Pressure washing vs softwashing — which does your home need?

“Just jet wash it” is common advice — and sometimes exactly wrong. The right method depends on the surface, and using the wrong one can do real damage.

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to blast dirt off hard, robust surfaces — block-paved and concrete driveways, patios, paths and forecourts. With the right technique (and a rotary surface cleaner for an even finish) it’s brilliant on stubborn ground-in grime, moss and weeds. On block paving we re-sand the joints afterwards so nothing works loose.

Softwashing is the opposite: low pressure plus a specialist biocide treatment that kills algae, moss and lichen at the root, then gently rinses. It’s the correct choice for render, painted walls, K-rend, roof tiles, cladding and conservatory roofs — anywhere a high-pressure jet would force water behind the surface, strip coatings or crack tiles. It also keeps things cleaner for longer because it treats the growth, not just the surface.

The rule of thumb: hard ground surfaces → pressure washing; walls, render and roofs → softwashing. Not sure which yours needs? Send us a photo and we’ll tell you honestly.

Get a quote or read about render softwashing and jet washing.