Soft washing vs pressure washing in Melbourne. Which is best for your home?
Choosing the right clean for your home matters. The wrong method can mark paint or leave stains behind. The right method makes everything look new again.
The short answer
Soft washing suits painted walls, render, weatherboards, roofs, and delicate areas. It uses low pressure and a safe cleaning mix to lift mould, algae, dust, and stains.
Pressure washing suits hard surfaces like concrete, pavers, brick, and stone. It uses higher pressure water to remove grime, tyre marks, and built up dirt.
What is soft washing
Soft washing is a gentle clean. We apply a safe cleaning mix, let it work, then rinse with low pressure water. It cleans without harming paint, sealers, or timber. It is ideal for Melbourne homes where shade and winter moisture can feed mould.
Best uses for soft washing
Weatherboard and rendered walls
Painted brick
Roof tiles and Colorbond
Pergolas and fences
Outdoor furniture and screens
What is pressure washing?
Pressure washing uses higher pressure water to cut through heavy grime. It is great for tough, flat, and solid surfaces. Think driveways, paths, and patios.
Best uses for pressure washing
Driveways and garage floors
Paths and courtyards
Pavers and brickwork
Pool surrounds
Factory and shop fronts
How to choose the right method
Pick soft washing when
You see green or black growth on walls or eaves
Paint looks dull but is in good condition
You plan to sell or repaint and want a clean base
There are plants, windows, or timber to protect
Pick pressure washing when
Concrete or pavers look dark and stained
Paths feel slippery after light rain
There are oil spots or tyre marks
You want a fast deep clean on hard ground
Melbourne tips
Our weather swings from hot and dry to cool and wet. Shade and trees boost mould. Busy roads add fine dust. In these spots, soft wash walls every 12 to 18 months. Pressure wash driveways once a year. Bayside areas may need shorter gaps due to salt and sea spray.
Safety and care
Test a small area first
Protect plants and cover outdoor power points
Use the right pressure for each surface
Rinse nearby glass and metal at the end
Common questions
Is soft washing safe for paint?
Yes. Low pressure and the right mix clean without stripping paint.
Can pressure washing damage render?
It can if the pressure is too high or the surface is weak. Use soft wash on render unless a pro confirms pressure is safe.
Can you mix methods?
Yes. Many homes need soft wash on walls and pressure wash on ground areas.
Which lasts longer?
Results last longer when the method matches the surface. Good rinse and a tidy site also help.
Ready to book?
If you want help choosing for your home, we can visit, check each surface, and set the right plan for you. We service Melbourne and nearby suburbs and we are happy to give advice before any work starts.