What Is the Difference Between Soft Washing and Power Washing?

Regular maintenance of your home or business exterior keeps it looking tidy, but to get it spotless requires professional washing equipment. Building exteriors attract grime, environmental pollutants and organic growth such as algae. Thorough cleaning will restore much of the original luster of your property and make it last longer. You have options, such as soft washing or power washing. It is important to understand the difference.

Soft Washing Versus Power Washing

Both methods of cleaning require a professional technician with commercial equipment. Let's look at the variations.

Soft Washing

Soft washing is done professionally with specialized equipment, using a low-pressure method:

  • Less than 500 PSI for cleaning and rinsing applications
  • A wide spray tip that helps to reduce the pressure
  • Algaecide cleaning solutions to break down dirt and surface organisms

Although this technique requires commercial soaps and detergents, in terms of pressure it is not as harsh as power washing.

Power Washing

Power washing uses a high pressure system as a cleaning method:

  • 1300 to 3100 PSI for rinsing applications
  • A narrow spray tip for increased intensity
  • Hot water to lift grime, residue and organic materials

Dramatic results can be achieved using either method, but how do you know which is best for your property?

The Best Cleaning Choice for Your Property

Over time, any exterior surface of your home or business degrades with built-up dirt, pollen, mold, algae and decaying matter. It gets into rough surfaces, mortar, under siding and in the cracks between patio stones. These are places where rinsing down with a garden hose is fruitless. Embedded contaminants are resistant to regular detergents.


On painted, wood or stucco surfaces, damage can be done from high pressure power washing. Soft washing detergents effectively eliminate grime and stains without harm to the surface materials. Power washing is highly beneficial for deep cleaning hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt.


At Maintain It All, we have the expertise to bring life back to your property's exterior safely using soft washing or power washing applications. Contact us today to learn how we can restore and enhance the look of your property.

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