As a homeowner, you have the important responsibility of keeping your home in good condition. This includes various cleaning tasks, but not just on the inside where you spend most of your time — the exterior of your home needs to be cleaned, as well. This is where pressure washing and soft washing come in. While these two techniques are similar, they have key differences that make them better for different applications.
At City Wash, we recognize that the distinction between soft washing and pressure washing can be confusing at times. In this blog post, we’re here to set the record straight and give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about caring for the exterior of your home. We’ll help you understand the differences, when to use each method, and why hiring a professional is a smart idea.
What Is Pressure Washing?
First, let’s define pressure washing. It’s characterized by its use of a high-pressure spray of water — typically between 1,300 and 4,000 psi. For comparison, the average psi of a garden hose is about 40 to 60 psi, which means that pressure washing can be up to 100 times more powerful.
This high pressure makes it ideal for durable outdoor surfaces, including:
- Concrete driveways and sidewalks
- Brick walls
- Stone patios
- Parking lots and asphalt surfaces
- Garage floors
The most significant advantage of pressure washing is that it’s highly effective at addressing tough stains, grime, oil, and mold. It’s a quick and efficient way to clean large, hard surfaces, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing and harsh cleaning solutions in many situations.
However, such high-pressure jets of water can damage softer materials like siding, shingles, and wood. Improper use can degrade these surfaces, strip their finishes, and cause water damage.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing, on the other hand, uses a relatively low-pressure water jet — under 500 psi — combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to tackle dirt, grime, algae, mildew, and tough stains without the risk of accidental damage.
Soft washing is commonly used to clean:
- Roofs, especially those with asphalt shingles
- Vinyl siding
- Stucco
- Wooden decks and fences
- Outdoor furniture
The biggest advantage of soft washing is that it’s safe for delicate surfaces, making it ideal for older homes. Plus, its algae-killing cleaning agents provide long-lasting results. However, it does require chemical handling knowledge, and it may need more dwell time to work effectively.
Key Differences Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing
Now, let’s go over the key differences between these two exterior cleaning methods.
- Water pressure: Pressure washing utilizes about 1,300–4,000 psi, while soft washing is under 500 psi.
- Cleaning agents: Soft washing includes specialized cleaning solutions, while pressure washing typically doesn’t. However, it may sometimes utilize mild detergents.
- Suitable surfaces: Pressure washing is best for hard surfaces like concrete and stone, while soft washing is ideal for more delicate materials.
- Risk of damage: The risk of damage is higher with pressure washing than with soft washing.
How to Choose the Right Method for Your Property
Now that you understand the distinction between soft and pressure washing, you have the information you need to decide which is right for your property.
First, determine whether the surfaces to be cleaned are hard or soft. If they’re on the more delicate side, opt for soft washing. Next, determine whether you’re dealing with organic growth like mold, mildew, or algae. If so, soft washing with specialized cleaning solutions may be the better choice.
If your goal is to blast away stubborn grime and tough stains from concrete, stone, metal, or asphalt, pressure washing is a good choice. It can also remove old paint and stains, helping you prepare your home for a fresh coat of paint.
Why Hiring a Professional Matters
In a world where anyone can rent pressure washing or soft washing equipment and clean their home themselves, many people turn to DIY attempts to save some money. However, hiring a professional is a much smarter choice.
Professionals are equipped with the proper tools, techniques, and knowledge to efficiently achieve satisfactory results without the risk of damage. Working with a pressure washing or soft washing company can save time and money in the long run.
Reliable Pressure Washing and Soft Washing in Knoxville, TN
Whether you’re seeking pressure washing, soft washing, or both, City Wash is the most reliable choice in Knoxville. Our expert team is known for providing high-quality results that make your home shine. Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule your exterior cleaning service.
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