Which Method Is Right for Your Property?
When it comes to exterior cleaning, many homeowners and businesses assume pressure washing is the best — or only — option. In reality, using the wrong cleaning method can cause permanent damage, especially in Cornwall and Devon where algae, moss, and lichen thrive year-round.
Professional exterior cleaning is not about using the most power — it’s about using the right technique for the surface.
In this guide, we explain the key differences between soft washing and pressure washing, why the South West climate makes method choice critical, and how professionals decide which approach is best for your property.
Why Method Choice Matters in Cornwall & Devon
Cornwall and Devon properties face unique challenges:
- High rainfall and humidity
- Mild temperatures that encourage organic growth
- Coastal salt air
- Shaded walls, patios, and roofs
- Rapid regrowth of algae and lichen
Because many surfaces are already damp or porous, aggressive pressure washing can do more harm than good.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to physically remove dirt, grime, and surface contaminants.
Pressure washing is best for:
- Concrete driveways
- Heavy-duty paving
- Industrial yards
- Certain commercial surfaces
Risks of pressure washing:
- Etching stone or concrete
- Damaging pointing or jointing sand
- Splintering timber decking
- Forcing water into cracks and walls
Pressure washing removes visible dirt, but it often does not kill algae or spores, meaning regrowth can be rapid.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure combined with specialist cleaning solutions to treat surfaces safely.
Instead of blasting contamination away, soft washing:
- Kills algae, moss, and lichen at the root
- Lifts organic staining gradually
- Prevents rapid regrowth
- Protects delicate surfaces
This makes it ideal for most residential properties in the South West.
Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing: Key Differences
| Feature | Soft Washing | Pressure Washing |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning method | Chemical + low pressure | High-pressure water |
| Kills algae & spores | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually no |
| Risk of surface damage | Very low | Medium to high |
| Regrowth speed | Slow | Fast |
| Suitable for delicate surfaces | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Water usage | Low | High |
Which Surfaces Should Be Soft Washed?
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Soft washing is recommended for:
- Rendered walls
- Pebbledash / roughcast
- Roof tiles
- Soffits and fascias
- Painted surfaces
- Timber decking
- Delicate stone
These surfaces are common across Cornwall and Devon and easily damaged by pressure washing.
Which Surfaces Can Be Pressure Washed?
Pressure washing is appropriate for:
- Concrete driveways
- Block paving (with care)
- Heavy stone paving
- Industrial and commercial areas
Even then, correct pressure levels and technique are essential.
Why Soft Washing Often Delivers Better Results in the South West
In Cornwall and Devon, organic growth is the main problem — not just dirt.
Soft washing:
- Treats the cause of staining, not just the symptom
- Keeps surfaces cleaner for longer
- Reduces repeat cleaning frequency
- Protects property materials
For many homes, soft washing is the safer and more cost-effective long-term solution.
Soft Washing & Pressure Washing Across Cornwall
We provide professional soft washing and pressure washing services throughout Cornwall, including:
- Truro
- Falmouth
- Newquay
- St Austell
- Penzance
- Camborne
- Redruth
- Bodmin
- Wadebridge
- Liskeard
Soft Washing & Pressure Washing Across Devon
We also serve towns across Devon, including:
- Exeter
- Plymouth
- Torquay
- Paignton
- Newton Abbot
- Barnstaple
How Professionals Choose the Right Method
At Jet Power Pressure Washing, we assess:
- Surface material
- Age and condition
- Level of organic growth
- Location and exposure
- Risk of damage
We then choose the safest and most effective cleaning method — not just the fastest.
Why Choose Jet Power Pressure Washing?
Jet Power Pressure Washing provides professional exterior cleaning across Cornwall and Devon.
✔ Experienced in soft washing, steam cleaning & pressure washing
✔ Surface-specific cleaning methods
✔ Fully insured
✔ Honest advice
✔ Local, reliable service
We clean properly — without risking damage.
Book Professional Exterior Cleaning in Cornwall or Devon
Not sure whether your property needs soft washing or pressure washing? That’s exactly what we help with.
👉 Contact Jet Power Pressure Washing today for a free, no-obligation assessment and quote anywhere in Cornwall or Devon.
Choosing the right method:
- Protects your property
- Delivers longer-lasting results
- Saves money on repairs
- Keeps your exterior looking its best
