Noticed stains, moss, or dirt on your home’s exterior? Traditional pressure washing can damage your surfaces, but soft washing offers a safer, more effective solution.
Using low pressure and special cleaning solutions, soft washing removes grime without harming your roof, walls, or deck.
For homeowners in Tauranga, Auckland, and Hamilton, it’s the best way to keep your property looking great while protecting your investment.
Read on to find out why soft washing is the smart choice for cleaning your home’s exterior.
What Exactly Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses a specially formulated solution to break down dirt, algae, mould, and other organic materials on your home’s exterior.
Unlike traditional pressure washing, which relies on high pressure to blast away grime, soft washing uses gentle water flow combined with cleaning agents to treat the surface.
This makes it ideal for delicate materials like roofs, weatherboard siding, and painted surfaces, which can easily be damaged by high-pressure water.
For homes in Tauranga, Auckland, and Hamilton, soft washing is the safest and most effective way to keep your property clean without causing harm.
Why Soft Washing Is a Safer & Smarter Choice
Soft washing isn’t just gentle on your surfaces; it’s also better for long-term maintenance. High-pressure washing can strip paint, crack tiles, and force water into places where it can cause damage.
Soft washing, on the other hand, targets grime at the root, killing algae and mould spores, which helps prevent them from coming back quickly. This means fewer cleanings and better protection for your home.
For example, homes in areas like Tauranga, where the humid climate fosters mould and moss growth, benefit from soft washing because it provides a deeper clean without the risks of traditional pressure washing.
How Soft Washing Works (Step-by-Step)
Soft washing is a simple, but highly effective process that involves several key steps:
1. Inspection & Surface Assessment
A professional will start by assessing the exterior of your home to determine the right cleaning approach based on the materials and condition of your surfaces.
2. Application of Cleaning Solution
A special eco-friendly solution is applied to surfaces like roofs, walls, and driveways. The solution breaks down dirt, mould, algae, and other contaminants at the root.
3. Dwell Time
The solution is left to sit for a few minutes, allowing it to work its magic on the grime.
4. Low-Pressure Rinse
After the solution has had time to treat the surfaces, it’s gently rinsed off with low-pressure water, leaving your home clean and safe.
5. Optional Follow-up Services
After the soft wash, you can bundle additional services like gutter cleaning, roof treatment, or driveway cleaning to keep every part of your home looking great.
This method is ideal for homes in places like Auckland’s suburbs or Hamilton’s older houses, where surfaces need extra care to avoid damage.
Soft Washing vs Traditional Pressure Washing
While both soft washing and pressure washing aim to clean your home’s exterior, they do it in very different ways. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Soft Washing | Pressure Washing |
| Pressure | Low pressure (less than 500 PSI) | High pressure (up to 4000 PSI) |
| Ideal for | Roofs, painted surfaces, weatherboards, decks | Concrete, driveways, brick surfaces |
| Risk of Damage | Minimal risk of damage | High risk of damage to delicate surfaces |
| Duration of Results | Long-lasting (prevents regrowth of mould, algae) | Short-term results (grime can return quickly) |
| Water Usage | Less water used, eco-friendly | High water usage |
Pressure washing might still be necessary for heavy-duty cleaning on concrete or brick surfaces, but for your home’s roof, siding, or deck in areas like Tauranga and Hamilton, soft washing is the safer, longer-lasting choice.
It cleans more thoroughly and doesn’t damage your surfaces, making it a smarter option for home maintenance.
Choosing a Professional Soft Washing Service – What to Look For
When selecting a soft washing service for your home, it’s important to choose a provider that prioritises quality and safety. Here are key things to look for:
1. Accreditation & Training
Ensure the company uses certified, trained technicians who follow industry best practices. For example, Sun SoftWash is ECIA-accredited, ensuring professional service and safe methods for your property.
2. Local Expertise
Choose a company with local knowledge. For homeowners in Tauranga, Auckland, and Hamilton, working with a local team means they’re familiar with regional weather, common building materials, and specific cleaning challenges.
3. Transparent Quotes
A professional service will provide clear, upfront pricing without hidden fees. Be sure to ask about bundled service options, such as a package that includes house washing, roof cleaning, and gutter treatment.
4. Reviews & Testimonials
Look for a company with positive reviews from homeowners in your area. Reading feedback from neighbours in your region (like Papamoa in Tauranga or Rototuna in Hamilton) can give you confidence in the service’s quality.
