When it comes to cleaning the exterior of your home or business, there’s no shortage of options. From blasting away grime on a concrete driveway to gently rinsing delicate roof shingles, choosing the right cleaning method makes all the difference. That’s where pressure washing, soft washing, and no-pressure washing come in.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they each have unique techniques, equipment, and best-use scenarios. So how do you know which is right for your property? Let’s break it down so you can make a confident decision—and know when to call in the pros, like your friends at MurCo Pressure Washing.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is exactly what it sounds like: a high-powered spray of water used to remove dirt, grime, mold, algae, grease, and even loose paint from surfaces. It uses a pressure washer machine that blasts water at pressures ranging anywhere from 1,500 to over 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). That’s powerful enough to cut through years of buildup in just minutes.
What It’s Good For:
-
Concrete driveways
-
Sidewalks
-
Brick walls
-
Stone patios
-
Decks (in some cases)
-
Garage floors
-
Fences (wood and vinyl, if done carefully)
Because pressure washing uses such high force, it’s ideal for hard, durable surfaces that can take the impact. If your driveway has accumulated oil stains or your brick siding has moss creeping up the sides, this method can be a game-changer.
When to Be Cautious:
Pressure washing isn’t ideal for every surface. It can cause damage to softer materials like wood siding, asphalt shingles, window screens, or older paint that you don’t want removed. That’s why it’s important to leave it to trained professionals who know how to adjust the pressure levels or switch to a different method entirely—like soft washing.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure alternative to traditional pressure washing. Instead of relying on force, soft washing uses a specialized cleaning solution—usually a mix of water, biodegradable cleaners, and sometimes algaecides or fungicides—to do the heavy lifting. The water is sprayed at a much gentler pressure, typically under 500 PSI, to safely rinse away grime after the cleaner has had time to work.
What It’s Good For:
-
House siding (vinyl, wood, stucco, etc.)
-
Roofs (especially shingle and tile)
-
Windows and screens
-
Outdoor furniture
-
Gutters and soffits
-
Fences and decks with delicate finishes
Soft washing is ideal when you want a thorough clean without the risk of surface damage. For example, if your home has mildew or algae on the siding, a soft wash treatment will remove it completely without stripping the paint or etching the surface.
Bonus: Longer-Lasting Clean
Because soft washing uses specially formulated solutions that kill bacteria, mold, algae, and other organic stains at the source, it tends to stay clean longer than pressure washing. That makes it not only safer but also more effective in many cases.
What Is No-Pressure Washing?
No-pressure washing is the gentlest cleaning method of them all. It’s essentially a type of soft wash, but it uses virtually no water pressure at all—just a controlled stream to apply cleaning agents and rinse them away.
Rather than scrubbing or blasting, the cleaning solution is applied and allowed to sit and dissolve the dirt or growth. Then, a gentle rinse completes the job.
What It’s Good For:
-
Roof cleaning (especially asphalt shingles)
-
Delicate or aging surfaces
-
Historic homes
-
Stucco and painted wood
-
Areas with mold or algae prone to regrowth
No-pressure washing is especially popular for roof cleaning. Using high-pressure water on asphalt shingles can blow off granules or even dislodge them altogether, leading to leaks and costly damage. A no-pressure system gently cleans the shingles while protecting your roof’s structural integrity.
Which Method Should You Choose?
The method you choose depends entirely on the surface being cleaned and the kind of grime or buildup you’re dealing with.
| Surface | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | Pressure washing |
| Roof (shingle or tile) | No-pressure washing |
| House siding (vinyl or wood) | Soft washing |
| Wooden deck | Soft washing or low-pressure washing |
| Brick walls | Pressure washing or soft washing (depends on condition) |
| Outdoor furniture | Soft washing or hand-cleaning |
| Windows and screens | Soft or no-pressure washing |
If you’re unsure, don’t worry—you don’t have to decide alone. At MurCo Pressure Washing, we take a custom approach to every job. We assess your home or building, identify the safest and most effective cleaning method, and deliver beautiful, lasting results.
Why Hire a Professional?
While there are DIY pressure washers you can rent at the local hardware store, there’s more to exterior cleaning than meets the eye. Choosing the wrong pressure setting, using the wrong nozzle, or holding the sprayer too close can result in:
-
Damaged siding or shingles
-
Cracked windows or water intrusion
-
Etched concrete or pitted surfaces
-
Paint removal or streaks
-
Injury from high-pressure water
Professionals like the team at MurCo Pressure Washing are trained to assess each surface and apply the right method with care. We use commercial-grade equipment, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, and time-tested techniques to protect your investment while restoring your curb appeal.
Trust MurCo Pressure Washing for a Job Done Right
Whether you need your roof safely cleaned, your driveway blasted back to a bright finish, or your whole house looking like new again, MurCo Pressure Washing has the expertise and equipment to make it happen. We proudly serve homeowners and business owners throughout Raleigh, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Cary, and beyond.
Our team is fully licensed and insured, and we treat your home like it’s our own. We’ll walk you through the process, recommend the best method for your needs, and give you honest pricing with no hidden fees.
Ready to Refresh Your Property?
Let us take the guesswork (and the grime) out of cleaning your home or business. Contact MurCo Pressure Washing today for your free estimate. Whether it’s pressure washing, soft washing, or no-pressure roof cleaning, we’ll deliver the results you deserve—safely, efficiently, and with a smile.
👉 Call or contact us online today to schedule your free estimate. Your property will thank you!