Understanding the Key Differences Between Soft Washing and Power Washing

What are the differences between soft washing and power washing? The short answer is that the former uses cleaning solutions rather than high pressure to clean. 

Soft washing is ideal for more fragile surfaces like roofs. Power washing uses a high-pressure water spray as the primary way to remove dirt. Choosing the right one for the surface at hand is critical in getting the results you need without causing damage. 

Frank’s Pressure Washing is your go-to washing company. We use the latest pressure washer equipment and techniques to transform your exterior surfaces. 

Soft Washing

Our soft washing systems use a biodegradable cleaning agent to lift dirt and kill organic growth like mold, mildew, and algae.

There are numerous benefits to soft washing, namely that it’s:

• Gentle on surfaces: We use no more pressure than a garden hose. The process is gentle enough to use on glass, roofing, and other potentially fragile surfaces.  
• Long-lasting results: Soft washing kills organic growth, rooting it out. The results are thus longer lasting than with plain water. 
• Environmentally friendly: The cleaning agents we use are biodegradable. 
• Use cases: Soft washing works with most surfaces. It can increase the efficacy of power cleaning. However, it’s particularly good for cleaning roofs, vinyl siding, and algae-infested decks. 

Power Washing

Power washing uses a high-pressure spray to remove tough dirt, grime, and baked-on stains. It’s highly effective but can be too harsh for fragile surfaces like roofs and windows. 

Power washing offers:

• Powerful cleaning: The high-pressure strips off grime in seconds, making it a highly effective solution. 
• Faster cleaning: Power washing is a one-and-done process. With soft washing, you must apply the agent and then rinse it away, so it takes a little longer. 
• Versatility: You can power clean several concrete, stone, or brick surfaces, including driveways, patios, and pathways. 
• Use cases: You can use this method to clean the brickwork on your home, your driveway, and patio. It’s also an effective way to remove graffiti. 

Choosing the Right Method

Now that you understand the differences between soft washing and power washing, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. 

Soft Washing	Power Washing
Best for fragile surfaces	Ideal for more robust surfaces
Great for killing organic growth	Works well for baked-in dirt
Allows you to take a little more time	Perfect for a time crunch

There are times when it might pay to combine the two methods — for example, when you have algae on your pool deck or oil stains on your driveway. When choosing one or the other, consider the following:

• Can the surface handle a beating? If not, opt for soft washing. 
• What type of stain is it? Oil stains sink in, meaning you need to lift them to the surface with cleaning agents first. 
• What is the desired outcome? Do you want to banish the stain completely, or do you want to protect the surface? 

Frank’s Pressure Washing can help you choose between soft washing and power washing.  

Contact Us To Schedule Service Today!

Call Frank’s Pressure Washing at 336-265-7367 and see the differences between soft washing and power washing firsthand.