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Understanding the Difference
These two terms get used interchangeably, but they're fundamentally different cleaning methods. Using the wrong one on the wrong surface can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Here's what every homeowner should know.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water (typically 1,500–4,000 PSI) to blast dirt, grime, mold, and stains off hard surfaces. The cleaning power comes from the water pressure itself — pure mechanical force.
Best for:
- Concrete driveways and sidewalks
- Brick and stone patios
- Concrete block walls
- Pool decks
- Garage floors
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses low-pressure water (under 500 PSI — about the same as a garden hose) combined with specialized biodegradable cleaning solutions. The chemicals do the heavy lifting, not the water pressure.
Best for:
- Vinyl, stucco, and wood siding
- Roof shingles (asphalt, tile, metal)
- Wood and composite decks
- Painted surfaces
- Windows and screens
The Damage High Pressure Can Cause
This is why the distinction matters:
- Strip roof granules — Asphalt shingles have a protective layer. High pressure blasts them off, shortening roof life by years and voiding the warranty
- Crack stucco — Water forced into hairline cracks expands them, leading to moisture intrusion
- Splinter wood — Creates a "fuzzy" raised grain that looks worse than before
- Force water behind siding — Vinyl siding isn't designed to resist horizontal high-pressure jets
- Etch concrete — Even concrete can be damaged by a nozzle held too close
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Pressure Washing | Soft Washing |
|---|---|---|
| Water Pressure | 1,500–4,000 PSI | Under 500 PSI |
| Cleaning Agent | Water only (or light detergent) | Specialized biodegradable solutions |
| Surface Risk | Can damage delicate materials | Safe for virtually all surfaces |
| Best For | Concrete, brick, stone | Siding, roofs, wood, painted surfaces |
| Kill Mold at Root? | No — surface only | Yes — chemicals kill organisms |
| Results Duration | 3-6 months | 12-18 months |
| Cost | Lower per sq ft | 10-20% more |
Why Soft Washing Results Last Longer
Pressure washing only removes the visible growth on the surface. The root systems of mold, algae, and lichen remain embedded. Within weeks, the growth comes back.
Soft washing kills the organisms at the root level. The biodegradable cleaning solutions penetrate the surface and eliminate the biological growth entirely. Soft-washed surfaces typically stay clean 3-4 times longer.
Florida's Climate Makes This Choice Critical
In Jacksonville, warm humid conditions make organic growth the primary cleaning challenge. Black streaks on roofs, green mold on siding, slippery algae on walkways — all biological. Soft washing addresses the root cause, not just the symptom.
For hard surfaces like concrete driveways and pavers, pressure washing remains the right tool.
The Professional Approach: Both Methods
Most professional jobs use both methods on different parts of the same property:
- Driveway and walkways → Pressure washing (3,000+ PSI)
- House siding → Soft washing (under 500 PSI)
- Roof → Soft washing (under 300 PSI)
- Deck → Light pressure (800-1,200 PSI) with detergent
- Pool deck → Pressure washing (2,500-3,000 PSI)
Get Your Home Cleaned the Right Way
Clean Gutter Protection uses the appropriate method for every surface. Our technicians are trained in both pressure washing and soft washing techniques.
Get a free estimate or call (888) 507-4854.