Soft washing vs pressure washing: which one each surface needs
Pressure washing uses a strong spray and suits hard surfaces like concrete driveways. Soft washing uses low pressure and suits surfaces a strong spray can damage, like roofs and house siding.
Many homes need both: a soft wash up top and a pressure wash on the ground. On tile roofs, heavy moss comes off by hand first. See house washing and roof cleaning.
What pressure washing is
Pressure washing means cleaning with a machine that sprays water under pressure. Most people use the words power washing for the same thing.
It's the right tool for concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios, which can take a strong, even wash.
What soft washing is
A soft wash means low water pressure. The water comes out gently instead of as a hard jet.
It's for surfaces a strong spray can damage. High pressure can force water behind siding, gouge wood and knock mortar out of brick.
Which surface gets which
Concrete driveways and walkways
Pressure washPavers
Pressure matched to the surface, so the sand stays in the joints
Tile roofs
Soft washHouse siding
Soft washDecks
Depends on what the deck is made of, so ask
Composition shingle roofs
No power washer, says the roofing makers' group ARMA
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says not to use a power washer on shingle roofs.
We clean tile roofs. If you have a shingle roof, send a photo and ask.
What customers noticed
Roof, siding and driveway
They used a soft wash technique on the roof and siding to safely get rid of all the buildup without any damage, and a standard power wash on the concrete driveway and walkways that made them look brand new.
Questions to ask before anyone sprays your roof
- Will you use low pressure on the roof?
- Will anyone walk on the roof, and how?
- What will you do about the plants and windows below?
- Where will the wash water go?
Why slippery walks matter
UC IPM says algae and moss make hard surfaces slippery and unsafe for walking. That's one more reason to keep shady walkways clean.
Services
Guides
Where does the water go when you pressure wash?
What the county expects, who is responsible, and what to ask any pressure washer.
When to clean your gutters in East Contra Costa
Local rain numbers and the signs your gutters need cleaning.
Free quote
Send a few photos and your town. We reply with a price, or set a quick visit if the job needs a closer look.
Get a free quote
Tell us your name, number, town and what needs cleaning.
Want to add photos? Use the full quote form.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (925) 708-4883.