Exterior Cleaning of commercial and residential properties has always been a major undertaking, large machines and equipment blasting away.
For years we have witnessed those brave souls dangling from ropes, swinging in the breeze, water blasting down the outside of high-rise buildings, or a man in gumboots and a surface cleaner on the neighbour’s mould covered roof performing a crab inspired transition across the peaks and valleys whilst wrestling his high-pressure hose and big whirlaway.
These are effective ways of cleaning and still have significant value. But they are often overly harsh on surfaces and do not have the ability to specifically target what it is that you actual want removed from the surface.
However now there is an alternative. Softwashing
Softwashing is for want of a better term a Chemical Treatment. The techniques used in Softwash evenly broadcast an active ingredient across the structure or surface to be cleaned, allow the custom-made solution to activate or dwell and then simply rinse off. Active ingredients can be as aggressive or gentle as required.
From a simple soap or window solution to a more specific solution such as an alkaline/surfactant soap solution for mould and algae treatment and the removal of Lichen on roofs. Solutions are Bio degradable and have a short half-life as a rule. The rinsing process significantly dilutes any residual solution.
When a surface is pressure washed it is effectively having a mechanical clean. Friction in the form of High-Pressure Water is used to force or mechanically remove contaminants or growth from the surface. This often has the result of just moving the contaminates around and does not kill the spore or treat the underlying problem. Achieving a totally even and thorough clean under any circumstance is difficult enough without the challenges of working at heights or on different surfaces.
The low pressure/high volume application of Softwash Solutions these variables are easily overcome. The applicator has the ability to evenly broadcast the solution. Allowing gravity to assist and draw the product down. The inclusion of surfactants into the solution allows the product to stick to vertical surfaces and remain in place to dwell. Using the same process with a clean water rinse will have those surfaces clean, disinfected and bright in no time with a minimum of fuss.
The significant advantages of Softwashing buildings and roofs are speed of service, reduced surface damage and removal of expensive paint systems, reduced exposure to high risk activities, less invasive and quieter service with a reduction in the amount of our valuable water resources.
Treating water runoff is the same as any commercial cleaning activity and local and federal environmental guidelines are followed.
The options and applications for softwashing are endless. The advancement in technology now allows us to wash buildings, wash roof, wash retaining walls and paths, wash playground equipment and outdoor areas.