Difference between soft washing and power washing?

Difference between soft washing and power washing?

Soft washing and power washing solve the same overall problem — dirt, algae, and mildew — but take opposite approaches. Power washing (or pressure washing) relies on mechanical force, often 2,000+ PSI, to physically blast grime off durable surfaces like concrete and brick. Soft washing instead uses low pressure, typically under 500 PSI, combined with specialized cleaning solutions that dissolve organic growth chemically rather than blasting it away. This makes soft washing the safer choice for roofs, stucco, vinyl siding, and painted wood, where high pressure risks stripping paint, forcing water behind panels, or damaging shingle granules. As a rule of thumb: if the surface is hard and durable, power washing works; if it’s delicate or painted, soft washing is the safer, longer-lasting solution, even though it takes a bit longer to show visible results.