Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: What’s the Difference and Which Does Your Home Actually Need?

Coastal Exterior Cleaning — Learning Center

When homeowners contact us about cleaning their property, one of the first questions they ask is:

“What’s the difference between soft washing and pressure washing — and which one should I choose

This is an important question because using the wrong cleaning method can lead to damage, ineffective results, or unnecessary expenses.

Below is a clear and honest breakdown of each method, when it should be used, and how to decide what your home needs.

What is Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses specialized cleaning solutions to remove:

• Algae

• Mildew

• Mold

• Bacteria

• Organic staining

The pressure used during soft washing is similar to what comes from an ordinary garden hose.

Surfaces that Should be Soft Washed:

• Roofs

• Vinyl siding

• Painted surfaces

• Stucco

• Dryvit

• Wood

• Screens

• Most residential home exteriors

Why is Soft Washing Needed:

Soft washing is necessary for surfaces that can’t handle force. These materials can crack, chip, fade, or break under high pressure. Soft washing also removes organic growth at the root, which helps the clean last longer.

What is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses high water pressure to remove things that soft washing cannot, such as:

• Dirt

• Mud

• Grime

• Oil stains

• Tire marks

• Gum

• Concrete buildup

This method relies on mechanical force rather than detergents.

Surfaces that Should be Pressure Washed:

• Driveways

• Sidewalks

• Patios

• Pool decks

• Brick

• Pavers

• Concrete

Why Pressure Washing is Needed:

Hard surfaces like concrete and brick can withstand force. Pressure washing effectively removes buildup that cannot be removed with soft washing chemicals alone.

Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: Clear Comparison

Aspect	Soft Washing	Pressure Washing
Pressure	Low	High
Uses chemicals	Yes	Minimal / optional
Best for	Roofs & siding	Concrete & brick
Removes	Algae, mildew, organic staining	Dirt, grime, oil
Potential damage risk	Very low	Higher if misused
Longevity	Longer-lasting results on organic stains	Short-term for organics

How To Know Which Method Your Home Needs

Here is the simplest way to decide:

Choose Soft Washing If:

• Your home has green algae or mildew on siding

• Your roof has black streaks

• You have painted, vinyl, or delicate materials

• You want organic growth removed and prevented

Choose Pressure Washing If:

• You need your driveway or sidewalk cleaned

• You have mud, grime, or oil stains

• You’re cleaning brick, concrete, or pavers

In many cases, a home will need both services:

Soft washing for the building, pressure washing for the concrete.

Why Choosing The Wrong Method Matters

The reason these methods exist separately is simple:

Different materials require different levels of force.

Using high pressure on delicate surfaces can cause:

• Cracked siding

• Damaged shingles

• Water intrusion

• Etching

• Voided warranties

Using low pressure on concrete usually won’t clean it properly.

This is why choosing the correct method is important for both effectiveness and safety.

How Coastal Exterior Cleanings Chooses The Right Method:

When you request a service, our process is straightforward:

1. We look at the material.

2. We identify the type and level of buildup.

3. We determine whether force or low-pressure chemistry is required.

4. We apply the safest, most effective method for that specific surface.

There is no guesswork — each surface is cleaned according to what it is built to handle.

Conclusion: Which Method Should You Use

Here is the bottom line:

• Soft washing is for roofs, siding, and delicate materials.

• Pressure washing is for concrete and hard surfaces.

• Many homes need a combination of both to achieve a complete clean.

If you’re unsure, we can inspect your property and show you exactly which method is correct for each surface.