Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash: What's the Difference?

"Pressure washing" gets used as a catch-all, but the pros actually use two different methods — and matching the method to the surface is what separates a great result from an expensive mistake.

What is pressure washing?

Pressure washing uses a high-pressure stream of water to blast dirt, mildew and stains off hard, durable surfaces. It's the right tool for:

• Concrete driveways and sidewalks
• Pavers and brick
• Pool decks and patios
• Stone and other tough surfaces

What is soft washing?

Soft washing uses low pressure — closer to a garden hose — combined with a specialized cleaning solution that kills algae, mold and mildew at the root. It's the right tool for delicate surfaces:

• Roofs (tile, shingle and metal)
• Vinyl, stucco and painted siding
• Screens and lanais
• Soffits and eaves

Why using the wrong one is a costly mistake

This is the part that matters. High pressure on a roof strips shingle granules, can crack tile, forces water underneath, and often voids your warranty. High pressure on siding can force water behind it and cause mold. That's why a too-cheap "pressure wash my roof" job can cost you thousands later. For roofs and siding, soft washing is the correct, safe method — and because it kills algae at the root, it also lasts far longer.

So which do you need?

Simple rule: hard and flat? Pressure wash. Delicate or up high? Soft wash. The good news is you don't have to figure it out — we use the right method for each surface automatically, and most jobs use a mix of both.