What is pressure cleaning?
Pressure cleaning (also called high-pressure cleaning or pressure washing) uses a strong jet of water to blast dirt, mould and grime off hard surfaces. With a rotary surface cleaner it gives an even, stripe-free finish on concrete. It's the right choice for driveways and paths, pavers, brick, car parks and most concrete.
What is soft washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure, about the same as a garden hose, combined with a cleaning solution that kills mould, algae and lichen at the root. The solution does the work, then it's gently rinsed off. Because it kills the growth instead of just blasting the surface, results usually last longer.
Which surfaces need a soft wash?
- Roofs — high pressure can crack tiles, strip Colorbond coating and force water under the roof. See roof cleaning.
- Painted walls, render and weatherboard — high pressure can strip paint and push water into walls. See house washing.
- Fibro and older cladding — pre-1990 homes may contain asbestos and must never be pressure blasted.
- Timber decks and fences — low pressure along the grain stops the timber going rough and furry.
- Soft stone like sandstone — too much pressure can etch it.
Which surfaces suit high pressure?
- Plain and exposed aggregate concrete
- Pavers and brick paving
- Kerbs, footpaths and car parks
- Bin bays and loading areas
Why it matters in Brisbane
Brisbane's humidity, heat and summer storms are ideal for mould and lichen. Blasting only removes what you can see, so growth on roofs and walls often comes back quickly. A soft wash treats it properly on delicate surfaces, while high pressure gets concrete properly clean.
At Opal we use both. We check every surface and choose the method that cleans it properly without damage.