When you’re looking to clean the outside of a building or property, you might hear about two different methods soft washing and pressure washing. Even though they sound similar, they are quite different and using the right one can make all the difference for the surface you’re cleaning.

At Grime Fighters, we offer both services for buildings across Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey. Whether you’re a property manager, business owner, or strata representative, here’s what you need to know about these two cleaning methods and when to use each one.

1. What is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses a strong stream of water to clean tough surfaces. The high water pressure blasts away dirt, grime, mould, and even old paint. It’s best used on hard materials that can handle that power, like concrete driveways, sidewalks, brick walls, parking garages, and stone patios.

Because it doesn’t use any chemicals, pressure washing relies on force. It’s great for cleaning thick buildup and stains that regular scrubbing can’t remove. But it can also cause damage if used on delicate surfaces.

2. What is Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a more gentle way to clean outdoor surfaces. Instead of strong water pressure, it uses low pressure and special cleaning solutions that help break down mould, mildew, algae, and dirt. Once the solution does its job, it’s rinsed away with water at a safe pressure level.

Soft washing is perfect for surfaces that can be damaged by high pressure, like roofs, siding, decks, painted wood, or older brick. It also kills bacteria and growth at the source, so it helps keep surfaces cleaner for longer.

3. Different Tools for Different Jobs

Pressure washers use pumps to shoot water at high speed. These machines are powerful and can remove years of grime in minutes, but they’re not made for everything.

Soft washing systems, on the other hand, are designed to clean without damage. They apply a low-pressure spray and use eco-friendly solutions that soak into the surface and clean from the inside out.

At Grime Fighters, we bring both tools to the job and always inspect the surface before deciding which method is right.

4. When Should You Use Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing is best when you’re cleaning strong surfaces with a lot of buildup. If you have a driveway covered in dirt, a concrete wall with graffiti, or a stone patio full of moss, pressure washing will get the job done quickly.

It’s also a good option for cleaning industrial spaces, loading docks, and parking areas where there’s oil or grime buildup.

5. When Should You Use Soft Washing?

Soft washing is the safer option when you’re dealing with delicate materials. If you need to clean a roof, siding, painted deck, or a fence, soft washing helps clean without stripping paint, damaging shingles, or causing cracks.

It’s especially helpful for areas that need deep cleaning without harsh force, like surfaces covered in mould or algae.

6. Why Choosing the Right Method Matters?

If you use pressure washing on something that needs soft washing, you can cause serious damage. You might rip shingles off a roof, crack siding, or strip paint from a wooden fence.

That’s why it’s always best to let professionals like us take a look first. We’ll choose the safest and most effective method for your property, so it looks clean and lasts longer without extra repairs.

7. Clean Buildings Make a Big Difference

Whether you own or manage a property, keeping the outside clean makes a huge impact. It boosts curb appeal, keeps tenants and visitors happy, and helps your building materials last longer.

Plus, a clean surface is safer. No slippery moss, no harmful mould, and no hidden damage waiting to happen.

Book Your Exterior Cleaning With Grime Fighters Today

At Grime Fighters, we offer both pressure washing and soft washing services in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey. We work with commercial buildings, strata units, and public facilities, and always choose the right method to protect your property.

Whether you need to blast away dirt or gently clean siding and rooftops, we’ve got you covered.

Book your service today and let our superheroes at Grime Fighters handle the grime safely, professionally, and with care.