If you’ve ever tried to wash your own siding or deck, you’ve probably faced the big question: how much pressure is too much? In Calgary, we have a lot of dust from the Foothills and salt from the winter roads. It’s tempting to just grab the most powerful machine you can find and start blasting away.
But at Geokat Clean Pro, we see the results of “too much pressure” every season in neighborhoods like Aspen Woods and Springbank. We’ve seen scarred wood decks, chipped stucco, and vinyl siding that’s been literally blown off the house. The truth is, “pressure” isn’t always the answer. Most of the time, the secret to a deep clean is actually chemistry, not force.
What is Pressure Washing (and When to Use It)
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water—usually between 2,500 and 4,000 PSI—to physically strip dirt away. This is great for hard, porous surfaces that can take a punch.
In Calgary, we primarily use high-pressure for:
- Driveway Deep Cleaning: Removing salt and oil from concrete.
- Sidewalks and Walkways: Stripping away years of grime.
- Garage Floors: Getting rid of heavy industrial stains.
However, using this much force on your house siding is like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame. It’s overkill and dangerous for your property.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft Washing is a low-pressure cleaning method—often no more powerful than a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Instead of using force to “rip” the dirt off, we use specialized, biodegradable soaps to “melt” the grime away.
In areas like Bearspaw or Cochrane, where homes often have delicate stucco or high-end siding, soft washing is the only safe option. The soap gets into the pores of the surface, killing algae, mold, and moss at the root. This means your house stays clean for a lot longer because we aren’t just rinsing the surface; we’re actually sanitizing it.
The Benefits of the Soft Wash Method
- Surface Safety: No risk of cracking vinyl, blowing out window seals, or chipping stucco.
- Longevity: Because it kills organic growth (like that green algae on the north side of your house), the grime takes much longer to come back.
- Eco-Friendly: Our soaps are biodegradable and safe for your landscaping.
Protecting Your Calgary Property
Whether we are using high pressure on your concrete or a gentle soft wash on your roof, we follow the same strict safety standards. This includes using a Professional Water Reclaim System.
Following City of Calgary Bylaw 14M2012 is a big part of what we do. We make sure that none of the soaps or loosened grime ends up in the storm drains. By capturing and filtering our wastewater, we keep your home looking great while keeping the Bow River clean.
A Local Recommendation from GEOkat
Choosing between soft washing and pressure washing shouldn’t be a guessing game. If you aren’t sure which one your home needs, it’s always better to ask a pro. Using the wrong method can lead to repairs that cost ten times more than the cleaning itself.
Not sure which method is right for your siding? We’re happy to come by, take a look, and give you a straight answer. Give us a call for a no-pressure (literally!) quote today.
