Cleaning the outside of your home is never easy or fun, so it’s no shame if you’re thinking of calling in a professional. You’ve probably heard the terms soft wash vs pressure wash – but what exactly do they mean? And which one is right for your property?
Well, while both methods aim to restore the look and hygiene of your home’s exterior, they use different techniques, tools, and cleaning agents to get the job done. Here at Jet Set Pro, we specialise in both soft washing and high-pressure cleaning Gold Coast residential and commercial properties all across the Gold Coast. In our guide, we’ll explain the key differences between the two – so you can make the best decision for your home.
What is soft washing?
In simple terms, soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning technique that uses specialised cleaning solutions to remove dirt, mould, algae, and mildew from exterior surfaces. The process involves applying specifically formulated detergents and letting them sit for a short period before rinsing everything away with water at low pressure.
Soft wash house cleaning is ideal for more delicate surfaces like:
- Painted weatherboards
- Older render
- Timber cladding
- Cleaning roof surfaces such as Colorbond, concrete tiles, and terracotta tiles.
It’s gentle but effective, killing organic growth at the source without causing damage.
What is pressure washing?
On the other hand, pressure washing house surfaces involves blasting water at a much higher pressure to remove dirt, grime, and built-up residue. It’s best suited for harder surfaces that can withstand the intensity, such as:
- Cleaning concrete driveways
- Brick walls
- Paths
- Patios
- And retaining walls.
Home pressure washing is great for tackling deep stains – removing flaking paint and cutting through grime quickly – but if used on fragile surfaces, it can cause chips, cracks, or strip paint.
7 Differences between soft washing & pressure washing
Not quite sure which of these two services you need? Here are 7 clear comparisons across different areas that homeowners often ask us about:
1. Water pressure
The most obvious difference is the water pressure involved.
Soft washing uses water at around 300-500 PSI, which is gentle enough for painted surfaces and roofs.
Pressure cleaning house surfaces, on the other hand, can involve incredible pressures of up to 4000 PSI – making it much more powerful, but also riskier on softer materials.
2. Cleaning chemicals
Soft washing uses detergents, surfactants and algaecides to break down organic matter like mould and lichen. This makes soft wash house cleaning perfect for surfaces that need sanitisation as well as visible cleaning.
As for pressure washing, it typically relies more on sheer force than chemicals. While it may remove dirt and grime, it doesn’t always kill mould spores, which can return quickly if not treated properly.
3. Surface compatibility
Different exterior surfaces require different care.
Soft washing is best for surfaces like render, painted timber, Colorbond, cladding, and decorative stone.
While house pressure cleaning works well on harder surfaces like concrete, pavers, and bricks.
Knowing which approach to use can prevent expensive damage and get you longer-lasting results.
4. Mould & algae removal
If mould and algae are a problem, especially in shaded areas, soft washing is your best bet. It targets the root of the growth and neutralises it with cleaning solutions. That’s why soft washing is often recommended for roof and wall areas prone to black streaks or green patches.
In contrast, pressure washing house surfaces may blast away visible grime but leave behind the spores that cause regrowth.
5. Equipment used
Professional exterior house washing involves different equipment for each method.
Soft washing machines are specially calibrated to apply cleaning solutions at controlled low pressure.
High-pressure washers for external high pressure cleaning, meanwhile, are much more robust, often petrol-powered – and designed to deliver strong water streams capable of stripping paint and embedded dirt.
The trained and experienced team at Jet Set Pro always uses the right equipment for every job, ensuring you get safe and effective results tailored to your surface type.
6. Environmental impact
Because soft washing uses targeted chemicals and less water, it’s often considered the more eco-friendly option. The detergents break down safely, and because the method is gentler, there’s less water runoff and surface erosion. Where required, Jet Set Pro have procedures in place to manage run-off and prevent cleaning solutions from entering waterways and tank water supplies.
7. Results longevity
Soft washing doesn’t just clean – it sanitises as well. By removing the source of organic build-up, it often results in longer-lasting cleanliness. That’s why soft wash house cleaning is ideal for preventative maintenance on walls, eaves, and roofs.
Pressure washing gets dramatic immediate results – but it may need to be repeated sooner. That’s particularly true if you’re dealing with persistent mould or algae.
What’s best for house washing?
So when it comes to house washing services, how do you choose?
Choose soft washing if:
- You need to clean delicate surfaces
- Kill mould and algae
- Or restore the appearance of weatherboard, Colorbond, or rendered finishes without risk of damage.
Choose pressure washing for:
- Concrete paths
- Brick driveways
- Garage floors
- And other durable areas where you want to remove built-up grime – fast.
That said, in many cases, a combination of both methods is the best approach. Jet Set Pro can assess your property and recommend a tailored exterior house wash plan that combines the benefits of each.
The Jet Set Pro advantage
We’ve provided expert exterior cleaning services to homes and commercial properties across the Gold Coast for years, including in Burleigh Waters, Ormeau, Hope Island, Palm Beach, Varsity Lakes and beyond. Whether you need a gentle soft wash house clean or a deep pressure cleaning house job done, we’ve got the experience, equipment, and techniques to get the job done right.
Our team is 100% trained to recognise surface types, assess risks, and apply the correct method safely and efficiently. We don’t just blast dirt – we care for your home and deliver results that last.
Book your exterior clean today
Ready to transform the look of your property? Whether you’re after a complete house pressure cleaning service or have a gentle soft wash house cleaning task for us, Jet Set Pro is the go. Get in touch today for more expert advice and a free quote.
