The Kinds of Washing Methods: Pressure Washing, Power Washing, and Soft Power Washing Explained

Spring is right around the corner, and you’re starting to think about how the outside of your home looks. You’re planning out your spring garden and you want the rest of your home to look just as beautiful. It is the first thing people see, after all. You started doing some research on how to clean your home and you came across washing methods generalized as “pressure washing.”

You’ve heard of that before, you even think your friend might have a pressure washer. But you didn’t realize there were so many different ways to clean your home’s exterior. Today, we’re going to explain the differences between the kinds of washing methods like pressure washing, power washing, and soft power washing.

The Basics of Exterior Washing Methods

Before we get into the details, let’s just start by going over the basics of pressure washing. There are three washing methods: pressure washing, power washing, and soft power washing. All three types use different levels of pressure and temperature of water to clean your home’s exterior:

  • Pressure washing uses high pressure and low temperature
  • Power washing uses high pressure and high temperature
  • Soft power washing uses low pressure and high temperature

Each of these washing methods has its own purpose, which we’ll go into more detail about later. 

But, it’s important to know that not all types are created the same for every surface. If you borrow your friend’s pressure washer or even rent or buy one, it may not be what you really need. Not only may it not get the job done, but you might also end up damaging some of your property in the process.

Washing Method 1: Pressure Washing 

Sometimes scrubbing with a brush just isn’t enough to clean some surfaces. Pressure washing is used to clean exterior surfaces that need a deep clean. Whether it’s your driveway, your brick walkway, or even your wooden deck or patio furniture, it can get the job done. 

Pressure washing isn’t always the ideal method for some surfaces, though. It isn’t a good fit for more delicate surfaces.

Washing Method 2: Power Washing

Sometimes you’ll have dirty surfaces that are just being stubborn. Maybe your wooden deck or furniture has grown moss or algae. If you pressure wash it long enough, it’ll get clean.

But, these are sturdier surfaces that can withstand the high pressure and high heat of power washing. So, when you get to those more stubborn surfaces that need a higher temperature of water to get the job done, power washing is the way to go.

Washing Method 3: Soft Power Washing

As stated above, not all surfaces can withstand the heat and pressure that come with these first two methods. Think of the side of your home, or maybe the awning of your business. Those surfaces are just not meant to withstand the combination of heat and pressure used in pressure and power washing. This is where soft power washing comes in.

Soft power washing uses a lower pressure and a lower temperature than the other methods (though hot water can be specially requested). This method is gentler on the more sensitive surfaces than pressure or power washing.

a man pressure washing an awning

Determining the Kind of Washing Method to Use

Even though you now know what the different kinds of washing methods are used for, you probably still don’t know when to use them on your home. It can get kind of confusing after all. Is this surface too sensitive for pressure washing? Is this gunk stubborn enough for power washing? It’s hard to know if you’re not a professional.

Keep in mind that the pressure washer you buy or borrow will only let you pressure wash your property, not power wash or hot power wash it. So, you can save yourself some money there and just let the professionals handle it!

Professional cleaners, like those at ASF Clean Team, are trained to know which method to use for different types of surfaces. What may be confusing to you is just second nature to us, as we do it all the time. Plus, we have the tools to be able to do all three of these methods, which aren’t available at the big box stores. 

Choosing a Company to Clean Your Property

Your home is important, and you don’t want to trust just anybody to pressure wash it. Your grandpa may know a guy, but if that guy only has a pressure washer, he’s just not going to get the job done right. Instead, look at professional cleaning companies, even those you may not expect. At ASF Clean Team, we’re known for our window cleaning services, but we are trained in all three kinds of washing methods and other services, as well. 

In addition, you’re going to want to find a cleaning company that carries insurance. Not all companies do this, as it’s not required by law. But think about it. You don’t just want the lower part of your home cleaned; you want the whole thing cleaned. That involves climbing, and climbing can lead to accidents. Accidents can lead to insurance claims, and all of a sudden your bill is way more than you expected. So, just save yourself the hassle and find a cleaning company with insurance, like ASF Clean Team.

Save Time and Schedule Today

If you live in the San Francisco or Sacramento areas, save time and schedule your cleaning service with ASF Clean Team today. We use eco-friendly cleaning methods, are trained in all three kinds of pressure washing, and carry insurance for all of our employees. Plus, if you need any other cleaning done, like window washing, we can take care of that at the same time. Don’t delay; call ASF Clean Team today.

Should I Pressure Wash My Home Myself or Ask a Professional?

