"Pressure Washing v
Soft Washing"
Based in Poole, Dorset
Working through out Dorset, Hants & Wilts
Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash
Your home’s exterior isn’t just a backdrop — it’s the first impression, the face it shows to the world. Over time, that face collects grime, algae, mildew, and pollutants. Whether you’re prepping for a summer garden party or trying to avoid costly long-term repairs, exterior cleaning is non-negotiable.
Two methods dominate the market: soft washing and pressure washing. But what’s the real difference — and why does it matter?
Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and surprising truths behind these techniques, so you don’t just clean your home — you protect it.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Think of pressure washing as the powerlifting cousin in the cleaning world. It relies on brute force, blasting surfaces with water at up to 3,000 PSI — enough to cut through dirt, paint, and even some softer materials if you’re not careful.
It’s ideal for:
Concrete driveways
Brick walls
Stone patios
Decks in tough shape
But here’s the catch: that same force can etch wood, strip paint, or shove water into cracks, leading to future rot or leaks. If your surface can’t stand up to the pressure, it’s like using a sledgehammer to kill a fly.
Pressure washing requires certain skills to prevent damage to any given surface as it may strip off the material or in some case crack a surface. Our top tips for DIY pressure washing are:
Keep appropriate distance from objects depending on the materials they are made from and the density
Read the manual to your pressure washer before starting cleaning
Choose the correct pressure for each object
Choose the correct nozzle extension
Test your pressure settings and its effectiveness in an unnoticeable area first or an area/part that you can easily be replaced afterwards if ruined
Use chemicals with caution as they may kill your plants and can be carcinogenic
Keep your pets and fingers away from the nozzle
What Is Soft Washing?
If pressure washing is brute strength, soft washing is brainpower. It uses a mix of biodegradable chemicals applied at low pressure (under 500 PSI) to break down mould, algae, and grime at the molecular level.
It’s not just a surface-level clean — it’s a deep detox for your home.
Perfect for:
Roof tiles and shingles
Painted facades
Weathered wood
Cladding, stucco, or vinyl siding
Compare softwashing to how you would clean your dishes. In order to leave your dishes clean you would need to use a detergent to scrub and disturb the dirt which would cut through the grime and break down any deposits of grease. If you were to use just water, you wouldn’t quickly and effectively remove any grease and food deposits.
The magic is in the dwell time. Let the solution soak in, do the work, and then rinse. No blasting required.
Pro Insight: Soft washing isn’t just safer — it’s longer-lasting. It kills organisms at the root, whereas pressure washing just knocks off the visible growth (like mowing a weed without pulling it out).
Soft washing should be used on surfaces that are difficult to clean and that can be damaged during normal pressure washing. Roof soft washing is one of the most demanded services in the cleaning industry. Although soft washing is most commonly used for render cleaning, the method is also used to clean cladding, wooden panelling, K-rend, roofs, block paved driveways, decking, tarmac, play grounds, fences and patios. Almost all exterior surfaces can effectively be cleaned by this method.
Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash: The Core Differences
Feature
Pressure Washing
Soft Washing
Pressure
1,300–3,000+ PSI
Under 500 PSI
Cleans via
Mechanical force
Chemical solution
Best for
Hard surfaces
Delicate or porous surfaces
Targets
Dirt, paint, rust
Organic growth (algae, mould)
Lasts
Short term
Longer-lasting clean
Risk
Surface damage
Chemical handling
All in all, consider the following factors when choosing what type of cleaning to pick:
Pressure washing
Can be done professionally or DIY
Can be used only on tough surfaces, as even wood can be damaged
Requires skill to ensure surface isn’t stripped
Can be used without chemicals.
If used with chemicals, they can be dangerous to plants
Safest when used at ground level
Best when surface is heavily soiled. Softwashing recommended after.
Soft washing
You need a professional to carry out the cleaning
Suitable for most surfaces
Uses less water
Little or no noise pollution
Kills growth and spores left by pressure washing
Doesn’t damage surface being cleaned.
Used with biodegradable chemicals.
Longer lasting results.
Areas for cleaning can be located high up so no access issues.
When to Use Each Method (And When to Mix Them)
There’s a myth that you have to choose one or the other — but in reality, many pros combine the two. For example:
Step 1: Soft wash to kill moss and algae
Step 2: Pressure wash to lift and remove the debris
Result: Deep clean that lasts without damaging the surface
Rule of Thumb:
Soft wash for anything you’d be nervous about painting or sanding
Pressure wash for anything you’d confidently tap with a hammer
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Sure, you can rent a pressure washer from the hardware store, but should you?
DIY Pitfalls:
Uneven pressure causes streaks — or worse, damage
Chemicals misapplied can stain, kill plants, or harm pets
No insurance if something goes wrong
Pro Advantages:
Surface-by-surface diagnosis
Specialised equipment and eco-safe solutions
Liability insurance and workmanship guarantees
Contact me for a free, no-obligation assessment. I’ll help you choose the safest, most effective method for your property — whether it’s soft wash, pressure wash, or a combination of both.
Common Myths (Busted)
❌ Myth: “Pressure washing gets everything off”
Reality: It gets the visible gunk, but not the root cause of mould or mildew. Expect it back in weeks.
❌ Myth: “Soft washing is just spraying with soap”
Reality: It’s a calculated chemical process, often using surfactants and algaecides tailored for the job.
❌ Myth: “All cleaners use the same method”
Reality: The best professionals tailor their approach per surface, weather, and contamination type.
Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash: Which Method Should You Choose?
