The short answer
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water for hard, durable surfaces like concrete. Soft washing uses low pressure and cleaning solutions for delicate materials. The right method cleans effectively without damaging the surface, the sealant or the landscaping around it.
Method by surface
| Surface | Usual method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete walkways, plazas, parking decks | Pressure washing | Durable; oil, salt, gum and grime need force |
| Brick and stone | Depends on condition | Mortar joints and softer stone can be damaged by too much pressure |
| Stucco and EIFS | Soft washing | Finishes can erode, and water can be driven behind them |
| Painted and coated surfaces, awnings, signage | Soft washing | Protects coatings and graphics |
| Glass and composite panels | Low pressure and the right solutions | Protects glass, coatings and sealant |
| Roofs and high facades | Soft washing, including by drone | Reaches high surfaces without heavy equipment |
What goes wrong with the wrong method
- Etched or eroded concrete and masonry
- Damaged mortar joints and sealant
- Water driven behind facade finishes
- Stripped coatings and faded graphics
- Damaged landscaping from runoff
What good operators do
- Match pressure and technique to each surface
- Protect finishes, sealant and landscaping
- Test on a small area first
- Use soft washing for mold and algae on delicate materials
How often
Most commercial exteriors benefit from annual or semi-annual washing, more often for high-traffic or food-service properties.
S&K uses high pressure where it helps and gentle soft washing where it is needed, with trained operators and surface-safe methods. S&K's drone soft-washing reaches rooftops and high facades without scaffolding. See pressure and soft washing.
Not sure what you are looking at? Use the glass and metal damage triage guide, read the full Facade, Glass, and Metal Restoration guide, or have our team assess the surface and recommend the right approach, in writing.
