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If you've ever looked at your home’s siding, driveway, or roof and thought, “Yikes, when did that get so dirty?” - you’re not alone. Living in Buffalo, we’re no strangers to harsh winters, lake-effect weather, pollen buildup, and the grime that seems to come out of nowhere once the snow melts. But when it comes time to clean your home’s exterior, there’s one big question: Should you go with pressure washing or soft washing?
Most people assume all exterior cleaning is the same - grab a power washer, blast away, and boom, you’re done. But in reality, pressure washing and soft washing are two very different methods. And using the wrong one can do more harm than good.
At Buffalo Window Washing, we offer both services - and we’re here to help you understand the difference, so you can make the best decision for your home.
Let’s start with the one most people are familiar with.
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water spray to remove dirt, grime, mold, loose paint, and other stubborn buildup from hard surfaces. We're talking anywhere from 1,500 to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) of pressure. That’s strong enough to strip paint, clean concrete, and carve initials into wood (not that we recommend doing that, of course).
Soft washing uses low-pressure water (under 500 PSI) combined with specialized cleaning solutions to break down dirt, mold, algae, and mildew. Instead of blasting the grime off, soft washing kills it at the source.
This method is much gentler on your home’s surfaces and is typically the go-to choice for cleaning anything that could be damaged by high pressure.
Let’s break it down with a few examples to make it clearer.
Soft washing and pressure washing don’t just differ in method - they differ in how they clean.
So while pressure washing can give you immediate visual results, soft washing provides a deeper clean that lasts longer because it treats the root cause of many stains - organic growth like mold and algae.
Here’s something homeowners often ask us: Which one is cheaper?
Typically faster and less reliant on chemical solutions, which may reduce material costs. However, it may require more frequent cleanings, especially on surfaces like siding or roofs, where mold can return quickly.
May cost a little more upfront due to the specialized solutions and care required. But because it kills mold and mildew at the source, your surfaces stay cleaner for longer - saving money over time.
At Buffalo Window Washing, we price fairly and based on the surface area, condition, and complexity of the job. We’ll always let you know which method is most effective and why - no upsells or surprises.
A big reason to choose the correct method (and hire a pro) is safety.
We train our team at Buffalo Window Washing to follow all safety protocols - including runoff control, chemical application safety, and proper equipment handling - so you don’t have to worry.
Short answer? You can - but you probably shouldn’t.
Most hardware stores rent pressure washers, and YouTube is full of how-to videos. But the reality is that improper technique leads to serious damage. We’ve seen:
With soft washing, DIY is even riskier because of the chemicals involved. Professionals are trained in safe handling, dilution ratios, dwell times, and how to avoid overspray onto landscaping.
So unless you’ve been trained, we strongly recommend leaving both pressure washing and soft washing to the pros.
Your cousin’s $99 electric power washer from the big-box store may be fine for a muddy lawnmower, but not your siding or driveway. At Buffalo Window Washing, we use commercial-grade equipment calibrated for each specific surface.
Plus, our team is fully insured and trained. We don’t just point and spray - we treat every job with care, precision, and professionalism.
One thing that sets Buffalo Window Washing apart is our custom-built pressure washing rig - designed specifically for the needs of homes and properties here in Western New York.
We didn’t just grab an off-the-shelf machine and call it a day. Our rig was custom assembled for versatility, precision, and power, allowing us to safely and efficiently handle a wide range of surfaces - from fragile siding and shingles to tough concrete driveways.
This rig wasn’t just built for show - it’s built for performance, safety, and superior results, tailored to the kinds of grime, buildup, and weather-related wear we see here in Buffalo.
When you hire us, you’re not getting a generic pressure washing job - you’re getting a fully customized, professional-grade service backed by the right tools and the right training.
Click here to see our New & Improved Pressure Washing Rig!
Buffalo’s unique climate means your home’s exterior is under constant stress - from road salt, snow, slush, humidity, rain, and everything in between. This makes routine exterior cleaning even more important in our region than in milder climates.
Soft washing keeps mold and mildew at bay during humid summers, while pressure washing removes the gritty buildup left behind by snowmelt and salted roads.
By choosing the right cleaning method, you’re not just improving curb appeal - you’re protecting your investment.
Whether you’re prepping your house for a sale, freshening it up for summer, or just tired of staring at that grimy siding every time you pull into the driveway - cleaning your home’s exterior is a great investment.
But doing it the wrong way can cause more problems than it solves.
So here’s our advice:
At Buffalo Window Washing, we do more than just wash windows - we help your whole home shine, safely and professionally. If you’re ready to get rid of the grime and bring back that fresh, clean look, reach out for a free estimate today.
Whether you need pressure washing, soft washing, or just want an expert opinion, we’re here to help.
📞 Call or text us: (716)617-8894
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📍 Serving Buffalo, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Williamsville, Hamburg, and more
Let’s make your home look amazing - the right way.
