Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: Which Is Right for Your Property?

danfurbey5
May 12
2 min read

When it comes to exterior cleaning, using the right method is just as important as the clean itself. Whether you're managing a commercial building or sprucing up your home, understanding the difference between soft washing and pressure washing can save your surfaces and your budget.

At PSC Solutions, we deliver expert exterior cleaning services across Somerset, using both methods to get the job done right. Let’s break down the differences so you can decide which one’s best for your property.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing of stone shopping centre

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water jets to remove dirt, oil, grime, moss, and even graffiti from tough exterior surfaces.

Best for:

Driveway Cleaning (tarmac, concrete, block paving)
Car parks and forecourts
Industrial sites and loading bays
Brick walls and paved patios

Benefits:

Fast, visible results
Ideal for removing heavy grime and oil
Great for commercial pressure washing

Considerations:

High-pressure water can cause damage to delicate materials like render, old stone, or painted surfaces

so it's best reserved for robust areas.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses low-pressure water and eco-friendly cleaning agents to gently remove organic stains like moss, algae, lichen, and mould.

Best for:

Render Cleaning (K-Rend, monocouche, coloured render)
Roof tiles and slates
Cladding (metal, plastic, composite)
Historic stonework and facades

Benefits:

Kills algae at the root, preventing regrowth
Safe for fragile and decorative surfaces
Perfect for roof cleaning in Somerset

Key Differences: Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing

Feature	Soft Washing	Pressure Washing
Water Pressure	Low	High
Chemicals Used	Yes (biodegradable & eco-safe)	Optional
Ideal Surfaces	Roofs, render, cladding	Driveways, brick, concrete
Risk to Surfaces	Minimal	Higher on delicate materials
Long-Term Results	Longer lasting (kills moss/algae roots)	May require follow-up treatments

Which Exterior Cleaning Method Should You Choose?

For delicate materials like render, cladding, or roof tiles, choose soft washing. It’s safer, longer-lasting, and won’t cause surface damage.
For tough grime on driveways, industrial yards, or concrete paths, pressure washing delivers fast results.

Still unsure? That’s where we come in.

At PSC Solutions, we offer both soft washing and pressure washing across Somerset and the South West, tailoring our approach to your surface type and your goals. No guesswork, no damage just expert, long-lasting results.