"Power washing" gets used as a catch-all, but the right job uses the right method. Use the wrong one and you can damage your home. Here's the simple breakdown.
Soft washing
Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution that kills algae, mold, and mildew at the source. It's the safe choice for anything delicate:
- Roofs (the only roof-safe method)
- Vinyl, stucco, and painted siding
- Wood and composite decks
Pressure washing
Pressure washing uses higher-pressure water for hard surfaces that can take it:
- Concrete driveways and walkways
- Pavers and brick (followed by re-sanding and sealing)
- Patios and pool decks
The rule of thumb
If you can dent or strip it, soft wash it. If it's hard flatwork, pressure wash it. A good crew knows which to use on every surface — and adjusts on the spot.
Not sure what your home needs? Gallo Bros will tell you straight, with a free quote. Ask the Gallo Bros →