Cleaning Methods · 4 min read
"Pressure washing" gets used as a catch-all term, but there are really two different methods, and matching the right one to the surface is the single most important part of cleaning a home's exterior without damaging it.
What pressure washing is for
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt, oil, algae and grime. It's the right tool for hard, durable surfaces: concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, brick and paver stones. On those surfaces, pressure plus a flat-surface cleaner gives an even, restored finish. See our pressure washing page for what that covers.
What soft washing is for
Soft washing uses low pressure — closer to a strong garden hose — combined with a cleaning solution that breaks down algae, moss and mildew at the root. It's the correct method for anything that high pressure would damage: roof shingles, vinyl and fiber-cement siding, stucco, painted surfaces, and screens. It cleans more thoroughly and the results last longer because it kills the growth instead of just rinsing the surface.
Our house washing and roof cleaning services are both soft-wash based for exactly this reason.
What happens if you use the wrong one
High pressure on siding can crack vinyl, strip paint, and force water behind the panels where it causes mold and rot. High pressure on a roof tears off the granules that protect your shingles and can void the warranty. This is the most common and most expensive DIY mistake we get called to fix.
Related service: House Washing (Soft Wash) →