If the exterior of your home is covered in moss, algae, mildew, dirt, or other organic buildup, you may be
wondering whether soft washing or pressure washing is the right way to clean it.
While both methods are used for exterior cleaning, they are very different. Choosing the right cleaning
method can make a big difference in the results—and can help prevent unnecessary damage to your home.
At Olympic Softwashing, we use both soft washing and pressure washing depending on the surface being
cleaned. Here’s how they work and when each method should be used.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure exterior cleaning method that uses professional cleaning solutions to break down and remove organic growth such as moss, algae, mildew, and other buildup.
Instead of relying on high water pressure to blast a surface clean, soft washing allows the cleaning solution to do most of the work.
This makes soft washing especially useful for surfaces that can be damaged by excessive pressure, including:
- Asphalt shingle roofs
- Siding
- Painted surfaces
- Stucco
- Certain decks and fences
- Other delicate exterior surfaces
One of the biggest advantages of soft washing is that it targets the organic growth causing the discoloration, rather than simply removing what you can see on the surface.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing uses water at significantly higher pressure to remove dirt, grime, and buildup from
durable exterior surfaces.
When used correctly, pressure washing is an excellent option for hard surfaces such as:
- Concrete driveways
- Sidewalks
- Patios
- Certain masonry surfaces
- Other durable surfaces designed to withstand higher pressure
Professional pressure washing isn’t simply about using as much pressure as possible. The pressure,
equipment, cleaning solution, and technique should all be matched to the surface being cleaned.
Using excessive pressure can leave permanent marks in concrete, damage wood, strip paint, or force water
into areas where it shouldn’t go.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: Which Is Better?
Neither method is better for every situation.
The important part is using the correct cleaning method for the surface.
For example, we would never clean an asphalt shingle roof the same way we clean a concrete driveway. A
roof requires a much gentler approach, while concrete can typically handle controlled pressure.
For many homes, an exterior cleaning project may actually require a combination of both methods.
Soft Washing Is Best for Organic Growth
Here on the Olympic Peninsula, our wet climate creates ideal conditions for moss, algae, and other organic
growth.
Soft washing is particularly effective because the cleaning process addresses the growth itself instead of
trying to blast it away with high pressure.
This is especially important when it comes to roof cleaning and moss removal.
Using high pressure on asphalt shingles can damage the roofing material and remove protective granules.
A properly performed soft wash uses low pressure and a cleaning treatment designed for the surface.
At Olympic Softwashing, our goal isn’t simply to make a roof look cleaner. We want to clean and protect
your roof investment while using the safest appropriate method for the material.
When Do We Use Pressure Washing?
There are still plenty of situations where pressure washing is the right tool for the job.
Concrete driveways, sidewalks, and patios can accumulate years of dirt, grime, organic buildup, and
discoloration.
For these surfaces, professional equipment can provide a deeper and more even cleaning than low pressure alone.
The key is knowing where pressure belongs—and where it doesn’t.
Why Professional Exterior Cleaning Matters
One of the most common mistakes with DIY exterior cleaning is assuming every surface can be cleaned the
same way.
It can’t.
Different materials require different pressures, cleaning solutions, dwell times, and techniques. An experienced exterior cleaning company should evaluate the surface first and choose a cleaning process that delivers results without unnecessarily damaging the material.
That’s why Olympic Softwashing offers multiple exterior cleaning services rather than relying on one
cleaning method for everything.
Soft Washing & Pressure Washing on the Olympic Peninsula
Olympic Softwashing provides professional exterior cleaning for homeowners throughout Sequim, Port
Angeles, and the surrounding Olympic Peninsula.
Our services include:
- Roof cleaning and moss removal
- Soft washing
- House washing
- Gutter cleaning
- Driveway and concrete cleaning
- Interior and exterior window cleaning
- Skylight cleaning
- Deck and patio cleaning
- Exterior property cleaning
Whether your roof is covered in moss, your siding is developing algae, or your driveway needs a deep
cleaning, we’ll determine the appropriate cleaning method for the surface.
Protect Your Home. Clean It the Right Way.
Your home’s exterior is a major investment. Cleaning it shouldn’t mean damaging it in the process.
Soft washing provides a low-pressure solution for roofs, siding, and other sensitive surfaces, while
pressure washing provides the cleaning power needed for tougher surfaces such as concrete.
The best results come from knowing when—and how—to use each method.
If you’re looking for soft washing, roof cleaning, pressure washing, or exterior cleaning in Sequim, Port
Angeles, or the Olympic Peninsula, contact Olympic Softwashing for a free estimate.
Olympic Softwashing
360-477-6852
www.olympicsoftwashing.com
Local family owned and operated • Licensed & Insured • 2-Year Roof Treatment Warranty