What Is Softwashing?

Softwashing is a form of low-pressure cleaning which involves the use of special cleaning chemicals applied at low pressure (under 1000psi) to get rid of mould, mildew, algae and other types of organic growth from exterior surfaces.

Softwashing is different from traditional pressure washing, which mainly depends on the force of water to remove dirt and organic buildup. Softwashing works by using cleaning chemicals to break down the contamination before it is gently rinsed off.

At Wright Pressure, we apply the right cleaning method for each job, and softwashing is especially useful when it comes to house washing since the objective is to clean the exterior without damaging delicate surfaces with unnecessarily high pressure.

How does softwashing work?

The softwashing process consists of spraying a carefully diluted cleaning solution onto the surface at low pressure, anywhere from a 2% to 6% softwash mix, which is also equivalent to a 1:6 ratio or 1:1 ratio if you're using industrial-grade 12.5% chlorine. The cleaning solutions generally include sodium hypochlorite, water and a surfactant to help the chemical stick to the type of contamination and the material being cleaned.

Each part has a purpose; sodium hypochlorite is used to kill organic growth like mould and algae, and a surfactant helps the solution to spread out and stick to vertical walls and surfaces in order to improve contact. The water is added to dilute the mixture to the appropriate concentration.

The solution should be left to act for a suitable length of time, such as 10-20 minutes, before the surface is rinsed. The objective is to deal with the growth itself by killing it at the root source and not merely to wipe away the visible staining. Unlike high pressure cleaning that only cleans what's visible, softwashing not only removes what's visible but also kills the organic growth; since this is an effect of softwashing you will achieve a much longer-lasting cleaner result.

It is necessary to choose the right cleaning solution according to both the surface and the type of contamination; proper dilution, application and rinsing are important, together with taking steps to protect nearby plants, painted and other delicate areas.

Why is softwashing so good for cleaning exterior houses?

The exterior of your home is constantly exposed to rain, dust, airborne pollution and organic growth over the course of the year, and as a result these things can make the rendered walls, eaves, soffits, fascia, cladding and other external surfaces appear dirty.

In many cases with house washing, it is not necessary to use high pressure since this can increase the risk of damaging the paint, drive water behind the cladding or have a negative effect on delicate materials.

Softwashing offers a milder option since the cleaning solution carries out a large part of the work; it is especially effective on painted surfaces and on exterior areas suffering from mould and algae. Popular surfaces that the professionals at Wright Pressure often softwash include render, facades, cladding, vinyl, weatherboard and roofs.

Before deciding on the method we'll use, we look at the material and its current condition. Different surfaces shouldn't all be treated in the same way, and delicate finishes may need extra precautions or a completely different cleaning method.

What's the difference between softwashing and pressure washing?

The key difference lies in the way that each method gets rid of the contamination.

Softwashing mainly involves the use of a cleaning solution sprayed at low pressure in order to deal with organic build-up and to loosen dirt. It is usually the preferred method when carrying out house washing and other similar delicate exterior cleaning jobs.

Pressure washing involves directing a more powerful jet of water (generally 2000+ psi) in order to mechanically wipe away dirt, grime and other visible contamination from surfaces. It is especially useful when applied to appropriate hard surfaces, such as concrete driveways, paths and certain paved areas and definitely does not include delicate surfaces such as render, façades, weatherboard, etc.

One method isn't automatically the better choice for all situations. For instance, a wall with a mould-covered exterior might do well with softwashing, whereas a concrete driveway that is heavily soiled might need professional pressure cleaning. Selecting the incorrect method could result in inadequate outcomes or unnecessary damage to the surface.

How long do the results from soft washing last?

Softwashing gives longer-lasting results when dealing with organic growth than merely rinsing or blowing away surface contamination since the treatment focuses on the organisms' roots that cause the staining.

There is no assured length of time before regrowth takes place; the outcome varies according to factors including shade, moisture, the surrounding vegetation, weather conditions and the state of the surface. Areas which stay damp or get little sunlight might begin to show new growth earlier. To give you a rough idea, if the results from pressure washing the same surface lasted 6 months before the slow return of organic buildup, the results from softwashing might be 12 months+ before seeing a noticeable return.

Carrying out regular maintenance on the outside of your property can not only keep it looking cleaner but also make it easier to wash the house later on.

Professional House Washing by Wright Pressure

We at Wright Pressure know that efficient and effective exterior cleaning involves more than just having powerful equipment; it involves using the right method for the surface, applying the appropriate cleaning solutions and at the same time taking care to protect the surrounding property.

The method we choose is determined by the state of the exterior and the kind of contamination present. In cases where softwashing is appropriate, it can be used to remove organic build-up while at the same time reducing the risks linked with too much pressure.

If the exterior of your house shows signs of mould, algae or a build-up of grime, get in touch with Wright Pressure to talk about their professional house washing service in Melbourne and ask for a quote.