plants?
A – Professionals take precautions to help prevent damage. Watering before, during, and after greatly reduces the chance of damage. Spraying a plant wash solution containing Gypsum is smart. This neutralizes the effects of sodium hypochlorite and gives the plants a good feeding. In some instances, covering plants is an option . However, this does create a greenhouse effect, so it is only done in ideal circumstances. Plants directly in the drip line of roofs, where no rain gutters are present, are most likely to defoliate or turn brown. This condition, though unsightly, is often temporary. Ninety percent of plants usually recover within ninety days. Seek a reputable company who covers their replacement if necessary.
Q – Is soft washing safe for paint?
A – The stream of solution is lighter than the stream from a garden hose. However, while having your roof or home cleaned you could experience some paint flaking. This is a result of poor surface preparation before painting or normal deterioration from weather exposure.
Another rare condition is a change of paint pigment on the painted surface. Paint colors of brown and blue are most susceptible to turning green. Due to this potential problem, a small colorfast test on your paint should be done before cleaning.
Q – How are driveways cleaned?
A – When soft washing driveways and walkways, it is imperative to let solutions dwell. Not rinsing achieves a one-hundred percent kill-rate. Rain showers reactivate the solution. Allowing this process keeps your driveway clean four-to six times longer than pressure washing.
Q – Are brass fixtures an issue?
A – To prevent damage, techs cover all brass fixtures and rinse thoroughly (if sprayed). Soft washing solutions will not react adversely if the brass is properly maintained. Brass that is already tarnishing, will turn green in some areas.
Q – Is it safe to clean my roof?
A – Absolutely! Soft washing is the best solution for cleaning asphalt shingles, terra cotta, slate, and stone. Professionals dilute, divert, and decontaminate any runoff from the roof. Normally, everything is reachable from the edge of the roof. However, walking the roof to access hard-to-reach areas like a chimney may be necessary. In this case, make sure who you hire has safety harnesses, ropes, and lanyards to reduce your liability. Though not mandatory in Texas, worker’s comp further protects you from a home insurance claim if someone is injured on your property.
Q– Will my windows have water spots?
A – Most professionals include a quote for cleaning windows soft washing affects. This alleviates water spots. Window cleaning is a separate service so be sure to clarify this during the estimate. Hardwater removal is a pre-existing condition caused by sprinklers, pool sweeps, or A/C drip lines, and involves window restoration. Window restoration is an additional service.
Q – Will water leak inside through my doors and windows?
A – Not always, but it is possible if the weather stripping is worn or missing. Place old towels in front of doors and windows while soft washing is in process.
Q – Is it safe to swim in the pool afterwards?
A – Wait twenty-four hours and monitor chemical levels before swimming. Sodium hypochlorite, the main ingredient for soft washing, is the same chemical in pool shock. Checking the pH and chlorine range in your pool before swimming is exercising an anabundance of caution.