Is Soft Washing Right for Your Property?

In the realm of cleaning methods, soft washing has become a popular choice. However, is it the right choice for everyone or everything? This article explores when soft washing may not be the best option.

The Concept of Soft Washing

Soft washing is an efficient and environment-friendly method of cleaning surfaces. Instead of relying on high-pressure water, it utilizes gentle streams of water mixed with specialized cleaning solutions. While it’s praised for its effectiveness and versatility, in certain situations an alternative cleaning technique may be required.

When Soft Washing May Not Be the Best Choice

The Delicate Dance of Historic Buildings

Historic buildings often possess materials that are delicate or aged. These structures require an even softer touch than soft washing can provide. While soft washing is gentle, the use of chemicals may harm these fragile surfaces, accelerating the degradation process.

While soft washing is a relatively gentle cleaning method compared to high-pressure washing, there are still potential risks to consider. Some of these risks include:

1. Damage to delicate surfaces: Historic buildings often feature delicate surfaces, such as decorative stucco, ornamental details, or fragile masonry. Soft washing involves the use of cleaning solutions, and if not properly applied or rinsed, these solutions can cause discoloration, etching, or deterioration of the delicate surfaces.
2. Chemical reactions: Different materials on historic buildings can react differently to the chemicals used in soft washing solutions. For example, certain types of limestone or marble may be susceptible to etching or discoloration when exposed to certain cleaning agents. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the building materials and their compatibility with the cleaning solutions used.
3. Moisture penetration: Soft washing involves the application of water and cleaning solutions to the building’s exterior. If not adequately controlled, excessive moisture can penetrate the building’s porous materials, such as brick or wood. This can lead to long-term damage, including decay, mold growth, or even structural instability.
4. Loss of original finishes: Historic buildings often possess original finishes, such as paint, patina, or weathered surfaces, which contribute to their historical significance. Improper soft washing techniques or the use of harsh cleaning agents can strip away these original finishes, erasing important historical character and value.
5. Weakening of structural elements: Some historic buildings may have weakened or deteriorated structural elements, such as wooden beams or mortar. The force of water applied during soft washing, even at lower pressures, can potentially exacerbate existing weaknesses and cause damage.

Examples of the types of materials that may be present on historic buildings include:

1. Brick: Common in many historic structures, bricks can vary in composition, hardness, and porosity.
2. Stone: Various types of stone can be found, such as limestone, sandstone, granite, or marble, each with its own specific characteristics.
3. Wood: Historic buildings may have wooden elements like siding, trim, or architectural details.
4. Metal: Metal components like cast iron, wrought iron, or copper may be present, particularly in ornamental features.
5. Stucco: A mixture of cement, sand, and lime applied to create a textured or decorative finish.
6. Paint: Historic buildings may have layers of paint, including lead-based paints in older structures.

The Battle Against Hard Stains

Though soft washing is effective for general grime and mold, some stubborn stains may resist it. Oil stains, rust, or paint splatters might need a more aggressive approach. For these stubborn adversaries, power washing or a specialized stain remover may be necessary to restore the surface to its former glory.

Hard stains are typically caused by non-organic substances or materials that require more aggressive cleaning techniques. Here are examples of hard stains and surfaces where soft washing may not be as effective:

1. Rust stains: Soft washing is not ideal for removing rust stains caused by metal oxidation. Rust stains often require specialized rust removers or abrasive cleaning methods to effectively eliminate them. Surfaces prone to rust stains include metal surfaces like iron or steel.
2. Oil and grease stains: Soft washing may have limited effectiveness on oil and grease stains, especially on porous surfaces like concrete or asphalt. These stains typically require the use of degreasers, absorbent materials, or pressure washing with hot water to break down and remove the oily substances.
3. Efflorescence: Efflorescence refers to the white or grayish deposit that can appear on masonry surfaces due to the leaching of salts from within the material. While soft washing can help remove some superficial efflorescence, it may not eliminate deeper or persistent efflorescence completely. Other methods, such as chemical treatments or mechanical removal, may be necessary for more severe cases.
4. Paint and graffiti: Soft washing may not be suitable for removing stubborn paint or graffiti from surfaces. Depending on the type of paint or graffiti material, specialized solvents, paint strippers, or mechanical methods like sanding or abrasive blasting may be required for effective removal.
5. Hard water stains: Soft washing may not be able to completely eliminate hard water stains caused by mineral deposits on surfaces such as glass, tiles, or metal fixtures. These stains often require the use of acidic or abrasive cleaners specifically formulated for mineral deposits.

The Concern of Specialty Materials

Materials like certain types of wood, delicate glass, and special finishes may not respond well to soft washing. While the process is usually gentle, these materials might suffer damage due to the cleaning agents used in soft washing. Consultation with a professional cleaner can help determine the best course of action for these surfaces.

Here are eight types of specialty materials commonly found in buildings and examples of how they can be negatively affected by soft washing:

1. Soft or porous stones (e.g., limestone, sandstone):
   • Etching: Some soft stones can be vulnerable to the alkaline nature of certain cleaning solutions used in soft washing, leading to surface etching and loss of smoothness or texture.
2. Delicate historic paints and finishes:
   • Fading or discoloration: Harsh or improper soft washing techniques can strip away or fade original paints and finishes, diminishing the historical integrity and visual appeal of the building.
3. Decorative woodwork or delicate wooden surfaces:
   • Swelling or warping: Excessive moisture from soft washing can penetrate wooden surfaces, causing them to swell, warp, or even promote the growth of mold or rot.
4. Lead-based paints:
   • Release of lead particles: Soft washing can potentially dislodge and spread lead particles if the building has layers of lead-based paint, posing health and environmental risks.
5. Historic masonry with fragile mortar:
   • Deterioration of mortar: Soft washing can accelerate the erosion or deterioration of fragile or deteriorated mortar joints, compromising the structural integrity of the masonry.
6. Historic roofing materials (e.g., slate, clay tiles):
   • Breakage or dislodging: Soft washing, particularly with high-pressure applications, can dislodge or break fragile roofing materials, such as slate or clay tiles, leading to damage and leaks.
7. Vintage or antique glass:
   • Scratching or etching: If not properly controlled, soft washing can inadvertently scratch or etch vintage or antique glass surfaces, compromising their clarity and appearance.
8. Delicate metalwork (e.g., decorative ironwork, copper):
   • Corrosion or tarnishing: Soft washing solutions containing certain chemicals can accelerate corrosion or tarnishing of delicate metal surfaces, such as decorative ironwork or copper details.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Cleaning Method

Every cleaning situation is unique. While soft washing offers numerous benefits, its utility is not universal. Understanding when it might not be the right choice helps ensure the longevity and beauty of your surfaces.

Is Soft Washing Right for You?

Soft washing is a versatile and efficient method that caters to a broad range of cleaning needs. However, certain situations and materials require a different approach.

When considering a cleaning method, it’s essential to evaluate the surfaces to be cleaned, their condition, and the nature of the stains. When in doubt, seeking professional advice can help you make the best decision for your unique circumstances.