Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash: What's the Difference?

"Pressure washing" is the term most people use for any exterior cleaning. But in the professional cleaning world, there's a critical distinction between pressure washing and soft washing — and using the wrong method on the wrong surface can cause serious, expensive damage.

Here's what every homeowner in Brevard County should know about the difference, and why it matters for your property.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing (sometimes called power washing) uses high-pressure water — typically 2,500 to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) — to blast dirt, grime, and organic growth off hard surfaces. The water pressure itself does the heavy lifting.

Best suited for:

• Concrete driveways and sidewalks
• Concrete pool decks and patios
• Brick and stone hardscapes
• Parking lots and garage floors
• Metal surfaces and equipment
• Concrete block walls (unpainted)

These surfaces are durable enough to withstand high-pressure water without damage. In fact, they often require it — embedded tire marks, oil stains, and years of ground-in dirt won't come off any other way.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses low-pressure water — typically under 500 PSI, similar to a garden hose — combined with specialized biodegradable cleaning solutions. The chemical solution does the work, not the water pressure. The cleaning agents kill mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria at their root, and the low-pressure rinse gently removes the dead organisms and dirt.

Best suited for:

• House exteriors (stucco, vinyl, hardie board, wood)
• Roofing (shingles, tile, metal)
• Painted surfaces
• Screened enclosures and lanais
• Soffits, fascia, and trim
• Wood fences and decks (initial cleaning)
• EIFS and synthetic stucco

The key advantage of soft washing is that it's safe for delicate surfaces while being more effective at killing biological growth. High-pressure water might blast visible mold off your siding, but the roots remain — and it grows back within weeks. Soft wash solutions kill the organisms completely, so results last months longer.

When to Use Each Method

Here's a quick reference guide:

The Damage Risk of Wrong Methods

This isn't theoretical. We regularly see damage caused by companies (or homeowners) using high pressure where soft washing was needed:

• Etched concrete: Uneven pressure washing leaves permanent "zebra stripes" in concrete. Once etched, the only fix is resurfacing.
• Damaged stucco: High pressure blasts chunks off stucco, opens cracks, and forces water into wall cavities — leading to interior water damage and mold growth.
• Stripped roof granules: The granular coating on asphalt shingles is what protects them from UV damage. Pressure washing strips these granules, shortening your roof's life by years and voiding the manufacturer warranty.
• Water intrusion: Forcing water behind siding, under roofing, or into window frames causes hidden moisture damage that may not become apparent for months.
• Cracked vinyl: Vinyl siding becomes brittle in Florida's UV exposure. High pressure can crack, warp, or blow off siding panels.
• Damaged screens: Screened enclosures are common in Brevard County. Even moderate pressure can stretch, tear, or blow out screen panels.

The repair costs for these issues range from $200 (screen replacement) to $5,000+ (stucco repair or roof warranty claim). Professional exterior cleaning from ClearCoast Wash costs a fraction of those repair bills.

The Professional Approach

At ClearCoast Wash, every job starts with a surface assessment. We identify exactly what each surface needs and use the appropriate method:

• House exteriors: Soft wash with biodegradable surfactants and sodium hypochlorite at proper dilution ratios. Low-pressure application, gentle rinse.
• Roofs: Non-pressure chemical application following ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) guidelines. No pressure touches your roof.
• Concrete surfaces: Commercial surface cleaner with 3,000–4,000 PSI for uniform cleaning. Pre-treatment for oil stains and heavy organic growth.
• Pavers: Calibrated pressure to clean effectively without sand displacement, followed by joint sand replenishment if needed.
• Delicate surfaces: Custom dilution ratios and application techniques for painted surfaces, older stucco, and heritage materials.

We also pre-wet all landscaping before chemical application and rinse thoroughly after to protect your plants, grass, and garden beds. Our eco-friendly products are biodegradable and safe for Florida's waterways when used as directed.

Want to know which method your property needs? Call us at (321) 555-0199 for a free assessment and estimate. We'll walk your property with you and explain exactly what we recommend — and why.