How to Build a Soft Wash System – Simple & Easy Guides

Updated:

March 15, 2023

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Let’s face it. Not everyone can afford to buy a proper soft wash system. It is usually quite expensive. Hence the reason you know how to build a soft wash system. It is always said, if you can’t afford it, make it!

We have prepared here some guidelines on how you would proceed. Though it isn’t the simplest of things, it is quite achievable. If you do it well enough, then you should have a pretty decent soft wash system.

Contents

What is a Soft Wash System, and What Does it do?

Before we start building yourself a soft wash system, let’s first see what it is and what it does.

Soft washing is a cleaning technique that involves spraying a disinfectant solution to eliminate microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, and mildews. These microorganisms commonly occupy walls of homes or roofs. You should periodically remove them since they cause deterioration in the quality of roofs and walls.

You can imagine how unsightly a wall or roof with algae and mildew stains might look. With soft washing, you can prevent this by spraying a biodegradable chemical solution that will eliminate them. It is worth noting that you should use the proper chemicals to avoid damaging the roofs and walls.

Soft washing is highly preferred for roofs instead of pressure washing because it is gentle on the roof materials. A pressure wash system will have the same effect on your roof as hail storms! That is why insurers wouldn’t pay you for a damaged roof if you know you cleaned it with a pressure washer.

Soft washing can, therefore, be a pest control method. Algae and bacteria are pests too. Didn’t know that? Now you do. Soft washing helps prolong your roof or wall paint’s lifespan by ensuring microorganisms don’t damage them.

Now that you know what a soft wash system is and its functions, let’s get on with how you can build one for yourself.

How to Build a Soft Wash System – Best Guides

Soft Wash System

What you will need

You will need to get these things separately to build your soft wash system.

Water tank
Soft wash gun
Minute pump
12-volt battery
Crocodile clips
Valve

Step 1

Connect the pump to the 12-volt battery with the crocodile clips. Take care to ensure you correctly match the terminals. Negative for negative and positive for the positive terminals.

Step 2

Connect the water tank with the pump. It can be a 25-gallon water tank or whatever you can get. Just make sure it can hold a large amount of water.

Step 3

Make sure you have pipes running through the tank from the pump. Valves control the flow of water from the tank to the gun.

Step 4

Using a pipe, connect the tank to the spraying gun. Test to see how far the spray can go. A good gun should spray up to 5 feet in the air, which is comfortable enough for two stories.

Now that you have your soft wash system up and running, you will need to know the right chemicals. Professionals use bleach to get rid of algae and mildew on roofs, walls, and fences. Detergents are also quite safe for use.

Sodium hypochlorite and liquid chlorine in the right concentrations are also great options. Excessive use of these chemicals in large amounts will be disastrous for the surface you are cleaning.

That is the essence of soft washing, which, unlike pressure washing to remove the mildews and algae, makes use of chemicals. The pressure from a soft wash system should be below.

Things to Remember

You will have to be quite adept at plumbing to build the system by yourself. You can always ask a friend to help you out if you feel your skills are inadequate.
Also, make a spray gun yourself or purchase one on Amazon. A proper soft wash gun should spray a high enough distance in the air. In that way, you can easily wash the roofs of houses with a few stories.

FAQs

FAQ About Building a Soft Wash System

Is a soft wash system different from a pressure washer system?

Yes. A soft wash system uses chemicals, while a pressure washer doesn’t. Also, a pressure washer makes use of high-pressure water. The pressure from a soft wash system isn’t that great.

Is soft washing safe for house roofs?

It depends on how you use your system or how the professionals do t. If done the wrong way, it can be quite damaging for the surface you’re cleaning.

Should I soft wash regularly?

This would depend on the material. For wood, soft washing every one or two years should make it last longer. Vinyl or aluminum sidings can last well over three years.

How do I soft clean my driveway?

To soft clean your driveway, you will need a garden hose, a spray nozzle, a bucket, and a cleaning solution. First, attach the spray nozzle to the garden hose. Next, fill the bucket with water and the cleaning solution. Finally, spray the driveway with the cleaning solution and use a broom to scrub it clean.

Can you soft wash with a pressure washer?

Pressure washers can be used to apply a soft wash to surfaces. The soft wash approach applies low pressure and a detergent solution to the surface to loosen dirt and debris. This approach can be less damaging to the surface than high-pressure washing.

How do you wire a soft wash pump?

The soft wash pump is a device that is used to clean surfaces with a gentle spray. The pump is usually installed in a system that includes a tank of water and a pressure washer. The pump pushes water from the tank through the pressure washer and then out the nozzle, which creates a gentle spray.

What PSI is soft washing?

PSI, or Power Steering Injection, is a soft washing technique that uses a high-pressure washer to clean surfaces. The washer sends a stream of water at high pressure to the surface, dislodging dirt and debris. PSI can be used to clean cars, houses, boats, and other surfaces. The best for soft washing is a lower PSI because it doesn’t produce as much heat and can be more gentle. This will help to avoid any damage to the surface that is being cleaned.

In Summary

We hope the steps we have detailed here help you in your quest to make soft washing affordable. As you might have seen by now, all you need is just a little expertise. In conclusion, a soft wash system is a great investment for your home. Not only will it make your home look new again, but it will also increase its value. If you are thinking of building a soft wash system, be sure to follow the instructions in this article.