By More Than Just Sudz · May 27, 2026
Choosing the wrong method is one of the most common causes of disappointing exterior cleaning results, and one of the few that cannot be undone.
Pressure washing
Pressure washing uses higher water pressure to remove soiling from durable surfaces. On concrete it is usually paired with a rotary surface cleaner, which spreads the pressure evenly and avoids the striped look freehand work leaves.
It suits sound structural concrete: lots, sidewalks, driveways, pads, and hard-use areas.
Low-pressure chemical washing
This applies an appropriate cleaning solution at low pressure and lets it do the work, then rinses at a pressure the material tolerates. It suits fencing, coated decking, painted detail, and decorative finishes.
Solution choice is not universal. Dilution and dwell time are set for the surface and the type of soiling on it.
How to tell which your property needs
As a general rule, durable horizontal concrete is pressure washed and softer, coated, or decorative materials are cleaned at low pressure. Many properties need both on the same visit.
A good contractor will tell you which method they plan for each surface before starting, and will explain why.
Related service
Low-Pressure Chemical Washing
For surfaces where the solution should do the work and the pressure should stay low.
