When homeowners call us, one of the most common questions is: “Should I get my house pressure washed or soft washed?” Here’s the plain answer.
## What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water (typically 1,500–4,000 PSI) to physically blast dirt, grime, and buildup off surfaces. The cleaning power comes from the water pressure itself.
**Best for:** Driveways, concrete sidewalks, patios, brick pavers, wood decks (with proper technique)
**Not ideal for:** Vinyl siding, older wood siding, roofs, windows
## What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure (under 500 PSI — similar to a garden hose) combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to break down and kill algae, mildew, mold, and organic buildup at the source. The cleaning power comes from the detergents, not the pressure.
**Best for:** House siding (vinyl, brick, aluminum, wood), roofs, stucco, fences, painted surfaces
**Why it lasts longer:** Pressure washing removes the visible surface buildup. Soft washing kills the algae and mildew spores — so they don’t come back in a few weeks. Results typically last 12–18 months.
## What Happens If You Pressure Wash Siding?
High-pressure washing on vinyl or wood siding can:
– Force water behind siding, causing moisture damage and mold inside walls
– Damage caulking around windows and doors
– Void manufacturer warranties on vinyl siding
– Etch or strip paint from wood
This is why reputable companies use soft wash for house washing — it cleans better and doesn’t risk damage.
## Quick Reference: Which Method for What Surface?
| Surface | Method |
|—|—|
| Vinyl siding | Soft wash |
| Brick siding | Soft wash |
| Wood siding | Soft wash |
| Concrete driveway | Pressure wash |
| Asphalt driveway | Low-pressure wash |
| Wood deck | Low-medium pressure |
| Composite/Trex deck | Low pressure |
| Concrete patio | Pressure wash |
| Fence (wood) | Soft wash |
## What Does Mr. PowerWash Use?
We use **soft wash for all house washing** in Greater Cleveland. For driveways and concrete, we use commercial hot-water pressure washing with rotary surface cleaners. For decks, we match the pressure and detergents to the specific material.
**[Get a Free Estimate](https://mrpowerwash.co/contact/)** | [(440) 477-6275](tel:+14404776275)
Serving Parma, Avon, Avon Lake, Berea, Strongsville, Medina, North Olmsted, Lakewood, Rocky River, Westlake, and all of Greater Cleveland.