Guide · Arlington Heights, IL
Soft wash vs pressure wash: what's the difference?
Which surfaces need which method, and why roofs and siding should be cleaned at low pressure.
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Short answer
Pressure washing cleans with force: a high-pressure stream of water blasts dirt off a surface. Soft washing cleans with chemistry: a cleaning solution is applied at low pressure to kill algae, mildew and moss, then rinsed gently. Pressure washing suits hard surfaces like concrete. Soft washing is the safe choice for roofs, siding, stucco and anything that can be damaged by force.
What is soft washing?
Soft washing is a way of cleaning exterior surfaces with low pressure, usually close to what comes out of a garden hose, combined with a cleaning solution. The solution is typically a diluted sanitizer mixed with a surfactant, a soap that helps it cling to vertical surfaces long enough to work.
The idea is simple: most of what makes a roof or house look dirty is living growth. Algae, mildew, mold, moss and lichen grow into the surface. Soft washing kills that growth where it lives, and the rinse carries it away without putting stress on the surface.
What is pressure washing?
Pressure washing uses a machine to push water out at high pressure, often 1,500 PSI or more, through a narrow nozzle. It removes dirt, grime and stains by force. It's effective on hard, durable surfaces such as concrete driveways and sidewalks, where the surface can take the impact.
(You'll also see “power washing.” To most homeowners it means the same thing. In the trade it sometimes refers to pressure washing with heated water. Either way, the same limits apply.)
Side by side
| Soft washing | Pressure washing | |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Low, similar to a garden hose | High, often 1,500 PSI or more |
| What does the cleaning | A cleaning solution | Force of the water |
| Kills algae and mildew at the root | Yes | No, it removes what's visible |
| Risk to roofs and siding | Low | High: stripped granules, cracks, water intrusion |
| How long results last | Longer | Shorter, growth returns faster |
| Best for | Roofs, siding, stucco, EIFS, gutters, painted surfaces | Concrete, stone and other hard surfaces |
Surface by surface
- Asphalt shingle roofs. Soft wash only. High pressure strips the granules that protect shingles and shortens the life of the roof. Soft wash roof cleaning.
- Vinyl siding. Soft wash. Pressure can crack panels and force water behind them. Vinyl siding cleaning.
- Stucco, Dryvit and EIFS. Soft wash. Pressure can erode the finish and push water into the wall. Stucco and EIFS cleaning.
- Aluminum siding. Soft wash. Pressure can dent panels and wear through the paint. Aluminum siding cleaning.
- Gutters. Soft wash with hand detailing for the black streaks. Gutter brightening.
- Wood and cedar. Low pressure. High pressure raises and splinters the grain. Fence and deck cleaning
- Brick. Usually soft washed. Older brick and mortar can be damaged by high pressure.
- Concrete driveways and sidewalks. This is where pressure washing makes sense. Power washing for concrete and pavers.
Why pressure washing a house often backfires
Pressure washing a roof or siding usually looks fine on the day. The problems show up later:
- Algae and mildew grow back quickly, because their roots were never killed.
- Shingles lose granules and age faster.
- Water driven behind siding or into stucco can lead to hidden moisture damage.
- Paint and finishes get etched or stripped.
That's why shingle manufacturers and siding makers recommend low-pressure cleaning, and why professional exterior cleaners use soft washing on homes.
When to use which
Use soft washing for anything on the house itself: roof, siding, trim, gutters, stucco and painted surfaces. Use pressure washing for hard, flat surfaces around the house that can take force, like concrete. If you're not sure, the safe default is soft washing.
FAQ
Is soft washing as effective as pressure washing?
On roofs and siding, it's more effective, because it kills the growth instead of just removing the stain.
Is soft washing safe for plants?
Yes, with precautions. Plants are pre-wetted and rinsed again after the wash.
Can I soft wash my house myself?
It's possible, but mixing and applying the solution safely, protecting plants and working at height take experience and the right equipment.
Need a soft wash in Arlington Heights?
Soft Wash Arlington Heights cleans roofs, siding and gutters at low pressure, and you can reach us any time, day or night. Soft washing your house · Roof cleaning
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