Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing: Which One's Right for Your Property?
- Rinsed Exterior Cleaning
- Aug 15
- 4 min read
While they’re two of the best ways to clean the exterior of your home or business, knowing the difference between the two can save (or cost) you thousands of dollars in long-term expenses.
One of the most common questions within the external cleaning business is: “Isn’t soft-washing just pressure washing with a fancy name?”
In fairness, it’s a decent question. Both methods involve water; they clean the surface, and from the outside, they look pretty similar.
But the truth is, they’re both different methods, and choosing the wrong one can damage your property and waste your money.
In this blog, we’re gonna break down what they are, how they work, and when you should be using each one.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is what most people think of when they think of "power cleaning" outside. It uses high-pressure water, often at 2,000 to 3,000 PSI, to blast away dirt and grime.
It's perfect for heavy-duty jobs where the surface is tough enough to handle the pressure.
Where It Works Best:
Driveways & concrete
Paved areas & brickwork
Industrial yards
Certain hard external walls, such as unpainted brick and precast panels
Risks
Paint Stripping: A high-pressure blast can remove paint fast
Etching Surfaces: Soft surfaces like sandstone, pavers or timber can be scarred or eroded.
Forcing Water Where It Doesn't Belong: It can drive water behind cladding, into window seals and under roofing materials, leading to future mould issues on the inside.
Bottom line? Pressure washing is great when applied to the right areas and surfaces, but it's not safe for everything.
Season’s Cleaning Services Australia warns about the hazards associated with pressure washing, including risks of surface damage, water intrusion, and safety issues when used improperly.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a whole different game. Instead of relying on brute force, it uses low-pressure water combined with a chemical cleaning solution that breaks down mould, mildew, algae and grime.
How It Works
Apply Cleaning Solution - a specialised chemical mix that targets organic growth and grime.
Let It Dwell - the solution works its way to the surface to kill the mould and algae at its source.
Rinse Gently - low-pressure water rinses it away, leaving the surface clean and treated.
Where Soft Washing Shines
Rendered walls
Painted surfaces
Timber weatherboards
Roofs (tiles or Colorbond)
Shopfronts & signage
Outdoor furniture, pergolas, and delicate surfaces
Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing: What's the Real Difference?
To put it simply:
Pressure washing = brute force
Soft Washing = finesse and long-term protection
Pressure washing is about instantly removing dirt, grime and stubborn stains from strong surfaces like concrete.
Soft washing is about treating the problem, so surfaces like render, painted walls and roofs aren't damaged, and stay cleaner and protected for longer.
On the Gold Coast, where we've got:
Salty ocean air
High humidity (hello mould)
Strong UV sunlight (that breaks down paint fast)
Soft washing is often the smarter choice for most homes and businesses.
When Should You Choose Soft Washing?
You've got mould, algae or mildew.
Soft washing kills growth at the surface. Pressure washing just strips off what you can see, but it comes back just as quickly as it goes.
Your surface is delicate.
Painted surfaces, timber, and signage don’t handle high pressure well.
You want longer-lasting results
The chemical application process means surfaces stay cleaner for longer, saving you time and money.
You're prepping for sale or guests
Want your home looking fresh for open homes or events? Soft washing instantly boosts your kerb appeal. We recently covered the best reasons to soft wash your home before selling in an earlier blog.
When is Pressure Washing the Better Option?
Driveways and pathways.
Oil stains, tyre marks, or heavily compacted dirt respond best to pressure.
Industrial spaces.
Loading docks, carparks, and workshop floors often need the heavy-duty approach.
Heavily soiled, durable surfaces.
If it’s tough enough to handle it, high-pressure blasting is still the fastest way to clean.
The Cost of Choosing the Wrong Method
We’ve seen it plenty of times:
Render stripped because someone used a high-pressure blaster on it
Timber decks scarred and needing sanding or replacement
Roof tiles cracked because of aggressive cleaning
The repair costs for damage like that can run into the thousands, all because the wrong cleaning method was used.
On the flip side, if you stick with soft washing for surfaces designed for it, you’re protecting your investment long-term.
Jim’s Cleaning Group highlights the importance of knowing the do’s and don’ts when pressure cleaning home exteriors
Why Rinsed Specialises in Soft Washing
While we offer both methods, soft washing is our bread and butter.
Living on the Gold Coast, your property’s constantly copping:
Salt air corrosion
Mould growth from humidity
Dust and pollutants
If you just blast it with water, sure, it looks better for a week, but mould spores and algae will regrow, sometimes even faster.
Soft washing treats the problem at its root. It’s safer, it lasts longer, and it works on way more surfaces without causing damage.
How Often Should You Clean Your Property?
Homes: Once or twice a year is usually enough to keep everything looking fresh and preventing damage.
Businesses: Every 3–6 months, depending on location, foot traffic, and signage exposure.
The Bottom Line
Pressure washing: perfect for concrete, pavers, and industrial yards.
Soft washing: perfect for delicate exteriors, mould issues, and long-term surface protection.
If you’re unsure which one’s right for your property, don’t stress — that’s literally what we do every day. We’ll assess your surfaces and recommend what’s best for your home or business.
Ready to Find Out Which Cleaning Method Your Property Needs?
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