Soft Wash vs. High Pressure Cleaning: Which Method Is Right for Your Property?

Keeping your property clean isn’t just about appearance — it’s about protecting surfaces, preventing long-term damage, and maintaining value. When it comes to exterior cleaning, two of the most effective methods are soft washing and high pressure cleaning. While they may seem similar, each method serves a different purpose and is suited to different surfaces.

So how do you know which option is right for your property? Let’s break it down.

What Is High Pressure Cleaning?

High pressure cleaning uses powerful water pressure to remove dirt, grime, mould, oil stains, and built-up contaminants from hard surfaces. It is highly effective for areas that can withstand force without damage.

Horand Industry pressure washing a driveway to prepare the concrete for concrete resurfacing.

Best surfaces for high pressure cleaning:

• Concrete driveways and paths

• Garage floors

• Pavers and brickwork

• Car parks and commercial hardstand areas

• Industrial surfaces

  
  

Key benefits:

• Removes stubborn stains, oil, and grease

• Instantly refreshes concrete and hard surfaces

• Ideal for heavy-duty cleaning jobs

• Prepares surfaces for sealing, resurfacing, or epoxy flooring

High pressure cleaning is often the preferred method for driveway cleaning, concrete cleaning, and commercial or industrial spaces where durability is key.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with specialised cleaning solutions to safely remove mould, algae, lichen, dirt, and bacteria. Instead of relying on force, soft washing treats the root cause of organic growth and gently cleans delicate surfaces.

Brick and render house soft washed by Horand Industry,

Best surfaces for soft washing:

• House exteriors and painted surfaces

• Roofs

• Render, cladding, and weatherboards

• Windows and frames

• Fences

Key benefits:

• Safe for fragile or painted surfaces

• Kills mould, algae, and mildew at the source

• Reduces the risk of surface damage

• Provides longer-lasting results than pressure alone

Soft washing is ideal for house washing, exterior soft wash cleaning, and window cleaning, where too much pressure could cause costly damage.

Soft Wash vs. High Pressure Cleaning: Key Differences

Feature	Soft Washing	High Pressure Cleaning
Water pressure	Low	High
Cleaning method	Chemical treatment + gentle rinse	Forceful water cleaning
Best for	Delicate surfaces	Hard, durable surfaces
Risk of damage	Very low	Higher if used incorrectly
Longevity of results	Longer-lasting	Immediate but may require repeat cleaning

Which Method Is Right for Your Property?

Choosing the right cleaning method depends on surface type, condition, and the type of build-up present.

• If you’re dealing with mould, algae, or organic growth on your home exterior, soft washing is the safest and most effective option.

• If your driveway, concrete paths, or commercial flooring are stained with oil, dirt, or heavy grime, high pressure cleaning will deliver the best results.

• In many cases, a combination of both methods provides the most thorough clean — something a professional cleaning service can assess and recommend.

  
  

Why Professional Cleaning Matters

Using the wrong method — or too much pressure — can cause:

• Etched concrete

• Peeling paint

• Water ingress

• Cracked surfaces

At Horand Industry, we assess every surface before cleaning and select the safest, most effective method for the job. Our commercial-grade equipment and industry expertise ensure outstanding results without compromising the integrity of your property.

Trust Horand Industry for Expert Exterior Cleaning

Whether you need high pressure cleaning, concrete cleaning, driveway washing, soft house washing, or surface preparation for sealing or epoxy flooring, Horand Industry delivers reliable, professional results for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Not sure which method is right for your property? Contact Horand Industry today for expert advice and a tailored exterior cleaning solution.