Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: What's the Difference?

"Pressure washing" gets used as a catch-all term, but there are really two different approaches, and using the wrong one can cause real damage.

Pressure washing uses high water pressure to blast dirt and stains off tough, durable surfaces — think concrete driveways, garage floors, and paver patios. It's effective because those surfaces can take the force without being damaged.

Soft washing uses much lower pressure combined with a cleaning solution that breaks down algae, mold, and mildew at the source. It's the right call for siding, roofing, and painted or delicate surfaces, where high pressure risks stripping paint, forcing water behind panels, or damaging shingles.

The short version: if it's hard and it can take a beating, pressure wash it. If it's siding, a roof, or anything painted, it should be soft washed. A good pressure washing company uses both, depending on the surface — not just one setting for everything.