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Power Washing vs. Soft Washing

Did you know that pressure washing can actually damage your home’s exterior surfaces? While power washing might seem like the go-to solution for outdoor cleaning, it’s not always the best choice for every surface. In fact, the high-pressure spray from power washing can cause expensive damage to siding, roofing, and even wooden decks.

At Ocean Softwash, we specialize in the gentle yet effective soft washing technique that removes dirt, grime, algae, and mould without risking damage to your valuable surfaces. Contact us for a free quote and discover how our professional soft washing services can safely restore your home’s exterior to its original beauty.

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What is Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a gentle cleaning method that uses low pressure combined with specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt, grime, algae, mould, and other contaminants from exterior surfaces.

Unlike power washing, which relies primarily on water pressure to blast away dirt, soft washing uses biodegradable cleaning agents that kill mould, mildew, bacteria, and algae at their roots. These solutions do the heavy lifting, breaking down organic matter, while the low-pressure rinse washes it away.

The process typically involves:

1. Application of specialized cleaning solutions
2. Brief dwell time to allow the solutions to work
3. A gentle, low-pressure rinse to remove the contaminants

Soft washing is particularly effective for cleaning delicate surfaces like vinyl and aluminum siding, asphalt shingles, cedar shake roofs, stucco, painted surfaces, and screens. It not only cleans the visible surface but also sanitizes it, providing longer-lasting results than pressure washing alone.

What is the Difference Between Power Washing and Soft Washing?

Power washing relies primarily on high water pressure (typically between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI) to physically blast away dirt and debris. It uses the mechanical force of water to remove contaminants without necessarily treating the root causes of issues like mould or algae growth.

Soft washing operates at much lower pressures (usually below 500 PSI) and depends on specialized cleaning solutions to break down and remove dirt, organic growth, and other contaminants. The chemicals do most of the cleaning work while the gentle rinse simply washes away the loosened material.

Soft Wash vs. Pressure Washing

Feature	Soft Wash System	Traditional Pressure Washing
Application Pressure	40-500 PSI	1,500-4,000+ PSI
Primary Cleaning Method	Biodegradable chemicals + low pressure	High water pressure
Surface Safety	Safe for all exterior surfaces, including asphalt shingles, cedar, and vinyl siding	Can damage shingles, wood, vinyl, and cause water intrusion
Results Longevity	Typically lasts 4-6 times longer	Results fade more quickly as roots remain
Water Usage	Uses 1/3 the water of pressure washing	Higher water consumption
Root Cause Treatment	Eliminates organism roots and spores	Surface cleaning only
Environmental Impact	Controlled runoff, biodegradable solutions	Higher water waste, potential for surface damage
Noise Level	Quieter operation	Louder equipment operation

View Before and Afters

The Effects of Pressure Washing

Roofs

Power washing can be devastating to roof surfaces. The high-pressure stream can dislodge protective granules from asphalt shingles, accelerating your roof’s aging process. For cedar shake and tile roofs, power washing can create hairline cracks that lead to leaks and moisture damage. The force of the water can also lift shingles, creating entry points for water that result in expensive interior damage.

Soft washing offers a safe and effective alternative for roof cleaning. The gentle application of specialized cleaning solutions eliminates algae, moss, and lichen without damaging the roof surface. The biodegradable solutions break down organic matter at the root level, preventing quick regrowth while extending your roof’s lifespan.

House Siding

Pressure washing siding can lead to different problems depending on the material. On vinyl siding, high pressure can crack panels, force water behind the siding, and cause the siding to warp. For wood siding, power washing often leads to splintering, raised grain, and water intrusion that promotes rot and mould growth. Pressure washing on painted surfaces can cause stripping or chipping of the paint.

Soft washing treats your siding with care while delivering superior cleaning results. The specialized solutions easily remove dirt, pollen, mildew, and algae without risking structural damage. Since soft washing treats the cause rather than just the symptoms, your siding stays cleaner longer after treatment. The process is safe for all types of siding, preserving both appearance and structural integrity while extending the life of your exterior surfaces.

Decks and Patios

Power washing wooden decks often results in splintering, gouging, and an uneven appearance. The high-pressure stream raises the wood grain, creating a rough surface prone to splinters that can be painful to bare feet. Excessive pressure can also create visible patterns or “stripes” across the surface where the washer lingered too long.

