What do you want cleaned? Pick one, then answer yes or no.

Soft washing vs. pressure washing

	Soft washing	Pressure washing
How it cleans	A cleaning solution does the work; low-pressure rinse	High-pressure water does the work, with detergents as needed
Typical pressure	Very low, often under 500 PSI at the surface	Often 1,500-3,500 PSI, depending on the surface
Best for	Roofs, vinyl, stucco, EIFS, painted wood, fiber cement	Concrete, many pavers, brick flatwork, heavy grime
Main risk	Plants and finishes if the mix is wrong or not rinsed	Etching, gouging and water forced into walls

Possible outcomes

Soft wash: Shingle roofs are cleaned with a low-pressure solution that kills the algae and moss. Pressure washing strips the granules that protect the shingles. → service
Soft wash: A mild solution and gentle rinse clean painted metal without harming the coating or forcing water under seams and fasteners. → service
Soft wash: Tile is cleaned mostly with solution and careful roof access. High pressure erodes concrete tile, and tiles crack when stepped on in the wrong place. → service
Soft wash: Wood roofs get a wood-safe solution and gentle rinse, often followed by a preservative. High pressure splits and erodes the wood. → service
Ask first: Slate, membrane and other roofs need a method matched to the material. Low pressure is the safe default; have the roof looked at before anyone cleans it. → service

Soft wash: A house wash solution kills the growth at the root and rinses away at low pressure. High pressure can force water behind siding and damage finishes. → service
Soft wash plus stain treatment: Clay, rust and mineral stains need cleaners made for them, not more pressure. Fixing the source, such as splashback or sprinklers, keeps them from coming back. → service
Soft wash: Everyday dirt, pollen and cobwebs come off with a house wash and a gentle rinse from the top down. → service
Masonry cleaner, low pressure: That haze is usually efflorescence, mineral salt carried out by moisture. It needs a masonry-safe cleaner and a fix for the water source. → service
Low-pressure wash or soft wash: Brick handles moderate pressure with a wide fan tip held back from the wall, but mortar joints erode under close, narrow spray. Growth comes off best with a soft wash. → service
Start gentle: If you're not sure what the siding is, start with the gentlest method. A pro can identify it and test a small, hidden area first. → service

Low-pressure wash: Use a composite deck cleaner and low pressure with a wide tip, and follow the decking maker's care guide; some limit pressure under the warranty. → service
Strip, then low-pressure rinse: Peeling finish has to come off before new stain will stick. A stripper does the work and a low-pressure rinse removes the residue, then the wood is brightened and left to dry. → service
Low-pressure wash, brighten, stain: A wood cleaner and low-pressure rinse remove gray fibers and mildew, a brightener restores color, and the wood dries before stain goes on. → service
Low-pressure wash: A wood cleaner and a wide fan tip at low pressure remove dirt and mildew. High pressure furs and gouges the boards. → service

Soft wash: Vinyl fencing cleans up with a mild solution and gentle rinse. High pressure can crack older vinyl, and sprinkler spots need a mineral cleaner. → service
Low-pressure wash: Check for rust and loose paint first. Pressure can lift flaking paint, which then needs touching up. → service
Low-pressure wash, then dry, then stain: A wood cleaner and low-pressure rinse prep the boards, a brightener evens the color, and the fence must dry before stain or sealer. → service
Low-pressure wash: Wood fences mildew and gray. A wood cleaner and gentle rinse clean them without splintering the boards. → service

Pressure wash plus degreaser: A degreaser and hot water lift fresh oil. Old, soaked-in stains usually lighten a lot but may not disappear. → service
Rust treatment, then pressure wash: Rust needs a dedicated rust remover; pressure alone won't lift it. Then the whole driveway is washed so it looks even. → service
Pressure wash: Plain concrete handles about 2,500-3,500 PSI. A rotary surface cleaner gives an even finish without stripes. Sealing afterward helps it stay clean. → service
Low-to-moderate pressure wash: Asphalt is softer than concrete, so it is washed at lower pressure, usually as prep before sealcoating. → service
Moderate pressure wash, then seal: A surface cleaner at moderate pressure keeps joint sand and sealer from being stripped in patches. Pavers are then re-sanded and sealed. → service
Ask first: Gravel and other surfaces usually don't need pressure washing. Describe your driveway and we'll suggest the right approach. → service

Pressure wash, re-sand, seal: Clean with a surface cleaner, refill the joints (often with polymeric sand) and seal to lock the sand in and keep weeds out. → service
Pressure wash: A surface cleaner at moderate pressure cleans pavers while keeping as much joint sand in place as possible. → service
Low-pressure wash: Use low pressure and a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Acids, including vinegar, etch limestone and travertine. → service
Moderate, even pressure: Even, moderate pressure avoids stripping the sealer in patches. Most stamped concrete looks best when cleaned and resealed every few years. → service
Pressure wash: A pre-treatment for green growth in shady spots and a surface cleaner give plain concrete an even, clean finish. → service

Many jobs use both: a soft wash for the house and roof, and pressure washing for the driveway and walks. See Soft Washing and Pressure Washing.

Still not sure in Williamsburg, OH? Call (555) 010-0000 or book a visit online.