If you want your home to look its best, pressure washing is a great option. As the name implies, it involves spraying surfaces with water at high pressure to remove dirt, mold, algae and other buildup.

Pressure washing can work wonders on surfaces around your home, such as your walkways, driveways, roofs, patios, and more. But we actually don’t recommend trying this by yourself.

If you want professional pressure wash results, get professional services with ASF Clean Team. 

Why You Should Choose Professional Pressure Wash Services 

Pressure washing is not a do-it-yourself task — not if you want the job done right! There are many benefits to using professional services for all of your pressure washing needs. Here are just some of them: 

1. Experience and Knowledge 

At ASF Clean Team, we have been providing pressure washing services for years. We know what works best on different surfaces and can help you choose the right cleaning procedure for each job. 

We also use state-of-the-art equipment that has been specially designed for the job. 

2. Safe Cleaning Solutions 

We only use eco-friendly cleaning solutions with no harsh chemicals that are safe for plants and animals, while still providing effective cleaning power.

3. Time Savings 

With our professional services you can save time and money by avoiding costly mistakes or having to buy equipment yourself. 

We will come out to your San Francisco area home with all the necessary tools and supplies, so we can get the job done quickly and efficiently while still delivering top-quality results every time.  

Benefits of Getting a Pressure Wash from ASF Clean Team

Power Without Risk 

Our pressure wash services pack a punch when it comes to cleaning power, but without the risk of harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing. The temperature of the water is no different than it is when it flows out of your tap — it’s the pressure that makes all the difference.

We also have both stronger pressure wash services (power washing) and gentler services (soft washing) available depending on what you need. Our state-of-the-art equipment and expert technicians have you covered. You don’t have to accept a less-than-sparkling appearance for your home. 

Safety First 

When attempting any kind of pressure washing job yourself, safety should always be top priority. For one thing, there’s the risk of damaging your property due to inexperience with handling the equipment correctly. Additionally, high-pressure water can cause injury if used improperly or too close to people or pets. 

To make sure that everyone remains safe during a pressure washing job, leave it to our professionals who know how to handle this type of equipment safely and efficiently every day. And our team is licensed and insured, so you know that they will be safe no matter the job. 

Timely Results

Our professional pressure washers have a lot more experience in dealing with difficult cleaning jobs than homeowners do — and because they are trained technicians, they understand how long each job will take so they can provide timely results faster. 

Plus, with their experience comes expertise. Professional pressure washers know exactly what techniques and products will be most effective in tackling tough stains or other difficult jobs while still being gentle enough not to damage any surfaces. 

Book a Service with ASF Clean Team

Professional pressure wash services offer many advantages over DIY attempts at pressure washing your home — including power without risk, a safety-first approach, and fast results. 

This allows you peace of mind knowing that your property is being handled by experienced professionals who know how to get the job done right.

So if you’re looking for professional pressure washers in San Francisco who can help make sure that your property looks its best without putting anyone at risk in the process, contact ASF Clean Team today

We look forward to helping you beautify your home.

Soft Washing: Everything You Need to Know and More

Soft washing is a method of cleaning that has gained popularity in recent years as a more gentle and effective alternative to traditional pressure washing. It’s a process that uses a low pressure spray of cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, and other stains from a variety of surfaces including roofs, buildings, decks, and more. 

Soft Washing Explained

First, let’s define exactly what soft washing is. As we mentioned, it is a low pressure cleaning method that uses a specialized solution to loosen and remove dirt and stains from surfaces. The solution is typically made up of a blend of biodegradable detergents, enzymes, and other cleaning agents that are safe for the environment and the surfaces being cleaned. The solution is applied to the surface using a low pressure spray, allowing it to penetrate deep into the pores and crevices of the surface to effectively remove dirt and stains.

Why Choose the Soft Washing Method?  

One of the main benefits of soft washing is that it is a much more gentle cleaning method than traditional pressure washing. The low pressure spray means that it doesn’t cause any damage to the surface being cleaned, making it suitable for a wide range of materials including wood, stucco, brick, and more. It’s also safe for plants and landscaping as it doesn’t strip away the natural oils and nutrients that are essential for their health.

In addition to being gentle on surfaces, soft washing is also more effective at removing dirt and stains. The specialized cleaning solution is able to break down and lift away dirt and stains that traditional pressure washing may not be able to remove. This means that surfaces are left looking cleaner and more refreshed for longer periods of time.