Soft washing provides a gentle yet thorough cleaning for deck surfaces without the negative consequences. The cleaning solutions break down organic matter, food stains, and environmental pollutants while preserving the integrity of the wood or composite material. For wooden decks, soft washing maintains the smooth texture and doesn’t raise the grain, reducing future maintenance needs. The approach is equally effective on patios made from pavers, stamped concrete, or natural stone, removing stains without etching surfaces or damaging jointing materials.

When Soft Washing is Necessary

In general, your home likely needs soft washing when you observe:

• Black streaks or green patches on your roof
• Dingy or discoloured siding
• Visible algae or mould growth
• Pollen buildup that causes yellowish tints
• General dullness in exterior appearance

Delicate Surfaces

Anytime you’re cleaning surfaces that could be damaged by high pressure, soft washing is the right choice. This includes vinyl and aluminum siding, stucco, painted surfaces, window screens, and all types of roofing materials.

When Dealing with Biological Growth

If your exterior surfaces show signs of algae, moss, mould, mildew, or lichen, soft washing is the most effective solution. The specialized cleaning agents in soft washing kill these organisms at their root, preventing quick regrowth.

After Construction or Renovation

New construction or renovation often leaves behind dust, dirt, and various residues that can be difficult to remove. Soft washing cleans these surfaces without risking damage to fresh paint, new materials, or recently completed work.

For Historic or Older Homes

Older homes often have more delicate exterior materials that have weathered over time. Soft washing provides the gentle touch needed to clean these surfaces without accelerating deterioration or causing irreparable harm to historic features.

Before Painting or Staining

When preparing surfaces for painting or staining, soft washing provides thorough cleaning without damaging the underlying material. This creates an ideal surface for proper adhesion without the roughening effect that power washing can cause on many materials.

Ready to Give Up Power Washing? Contact Ocean Softwash Today!

Why risk damage to your valuable home exterior with a power washing company when there’s a safer, more effective alternative? Contact us today for a free quote on our soft washing services.

Get a Free Quote

FAQs About Power Washing vs Soft Washing

How Long Do Soft Washing Results Last Compared to Power Washing?

Soft washing results typically last 4-6 times longer than those of power washing companies because our process eliminates biological growth at the root level rather than simply blasting away the visible portions. While power washing results may last only a few months, a professional soft washing treatment can keep your surfaces clean for years.

Is Soft Washing Safe for All Types of Exterior Surfaces?

Yes, soft washing is safe for virtually all exterior surfaces, including vinyl siding, aluminum siding, wood, stucco, brick, concrete, asphalt shingles, and cedar shake roofs. The low-pressure application prevents the damage commonly associated with power washing services, making it ideal for delicate surfaces where pressure washing would cause harm.

Can Soft Washing Remove Tough Stains Like Rust or Oil?

Yes, soft washing can effectively remove tough stains, including rust, oil, and deep-set environmental contaminants. Our specialized cleaning solutions are formulated to break down and lift even stubborn stains without the need for excessive pressure.

Will Soft Washing Remove Black Streaks from My Roof?

Absolutely! Soft washing is very effective at eliminating black streaks on roofs, which are typically caused by algae growth. Our specialized roof cleaning solution kills the algae at its source while gently removing the unsightly black streaks without damaging shingles or removing protective granules.

In What Areas Do You Offer Soft Wash Services?

Ocean Softwash provides expert soft washing and exterior cleaning services throughout the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Langley. For homeowners searching for ‘pressure washing near me’ or ‘pressure cleaning near me’, we’re proud to be the leading provider of gentler, more effective cleaning solutions in your local area.

Does Weather Affect the Soft Washing Process?

Weather conditions do impact our soft washing services. Ideally, we prefer dry weather with temperatures above 5°C for optimal results. Our experienced technicians monitor weather forecasts carefully when scheduling services to ensure ideal conditions for your property’s treatment.

What Preparation Is Needed Before a Soft Washing Appointment?

Before your soft washing appointment, we recommend closing all windows and doors, removing or covering delicate outdoor items, moving vehicles from the driveway, and keeping pets indoors. While our team takes care to protect your landscaping, moving potted plants away from immediate work areas can be helpful. Our technicians will provide specific preparation instructions when scheduling your service to ensure everything goes smoothly.

How Soon Can I See Results from Soft Washing?

Results from soft washing are immediately visible upon completion of the service, with surfaces appearing noticeably cleaner right away. However, the full benefits continue to develop over the following 1-2 weeks as our specialized solutions continue working to eliminate biological growth. Unlike power washing services that may leave behind living spores, our soft washing approach ensures comprehensive cleaning that improves over time and delivers lasting results.