What is the Difference Between Soft Washing and Pressure Washing?

While looking for a way to clean your home’s exterior or any surface, you might have come across two terms: soft washing and pressure washing. If you are considering cleansing your home’s exterior, choosing between these two methods can be challenging, especially when just hearing these terms.

Navigate this challenge with ease. Here is everything you need to know about soft washing and pressure washing to make an informed decision.

Soft Washing Vs Pressure Washing

Cleaning your home’s exterior is more than just a matter of aesthetics. It is also of maintenance and health. You have two options to clean your home’s surfaces: soft washing and pressure washing. Both methods effectively clean and remove dirt, dust, and stains. But they are different methods with different suitability. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Choosing the right option is essential. Otherwise, you can damage your home’s exterior, resulting in costly repairs and replacements. To help you make an informed decision, here is a comprehensive comparison of soft washing vs pressure washing.

What is Soft Washing?

Soft washing involves low-pressure water mixed with biodegradable detergent. This technique removes dirt, mould, algae, and other contaminants from surfaces more gently and safely. It is ideal for delicate materials that can get damaged with high pressure or power washing. It is ideal for wood, vinyl, stucco, shingles, and other delicate surface materials. It also kills the spores and roots of the organism that cause stains, preventing them from growing back quickly. The soft washing method can improve the appearance and lifespan of your home’s exterior and protect your health and environment if the surface is prone to damage, decoration, or deterioration from high-pressure water or harsh chemicals.

What is Pressure Washing?

This cleaning method uses high-pressure water and cleaning solutions to blast away dirt, grime, grease, and stains from hard surfaces. It is the most effective way to eliminate dust and stains from exteriors. The pressure is usually between 1500 and 4000 psi, much higher than a garden hose.

The high-pressure water spray effectively removes stubborn stains and debris from concrete, brick, stone, metal, and tile. The water can be heated or cold, depending on the surface and the type of dirt. It can also remove paint, sealant, and other coatings from surfaces. However, pressure washing can also damage or strip away paint, sealant and other coatings from surfaces. It can also damage surfaces and cause some materials cracks, chips, or erosion. Pressure washing can involve cleaning various materials. High-pressure washing is recommended for durable, smooth, and water-resistant surfaces, making your home’s exterior look new and fresh when done properly or by a professional. For more delicate surfaces, consider specialized methods such as soft washing. House washing is essential to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your home’s exterior.

Difference Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing

Both pressure washing and soft washing are highly effective in cleaning surfaces. One of the key differences is the amount of pressure and water volume they use. Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to effectively clean surfaces. On the other hand, a soft washing company will use low-pressure water mixed with a biodegradable detergent to remove dirt and organisms from fragile surfaces.

While pressure washing can clean faster and deeper, it can also damage or wear to some materials. Soft washing can be done gently and thoroughly, but it also takes longer and requires more detergent.

Another difference between pressure and soft washing is the cleaning agent used. Pressure washing often relies on the force of water alone. However, a mild detergent or bleach is sometimes used to enhance the cleaning effect. On the other hand, soft washing uses a specially formulated detergent that contains surfactants, wetting agents, and biocides. These ingredients help the detergent stick to the surface, penetrate the dirt, and kill the organisms that cause stains. Also, the detergent is biodegradable, which makes it harmless to the environment.

The final difference between pressure washing and soft washing is their effect on the environment and health. Pressure washing uses a lot of water and energy. It significantly impacts your utility bills and carbon footprints. There is also a chance of contaminating the soil and waterways with dirt, chemicals, and pollutants. In contrast, soft washing uses less water and energy than power washing or pressure washing. It has a lesser impact on the environment and helps you save money. Unlike pressure washing, it also prevents runoff by using a low-pressure nozzle that controls the water flow. Both soft washing and pressure are different. Choosing the right approach depends on various factors.

When to Use Pressure Washing

If the surface is durable, smooth, and resistant to water damage, you can consider pressure washing such as concrete, brick, stone, metal, and tile. Pressure washing can remove stubborn dirt and debris from these surfaces and the paint, sealant, and other coatings you want to remove. Pressure washing can also restore these surfaces’ original colour and texture, making them look new and fresh.

