Power washing is a great way to clean surfaces around your home but not all surfaces are safe to power wash. In fact, if you power wash the wrong surface, you could do more harm than good. Luckily, there is an alternative - soft washing. 

Soft washing is a gentle form of cleaning that is safe for all surfaces. It uses less water and is less likely to damage your home’s exterior. So, before you pull out the power washer, make sure you know which surfaces are safe to clean.

Here are 10 surfaces that should stay off your power wash list…and why soft washing is the better option.

1. Stucco

2. Wood Decks and Siding

Power washing can strip away the protective coating on your deck or siding. This leaves the wood vulnerable to water damage, rot, and pests. Instead, opt for soft washing. This will clean your deck or siding without damaging the wood.

3. Patio Furniture

Power washing can damage the finish on your patio furniture. Instead, clean your patio furniture with the low pressure and rejuvenating solutions of soft washing.

4. Asphalt Roof Shingles

Power washing can strip away the protective coating that helps keep shingles in good condition. Many insurance policies will not cover roof damage if high-pressure water was used to clean your shingles. Also, soft cleaning solutions tackle and deter organic growth such as moss and algae.

5. Vinyl Siding

Siding is made of different materials, and some are more delicate than others. Power washing can strip away the paint or damage the surface of the siding causing cracks and puncture holes.

6. Windows

The high-pressure stream of water can loosen the sealant around the edges of the window, and over time this can lead to leaks. In addition, power washing can strip away the protective coating on the glass, making it more susceptible to scratching and breakage. A safer option for cleaning windows is lower-pressure soft washing. 

7. Screens

High-pressure water can damage the delicate mesh of screens - whether in doors or windows. It can cause them to tear, sag or break down over time. Soft washing loosens dirt and debris, making it easy to simply rinse away. 

8. Gutters

Power washing gutters can loosen the sealants that hold them together. It can also force water and debris under the shingles and into the house. Soft washing is just as effective as power washing but won't damage your gutters in the process.

9. Painted Surfaces

High-pressure water can strip away paint, leaving the surface vulnerable to weathering and wear. In addition, power washing can force water into cracks and crevices, causing paint to blister and peel. Soft washing uses low-pressure water and gentle detergents to clean surfaces without damaging the paint.

10. Light Fixtures

Power washing can quickly damage the delicate components of a light fixture, causing chips and cracks in the glass which can eventually lead to leaking. It can also cause moisture and condensation to build up inside the fixture, which can lead to rusting. Soft washing will remove dirt and grime without damaging the finish or breaking the glass.

At Maintain It All, it is our goal to take the guesswork out of your home maintenance. Unsure which method is right?  Give us a call and we’ll take it from there. We offer full soft washing and power washing services with free estimates available.