Sonic Services

Is There A Difference Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing?

No doubt, you have probably heard about pressure washing. Often called power washing, this system is commonly used by professionals for tackling every exterior cleaning a customer may need. While many outside cleaning companies will provide power washing, soft washing is also another service you might run in to. But are these the same service only marketed differently? What would you use each of these for, and does one work better than another?

Starting with pressure washing, you might have used one of these machines before or seen someone you know to use one. They are the most common devices used outdoors for improving the appearance of surfaces and getting rid of dirt and grime. Power washing is the go-to for exterior cleaning companies because it requires either gas or electric and water supply. Most professionals opt for gas-powered pressure washers as they are more powerful. A gas-powered machine will put out 2,000-2,800 PSI, versus the electric that puts out 1,700 tops.

When a technician uses a pressure washer, there needs to be some care and considerations given. The high-pressure water can damage certain materials. Areas, where this shouldn’t be used, would include particular siding and roofs. Roofs are especially a delicate surface to get clean. The older shingles are, the more brittle and susceptible to the damage they might be; for this reason, most cleaners will recommend a soft wash.

Soft washing uses the same machine as the pressure washer, except there is a fitting that reduces the pressure. There is some commercial-grade equipment available that is solely for soft washing too. The biggest difference between soft washing and pressure washing is that soft washing will use detergents as the principal cleaning agent versus pressurized water.

A great example where soft washing would be the most beneficial is on siding and roofs that have a buildup of mold and mildew. Without the use of detergents to break down the mold and mildew, the problem will come back quickly. Detergents used during a soft washing service are eco-friendly and safe for use around humans and pets.