Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing … Is There Really a Difference?

Clearing the confusion

You may have heard the term “soft washing” being promoted and wondered whether it was a real thing or just some gimmick. Like many people, you may question what exactly soft washing is and how it differs from pressure washing. We’d like to clear up any confusion or misinformation and help you more fully understand the various applications for each process – so that you can better protect and preserve your home and property. 

Soft washing and pressure washing are two uniquely different processes designed to address the cleaning needs of different types of exterior surfaces.

Soft washing 101

Soft washing, as the name implies, is a gentler process for those exterior areas where pressure may be too harsh and could cause damage or compromise the integrity of your home’s or property’s surfaces. On certain surfaces such as vinyl, wood, stucco or slate, pressure washing can cause more harm than good …

• Stripping paint
• Blasting window seals
• Pushing water behind your siding or into your attic
• Voiding your roof’s warranty.

Another important distinction is that soft washing serves to sanitize and kill harmful mold, algae, moss and lichen. These unwelcome and insidious contaminants develop on your home’s exterior, and when left unchecked, grow and multiply. This leads to stained surfaces, deterioration, and damage to underlying materials … not to mention costly remediation, repair, and possible replacement.

Soft washing is appropriate for …

– Roofs                        – Awnings

– Siding                       – Pergolas

– Decks                        – Outdoor furniture

– Fencing                     – Kids’ playsets

– Gutters

Soft washing is specifically designed to …

• Safely clean: Using low pressure and eco-friendly solutions
• Sanitize: Kills mold and algae spores, preventing the existing organisms from reproducing or spreading over your home’s surface
• Create a healthy living environment: By destroying allergens and irritants
• Deliver a longer-lasting clean: By killing the actual plant spores for a clean that lasts 2-3 times longer than other methods
• Preserve your investment: Extending the life of your greatest asset
• Improve curb appeal: With a brilliantly clean exterior

Pressure washing 101

Whereas soft washing relies on the cleaning solution and gentle water pressure to break down dirt and kill toxic growth, pressure washing uses the force of the water to remove dirt and stains.

Pressure washing is ideal for hardscaping such as …

– Patios                       – Pathways

– Porches                    – Retaining walls

– Steps                         – Breezeways

– Sidewalks                 – Driveways

Pressure washing may appear to be an easy task, but it actually requires skilled technique, the appropriate equipment, and just the right water pressure and temperature to get the job done. In the wrong hands, a pressure washer can cause damage to your exterior surfaces – or even worse, serious injury.

Leave it to the pros

With most homeowners not having the time, proper equipment, expertise or patience to tackle these tough, and sometimes dangerous, cleaning jobs, hiring a professional is often the smartest and safest solution.

When considering or interviewing service providers, be sure to do your homework to ensure that you contract with a trusted, reputable company that puts its customers and quality work as its top priorities.

Some questions to ask include …

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you insured?
• Do you guarantee your work?
• Do you offer free estimates?
• Do you have long-term employees vs. subcontractors?
• What type of training do your technicians receive?
• Can you provide customer reviews?

If you’re looking to have any of your exterior surfaces professionally cleaned, our highly experienced, rigorously trained, fully insured, and ladder-safety certified crews stand ready to serve! At Clearly Amazing, we’re your convenient single source for a full menu of exterior cleaning, sanitizing, and lighting installation services.

Contact us today to schedule your cleaning or to request a free estimate.