Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: What’s the Difference?

Education

April 22, 2025
6 min read

Michael Johnson

Pressure Washing Expert

When it comes to exterior cleaning, two terms you’ll often hear are “pressure washing” and “soft washing.” While both methods are effective for cleaning, they serve different purposes and are appropriate for different surfaces. Understanding the difference can help you make the right choice for your property and prevent potential damage.

What is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water spray to remove dirt, grime, mold, and other contaminants from surfaces. The pressure typically ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch), making it a powerful cleaning method.

Best Uses for Pressure Washing:

Concrete driveways and sidewalks
Brick and stone surfaces
Sturdy decking materials
Metal surfaces
Removing tough stains and built-up grime

The high pressure makes this method excellent for hard, durable surfaces that can withstand intense water force. It’s particularly effective for removing stubborn stains, chewing gum, and years of accumulated dirt.

What is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses low-pressure water (usually less than 500 PSI) combined with specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt, mold, mildew, and algae. The cleaning solutions do most of the work, while the low-pressure rinse simply removes the loosened contaminants.

Best Uses for Soft Washing:

Roofing (asphalt shingles, tile, metal)
Vinyl and aluminum siding
Stucco and EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems)
Painted surfaces
Wood siding and cedar shake
Screens and window frames

Soft washing is ideal for more delicate surfaces that could be damaged by high-pressure water. The biodegradable cleaning solutions used in soft washing kill mold, mildew, bacteria, and algae at their roots, providing a longer-lasting clean compared to pressure washing alone.

Key Differences Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing

1. Water Pressure

The most obvious difference is the amount of water pressure used. Pressure washing uses high pressure (1,500-4,000 PSI), while soft washing uses low pressure (less than 500 PSI).

2. Cleaning Mechanism

Pressure washing relies primarily on water force to clean surfaces. Soft washing relies on specialized cleaning solutions to break down contaminants, with water serving mainly to rinse away the loosened debris.

3. Appropriate Surfaces

Pressure washing is best for hard, durable surfaces like concrete and brick. Soft washing is ideal for more delicate surfaces like roofing, vinyl siding, and painted surfaces.

4. Longevity of Results

Soft washing often provides longer-lasting results because the cleaning solutions kill contaminants at their source rather than just blasting away the visible growth. This can prevent quicker regrowth of mold, mildew, and algae.

Potential Risks of Using the Wrong Method

Using pressure washing on delicate surfaces can cause significant damage:

Etching or pitting concrete
Splintering wood
Removing paint
Cracking or breaking roof shingles
Forcing water behind siding or into window frames, causing water damage

Conversely, soft washing might not be effective enough for heavily soiled concrete or for removing tough stains from durable surfaces.

When to Choose Each Method

Choose pressure washing when:

Cleaning hard, durable surfaces like concrete, brick, or stone
Removing tough stains, chewing gum, or graffiti
Cleaning surfaces that haven’t been maintained for years

Choose soft washing when:

Cleaning roofs of any material
Washing house siding (especially vinyl, aluminum, or wood)
Cleaning painted surfaces
Removing organic growth like mold, mildew, and algae
Working with any delicate surface that could be damaged by high pressure

The PhenomWash Approach

At PhenomWash, we’re trained to determine which method is appropriate for each surface of your property. We often use a combination of both techniques during a complete exterior cleaning:

Soft washing for your roof, siding, and other delicate surfaces
Pressure washing for your driveway, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces

This comprehensive approach ensures that every part of your property is cleaned effectively and safely, providing the best possible results without risking damage.

Conclusion

Both pressure washing and soft washing have their place in exterior cleaning. The key is knowing which method to use on which surface. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a professional cleaning service like PhenomWash. Our experts can assess your property and recommend the most effective and safe cleaning methods for each area.

By using the right technique for each surface, you’ll achieve the best cleaning results while protecting your property from potential damage.