Common Question: What is the Difference Between Soft Washing and Pressure Washing?
As winter fades and spring starts to bloom, many homeowners begin to notice just how dirty their home’s exterior has become. After months of exposure to rain, snow, fallen leaves, and road salt, siding and outdoor surfaces often look dull, stained, or just plain grimy. That’s when the calls start rolling in—and the most common question we hear at ALG Services is: “What’s the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?”
Let’s break it down.
The Basics: Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing
Both soft washing and pressure washing are methods of exterior cleaning, but they’re used for different types of surfaces and messes.
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt, mold, mildew, and stains. It’s extremely effective on hard, durable surfaces like concrete, brick, stone, and asphalt. It’s great for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other areas where heavy buildup needs to be forcefully removed.
Soft washing, on the other hand, uses low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions to gently remove contaminants. It’s the go-to method for more delicate surfaces like vinyl siding, stucco, painted wood, and roof shingles. The cleaning agents do most of the work, breaking down mold and algae so they can be rinsed away safely—without damaging the material underneath.
At ALG Services, we’ve been serving Bucks County, Montgomery County, and the Greater Philadelphia Area for over 20 years. Our experienced team knows exactly when to use each method—and how to clean your home or business thoroughly without risking damage.
Spring Cleaning: Why Now Is the Perfect Time
When the weather starts to warm up and daylight sticks around a little longer, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home’s exterior. The fall and winter months leave behind all kinds of buildup—mud, salt stains, algae, mildew, and more. If you wait too long to clean it up, it can cause permanent staining or even structural issues over time.
Having your home pressure washed once the weather breaks is one of the smartest things you can do to maintain your property. Not only does it improve curb appeal, but it also helps preserve your siding, walkways, and other surfaces by removing harmful growth and residue.
For businesses, this type of cleaning is even more important. First impressions matter. A clean exterior tells your customers you care about your space—and their experience. Whether you’re running a storefront, office, or restaurant, having the exterior cleaned every spring helps you put your best face forward.
The Benefits of Keeping Your Exterior Clean
Aside from looking better, regular exterior cleaning has several long-term benefits:
- Prevents damage – Mold, mildew, algae, and salt can break down materials over time. Cleaning removes these threats before they cause costly repairs.
- Improves health – Removing organic growth like mold and mildew creates a healthier environment for you and your family or employees.
- Boosts property value – Clean properties always look better to buyers, neighbors, and customers.
- Extends lifespan – Siding, roofs, and concrete last longer when they’re properly maintained.
Trust the Local Experts
ALG Services has been keeping homes and businesses clean and restored for more than two decades. We specialize in both soft washing and pressure washing—and we always use the right technique for your property. Whether you live in Doylestown, Abington, Bensalem, or right in the heart of Philly, our team is ready to help you make your property look its best.
This spring, don’t let last season’s grime stick around. Get a free estimate from ALG Services and start the season with a clean slate.
Contact us today to schedule your spring exterior cleaning in Bucks County, Montgomery County, or anywhere in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Your home or business deserves it—and we’re here to deliver results.