While pressure washing relies primarily on water pressure to remove surface contamination, soft washing uses lower pressure together with suitable cleaning solutions to break down organic growth and grime.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing, also known as water blasting, uses pressurised water to physically remove dirt, grime, moss, algae and other contaminants from suitable surfaces.
It is particularly effective on hard, durable surfaces such as certain concrete areas, driveways, paths and other surfaces that can safely withstand the required pressure.
The pressure and cleaning technique should always be adjusted to suit the surface being cleaned.
Using excessive pressure on an unsuitable surface can potentially cause damage, which is why professional assessment is important.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a lower-pressure exterior cleaning method that uses cleaning solutions to help break down mould, algae, moss, dirt and other organic contaminants.
Instead of relying entirely on high pressure, the cleaning solution does much of the work.
Soft washing can be particularly useful for surfaces where high-pressure cleaning may be unsuitable or unnecessary.
It is commonly used for areas such as:
- House exteriors
- Weatherboards
- Certain types of cladding
- Painted surfaces
- Some building exteriors
- Other delicate or sensitive surfaces
The appropriate cleaning solution and application method depend on the material and condition of the surface.
Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing
The main difference is how the contamination is removed.
Pressure washing: Uses pressurised water to physically remove contamination.
Soft washing: Uses lower pressure and cleaning solutions to break down contamination.
Neither method is automatically better than the other. The best option depends on the surface, the type of contamination and the condition of the property.
In many cases, professional exterior cleaning involves using different methods across the same property.
Why Can’t You Pressure Wash Everything?
It can be tempting to think that more pressure means a better clean, but this isn’t always the case.
Excessive pressure can potentially damage certain surfaces, remove coatings, affect paintwork or force water into areas where it shouldn’t go.
Older buildings and delicate surfaces may require particular care.
A professional cleaner should consider the material, condition and construction of the surface before selecting the cleaning method.
When Is Soft Washing a Better Option?
Soft washing can be a suitable choice when the main problem is organic growth such as mould, algae or similar contamination.
For example, a house exterior may have mould or algae across painted cladding. Using excessive pressure to remove the growth may create unnecessary risk to the surface.
A suitable soft washing process can allow the cleaning solution to break down the organic contamination while using considerably less pressure.
This makes the method particularly useful for many residential and commercial exterior surfaces.
What About Roof Cleaning?
Roofs are another example where choosing the correct cleaning method is important.
Not every roof should be pressure washed. Depending on the roofing material and condition, high-pressure cleaning may be inappropriate.
For suitable roofs affected by moss, mould and lichen, a roof treatment can be used to target the organic growth and allow the roof to gradually clean over time.
The appropriate method should be determined based on the roof material, condition, pitch and existing growth.
Can Both Methods Be Used on the Same Property?
Yes.
A property may have several different surface types, each requiring a different cleaning approach.
For example:
- House exterior: Soft washing
- Driveway: Water blasting
- Concrete path: Water blasting
- Roof: Roof treatment where appropriate
- Commercial cladding: Low-pressure cleaning
- Deck or fence: Appropriate low-pressure or cleaning treatment
This is why professional exterior cleaning is not simply about choosing between “soft washing” and “pressure washing.”
The correct method can vary from one surface to another.
Does Soft Washing Remove Moss and Mould?
Soft washing and appropriate cleaning treatments can be highly effective against organic contamination such as mould, algae and moss.
However, results depend on the type and thickness of the growth, the surface being treated and the condition of the property.
Heavy or established growth may require additional treatment or time to fully clear.
A professional assessment can help determine the most suitable approach and what results can reasonably be expected.
Why Professional Surface Assessment Matters
Before cleaning an exterior surface, it is important to understand what you are cleaning.
Factors such as surface material, age, condition, previous coatings, type of contamination and surrounding areas can all affect the cleaning process.
Choosing the correct method helps achieve a better result while reducing the risk of unnecessary damage.
Which Cleaning Method Is Right for Your Property?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Pressure washing can be highly effective for suitable hard surfaces where physical removal is appropriate.
Soft washing can be a better option for many exterior surfaces where organic growth needs to be treated without relying on high pressure.
At Metro Water Blasting, we assess the surface and choose an appropriate cleaning method based on the property and the condition of the area being cleaned.
Our exterior cleaning services include house washing, building washing, driveway and concrete cleaning, roof treatment, gutter cleaning, deck cleaning and fence cleaning.
If you’re unsure whether your property needs soft washing, pressure washing or another treatment, contact Metro Water Blasting to discuss the most suitable option.