Here are a few examples of when to use pressure washing:

• For cleaning driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks
• Removing graffiti, gum, oil, and rust stains
• Preparing surfaces for painting, staining, or sealing
• Cleaning fences, railings, and gates
• Cleaning garage doors, gutters, and roofs

When to Use a Soft Wash

Delicate and porous surfaces or surfaces coated with paint, sealant, and other finishes are ideal for soft washing. It includes wood, vinyl, stucco, and shingles. Soft washing can remove dirt, mould, algae, and other contaminants from these surfaces as stains and prevent them from growing back. It can also preserve the appearance and lifespan of such surfaces.

Here are some examples of when to use a soft wash:

• For cleaning siding, trim, and soffits
• For removing mould, mildew, and algae stains
• For cleaning roofs, eaves, and skylights
• Cleaning windows, screens, and shutters
• Cleaning outdoor furniture, cushions, and umbrellas

When to Avoid Using Pressure/Power Washing:

Pressure washing or power washing is highly effective in cleaning dirt and stains, but there are certain things you need to keep in mind. It is not suitable for every surface. There are some cases when you should avoid pressure washers or consider them carefully.

Here are some examples of when not to consider pressure or power wash:

• Avoid using pressure or power washing if the surface is fragile, brittle, or cracked. It can cause damage or breakage of these surfaces, specifically wood, vinyl, stucco, and shingles. It can also cause water to seep into the cracks and cause rot, mould, or corrosion.
• Pressure washers must be extra careful with sealed, coated, or painted surfaces. Pressure washing peel off or strip paint, sealant, or coating from the surface. It can expose the underlying material, leading to damage or discolouration. It also impacts the protective layers, which prevents stains and dirt from adhering to the surface.
• Soft washes should be preferred if the surface is near plants, windows, electrical outlets, or other fixtures. Pressure washing companies must be very careful, as they can cause damage.

When to Avoid Using Soft Washing:

Soft washing services are highly efficient in removing stains and dirt from the surfaces. Soft washing is a gentle and safe cleaning method, but it is ineffective for every situation. However, sometimes, it is better to avoid considering a soft wash and seek a more powerful approach. Here are some examples of when to avoid a soft wash system:

• If a surface is heavily soiled, greased, or stained with substances that are hard to remove with cleaning solutions alone. A soft wash can clean the surface superficially but will not remove the deep-seated dirt, grease, or stains. In that case, contacting a pressure washer for a comprehensive pressure wash is better.
• When comparing soft washing vs pressure washing, choose the right approach after inspecting the surface. Soft wash can waste a lot of water and cleaning chemicals if the surface is smooth, hard, and resistant to water damage because these surfaces do not absorb or retain the detergent well. You might also need to go for multiple applications of soft wash to get satisfactory results.
• Avoid soft washing systems if the surface is flat, large, and easy to access. Soft washing can be tedious and time-consuming on these surfaces, requiring a low-pressure nozzle and a careful application of the cleaning solution and water to cover the entire surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Soft Wash Better Than Pressure Washing?

While there is no definitive answer to this, you can decide based on the type and the condition of the surface you want to clean and your budget. The preference and environmental impact are also important factors. Pressure washing or power washing is better for surfaces that are durable, smooth, and resistant to water damage. On the other hand, soft wash is better for exterior surfaces that are delicate, porous, smooth, and coated. So consider the advantages and disadvantages of both methods to make an informed decision.

How Much Does it Cost to Soft Wash a House?

To get clean surfaces, soft wash is an ideal choice. The cost of soft washing a house depends on several factors, such as the house’s size, shape, and height. Other influencing factors are the location, type and condition of the siding, the amount and type of the detergent used, the location and accessibility of the house, and the company or contractor you hire.

What is Cheaper: Soft Washing or Pressure Washing?

The answer to this question also depends on several factors, such as the house’s size, shape, and height. Also, the location, type, condition of the siding and the amount and type of cleaning solution used. In most cases, pressure washing or power washing tends to be cheaper as it uses less pressurized water and detergent. Also, it takes less time and labour. On the other hand, soft washing can also reduce your water and energy bills and your environmental impact by using less pressurized water and detergent. Therefore, one should consider the initial cost and the long-term cost and benefit of each method before choosing the right method to effectively clean surfaces.