"Pressure washing" gets used as a catch-all term, but using the wrong method on the wrong surface can actually cause damage — or just fail to clean it properly. Here's how to tell which approach your project needs.
Power washing: high pressure, hard surfaces
Power washing uses hot or cold water at high pressure (often 3,000+ PSI) to blast away dirt, grime, oil stains, and algae. It's the right call for surfaces that can handle the force:
- Concrete driveways and walkways
- Patios and pool decks
- Brick and stone hardscaping
Used on the wrong surface, high pressure can strip paint, gouge wood, force water behind siding, or damage mortar joints.
Soft washing: low pressure, delicate surfaces
Soft washing uses low pressure combined with specialized cleaning solutions to break down algae, mold, mildew, and organic growth at the source — rather than just blasting it off the surface. This is the safer, more effective choice for:
- Vinyl, wood, or fiber-cement siding
- Wood and composite decks and fences
- Roofs (algae streaking, moss)
- Painted or stained surfaces
Because the cleaning solution kills organic growth at the root, soft washing results also tend to last longer than a straight rinse.
Why the distinction matters
The most common mistake we see is homeowners (or inexperienced crews) power washing siding or decking the same way they'd clean a driveway. It can look fine immediately after, but repeated high-pressure cleaning wears down wood fibers, strips protective coatings, and can force moisture into places it doesn't belong — leading to rot or mold problems down the line.
What we do
We evaluate each surface on your property and use the right pressure and technique for the material — power washing for concrete, hardscape, and other durable surfaces, and soft washing for siding, decks, fences, and anything more delicate. If you're also planning to seal a driveway or patio, washing beforehand is an important prep step that helps the sealant bond properly.
If you're in the St. Louis metro area and want a quote on exterior cleaning for your driveway, siding, deck, or fence, reach out here.