Soft Wash or Pressure Wash? The Best Choice for Inland Northwest Siding
Choosing between soft washing and pressure washing for house washing can feel confusing for homeowners in Spokane and across the Inland Northwest. Both methods clean siding, but the difference in approach matters when it comes to protecting your investment, whether your siding is vinyl, cedar, or another material. Below, we’ll break down how soft wash and pressure wash compare, why one is usually better for siding, and what to consider during pollen and algae season in Spokane.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning detergents to remove dirt, pollen, algae, and other buildup from your siding. Instead of blasting debris away with force, the cleaning solution does most of the work, breaking down organic matter before a gentle rinse washes it away. This method is especially helpful for delicate surfaces that can be damaged by high water pressure.
For Spokane homeowners, where the climate encourages algae and mold growth on shaded siding, soft washing delivers a thorough clean without unnecessary risk to your home’s exterior.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing relies on high-pressure water, typically ranging anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000+ PSI. This force is excellent for hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and brick, where tough stains and buildup require muscle to remove. However, siding is not always a good candidate. Too much pressure can dent vinyl, strip paint, or damage wood grain.
While a Spokane pressure washing expert may know how to adjust PSI levels safely, the reality is that siding often benefits more from the softer, solution-based approach of soft washing.
PSI vs Detergents Explained
The main distinction between soft wash and pressure wash is power source: PSI versus detergents. Pressure washing leans on sheer force to dislodge buildup. Soft washing, by contrast, minimizes PSI (usually under 500) and relies on environmentally safe detergents to clean.
This matters because siding is a protective shell for your home. By letting detergents handle the cleaning instead of brute pressure, soft washing avoids structural damage while still removing stains, pollen, and organic growth at the root. That’s why many professionals recommend it as the safer long-term solution for siding.
Is Soft Wash Safe for Vinyl and Cedar?
Homeowners frequently ask: is soft wash safe for vinyl/cedar siding? The answer is yes. Vinyl siding can warp or crack under high pressure, but soft washing avoids this risk by using low-pressure streams and gentle rinses. Cedar siding, being more porous and prone to damage, also responds far better to soft washing than to direct blasts of water.
By choosing soft washing, you extend the life of your siding, maintain its natural look, and prevent costly repairs that may come from pressure-related damage.
Pollen and Algae Season in Spokane
Spokane’s spring and summer months often bring pollen buildup, while damp shaded areas see algae thrive. This combination not only makes siding look dirty but can also trap moisture that leads to long-term wear. Soft washing is particularly effective during pollen & algae season in Spokane because detergents break down sticky pollen residue and kill algae spores, preventing regrowth for longer periods.
Routine soft washing during these seasons helps siding stay bright and healthy, reducing the need for more intensive cleaning later.
Why Soft Washing Is the Best Choice for Inland Northwest Siding
While both methods have their place, soft washing is clearly the better choice for most siding materials in Spokane. It delivers a deeper, longer-lasting clean by targeting contaminants at the source rather than just blasting them away. It also keeps your siding safe from unnecessary damage.
Professional cleaners in the Inland Northwest understand the unique climate challenges of the region and use soft washing to balance effective cleaning with siding preservation.
Ready to protect your siding? Contact Grace Pressure Washing today for expert Spokane house washing that keeps your home looking its best.