House washing · 4 min read
Soft washing vs pressure washing: what’s the difference?
Soft washing and pressure washing explained: how each works, which surfaces need which, and why the wrong method can damage paint, roofs and timber.
- Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution
- Pressure washing uses high pressure to blast dirt off
- Walls and roofs need soft washing; concrete suits pressure
Both methods clean the outside of your home, but they work in completely different ways. Choosing the wrong one is the most common cause of damage we see from DIY and budget jobs.
What is soft washing?
Soft washing applies a cleaning solution at low pressure. The solution breaks down mould, mildew, algae and lichen, and a gentle rinse carries it away. Because the solution kills growth rather than just knocking the top off, results last longer.
What is pressure washing?
Pressure washing uses a high-pressure jet of water to physically remove dirt and growth. It’s fast and effective on hard surfaces like concrete, but that force can damage softer materials.
Which surfaces need which?
- Painted weatherboards, plaster and cladding: soft wash
- Roofs, including Colorsteel and concrete tiles: soft wash
- Concrete driveways, paths and pavers: pressure wash
- Timber decks: low-pressure wash with a wide fan, working with the grain
- Windows and joinery: soft wash and hand detailing
What goes wrong with the wrong method
High pressure on painted walls can lift paint and force water behind cladding and into window seals. On roofs it can strip coatings and erode tiles. On timber it furs up the surface and leaves stripes. Soft washing a heavily stained driveway, on the other hand, won’t shift embedded dirt.
A professional team will switch methods surface by surface. That’s how we approach every house wash and pressure washing job.
Frequently asked questions
Is soft washing as effective as pressure washing?
On walls and roofs, yes, and usually more so, because the solution kills growth at the root so it takes longer to come back.
Is soft washing safe for plants?
When done properly. Plants are wetted down before and rinsed after, and biodegradable solutions are used where possible.
Maidly looks after homes across Christchurch with eco-friendly methods and a 100% work guarantee on every service. Request a free quote.