Use soft washing (low pressure plus a cleaning solution) on roofs, stucco, siding, and painted surfaces. Use pressure washing on hard surfaces like concrete driveways, sidewalks, and pool decks. High pressure on the wrong surface can cause damage, so the method matters as much as the equipment.
What pressure washing does
Pressure washing uses a concentrated stream of high-pressure water, sometimes with detergent, to blast dirt, oil, and growth off tough surfaces. It's the right tool for concrete driveways, sidewalks, and pool decks, where the surface can handle the force.
What soft washing does
Soft washing uses pressure closer to a garden hose, paired with a cleaning solution that is applied to the surface, given time to work, and then rinsed off. The solution does the cleaning instead of force, which makes it the safer choice for surfaces that high pressure can damage.
It's also effective on the organic growth that's so common in Florida (algae, mildew, and mold) because the solution targets the growth itself instead of just blasting off the top layer.
Which method for which surface
- Roofs (asphalt shingle or tile): soft wash
- Stucco and painted surfaces: soft wash
- Vinyl and fiber-cement siding: soft wash
- Pool cages and lanai screens: low pressure or soft wash
- Concrete driveways, sidewalks, and pool decks: pressure wash
- Pavers: usually pressure washed, then the joints re-sanded if needed
Two of these get their own guides: how to clean stucco and why driveways and pavers turn green or black.
What can go wrong with too much pressure
High pressure can strip the protective granules off asphalt shingles, which can shorten the life of a roof. It can force water behind siding or into window seals, strip paint, and chew up stucco texture. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) says high-pressure washing is likely to damage asphalt roofing and should not be used to remove algae.
Why soft washing tends to last longer in Florida
Because soft washing treats algae and mildew at the source, a surface tends to stay cleaner longer than one that was only blasted. In Florida's humidity, growth comes back quickly on anything that was just rinsed. How long a result lasts still depends on shade, moisture, and the surface.
What to ask before you hire someone
- What method will you use on my roof and siding, and why?
- Are you insured?
- How do you protect the landscaping and plants around the house?
- What happens if I'm not happy with the result?
Want to see how we handle each one? Read about our home soft wash, driveway & patio, and roof & gutter cleaning services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pressure wash my roof?
It's generally not recommended for asphalt shingles. High pressure can strip protective granules and force water under shingles. A low-pressure soft wash is the safer way to clean a roof.
How often should a Florida home be soft washed?
It varies with shade, moisture, and surface. Many homeowners in humid areas clean siding and stucco every year or two, and clean the roof when streaks start to show.
Is soft washing safe for my plants and pets?
When it's done correctly, yes. A good crew protects nearby plants by wetting and rinsing them, and keeps pets and people away until surfaces are dry. Ask any company how they handle this before they start.
Sources & further reading
About Shine Otter
Shine Otter is a family owned and operated exterior cleaning company serving Southwest Florida, from Englewood and Venice to Cape Coral and Fort Myers. We handle window cleaning, roof and gutter cleaning, soft washing, driveway and patio cleaning, window screen cleaning, storm debris cleanup, and solar panel cleaning. Call or text (425) 977-5156 for a free quote. Meet the owners.