Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: What’s Best for Vinyl Siding?
Every spring, homeowners head to the hardware store, rent a high-powered pressure washer, and start blasting away a year’s worth of dirt from their siding. It feels satisfying—watching the grime disappear under 3,000 PSI of water pressure. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: you might be destroying your home’s exterior.
For fragile surfaces like vinyl siding, stucco, and wood, high pressure is often the wrong tool for the job. Enter soft washing, the professional’s choice for a deeper, safer clean.
The Dangers of High Pressure on Vinyl
Vinyl siding is not designed to be waterproof high-pressure seal. It’s designed to shed falling rain. When you blast it with a pressure washer—especially if you spray upward—you risk:
- Water Intrusion: Forcing water behind the panels, leading to unseen mold and rot in your home’s sheathing.
- Physical Damage: Cracking brittle vinyl (especially in cold weather) or blowing holes in aged siding.
- Seal Broken: Ripping the oxidation layer off unevenly, leaving "tiger stripes" or permanent discoloration.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses specific biodegradable cleaning solutions to kill the organic growth (mold, algae, moss) at the root, rather than just blasting the surface visible layer. The water pressure used is barely more than a garden hose.
Think of it like washing the dishes: you don't use a fire hose to clean a plate; you use soap and warm water. Soft washing applies the "soap" (cleaning agents) to break down the dirt, and then gently rinses it away.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Pressure Washing | Soft Washing |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Level | High (1,500 - 4,000 PSI) | Low (150 - 300 PSI) |
| Cleaning Method | Mechanical force | Chemical solution |
| Best For | Concrete, brick, stone pavers | Vinyl siding, roofs, stucco, cedar |
| Risk of Damage | High (etching, forcing water in) | Low (gentle application) |
| Longevity | Short (spores remain) | Long (kills spores) |
Why Soft Washing Lasts Longer
That green stuff growing on your north-facing wall? That’s algae (Gloeocapsa magma). Pressure washing shears the top off the algae bloom but leaves the root system intact in the pores of the siding. It grows back within months.
Soft washing solutions sanitize the surface, effectively killing the organism completely. This means your home stays cleaner for 2-3 times longer compared to pressure washing.
When Should You Use Pressure Washing?
We’re not anti-pressure washing! It has its place. We use high-pressure surface cleaners for:
- Concrete driveways and sidewalks
- Stone patios
- Brick retaining walls
- Removing old paint from decks (prior to staining)
But for the vertical surfaces of your home, softer is stronger.
Restore Your Home's Curb Appeal Safely
Don't risk water damage behind your siding. Let our experts treat your home to a professional soft wash that removes algae for good.
Get a Free Soft Wash Quote