The short answer
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to physically blast dirt off hard, durable surfaces like concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios. Soft washing uses low pressure (about what a garden hose puts out) combined with cleaning solutions that kill algae, mold and mildew, then rinses them away. Siding and roofs get soft washed. Concrete gets pressure washed.
What pressure washing is for
High pressure works on surfaces that can take it and where the dirt sits on top: concrete, pavers and other masonry flatwork. On a driveway, a rotary surface cleaner spins pressurized jets just above the concrete to lift dirt, tire marks and grime evenly.
- Driveways and garage aprons
- Sidewalks, walkways and steps
- Patios and pool decks
- Dumpster pads, drive-thrus and commercial concrete
What soft washing is for
Most of the green, black and gray staining on a house is organic: algae, mold, mildew and lichen. Blasting it with pressure removes the visible layer but leaves roots behind, so it grows back quickly. It can also force water behind vinyl siding, strip paint, etch brick and knock the protective granules off asphalt shingles.
Soft washing applies a cleaning solution at low pressure, gives it time to break down and kill the growth, then rinses it off gently. The result is cleaner and lasts longer, without the damage.
- Vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement siding
- Brick, stone and stucco
- Asphalt shingle roofs
- Painted surfaces, trim, soffits and gutters
Why the wrong method causes damage
Most exterior cleaning damage comes from using high pressure where it doesn't belong: lifted or cracked siding, water behind walls, streaked paint, etched wood, and shingles that lose granules and age early. On the other side, soft washing alone won't get a heavily soiled driveway clean. A professional uses both, matched to the surface.
How we decide on your property
On a typical Cedar Rapids home, we soft wash the siding, trim and gutters, and pressure wash the driveway, sidewalks and patio. Decks and fences depend on the material: wood gets lower pressure to protect the grain, and composite gets methods appropriate for the boards. If you're not sure what you need, send us photos and we'll tell you.
Need help in Cedar Rapids? SurfacePro Pressure Washing is a fully insured, locally owned exterior cleaning company serving Cedar Rapids and 30 miles around. Call or text (319) 310-9107 or request a free quote.