Soft washing is one of the most efficient cleaning methods in an exterior environment. The low pressure spray allows for the cleaning solution to cover a larger surface area in less time, meaning that cleaning projects can be completed faster and with less resources. This makes it a cost-effective solution for commercial and residential properties alike.

When Should You Soft Wash? 

So, when should you choose soft washing over traditional pressure washing? Soft washing is the best option for cleaning surfaces that are more delicate or prone to damage from high pressure washing. This includes surfaces such as wood decks, stucco walls, and roofs. Some older homes also need a gentler touch when they need their exterior washed. It is also a good choice for surfaces that are heavily soiled or have difficult to remove stains such as algae, mold, and mildew.

Contact a Professional to Handle Your Soft Washing Jobs with Ease

When it comes to cleaning your home’s exterior, your commercial business’s exterior, or your outdoor furniture, soft washing is a gentle, effective, and efficient cleaning method. At ASF Clean Team, our professionals understand when to use a soft washing method over pressure washing to deliver an outstanding finish, each and every time. Contact us today to get a quote or call 415-299-2844 to learn more. We proudly serve the San Francisco Bay area!

Spring Cleaning Around the Office: Commercial Window Cleaning and More

Spring is a time for renewal and rejuvenation, and this extends to spring cleaning around the office as well. As the days get warmer and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s the perfect time to give your office a thorough deep clean. Just like cleaning in your home, there are many aspects to consider with spring cleaning around the office. A professional cleaning service is just what you need to conquer some of the larger cleaning projects, like commercial window cleaning while others are a bit smaller and your team can likely tackle yourself. 

Commercial Window Cleaning

Clean windows are an essential component of a well-maintained office. Dirty windows can make your office look dull and unkempt, and it can also affect employee productivity. But, a professionally cleaned window brings in natural light that improves the overall mood in the office, as well as reducing eye strain.

Hiring a professional cleaning service is often the best option as they have the necessary equipment and expertise to get the job done efficiently and safely which often includes cleaning at great heights, as well as detail-oriented work that only comes from a professional. 

Carpets and Upholstery

Carpets and upholstery can trap dirt and allergens, which can affect indoor air quality and the health of employees. A deep clean of the carpets and upholstery is an important part of the spring cleaning process. Since both carpets and other upholstery can require special cleaning products, a professional cleaning company will likely be your best bet for ensuring a quality clean. 

Surface Sanitizing 

As spring begins, the cold and flu season quickly turns into a battle against allergies. This makes surface sanitizing a high priority in your spring cleaning around the office. It’s also another fantastic job for a cleaning service that uses the right products to create a safe working environment. 

Desks and Computers

Desks and computers are prime targets for dust and grime. Cleaning these surfaces regularly can help reduce the risk of infection and improve the overall appearance of the workspace. Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaner to remove dust and grime from desks and computers.

Storage Areas

Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to declutter and organize storage areas. Sort through items, discarding those that are no longer needed and reorganizing those that are. This will help create more space and make it easier for everyone to find what they need in a timely manner. Plus, as an added bonus, spending less time in a crowded, cluttered space is a simple way to help improve employee morale and productivity.

HVAC System

The HVAC system is responsible for circulating air throughout the office. Over time, it can accumulate dust and debris, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Having the HVAC system cleaned and serviced is an important part of the spring cleaning process.

By taking the time to deep clean your office this spring, you can help to improve the health and well-being of your employees, and create a more inviting and productive work environment. So, why not start planning your spring cleaning regimen today, and take the first step towards a cleaner, more productive workplace? Contact the ASF Clean Team and get a quote today!

Protect Your Solar Panels with Quality Cleaning Service

You invested in solar panels, and you should be proud of yourself. Regardless of the reason, you are cutting down on energy costs and having an energy backup that you can tap into whenever required. You are also contributing to a sustainable and greener future. However, while there are many benefits to be gained from using solar panels, they do require a bit of upkeep. It is vital that you protect your solar panels with a quality cleaning service!

If you live somewhere near a pollution source, cleaning is even more essential. With time, pollution, dirt, sand, and bird droppings can reduce your panels’ efficiency. 

How often should you clean your solar panels?

Solar experts recommend that you have your solar panels cleaned every six months to a year. You can improve your energy output by around 10-12 percent with a thorough annual cleaning. Some solar panel owners assume that rain will wash away any debris that accumulates, but rain can actually leave behind residue. The only way to get your solar panels completely clean and back to efficiently absorbing rays is with a thorough cleaning. 

