Power Washing vs. Soft Washing: What’s Best for Your Utah Home Exterior?

Your home’s exterior takes a beating in Utah’s varied climate — wind, snow, dust, sun, and even hard water buildup. But when it comes time to clean your siding, driveway, or deck, should you choose power washing or soft washing?

At Sunlit Surfaces, we provide professional exterior cleaning services across Salt Lake City and Davis County. Here’s how to choose the right method for your home or business.

What is Power Washing?

Power washing uses high-pressure water (2,000+ PSI) to blast away dirt, mold, grime, and tough stains. It's ideal for durable surfaces like:

• Concrete driveways and sidewalks
• Brick
• Stone patios
• Garage floors

What is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses low-pressure water with cleaning solutions to safely remove mold, algae, and stains from more delicate surfaces like:

• Vinyl siding
• Stucco
• Roof shingles
• Painted wood

When to Use Power Washing

Choose power washing when you need to clean:
✔️ Greasy driveways
✔️ Moldy patios
✔️ Dirty garage floors
✔️ Brick retaining walls

It’s powerful, fast, and very effective — but should never be used on wood or fragile surfaces.

When to Use Soft Washing

Soft washing is best when you're cleaning:
✔️ House siding
✔️ Roofs (especially asphalt shingles)
✔️ Painted exteriors
✔️ Fences and decks

It kills mold at the root and prevents damage from high-pressure blasts.

Risks of DIY Pressure Washing

Incorrect DIY pressure washing can:

• Crack siding
• Damage paint
• Etch concrete
• Void warranties

That’s why Sunlit Surfaces uses professional-grade equipment, proper technique, and surface-specific pressure settings.

Service Areas We Cover

We offer soft washing and pressure washing in:

• Salt Lake City
• Bountiful
• Farmington
• Layton
• North Salt Lake
• Woods Cross

Combine With Other Services

Many clients bundle:

• Power washing + gutter cleaning
• Soft washing + window cleaning
• Full exterior cleanups before selling

Ask about custom packages!