What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing relies on high-pressure water to physically blast dirt, grime, mould, and stains from surfaces. It’s effective on hard, durable materials that can handle force without being damaged.
Pressure washing is commonly used for:
Concrete driveways and paths
Paving stones and patios
Some brick and block surfaces
Heavy-duty commercial areas
When used correctly, pressure washing can quickly restore heavily soiled hard surfaces. When used incorrectly, it can do the opposite.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with specialised cleaning solutions to break down dirt, mould, algae, and bacteria at a molecular level. Instead of forcing growth off a surface, soft washing kills it and allows it to be safely rinsed away.
Soft washing is commonly used for:
House exteriors and weatherboards
Painted surfaces
Roofs
Gutters and fascia
Windows and frames
Because it relies on chemistry rather than force, soft washing is far gentler on your home.
Why High Pressure Can Be Risky on Homes
Many modern homes are not designed to withstand sustained high pressure. Even older homes can suffer damage if pressure is applied incorrectly.
Common problems caused by improper pressure washing include:
Water being forced behind cladding or weatherboards
Stripped paint and damaged coatings
Etched or splintered wood
Cracked seals around windows and doors
Shortened lifespan of exterior materials
These issues aren’t always immediately visible, but they can lead to moisture problems and costly repairs down the track.
Why Soft Washing Is Often the Safer Choice
Soft washing is designed with residential surfaces in mind. The low pressure reduces the risk of water intrusion, while the cleaning solution does the heavy lifting.
Key benefits of soft washing include:
Safer for painted and delicate surfaces
Longer-lasting results because growth is treated at the root
Reduced risk of structural damage
More even, consistent cleaning
Instead of just removing what you can see, soft washing targets the cause of staining, which helps keep surfaces cleaner for longer.
When Pressure Washing Is Still the Right Tool
Pressure washing isn’t bad — it just needs to be used in the right situations. Hard, non-porous surfaces that are built to handle force can benefit from pressure cleaning when done correctly.
Pressure washing is often appropriate for:
Concrete driveways and footpaths
Garage floors
Heavy moss or grime buildup on hard surfaces
Commercial or industrial areas
The key is knowing where to stop and where a softer approach is needed.
How Professionals Choose the Right Method
A professional exterior cleaner doesn’t default to one method for every job. They assess the surface, the level of buildup, and the condition of the material before choosing the safest and most effective approach.
In many cases, a single property will require both methods:
Soft washing for the house, roof, and painted areas
Pressure washing for concrete and paving
This tailored approach delivers better results while minimising risk.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to cleaning your home’s exterior, more pressure doesn’t mean better results. In many cases, it means more risk.
Soft washing is generally the safer option for residential homes, offering a thorough clean without compromising the integrity of your property. Pressure washing still has its place, but only when used on the right surfaces and with the right experience.
Choosing the correct method isn’t about speed or force — it’s about protecting your home while achieving a clean that lasts.