How Long Does it Really Take to Soft Wash a House?
Alright, let's talk about soft washing—a pretty sweet alternative to blasting your home's exterior with high-pressure hoses.
It's like giving your house a spa day but without the cucumber slices.
So, if you're eyeing up your grimy siding and wondering how long this whole soft wash thing will take, stick around.
As softwash gurus here at Southeast Softwash We're diving into the nitty-gritty to give you the lowdown on soft washing times and what to expect along the way.
Ok so let's hit the short answer before diving in a bit deeper.
Soft washing times vary based on house size, condition, accessibility, weather, and expertise. Typically several hours, involve inspection, pre-treatment, solution application, dwell time, rinse, and optional post-treatment. Results are worth the wait—clean, refreshed homes!
Ok, so with the quick answer in place, so you can understand a little more easily about how long it takes to softwash a house, let's wrap our heads around what it is.
Understanding Soft Washing
Okay, so first things first, what the heck is soft washing anyway?
So instead of using brute force to scrub away the gunk, soft washing relies on gentle water pressure and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to get the job done.
It's like using a velvet glove instead of a sledgehammer—a whole lot gentler on your home's delicate surfaces!
Factors Affecting Soft Washing Time
Size Matters
Alright, let's break it down even further.
We're talking about a big ol' house here—maybe it's got multiple stories, a sprawling backyard, or an extra wing or two.
Whatever the case, covering all that ground takes time.
You've got walls to wash, eaves to clean, and windows to sparkle.
Every inch needs attention, and that means more hours on the clock to make sure it's all done right.
Condition of Your Home
Now, let's get real about the state of your home sweet home.
If it's seen its fair share of wear and tear, chances are it's gonna need a little extra TLC.
We're talking about stubborn stains that just won't budge, patches of mold that seem to have taken root, and maybe even a few surprises hiding under those layers of grime.
Getting your home back to its former glory? It will take some time and effort.
Getting Around
Okay, so you may also have lots of twists, turns, and hidden corners.
Now, throw in some fancy architectural features, maybe a few balconies or awnings, and you've got yourself a challenge.
Navigating all those nooks and crannies takes skill and precision.
Plus, if there are spots that are tough to reach, like second-story windows or tight spaces between buildings, your soft washing crew's gonna need some extra gear and maybe even a ladder or two to get the job done right.
Weather Woes
Ah, the great outdoors—so beautiful, yet so unpredictable. When it comes to soft washing, you want conditions that are just right.
That means dry weather, cloudy skies, and temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold.
Rain can mess with the cleaning solution and make it harder to rinse off, while scorching sun can cause it to dry too quickly.
Not exactly the recipe for success, right?
Skills and Tools
Last but not least, let's talk about the pros and their gear.
Soft washing isn't just a job—it's a craft. You want technicians who know their stuff inside and out, with years of experience under their belts.
And let's not forget about the equipment. We're talking high-quality equipment quality cleaning solutions , and maybe even some fancy gadgets to tackle those hard-to-reach spots!
With the right skills and tools, your soft washing crew can breeze through the process like it's nobody's business, leaving your home looking clean, fresh, and rejuvenated.
Ok so if you are going to give your home a spruce up, then let’s get the lowdown on what gets done.
The Soft Washing Process
Inspection
First things first—your soft wash squad is gonna do a deep dive into your home's exterior.
They're like detectives, scanning every inch for dirt, grime, and trouble spots. Cracked siding? Check. Moldy patches? Double-check.
They'll make a mental note of everything that needs some TLC before diving in.
Pre-Treatment
Now, let's talk battle strategy. For those stubborn stains that just won't budge, it's time to bring out the big guns.
Your soft wash team might bust out some heavy-duty pre-treatment solutions to soften up the grime and make it easier to blast away.
It's like laying down suppressing fire before the main attack—smart move.
Soaking Time
With the pre-treatment laid down, it's time to let it marinate.
Think of it like marinating a steak—except instead of seasoning, it's a special cleaning solution doing its thing.
The crew will spray it on and then kick back for a bit while it works its magic, usually around 10-15 minutes. Time to grab a snack and let nature do its thing.
Rinse and Repeat
Once the cleaning solution has had its chance to work its mojo, it's rinse time!
Your soft wash team will break out the hoses and give your home a gentle spray-down, washing away all that dirt and grime.
It's like showering your house—except way less awkward.
Optional Extras
Depending on your home's needs, some extra bells and whistles might be thrown in.
Maybe a little post-treatment to keep things looking fresh for longer, or some special coatings to protect against future dirt and grime.
Ok so you can get some ideas in real time of how long it takes to soft wash a house, we’ve put together a few examples.
Soft Wash Time Estimates: Cleaning Different Types of American Homes
These are fairly generalised, as soft washing times can vary widely depending on factors such as home size, siding material, condition, and extent of contamination.
It's always best to consult with a professional softwashing provider for an accurate assessment and time estimate based on your specific home's needs.
Suburban Ranch-style Home
Condition : This single-story ranch home has vinyl siding with moderate dirt accumulation and some patches of green algae on the north-facing side.
Soft Wash Time Estimate: Given its size and relatively mild dirt buildup, soft washing this home would likely take around 2-3 hours. Additional time may be needed to address the algae patches, possibly adding another hour to the process.
Two-Story Colonial House
Condition: This colonial-style home features brick siding with sections of mildew growth in shaded areas, as well as some dirt and grime on the white trim.
Soft Wash Time Estimate: Soft washing a two-story home with brick siding typically takes longer due to the additional surface area and height. With the presence of mildew and dirt, the process could take anywhere from 4-6 hours to ensure thorough cleaning and treatment of problem areas.
Coastal Cottage with Cedar Shake Siding
Condition: T his charming coastal cottage boasts cedar shake siding that has accumulated significant dirt, algae, and moss growth due to its proximity to the ocean and high humidity.
Soft Wash Time Estimate: Soft washing cedar shake siding requires extra care to prevent damage, as well as additional time to address extensive growth. Given the condition of the siding and the need for thorough cleaning, the process could take approximately 6-8 hours or more to achieve the desired results.
Historic Victorian Mansion
Condition: This grand Victorian mansion showcases intricate architectural details and ornate woodwork, but its exterior has fallen victim to years of neglect, with layers of dirt, mildew, and peeling paint.
Soft Wash Time Estimate: Soft washing a historic home of this size and complexity requires meticulous attention to detail and delicate handling of fragile surfaces. With extensive dirt buildup and peeling paint, the process could take upwards of 8-10 hours or more to fully restore the home's exterior to its former glory.
How Long Does It Really Take to Soft Wash a House? -The End…
So, there you have it—the scoop on soft washing times. While it might take a few hours to soft wash a house, the result is totally worth it.
Say goodbye to grime and hello to a home that's cleaner than clean! Don’t forget to head over to our store whether you are a pro looking for the best equipment , c hemicals, and even training , or if you are a DIY softwasher starting your first project.