Can I use the same system (let’s say a Fatboy Roof Bandit) for roof cleaning AND soft house washing?
Some people do, but most use a pressure washer with Softwash tips. Some say you are just bleaching a house when using a roof pump to house wash. There’s a place for both in our industry but we choose to use a roof pump for roof cleaning.
Matthew Adkins
Adkins Cleaning Solutions
336-338-8705
Greensboro, Nc
I softwashed a house once last year with my roof pump because my PW was having issues. It worked, but rinsing took longer.
Just watched a You tube video by a famous soft washing expert who said that soft washing is superior to PW for house washing.
1 Like
Soft washing is superior to PWing siding
I’m afraid you’re confusing the matter further, JC. “Soft washing” is a bit of an ambiguous term, but if the video in question was by the owner of the “SoftWash” trademark, he’s promoting a system of only using electric pumps and a dedicated tank to deliver the chemical.
A lot of us here on the forum use low pressure tips along with a down streamer with their pressure washer to wash homes. Depending on who you ask, that method may or may not qualify as “soft washing”. On the other hand, I think many people have the tendency to call a low pressure house wash, simply “power washing”, since they’re utilizing a pressure washing machine to accomplish the task.
So in that context, which method do you prefer? Electric pump and dedicated tank, or a pressure washer with low pressure tips? Because either method might be called “soft washing” or “(low pressure) power/house washing” depending on who you ask.
2 Likes
Soft washing by any of the means mentioned is superior to power washing. Electric pump and tank are far less efficient than low pressure tips used with a power washer but is just as effective.
I use the low pressure tips to wash and rinse, the pressure is low enough I can spray my face and always rinse my hands, at least once a day, with the same tips.
I second everything said. Soft wash was designed for cleaning siding and the like. The combination of cleaning agents and gentler water is the best way to do it while avoiding potential damage. I’d do it right.
Tony
Pro Long Roof Care and Repair
Alex, you’re right the term “Soft Washing” is (For Some) ambiguous, but I assure you it wasn’t Jim that confused the matter, that was someone else…Lol!
When these 12v systems really started appearing and being highly marketed back in 2009-2010 they were marketed for “Roof Cleaning”. When the manufacturers of these systems realized that roof cleaning was not as recognized in the other States as it is in Fla. they needed the “12v Roof System” to be more than a roof system to sell more units, so they started marketing it for house washing also.
They train the people that buy their systems to market their system (12v) against the evil pressure washers. That pressure washers are bad, that they or anyone that uses them will damage their property…Of course there is some truth to this…and there’s not. Of course there’s no mention that a pressure washers psi can be decreased to a couple of hundred psi to safely wash just about anything. Or the many experienced Contractors out there that wash like this every day with “No Damage”…That’s Where I Have A Large Problem.
Over the Summer (For kicks and giggles) I washed a home with our Roof System (We have 2 of them) I found it took 3-4 times longer than using our regular method of soft washing, low pressure washing, etc. with our pressure washers. The part that took the longest was rinsing. The 12v roof system doesn’t have the “Impact” or force to to remove spider webs, dirt daubers nest, wasp nest, etc. you’ll need to brush them down…no thanks.
Don’t get me wrong, these 12v systems are invaluable for what they’re intended for…Roof Cleaning & High Concentration Chemical Applications.
I’m certainly no “Expert” and don’t claim to be, but here’s how we “Soft Wash”…yes, it is “Superior” & yes we’re using a pressure washer.
4 Likes
Looks good mate, what chemical mix do you use? And where would I find those soft wash nozzles?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Hi Cully. Most guys house wash mix is 10-12% SH(sodium hypochlorite/bleach/aka-chlorine) and a good surfactant, mixed 3 parts water, 2 parts SH and recommended amount of surfactant. OR 3 parts SH, 2 parts water. and surfactant. Click on the links below for anything you need.
Downstream nozzle kits
Surfactants and other cleaning chemicals
1 Like
Just PM’d you.
Yes, you’re absolutely right (sorry [MENTION=3162]JCinNJ[/MENTION]). No one should have a trademark on a term like “SoftWash”. And they shouldn’t insist that their system is the only one capable of soft washing.
Great Video… what chemical mix do you use? And where would I find those soft wash nozzles? [MENTION=7366]GuyB[/MENTION]
Housewash mix is usually 2 or 3 gallons bleach, in a 5 gallon bucket, topped off with water and a good surfactant.
Your question was literally asked and answered two posts before yours.
1 Like
i did it last year once. but id say for emergencies only. cant be profitable when it takes twice as long. I dont think it would be fun cleaning that way every day
?
John Somers
Aqua Clean Pro Pressure Washing
704-740-2163
LOL. I thought I already answered that question. Really the same question and answer within two posts.
12 v systems sure do get gutters and facias clean with the correct mix. I don`t even carry a brush…sometimes 12v system on with chemicals and wash off with low pressure tip on pressure washer…instant white gutters!
1 Like
