Commercial Soft Washing Vs Pressure Washing: What's the Difference?

What's the difference between commercial soft washing and pressure washing? Find out in this guide.

When you're comparing soft washing with pressure washing for commercial properties, there's a key difference: the amount of force used for cleaning. Both methods clean exterior surfaces, but they tackle dirt and grime in very different ways.

If you're in charge of a commercial property, it's essential that you choose the right cleaning method, not just for the sake of your bottom line, but also to protect your building and keep your premises looking as professional as possible.

In this guide, we're outlining the differences between these two washing methods, including the level of force used, the surfaces they're suitable for, and when to choose which one.

Key Takeaways

• Soft washing involves using low pressure and specialist cleaning solutions to carefully clean delicate surfaces. It tends to work better for roofs, painted surfaces, and other fragile surfaces.

• Pressure washing, on the other hand, relies on high-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime. It's better suited for hard surfaces like concrete driveways and some industrial areas.

• The best cleaning method for the job depends on the type of surface you're dealing with and how dirty it is.

• Professional exterior cleaning companies will choose the right tools and cleaning chemicals for the job at hand.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses a high-pressure washer to blast water at high speed and clean surfaces quickly. The machine pushes water through a narrow nozzle, producing enough force to strip away dirt, grease, mud, and stubborn stains from hard surfaces.

Many commercial cleaning contractors use pressure washing for:

• Driveways made of concrete

• Loading bays

• Car parks

• Brickwork

• Warehouse floors

• Some industrial exterior surfaces

  
  

You may also hear people refer to it as power washing. Some people use these terms interchangeably, but power washing is also used to describe systems that heat the water for extra deep cleaning.

A commercial pressure washer measures force in pounds per square inch. If a higher square inch rating is used, this will produce more cleaning power, but it also increases the risk of damaging fragile surfaces.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with cleaning solutions to address the same issues as pressure washing: dirt, algae, mould, mildew, moss, and organic growth.

But while traditional pressure washing relies on force, the soft washing method gets at the root cause of staining by applying eco-friendly cleaning chemicals to the surface, then rinsing everything away gently afterwards.

Most professional soft washing services use a mix that includes sodium hypochlorite alongside surfactants and detergents. These cleaning solutions lift dirt but don't risk damaging delicate surfaces.

The soft washing method works particularly well on:

• Asphalt shingles

• Painted surfaces

• Render

• Cladding

• Roof tiles

• Outdoor furniture

• Delicate materials

• Fragile surfaces

  
  

Because soft washing uses low pressure, you get less risk of surface erosion or accidental damage.

Related: How Much Should You Pay for Commercial Pressure Washing in Dallas?

Commercial Soft Washing Vs Pressure Washing

When we're comparing these two washing methods, the main difference comes down to the pressure that's used. Because of this, there are also differences in surface suitability, and how each cleaning process removes contamination.

Pressure Washing Uses Force

Pressure washing relies on high-pressure water to remove dirt from a surface. The equipment blasts it all away quickly, making it useful for durable materials.

The risk of using high pressure is that it can also:

• Strip paint

• Damage surfaces

• Force water behind cladding

• Damage property

• Cause loose paint to peel

• Crack delicate materials

That's why soft washing exists: because pressure washing can cause serious damage when it's used on the wrong surface.

Soft Washing Uses Cleaning Solutions

Soft washing uses low pressure and specially formulated cleaning solutions. Instead of blasting contamination away, the chemicals break it down first.

This cleaning method works better for delicate surfaces because it cleans without aggressive force. Soft washing also keeps surfaces cleaner for longer because it treats algae and mould at the source.

You may choose soft washing for cleaning a roof or a painted surface because the system avoids using excessive pressure.

Not sure whether your property needs soft washing or pressure washing? CRI Washing can assess your exterior surfaces and recommend the safest, most effective cleaning method for long-lasting results. Contact us here.

Soft Washing Vs Pressure Washing For Different Surfaces

So now we know how these processes differ, let's look at all the differences in the surfaces that they treat.

Best Surfaces For Pressure Washing

Pressure washing works best on strong, durable surfaces such as:

• Concrete driveways

• Stone paths

• Industrial flooring

• Certain brick surfaces

• Heavy-duty metal areas

These surfaces can handle high pressure without being damaged.

Best Surfaces For Soft Washing

Soft washing suits:

• Asphalt shingles

• Roof tiles

• Render

• Painted surfaces

• Cladding

• Outdoor furniture

• More delicate surfaces

Using a soft washer protects delicate surfaces but still offers effective cleaning.

Which Cleaning Method Lasts Longer?

Soft washing usually delivers longer-lasting results compared to pressure washing.

Pressure washing removes visible dirt quickly, but it may leave behind algae spores and bacteria, which means stains often return faster. But soft washing is all about tackling the root cause of dirt: organic growth. Plus, its cleaning chemicals keep working after the initial application, so surfaces stay cleaner for way longer than pressure washing.

When to Use Each Method

Soft wash is better for delicate or painted surfaces, while pressure washing is the more powerful option for blasting heavy dirt and built-up grime from surfaces that can take it. When you're deciding between soft washing and pressure washing, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the surface delicate?

• Does the area have paint on it?

• Do you see algae or organic growth?

• Does the surface already show wear?

Sometimes, your pressure washing contractor might actually recommend using both soft washing and pressure washing throughout your property. For instance, they might use pressure washing on hard-standing areas, but soft washing on the building itself. A trusted professional should always use the right equipment for the job.

You only get one chance to make a strong first impression. CRI Washing helps you keep your commercial property clean, professional, and protected with expert soft washing and pressure washing services. Get in touch to book your service today.

FAQ

Q: What's the main difference between soft washing and pressure washing?

The main difference between soft washing and pressure washing is the water force. Pressure washing uses a high-powered pressure washer to blast away dirt, while soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with cleaning solutions to clean surfaces gently.

Q: Can pressure washing damage delicate surfaces?

Yes, pressure washing can damage delicate surfaces and fragile materials if the wrong pressure or equipment is used. That's why it's so important to find a commercial washing company that understands the differences between soft wash vs pressure wash and when each method should be used.

Q: Is soft washing better for roofs?

Yes, soft washing works far better for most roofing materials because the low pressure protects the surface but still removes algae and dirt safely. Your contractor may recommend using soft washing for your commercial property's roofs, while using power washing for the rest of the building.

Q: Does soft washing use chemicals?

Yes, soft washing uses cleaning chemicals and cleaning solutions to break down algae, mould, mildew, and grime before rinsing the surface clean. A professional contractor should apply chemicals carefully to minimise environmental impact.

Q: Which cleaning method lasts longer?

Soft washing often lasts longer than power washing because it gets to the root cause of the grime buildup instead of just removing surface dirt. Your contractor should walk you through what to expect before they get started.