When pressure washing wins
Block paving, concrete, tarmac, and decking - durable surfaces with ground-in dirt respond well to high-pressure water and recover fully.
When softwashing wins
Render (K-rend, monocouche), roof tiles, and painted walls - surfaces that pressure washing can damage by stripping the protective coating.
Render damage example
Pressure washing K-rend blasts off the surface coating, causing patchy discolouration and exposing the substrate to weather damage within months.
Biocide dwell time
Softwash solutions need 20-30 minutes contact time to kill algae, lichen, and moss effectively - rushing this step leads to rapid regrowth.
Long-term result
Softwashed surfaces stay clean 3-5x longer than pressure washed because the root cause (the organism) is removed, not just the visible symptom.
Cost comparison
Softwash is often slightly more expensive per square metre but lasts years longer - better value over a 3-5 year cycle, especially on render.
Frequently asked questions
Will softwashing damage my plants? No - we wet plants down before and after application as a precaution. Properly diluted biocide causes no damage to established garden plants.
Can pressure washing remove black spots? It removes the visible mark but not the root - softwash biocides kill the organism for a longer-lasting result on stone patios.
How do I know which my surface needs? Send a photo to 07954 028819 and we will recommend the right method for the surface, the staining, and your budget.
Related services and locations
Need help now, contact Jet Kings for advice and a free quote.
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing (also called jet washing or power washing) uses high-pressure water to physically blast dirt, moss, algae and stains off hard surfaces. The pressure — typically 1500-3000 PSI for professional machines — is the primary cleaning force. Pressure washing is ideal for hard, durable surfaces like concrete driveways, block paving, tarmac and stone patios. It works quickly and delivers immediate, visible results.
The key to safe pressure washing is matching the pressure, nozzle and technique to the surface. Concrete can take higher pressure; block paving needs medium pressure with a rotary cleaner; tarmac needs low pressure and a wide spray pattern. An experienced operator adjusts these variables for each surface.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure (similar to a garden hose) and a specialist cleaning solution — typically a biocide — to kill moss, algae, lichen and bacteria at the root. The cleaning solution does the work, not the water pressure. After application, the biocide continues working for several weeks, killing spores and slowing regrowth.
Soft washing is essential for surfaces that would be damaged by high pressure: roof tiles, render, pebbledash, painted surfaces, and older or more fragile masonry. It is also the preferred method for removing black spot lichen from natural stone patios, where pressure alone cannot kill the growth at the root.
Which Method for Which Surface?
| Surface | Recommended Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | Pressure washing | Medium-high pressure, rotary cleaner for even coverage |
| Block paving | Pressure washing | Medium pressure, re-sand joints afterwards |
| Tarmac | Pressure washing (low) | Low pressure, wide spray, keep lance moving |
| Natural stone patio | Both | Biocide for black spots, gentle pressure for general cleaning |
| Roof tiles | Soft washing | Never pressure wash a roof — risk of water ingress and tile damage |
| Render / pebbledash | Soft washing | Pressure washing can crack render and force water behind it |
| Painted surfaces | Soft washing | Pressure washing strips paint |
| Wood decking | Pressure washing (low) | Fan nozzle, low pressure, keep moving |
Why the Right Method Matters
Using the wrong method can cause permanent damage. A roof cleaned with high-pressure water can leak. Render cleaned with a pressure washer can crack and let water behind it, causing damp. Natural stone cleaned too aggressively can be etched, leaving permanent marks. Conversely, a concrete driveway cleaned with soft washing alone will not look significantly different — it needs the physical cleaning action of pressure to lift ingrained dirt.
At Jet Kings, we use both methods and choose the right one for each surface. That assessment — knowing when to use pressure and when to switch to soft washing — is what you pay for with a professional service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soft washing just low-pressure pressure washing?
Not exactly. While soft washing uses low pressure, the key difference is that the cleaning is done by the biocide solution, not the water. The low-pressure spray is just to apply the solution. Pressure washing relies on the physical force of the water to clean.
Can soft washing be used on driveways?
Soft washing alone is usually not enough for driveways. It will kill moss and algae but will not remove ingrained dirt, tyre marks or oil stains. A combination approach — biocide treatment followed by gentle pressure washing — often works best for driveways with heavy organic growth.
How long does soft washing take to show results?
The initial application shows some improvement immediately, but the full effect develops over 4-8 weeks as the biocide kills the growth and the dead material weathers away. This is normal and means the treatment is working at the root rather than just washing the surface.
Are the chemicals used in soft washing safe?
Yes. We use biodegradable, professional-grade biocides that are safe for plants, pets and people once dry. They are specifically formulated for exterior surface cleaning and are more effective — and often safer — than household bleach or other DIY alternatives.
Related Services
pressure washing in Leicester | render cleaning services
Areas We Cover
For a free, no-obligation quote, call 07954 028819 or contact us online.