However, don’t rush off and grab your cleaning brush and soapy water. Here’s why you should invest in a quality cleaning service like ASF Clean Team instead:

Solar panel cleaning done right. 

Instead of scrubbing away at your solar panels, scratching them, and leaving them worse for wear, you can take the easy route. ASF Clean Team will help protect your solar panels and get all of the build-up off. 

When you’ve used soap and water you’ve probably noticed that the soap leaves behind a film. This is definitely something you don’t want to have build-up on your solar panels. If you use the wrong equipment or chemicals, it can leave a residue behind that prevents your solar panels from working efficiently. If you protect your solar panel investments with a quality cleaning service, it can help prevent damage to them in the long run.

Instead of using harmful chemicals, ASF Clean Team utilizes very hot water. They also use state of the art equipment designed specifically for cleaning solar panels. The team uses a water purification filter, and a bristle brush to remove any muck, bird droppings, or dust that might have collected on them.

Get a company you can trust.

ASF Clean Team has been around since 2012, promotes safety, is licensed and insured, and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We offer professional cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area for residential and professional clients.

We can clean your home and document the process, even if you’re not there, so that you don’t miss anything. All you need to do is let us in, and we will get the job done! You can even stick around for the first cleaning to make sure that everything is up to your standards. 

We also send reminder texts before we arrive, so you’ll never forget an appointment. We have our very own blue suits and masks, so, you can expect us to be on top of our sanitation game.

Get A Quality Solar Panel Cleaning

Once ASF Clean Team finishes, you can expect your solar panels to get back to efficiently absorbing the sun’s rays! We also offer package deals for regular maintenance at lower prices, along with a free cobweb cleaning! So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to protect your solar panel investments!

Prep Your Business for Re-Opening with a Deep Clean

With the announcement from the CDC that it is safe for vaccinated individuals to resume normal life without a mask, you may be feeling more comfortable about re-opening your business soon. But, what is this going to look like? Your business space has been sitting unoccupied for over a year now, with dust and grime everywhere. Where do you even start to clean? Don’t stress; we can help you prep your business for re-opening with a deep clean.

Put on the Pressure

Before you re-open your business, you’re going to want to have a cleaning team come through and do a deep clean. Our power and pressure washing services can help get that job done. We’ll clean your space while wearing suits and masks to make sure that everything stays safe and sanitary, and that you and your employees do too. Once we’re done, we’ll walk through the building with you to make sure everything looks as good as new. 

Not only will we clean your space with this service, but we’ll also disinfect and sanitize it. You can feel confident in returning to a safe work space.

Wash the Windows

Windows may be last on your list of things to clean when re-opening your business, but we promise it will be worth it. Your windows have been getting dirty for over a year now, with no one to clean them. You’re going to get back to the office and your natural light will be dimmed by all of the dust and grime. So, be sure to incorporate window washing into your deep clean to keep your serotonin levels up all summer.

Sparkling Solar Panels

Does your business run on solar energy? If so, you’ll also want your solar panels deep cleaned before you re-open. Dirty solar panels produce less energy, and ruin any savings you had on your utilities bill. But, with just a quick clean, they’ll be sparkling and working as good as new. 

It’s important to have a professional perform this service, not just for safety, but because the wrong supplies can make your solar panels dirtier. Our state of the art equipment leaves your solar panels sparkling and our filtered water dries clear, so there is no residue to block your energy.

Prep with ASF Clean Team

Are you looking for a clean way to prep your business for re-opening with a deep clean? At ASF Clean Team, we only use the best equipment and really hot water to get the job done. We don’t use any chemicals because the water, at the temperature we use, gets all three jobs (cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting) done without them.

If that hasn’t sold you, we are also insured and will take before and after photos so you can be confident in the work. And you don’t even have to remember when we’re coming — we’ll text you reminders! Contact ASF Clean Team today to learn more about what we do and how we can serve your business. Don’t waste your time with a subpar clean; ASF Clean Team only provides the best.

Protect Your Solar Panel Investments with a Quality Cleaning Service

You invested in solar panels, and you should be proud of yourself. Regardless of the reason, you are cutting down on energy costs and having an energy backup that you can tap into whenever required. You are also contributing to a sustainable and greener future. However, while there are many benefits to be gained from using solar panels, they do require a bit of upkeep. It is vital that you protect your solar panel investments with a quality cleaning service.

If you live somewhere near a pollution source, cleaning is even more essential. With time, pollution, dirt, sand, and bird droppings can reduce your panels’ efficiency. 

