21 OCT 2023

Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing: What To Know

With two decades of pressure washing experience, Jiffy Pressure Washing experts want to help our customers understand the difference between pressure washing and soft washing so they can learn better ways of maintaining their property. This will help you see why Jiffy Pressure Washing is the best service for Auburn pressure washing and how routine, annual washing, and cleaning will keep your property in its best possible condition.

Pressure washing generally refers to high-pressure water force. Pressure is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch, and it's the standard measure of the force from our equipment's water hoses. A standard garden hose delivers within the realm of 50 PSI, whereas many pressure washers deliver between 1500 to 4000 PSI—quite a big difference.

Pressure Washing & Best Uses

When compared to "soft washing," "pressure washing" refers to the higher PSI force. These dangerously high-water pressure levels are only used on hard surfaces and generally only when they have tough, ingrained stains and discolorations. Cement, stone, and metal are the more common materials that might require these high pressures. Cement, in particular, can withstand high pressure and has a porous nature that can require these forces to penetrate further beneath the surface and remove deep-rooted impurities.

Pressure washing would be most commonly used for driveway washing, patio washing, and sidewalk cleaning. These are areas that are made of stone and cement and often sustain the worst damage due to their frequency of use. Vehicles and other equipment, like grills, that use oils and other liquids can increase the need for pressure washing to remove deep stains.

Soft Washing & Best Uses

Soft washing refers to low-pressure water force. Washing softer materials necessitates the use of soft washing to reduce or eliminate potentially damaging the surface due that can be caused by higher pressures.

Because soft washing utilizes gentler force, it's combined with the use of detergents, or cleaning agents, that soak into dirt and contaminants of the surface to release their grip. Once the stains and dirt are no longer bonded to a surface, it's a simple matter for the lower force of soft washing to clean the contaminants away, leaving a perfectly clean result without the need for high-pressure force.

Soft washing is necessary for delicate surfaces like wood, house washing, and especially roof cleaning. Roof shingles are designed to withstand precipitation without leaking, but are not designed to stand up to pressure washing. That's why the professionals at Jiffy Pressure Washing rely on our gentle detergent mixes to loosen dirt and grime to prepare roof shingles for more delicate cleaning.