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What are the Types of Soft Washing Solution?
Managing Director
Lucian Ivan
• 4 minute read
Contents
- What Is a Soft Wash?
- What Are The Types Of Soft Washing Solutions Available?
- Soft Washing Roofs
- Soft Washing Render
- Soft Washing Brick
- What is Spectrum’s Recommended Soft Wash Solution?
- Get in Touch
Although soft washing, power washing and pressure washing seem similar they all use different techniques, equipment, pressure, and chemicals.
Power washing and pressure washing use a much more powerful water pressure than soft washing and power washing is typically done with much hotter water than pressure washing.
The Soft Washing method is combined with a biodegradable disinfecting cleaning solution to kill the mould, mildew, bacteria, algae, fungus, moss and more.
In our latest blog, the Spectrum team will discuss what is involved in a soft washing treatment and the types of solutions that are available.
What Is a Soft Wash?
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method used on surfaces that are notoriously hard to clean or would become damaged if a high-pressure cleaning method was used.
Originally designed to clean algae from roof shingles, soft washing has since evolved to combine a biocide cleaning solution to also remove mould, mildew, bacteria, fungus, moss and even carbon stains that have been absorbed into the surface.
The water pressure is generally under 500 PSI, which protects the delicate surfaces while allowing the biocide to get to the root of the stains and removing the organic/non-organic growth completely.
What Are The Types Of Soft Washing Solutions Available?
There are many soft washing solutions available in the UK. Depending on the type of building and substrate, various soft washing techniques will be applied. An expert cleaning contractor will understand which biocide to use on the designated surface and will test a small sample first before completing the operation.
Soft Washing Roofs
The famous British weather exposes a building’s roof to all the elements Mother Nature cares to throw at it. This invariably means a roof can become a breeding ground for organic substances to grow, such as mould, mildew, algae, and moss.
Over time, these organic growths can start to cause serious issues. They can not only start to block drains and downpipes but can also start to damage the roof’s integrity too.
Soft washing roofs will apply a biocide treatment to completely remove the organic growth, leaving the roof looking completely brand new and free from any lingering algae that might be tempted to re-grow.
Soft Washing Render
Soft washing render is one of the most common soft washing techniques in the UK. The gentle process ensures the rendering is always protected.
A special mix of chemicals is used to completely remove the ghastly stains, like algae and mould, and environmental pollutants like carbon stain and rust, preventing their re-growth for years to come.
Soft Washing Brick
Soft washing is the best cleaning solution when it comes to brickwork. Whether it’s organic growth, like algae or mould, graffiti damage, rust, or carbon pollutant stains, a specialist cleaning contractor will always use soft washing as a preferred treatment.
This is because the low water pressure protects the soft brick surface from being chipped or damaged during the cleaning process, while a specialist biocide treatment is used according to the type of brickwork.
What is Spectrum’s Recommended Soft Wash Solution?
The Spectrum team has a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to soft washing solutions.
Not every building surface is made equal, and so Spectrum uses high heat steam, and environmentally friendly soluble solutions that easily remove the dirt off your building, leaving it refreshed.
The combination of high heat steam and biocide solutions results in a technique that will clear away even the most stubborn of stains, without damaging the substrate.
The Spectrum team has developed a cleaning technique that heats the water up to 150 degrees that can kill most organic growth at the roots. This technique, called the DOFF cleaning technique, doesn’t require chemical treatment.
The combination of using heat at a minimal pressure means the DOFF soft washing cleaning treatment is best used on stone, ceramic tiles, and concrete substrates. The Spectrum team will often use this soft washing treatment to clean organic growth like mould and algae, as well as paint and graffiti stains.
The Spectrum team has also developed another technique called the TORC soft washing cleaning technique.
This is best used on stonework, gently removing paint, algae, moss, lichen, carbon stains, limescale, paint, and graffiti, without damaging the substrate itself.
A low-pressure vortex of compressed air and water is used to clean the substrate when stains are deeply ingrained into the stonework.
Soft washing is a safe and eco-friendly way of removing organic matter and carbon stains from the exterior surfaces. But this can only happen when the correct biocides are used. Phosphates, therefore, aren’t recommended within Spectrum’s soft washing treatment.
Get in Touch
Get in touch with a member of our team of soft washing experts to book your consultation as well as a free sample clean. Spectrum's team of professionals will ensure that your property looks refreshed without the risk of damaging the substrate.
Your Building Deserves Thoughtful, Expert Care
Ensure your building remains in top condition with Spectrum Specialist Support. Our expert team offers a full range of exterior maintenance services, from external cleaning and repairs to comprehensive restoration of brick, render, stone and other substrates.
With an IRATA-certified team of abseilers and experience across hundreds of varied projects, we’ll find an access solution that saves you time and money, even on the most complex elevations.
Whether you need emergency maintenance or a tailored service plan, we are here to help. Contact us directly on 020 3551 6206 or email us at info@spectrumss.co.uk to discuss your requirements and receive a free consultation and quote.