How often should you clean your solar panels?

Solar experts recommend that you have your solar panels cleaned every six months to a year. You can improve your energy output by around 10-12 percent with a thorough annual cleaning. Some solar panel owners assume that rain will wash away any debris that accumulates, but rain can actually leave behind residue. The only way to get your solar panels completely clean and back to efficiently absorbing rays is with a thorough cleaning. 

However, don’t rush off and grab your cleaning brush and soapy water. Here’s why you should invest in a quality cleaning service like ASF Clean Team instead:

Solar panel cleaning done right. 

Instead of scrubbing away at your solar panels, scratching them, and leaving them worse for wear, you can take the easy route. ASF Clean Team will help protect your solar panels and get all of the build-up off. 

When you’ve used soap and water you’ve probably noticed that the soap leaves behind a film. This is definitely something you don’t want to have build-up on your solar panels. If you use the wrong equipment or chemicals, it can leave a residue behind that prevents your solar panels from working efficiently. If you protect your solar panel investments with a quality cleaning service, it can help prevent damage to them in the long run.

Instead of using harmful chemicals, ASF Clean Team utilizes very hot water. They also use state of the art equipment designed specifically for cleaning solar panels. The team uses a water purification filter, and a bristle brush to remove any muck, bird droppings, or dust that might have collected on them.

Get a company you can trust.

ASF Clean Team has been around since 2012, promotes safety, is licensed and insured, and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We offer professional cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area for residential and professional clients.

We can clean your home and document the process, even if you’re not there, so that you don’t miss anything. All you need to do is let us in, and we will get the job done! You can even stick around for the first cleaning to make sure that everything is up to your standards. 

We also send reminder texts before we arrive, so you’ll never forget an appointment. We have our very own blue suits and masks, so, you can expect us to be on top of our sanitation game.

Get A Quality Solar Panel Cleaning 

Once ASF Clean Team finishes, you can expect your solar panels to get back to efficiently absorbing the sun’s rays! We also offer package deals for regular maintenance at lower prices, along with a free cobweb cleaning! So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to start protecting your solar panel investments!

Rain is Not Enough to Wash Your Windows or Sidewalk

Have you ever hoped that a good rainfall might clean your dirty windows and paved surfaces? The truth is, rain is not enough to wash your windows or sidewalk. It turns out that after a rainfall your dirty windows may look even dirtier! How can that be? What happens is that the rain disturbs the dirt, dust, pollen, and fingerprints that are adhering to the windows.  

When those raindrops splash on the window’s surface, the grime is moved around and looks worse than before. What about your dirty driveway? The kids had a great time with their sidewalk chalk and now your sidewalks and driveway look like a rainbow unicorn forest. Will the rain wash that mess off? Unfortunately, it will barely touch it. All is not lost, however, when you hire ASF Clean Team to clean those dirty windows or sidewalks. 

We Will Get the Job Done

Once you accept the fact that the windows and sidewalks will not clean themselves and that the rain isn’t going to do the job either, give ASF Clean Team a call.  Rainfall doesn’t provide enough “muscle” to get rid of the streaks and grime that have built up on your windows.  Rain also isn’t up to scrubbing that chalk away completely. We have the right tools and the experience to get your windows and paved surfaces sparkling clean again.

No Harsh Chemicals on Windows

AFS Clean Team has discovered that we can accomplish a thorough cleaning without using harsh chemicals. We use only eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products and state-of-the-art window cleaning equipment. When we clean your windows, we don’t just give the glass a going over. We take it further and clean the sills, the tracks, the frames and the screens.  Do you have mineral deposits? Our products do the job to remove them effectively. 

What About the Sidewalks?

When it comes to the dirty paved surfaces around your property, we have superior methods to tackle those as well. We use a technique called Power Washing. Our special equipment employs ultra-hot water that is sprayed on the paved surfaces at very high pressure. It will take care of that chalky sidewalk “artwork” with ease. As a matter of fact, you may be so impressed with the results that you will want us to clean other paved surfaces on your property such as walkways and patios. We can get rid of mold, built-up dirt, algae, and other substances that have made those surfaces look dingy. 

Rain is not enough to wash your windows or sidewalk. When you need an exceptional clean, you need to call in an experienced company to do the job. ASF Clean Team is not your average window cleaning company. When you call us, you are getting a company that will go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. And our team is well trained and fully insured too, so you can have complete confidence in us. Get in touch with us to discuss your office and home window washing and sidewalk cleaning needs.