Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing

When it comes to cleaning the outside of your house, it can get confusing fast. Should you use pressure washing? Should you use soft wash? Is there really a difference?

As the owner of a company that provides professional pressure washing services, I am frequently asked this question. And honestly — it’s a good one. Choosing the correct method can save you time, money, and even prevent damage to your home.

In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between pressure washing and soft washing in plain English, help you determine which one is better for your home, and answer the most common questions people have. Let’s dive in.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing utilizes high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and loose paint from surfaces such as concrete, brick, stone, and sometimes siding.

A typical pressure washer sprays water at 2,000–4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). That’s strong enough to cut through dirt — and sometimes even damage softer materials if you’re not careful.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a much gentler method. It uses low pressure (around 500 PSI or less) along with special cleaning solutions to break down dirt, algae, mildew, and mold.

Instead of relying on force, soft washing relies on a mix of eco-friendly soaps and a little bit of patience to clean surfaces safely without the risk of damage.

The Big Differences: Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing

Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison:

Pressure Washing	Soft Washing
Can damage siding, windows, and roofs	Low pressure + cleaning solution
Best for hard surfaces	Best for delicate surfaces
Quick results	Takes a little longer
Can damage siding, windows, roofs	Safer for roofs, siding, and wood
No chemicals (unless added separately)	Uses safe detergents

When to Use Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is your go-to when you need to clean tough, durable surfaces that can handle the force. It’s fast and highly effective for certain jobs.

Best surfaces for pressure washing:

• Concrete driveways
• Sidewalks
• Patios and pavers
• Stone walls
• Brick surfaces
• Parking lots
• Garage floors

Tip: Always start with a broader spray tip, such as a 25° or 40° nozzle, and test a small area first. It’s easy to etch concrete or damage surfaces if you hold the nozzle too close.

When to Use Soft Washing

Soft washing is the better choice when you’re cleaning more fragile areas that could be damaged by high pressure. It’s also the best way to kill mold, mildew, and algae at the root instead of just blasting it off the surface.

Best surfaces for soft washing:

• Roofs (especially shingles)
• Vinyl siding
• Stucco
• Wood siding and decks
• Screened enclosures
• Outdoor furniture
• Fences

Tip: Soft washing doesn’t just rinse — it sanitizes the surface, so the clean lasts longer.

Wondering how often you should schedule a cleaning? Find out how often you should pressure wash your house here.

Why Choosing the Right Method Matters

Using the wrong cleaning method can do more harm than good.

Too much pressure on your siding or roof can:

• Crack vinyl
• Strip paint
• Blow water under the siding (leading to mold behind the walls)
• Knock shingles loose
• Damage window seals

Not enough cleaning power on concrete or brick might leave stains and buildup behind, wasting your time and effort.

That’s why professional companies (like ours) offer both services — because every home is different and needs the proper treatment.

Can You DIY Pressure Washing or Soft Washing?

You can rent a pressure washer from a home improvement store and try to do it yourself, but be careful.

Risks of DIY pressure washing:

• Using too much pressure and causing damage
• Injuring yourself or others
• Improper use of cleaning chemicals
• Missing hidden mold or mildew growth

Soft washing is even trickier because it involves mixing the right chemicals at the right strength. Additionally, you require the right equipment — a standard pressure washer can’t perform a proper soft wash without specialized attachments.

If you decide to DIY, make sure you:

• Use the right nozzles
• Start on a low setting
• Wear protective gear
• Be extremely careful around windows, doors, and roofs

When in doubt, call a pro. It often ends up cheaper than repairing damage later.

Common Questions About Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing

1. Is soft washing better for roofs?

Absolutely. Roofs are delicate — especially asphalt shingles. High pressure can blast granules off the shingles and shorten your roof’s lifespan. Soft washing cleans gently without causing damage.

2. Will pressure washing remove mold?

It can remove surface mold, but it doesn’t kill it at the root. That’s why mold often comes back quickly after pressure washing. Soft washing kills mold at the source.

3. Does soft washing use dangerous chemicals?

No. Professional soft washing companies use eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaners that are safe for plants, pets, and people when applied correctly.

4. How long does soft washing last?

Soft washing typically keeps surfaces clean for 1–3 years, depending on your local environment. In humid or wooded areas, you may need to clean more frequently.

How We Choose Which Method to Use

At our company, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s how we decide whether to pressure wash or soft wash:

• Roof cleaning? Always soft wash.
• Siding cleaning? Use a soft wash unless the siding is extremely dirty and durable.
• Concrete, stone, or brick? Pressure wash.
• Decks and fences? Usually a soft wash, sometimes followed by a low-pressure rinse.

We always inspect the surfaces first and choose the safest and most effective method.

At the end of the day, it’s not about which method is better overall — it’s about what’s better for each surface of your home.

• Hard surfaces like concrete and brick? Pressure washing is your best bet.
• Delicate surfaces like roofs, siding, and wood? Soft washing wins every time.

The right method protects your home, keeps it looking amazing, and saves you from costly repairs down the road.

If you’re not sure what your home needs, no worries — that’s what we’re here for. We’ll inspect your property, explain our process in plain English, and recommend the safest and most effective cleaning solution for your specific situation.

New to exterior cleaning? Learn what you need to know about pressure washing your home here.

Curious when the perfect time is to clean your home? Learn the best time of year to pressure wash your house here.

Ready to refresh your home the right way?
Contact us today for a quote — and let’s get your home looking brand new again, safely and professionally.