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Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: What’s Best for Your Home Exterior?
June 2, 2025

When your home’s exterior looks dingy or streaked with mildew, your first thought might be to call for pressure washing—but that might not always be the best method. In some cases, soft washing is the safer, more effective option.

If you’re not sure which service your home needs, understanding the difference between soft washing and pressure washing can help you make the right choice.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water (usually 1,500–4,000 PSI) to remove dirt, grime, mold, and stains from hard surfaces. It’s ideal for:

  • Concrete driveways and sidewalks
  • Brick or stone patios
  • Decks (in good condition)
  • Parking lots and commercial areas

This method is great for blasting away buildup—but the force can damage softer surfaces if not used carefully.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses low pressure combined with specialized cleaning solutions to safely remove dirt, mildew, algae, and bacteria. It’s ideal for more delicate surfaces such as:

  • Vinyl siding
  • Stucco
  • Painted wood
  • Roof shingles
  • Outdoor furniture

Instead of relying on brute force, soft washing kills the organic growth at its source, reducing the chance of it returning quickly.

Why Choosing the Right Method Matters

1. Protects Your Property

Using pressure washing on delicate materials can lead to:

  • Cracked siding
  • Stripped paint
  • Damaged roof shingles
    Soft washing prevents this kind of damage.

2. Improves Long-Term Results

Soft washing doesn’t just clean—it sanitizes. The specialized solutions used in soft washing break down mold, mildew, and algae at the root, helping your surfaces stay cleaner for longer.

3. Saves You Money on Repairs

Using the wrong method can lead to damage that costs more to fix than the cleaning itself. Hiring professionals who know which approach to use protects your investment.

At O.N. Point Pressure Washing, we tailor every service to fit your needs, using the proper techniques to clean effectively and safely.
Schedule your soft washing or pressure washing service today—and bring your home’s exterior back to life.