Pressure Washing vs Soft Washing
They sound similar, but they're different tools for different surfaces. Here's how to tell which one your property needs.
Pressure washing in a nutshell
Pressure washing uses a powerful jet of water to blast dirt and growth off hard surfaces. It's excellent for block paving, concrete, paths, brickwork and other durable surfaces, and it's what most people picture when they think of a jet wash.
Soft washing in a nutshell
Soft washing uses a cleaning treatment applied at low pressure. The treatment lifts algae, mould and staining at the surface, then it's rinsed away gently. It's the right choice for render, roofs and other delicate finishes.
Which method for which surface?
Pressure washing: block paving, tarmac, concrete, patios, paths, steps and brickwork. See driveway cleaning and patio cleaning.
Soft washing: render, K Rend and painted walls. See render cleaning.
Low-pressure roof cleaning: tiled roofs, with moss taken off by hand and a suitable treatment applied. See roof cleaning.
Why the right choice matters
Use the wrong method and you either don't clean properly, or you damage the surface. High pressure on render or roof tiles can cause harm. Too little on ground-in dirt leaves a job half done. Knowing which to use, and how, is what you're paying for.
Jet wash or pressure wash? Same thing
Most people say "jet wash", and some say "pressure wash". They mean the same thing: cleaning with a powerful jet of water. Whatever you call it, what matters is who does it and how.
We use both
We're a full exterior cleaning service, so we use controlled pressure washing where it's right and soft washing where it's better. You don't have to choose. Tell us what you'd like cleaned and we'll pick the method for you.
Quick Questions
What's the difference between a jet wash and a pressure wash?
Nothing. "Jet wash" is the everyday name for pressure washing. Both mean cleaning with a strong jet of water.
Is soft washing better than pressure washing?
Neither is better everywhere. Each suits different surfaces. We choose the right one for yours.
Can I pressure wash my render?
We don't recommend it. Render is a delicate finish, and soft washing cleans it gently without the risk.
Do you use pressure washing on roofs?
No. We don't blast tiles with high pressure. We use manual moss removal and a gentle, low-pressure treatment.
Related Services and Guides
Not Sure Which Your Property Needs?
Send us a photo and we'll tell you what we'd do.