Dirty Work Covered!
Complete Pressure, Power, and Soft Washing Services in Memphis and Surrounding Areas
We recognize not every wash job requires professional services, but when you need a “King kind of clean”, be sure to contact us, the King of Clean!
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They Are Not The Same...
Difference in Pressure, Power, and Soft Wash
Did you know pressure washing and power washing are NOT the same? Many people use these words interchangeably, however, the only similarities they have are both clean, and both use pressure with water. So, what differs?
Let’s talk equipment first.
Pressure washing is something many people do themselves to clean their driveways or porches. You may own or rent a pressure washer, usually up to 2000 PSI (pounds per square inch). It hooks up to the faucet outside and is turned on full blast to clean dirt off the cement or fences. This can get little jobs completed with no issues. These wahsers are meant to run optimally for a half hour or so. If your household can afford it, they are not a bad piece of equipment for homeowners to have. They are semi-affordable, and work decently on smaller surfaces, knocking off dirt and dried leaves off. Where they do not work well is with larger areas or even smaller areas with algae or mold on them making them tough to clean. You can try soaps and bleach or other solvents to clean, but often times due to the lack of power, they can make more of a mess or headache than worthwhile. Bleach can certainly clean, but it also kills grass and plants and gets into the soil.
Commercial pressure washers differ. This is reflected in the cost and the power. Most commercial units pack a punch of 3,200 – 8,000 PSI. We at King of Clean, consider using one of these bad boys akin to handing a kid with a learner’s permit a Stealth. Probably not a good idea. Damage to something will possibly occur, and damage to your home or vehicle can get costly, in no time.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing, as mentioned above, is probably what most home owners are familiar with. Pressure washing uses the water connected from your faucett to deliver a high pressure spray to clean dirt off hard surfaces. You can get things relatively clean providing there isn’t algae, moss, grease, oil, or other debris on the surface. Though it can remove some of the aforementioned items, it’s primarily good to knock off excess dirt. However, where pressure washing should not be used, as it can create damage, is on specific areas of your homes. Additionally, if you have an older home that has ever used lead paint, there are dangers lurking, especially when the paint chips.
Soft Washing
So what do we recommend for roofs and siding on your homes? A soft wash is exactly as it sounds. A light wash. Not quite as light as the spray you get at the end of your car wash. It’s common to use chemicals, detergents, or everyday products like vinegar and baking soda when soft washing to assist in cleansing the area. Some chemicals and detergents are specifically known to clean away whatever type of grime, algae, moss, etc. that is stuck to your home. Just as a doctor prescribes certain antibiotics based on your illness, your home, vehicle, or whatever needs washing is the same. Homes are tough, yes. But if too much pressure is used, you may find mortor removed or water getting in the walls.
Power Washing
Did you think power washing was the same as pressure washing? Many people do not realize there is a distinct difference in the two. While both use high pressure water, different nozzles and angles depending on the surfaces, and both can even use chemicals if you choose, power washing delivers a huge added boost by using hot water, not water out of the tap. A power washer has a heating element that heats up the water as you spray it. When the heated water steams with the chemicals and added power a commercial washer delivers, it removes more difficult things like oil stains, stuck on grime, and even gum. A power wash is harsher and should never be used on certain surfaces.