Mr Softwash Ltd soft washing with Algoclear pro
"Soft Washing Company of the year 2025"
"The safer way to wash your home
& the results can last up to 3-4 times longer"
Soft Washing was developed in the USA about 20 years ago and was a way of washing property without the risks associated with using high pressure as in pressure washing. Soft washing is a cleaning process that safely removes organic stains, mildew, and algae from render using a low-pressure washing technique and a mixture of biocides or sodium hypochlorite, surfactants, and water. High pressure damages render, roofs and other surfaces, so Low pressure is used to prevent any damage.
Soft washing or low pressure is used on surfaces that are difficult to clean with pressure washing or might be damaged by high pressure. It's gentle on surfaces, making it ideal for delicate materials.
Soft washing is different from power washing, which uses higher water pressure. Power washing can void a warranty, cause granule loss, and compromise the integrity of roof tiles, damage rendering, patios and other surfaces.
What is the distinction between
Soft Washing and Pressure Washing?
Although the procedures, equipment, pressure, and chemicals used in soft washing, power washing, and pressure washing appear to be identical, they are not. Power washing and pressure washing require much higher water pressure than soft washing, and power washing is usually done with high pressure. To kill mould, mildew, bacteria, algae, fungus, moss, and other bacteria, the Soft Washing method is paired with a biodegradable sanitizing cleaning solution.
This biowash will continue to prevent further organic growth for about 3-5 years.
If your looking for professional soft washing in Poole and the wider Dorset, Hants, Wilts area please contact me for a free no obligation quote.
"Soft washing is the future of Property cleaning"
Render
Soft Washing
Softwash Roof
Cleaning
Driveway & Patio Cleaning
My Projects
Areas covered
All BH & DT Postcodes
Dorset - West Hampshire - South Wiltshire
Soft washing with Algoclear pro
Why Choose Me?
⭐️ Professional
⭐️ Full back up & ongoing support
⭐️ Good communication
⭐️ Trained to use high pressure & soft washing equipment
⭐️ Trained to use chemicals
⭐️ Highly experienced
⭐️ £5 million liability insurance
⭐️ Full written quotes
⭐️ Trusted & reliable Ltd company
5 ⭐️ Reviews
Please contact me to discuss your requirements or request
a quote for any pressure washing or soft washing job.
All enquiries welcome
Contact Steve today
for a free no obligation Quote
Soft Washing - Pressure Washing - Jet Washing - Driveway cleaning - Patio cleaning - Render cleaning - Driveway & patio sealing - Roof cleaning - Brickwork cleaning - Stonework cleaning - Decking cleaning - Cladding cleaning - Gutter cleaning - Block paving cleaning - Window cleaning - Fascias & soffits cleaning - Biowash treatments - Caravan cleaning - Boat cleaning - Swimming pool cleaning - Tennis court cleaning - Artificial grass cleaning - Car park & forecourt cleaning - Paint, oil & graffiti removal - Solar panel cleaning - Vehicle cleaning
Areas Covered
All BH & DT Postcodes - Dorset - West Hampshire - South Wiltshire
What my customers say
I cannot recommend Steve at Mr Softwash Ltd highly enough. A very professional job done on our patio - paving slabs which hadn’t been cleaned for 4-5 years! They now look amazing and no mess left. My request for a quote was responded to quickly and he turned up at the date and time he said he would. Very happy customer 😊
Steve has soft washed my house and it was an excellent job. He's just come back and jet washed the driveway and resanded it and has done yet another excellent job. I highly recommend his work.
I can totally recommend Steve. We had our blocked drive and patio cleaned.Both came up as new.
Steve is prompt , efficient and takes pride in his work. Steve keeps you informed on everything he is doing and why.
It’s lovely to get such good service.
Excellent workmanship, highly recommend. Did front drive and large patio at rear, totally satisfied with all that was done. Thankyou Margaret
5 star service!
We got in touch with Steve after an accident with a large pot of green fence paint that exploded all over our block paved driveway! Steve was brilliant from start to finish, he cleaned our driveway, path at the front of our property and our Indian sandstone patio in the garden and has done a top job! All 3 areas look brand new, the paint has completely gone and its transformed the outside of our little house. Can’t rate Steve’s service highly enough. Professional, friendly and he’s done a brilliant job. Thank you!
I've just had my block paved Driveway cleaned and resanded by Steve at Mr Softwash Ltd...and I am chuffed to bits with it! It was in a right sorry state after a Massive Water leak restoration by Insurance builders, it had mould,Moss, water stains, builders rubble, tile grout, concrete you name it, it was on there!..and Now after he worked his magic, looks like it was laid yesterday. Pristine and all the colours are back and refreshed.
Steve was prompt, his work was clean and efficient, and he told me at every stage from estimate, to end of job why and how he was going to do job. I am extremely Happy with the Work carried out and would recommend this company to anyone!!
Thank you Mr Softwash Ltd!
Steve came this morning to clean my patio,he has done an amazing job. My patio has never looked so clean. Absolute professional and very reasonable prices.
Thank you Steve fantastic job.
Steve was friendly and efficient, doing a great job for us. He was also kind enough to look at some extra bits for me while he was here. Would recommend!
Positive
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism
Mr Softwash Ltd have recently pressure washed a patio, fascias and soffits for me, and the results are excellent.
Thank you Steve for the superb work you've just completed on our expansive block paving driveway. It's a number of years since we saw the true colour of the bricks, now completely transformed and looking great. For anyone considering this type of work, we chose Steve because of the excellent reviews we'd read, and we like to support local business. We are delighted that we did. From Steve's prompt responses to our initial enquiry to his steady hard work on the cleaning, and completion today with the sanding, we could not be more pleased to give Steve a 5 star recommendation.
Darrell Merrell
Steve has done a wonderful job cleaning the algae from the render on our chimney and corners of the house so that it looks like new again. Clear and easy communication, very nice to deal with. Here are some before and after photos
Silicone Render Cleaning Specialists
" Soft Washing is the future of property cleaning"
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