Home › Cleaning Services › Softwashing
Softwashing in Herts, Essex & North London
Softwashing: Low-Pressure Cleaning for Roofs, Render and More
A low-pressure treatment that is applied, left to work on the growth, and rinsed off, so roofs, render and other surfaces are cleaned without a hard jet.
- Low pressure, not a jet wash
- Suited to roofs, render, cladding and more
- Method chosen for each surface
BeforeAfterSoftwashing
What It Is
Softwashing is a low-pressure way of cleaning. Instead of blasting a surface with a high-pressure jet, a cleaning treatment is applied at low pressure, left to work on the algae, moss, lichen and general grime, and then rinsed off.
We use it where high pressure could harm the surface, such as roof coverings, render and cladding, and as an optional extra on other surfaces where it suits. It is not the answer to everything. On hard-wearing surfaces such as block paving, a jet wash is often the right main method, and we say so.
The treatment and the way it is applied are chosen for the surface in front of us, which is why we look before we quote. Read more in our guides to what softwashing is and softwash versus pressure washing.
The Benefits of Softwashing
Gentler on the surface
Low pressure puts far less force on roof tiles, render and painted finishes than a jet wash. That is why it is widely used on them.
Aimed at the growth itself
The treatment is applied to the algae, moss and lichen and given time to work before it is rinsed, rather than just blasting at the surface.
Suits textured surfaces
Pebbledash, K-Rend and other textured render can be cleaned without relying on a hard jet to get into the texture.
Less risk of water getting in
High pressure can force water into joints, gaps and under tiles. A low-pressure method is less likely to, although we still protect windows, doors and vents.
Method chosen for your surface
We adjust the treatment and how it is applied for the surface and its condition, and tell you if softwashing is not the right method.
Honest about results
Lichen and older staining can take weeks or months to fade, and growth can return. We explain what to expect before we start.
What is included
- Assessment of the surface, the growth and the condition
- A treatment and method suited to the surface
- Surrounding plants, windows and vehicles protected, as agreed
- Rinsing and a check of the finished result
- Honest advice on what to expect
What is not included
- Repairs to damaged roofs, render, cladding or paving
- A promise that growth will not return
- Removing staining that is not caused by growth, such as rust, oil or paint
- A softwash on surfaces where we think a different method suits better
How It Works
1Look at the surface
We identify the surface, the type of growth, the condition and the access, and agree what is included.
2Protect and apply the treatment
Plants, windows and anything nearby are protected, and the treatment is applied at low pressure to the agreed areas.
3Rinse and check
The treatment is rinsed off gently, and we check the result with you and explain what to expect over the following weeks.
What We Check First
- What the surface is, its age and its condition.
- The type of growth, and how long it has been there.
- Shade, trees and damp, which affect how soon growth returns.
- Photos of the areas you want cleaned.
Questions About Softwashing
Is softwashing the same as pressure washing?
No. Pressure washing uses a high-pressure jet. Softwashing applies a treatment at low pressure, leaves it to work, and rinses it off.
What do you softwash?
Roofs, render, cladding, conservatory roofs and other surfaces that can be harmed by high pressure, and as an optional extra on paving. We assess each surface before we agree a method.
Do you ever use a pressure washer?
Yes, on hard-wearing surfaces such as block paving and commercial hard standing, where a jet wash suits the job. We choose the method for the surface.
Can softwashing be added to a driveway clean?
On block paving, a jet wash and re-sand stays the main method. A softwash treatment can be added where algae or green growth is the problem and it suits the surface. We tell you honestly whether it is worth it.
Will the growth come back?
It can. We do not promise it will not, and we explain what to expect for your property.
Is it safe for my plants and pets?
We protect plants and surroundings, and we tell you about any precautions for the treatment we use before we start.
Related services
Roof cleaningRender cleaningCladding cleaningAlgae treatmentBlock paving
Get a Quote for Softwashing
Send us your address and a few photos on WhatsApp for a clear, individual quote. No obligation.
Local. Reliable. Professional.
Or call 07835 005 004 · Mon–Fri 7am–8pm, Sat 8am–12pm