If your home’s exterior is looking a little worse for wear—streaked siding, dingy roof, green patches on the deck—you’ve probably started Googling how to clean it. And two options keep popping up: softwashing and pressure washing. Maybe you’ve even considered hiring a soft washing company, but aren’t sure if that’s the right move.
But here’s the problem: most homeowners don’t know the difference. Choosing the wrong method can actually cause more harm than good. We’re talking cracked siding, stripped paint, or even roof damage. Yeah, not ideal.
That’s why we created this guide—to help you understand what each method actually does, when to use them, and how to protect your investment while getting the results you want.
What Is Softwashing?
Softwashing is a gentle, low-pressure cleaning method that uses a mixture of water, surfactants, and biodegradable cleaning solutions to break down and kill organic matter like mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria. Think of it like giving your home a chemical bath—safe, thorough, and effective without brute force.
The low pressure water used is similar to a garden hose, so it won’t strip paint or dent your siding. Instead, the specialized cleaning solutions do the heavy lifting. They seep into porous surfaces, destroy the roots of organic stains, and help prevent regrowth.
Soft washing involves applying a cleaning solution through soft washing nozzles as part of a system designed to clean fragile surfaces effectively. It’s ideal for more delicate surfaces like roof shingles, vinyl siding, painted wood, and stucco—anywhere high pressure might cause damage or leave streaks. It’s also environmentally friendly and safer for landscaping, pets, and your family when done by professionals.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is all about power. It uses high pressure water spray—typically between 1,500 to 4,000 PSI—to remove dirt, grime, mold, and even peeling paint. It’s a fast and aggressive cleaning process, and when used properly, it works wonders.
This cleaning method is best suited for hard, durable materials like concrete driveways, garage floors, brick walls, and heavily soiled walkways. These materials can handle the high pressure water stream without cracking or warping.
That said, pressure washers come with risk. Aim that high pressure stream at the wrong angle or surface, and you could etch lines into your wood deck, loosen mortar between bricks, or even force water behind your siding. That’s why it should never be used on roofs or more fragile surfaces.
Key Differences Between Softwashing and Pressure Washing
Choosing between softwashing and pressure washing isn’t just about getting your home clean—it’s about using the best cleaning method for the right surface. While both pressure washing and softwashing tackle exterior grime, they do it in very different ways with different results.
Cleaning Method:
Softwashing works through a chemical reaction that breaks down and kills algae, mold, and mildew at the source. Pressure washing relies on pressurized water to blast away surface dirt.
Pressure Levels:
Softwashing uses low pressure water, while pressure washing operates at a much higher pressure that can be unsafe for certain surfaces.
Surface Protection:
Softwashing provides a thorough cleaning by treating root-level contaminants. Unlike pressure washing, it addresses underlying issues, not just what’s visible.
Risk of Damage:
Softwashing is safe for delicate surfaces, whereas high pressure washing can strip paint, crack stucco, or damage wood.
Environmental Impact:
Softwashing uses biodegradable chemical solutions and typically less water, making it more sustainable. Pressure washing can cause runoff if water pressure isn’t managed properly.
Surface Challenges: What Should You Clean With What?
The benefits of soft washing and pressure washing differ, and each method is suited for specific surfaces and purposes. Let’s break it down by surface:
Vinyl Siding: Prone to dirt buildup and warping—soft washing safe and highly effective here.
Stucco: Better suited for soft washing vs pressure methods to prevent cracks.
Wood Decks & Fences: Can splinter under high pressure. Consider a low pressure stream or soft washing depending on the wood.
Asphalt Shingles: Soft washing vs pressure washing? Always go soft here to avoid stripping protective granules.
Brick and Concrete: Can often be pressure washed, but sometimes a combo of soft and pressure washing is more effective.
Painted Surfaces: Depends on condition—painted surfaces with loose paint or wear need low pressure or softwashing.
Outdoor Furniture and cedar shake may benefit from the low pressure approach of softwashing to preserve integrity.
When Should You Use Each One?
If you’re not sure which method is right for your situation? Here’s how to decide between softwashing and pressure washing based on your specific cleaning needs. Ask yourself:
What am I trying to remove?
Organic matter like mold? Go soft. Stubborn stains or grime? A power washer might be necessary.
What is the surface made of?
Appropriate surfaces for softwashing: stucco, roofs, vinyl. While high pressure washing works for concrete driveways, brick, and garage floors.
What’s the condition?
Older or weathered? Use lower pressure or softwash. New and solid? A pressure washer might be fine.
Where do you live?
Humid areas need softwashing more often due to biological elements. In drier climates, a power washing session could suffice.
Common Misconceptions That Could Cost You
There’s a lot of confusion about exterior cleaning methods, specifically pressure washing vs soft washing. Believing the wrong advice can do more harm than good. Let’s break down some common myths about soft washing and pressure washing so you can make smart, damage-free decisions for your home.
“Pressure washing gets things cleaner.”
Not necessarily. Pressure washing blasts away visible dirt, but softwashing actually kills the mold, algae, and bacteria that cause the stains—so the results last longer.
“Softwashing doesn’t last.”
This is a big myth. Because softwashing targets organic growth at the root, it helps prevent future buildup and keeps surfaces looking cleaner for much longer.
“All surfaces can handle either method.”
Absolutely not. Using high pressure on delicate materials like siding, stucco, or roofing can cause costly, irreversible damage in seconds.
“You only need to clean your home once a year.”
That depends entirely on where you live and what surrounds your home. Homes in humid, shaded, or wooded areas often need more frequent cleaning to stay ahead of mold and algae.
“Softwashing is just spraying soap.”
Far from it. Softwashing uses carefully mixed, biodegradable solutions designed to penetrate surfaces and safely and effectively destroy contaminants at their source.
How Professionals Decide What to Use
When a professional pressure washing service arrives, it doesn’t just grab a wand and go to town. It starts with a detailed inspection.
At Doctor Softwash, we look at the type of material, condition, stains, growth, and even how the landscaping around your home might react to runoff. Then, we calculate how much low-pressure water is safe to use—or whether soft wash systems or pressure washers are needed.
Our experienced team inspects painted wood, exterior surfaces, evaluate potential runoff impact, choose the appropriate nozzles, adjust spray angles, and follow all environmental regulations to protect your property and the planet.
This kind of custom approach is why it’s smart to trust a pro, especially to clean surfaces that’re delicate like roofs or painted exteriors.
How Often Should You Clean?
Some general guidelines for both soft washing and pressure washing of different surfaces:
- Asphalt Shingles: Every 2–3 years
- Vinyl Siding: Every 1–2 years
- Wood Siding: Annually or as needed
- Concrete/Driveways: Every 1–2 years
- Stucco: Every 2 years or when discolored
Homes surrounded by trees or in moist climates need frequent cleaning to stay ahead of growth.
Get a Professional Clean with Dr. Softwash—The Safe Choice for Your Home
Don’t risk damage with the wrong approach. Whether it’s softwashing vs pressure washing, or selecting a cleaning solution for painted surfaces, Dr. Softwash will use the safest, most effective method for your home. Contact us today for a free quote and let us effectively clean your home’s exterior—the right way.