Soft washing: the cleaner does the work, not the nozzle
Soft washing is the method, not a separate job. It's how siding, roofs, stucco, screens and painted surfaces get clean without damage.
The short version
A pressure washer can put out thousands of PSI at the tip. A soft wash rinse is closer to what comes out of a garden hose with your thumb over it. The difference is made up by chemistry: a solution that kills algae, mildew and lichen at the root, so the growth lets go and rinses off instead of being torn off.
| Soft wash | Pressure wash | |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure at the surface | Low, about garden-hose level | High, set by tip and distance |
| What removes the dirt | Cleaning solution plus dwell time | Force of the water |
| Kills growth at the root | Yes | No, it can come back fast |
| Used on | Siding, shingles, stucco, painted wood, screens | Concrete, brick pavers, stone, some fences and decks |
What goes in the tank
The working ingredient on most soft-wash jobs is diluted sodium hypochlorite, the same chemical family as household bleach, mixed with a surfactant so it clings to vertical walls long enough to work. The mix is weaker for painted wood and stronger for a roof with years of lichen. We don't list brand names here because the mix changes with the surface; ask on the day and you'll be told exactly what's being used.
Where it's the only right answer
- Asphalt shingle roofs, where pressure strips granules (roof washing)
- Vinyl and painted siding, where pressure drives water behind the laps (house washing)
- Stucco and EIFS, which can be gouged or soaked
- Screened porches, pool cages and awnings
The longer explanation, with the trade-offs, is in our soft washing guide.
Asked about soft washing
Still wondering about something? Call (865) 390-6589 and ask. It costs nothing to ask.
Is soft washing safe for pets and kids?
Keep them inside while the solution is on and during the rinse. Once everything is rinsed and dry, the diluted residue is gone and the yard is fine to use.
Does soft washing last longer than pressure washing?
On siding and roofs, usually yes, because it kills the growth instead of trimming it. How long a wall stays clean still depends on shade, trees and how wet that side stays.
Can it be done in winter?
It works best above about 50 degrees. In a Knoxville winter there are plenty of mild days, but freezing nights can ice up the rinse water on walks and steps, so we pick days with care.