5. Aftercare
A good soft washing provider will offer tips for maintaining your home’s exterior after cleaning, helping to extend the results of the service.
By choosing a trusted, local service like Sun SoftWash in Tauranga, Auckland, or Hamilton, you’ll ensure your home gets the care it deserves while protecting its value for years to come.
Benefits of Soft Washing for Homeowners
Soft washing offers numerous advantages that can benefit homeowners in both the short and long term.
Here’s why soft washing is a smart choice for cleaning your home’s exterior:
1. Long-Lasting Clean Results
Unlike traditional pressure washing, which may only provide a temporary clean, soft washing removes organic material like algae, mold, and mildew at the root level. By breaking down the contaminants, it prevents regrowth for a longer period, keeping your surfaces cleaner for a longer time.
2. Prevents Surface Damage
One of the most significant advantages of soft washing is that it uses low pressure to clean surfaces, preventing damage to delicate materials.
High-pressure washing can strip paint, crack tiles, and force water into areas that may cause unseen damage. Soft washing is gentler and safer for materials like shingles, siding, painted surfaces, and decks, helping to preserve your property’s condition.
3. Eco-Friendly
Soft washing uses biodegradable cleaning solutions that are safe for the environment. Unlike traditional pressure washing that can waste large amounts of water, soft washing uses significantly less water and ensures that harmful chemicals are kept out of storm drains, reducing the environmental impact of the cleaning process.
4. Improves Curb Appeal
Regular soft washing can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal. It removes stains, dirt, and discoloration, leaving your home looking fresh and well-maintained.
Whether you’re selling your home or simply maintaining its appearance, soft washing helps ensure your property looks inviting and attractive.
5. Increases Property Value
A clean home exterior contributes to higher property value. By regularly soft washing your home, you can avoid the buildup of harmful substances that can damage your home’s structure. Clean roofs, siding, and driveways can make your home more appealing to potential buyers, giving it a competitive edge in the market.
6. Healthier Living Environment
Soft washing helps to remove mold, mildew, and algae that thrive on surfaces and can enter your home through open windows or cracks. This reduces allergens and irritants in the environment, improving air quality and making your home a healthier place to live, especially for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
7. Saves You Money on Future Repairs
By preventing damage to your surfaces and eliminating the need for expensive repairs, soft washing can save you money in the long run. It extends the lifespan of your roof, siding, and deck, reducing the frequency of major repairs or replacements.
Cost of Soft Washing Services
The cost of soft washing varies depending on several factors, including the size of your property, the specific areas that need cleaning, and the level of cleaning required.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved in soft washing services:
Typical Soft Washing Costs in New Zealand (NZD):
| Property Size (sqm) | Estimated Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| 50–80 sqm | $99 |
| 81–120 sqm | $109 |
| 121–180 sqm | $119 |
| 181–220 sqm | $139 |
| 221–290 sqm | $159 |
| 291–350 sqm | $199 |
| 351–450 sqm | $209 |
| 451–550 sqm | $239 |
| 550+ sqm | $259+ (dependent on size & access) |
Factors Affecting the Cost:
- Size of the Property
Larger properties typically require more time and cleaning solutions, which increases the cost. The bigger the surface area, the higher the price for soft washing services. - Type of Surface
The material being cleaned will impact the price. For example, cleaning a delicate roof or painted surface requires more care and specific cleaning solutions than cleaning concrete or a driveway. - Degree of Contamination
Homes with severe moss, algae, or mold buildup may require additional treatments or longer cleaning time, leading to higher costs. - Location and Accessibility
If your property has hard-to-reach areas, such as high roofs or narrow spaces, this could increase the cost due to the extra equipment and labor required. - Bundled Services
Many soft washing services offer bundled deals that include additional services like gutter cleaning, roof treatment, or driveway cleaning, which can reduce the overall cost per service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I have soft washing done?
For most homes, a soft wash every 1–3 years is recommended, depending on the climate and the amount of exposure to mould, algae, or dirt. In areas like Tauranga or Hamilton, where moisture levels are higher, you may need it more often.
Will the cleaning solution harm my plants or lawn?
No, the cleaning solutions used in soft washing are eco-friendly and biodegradable. A professional service will take precautions to protect your garden, plants, and lawn during the cleaning process.
Can soft washing remove heavy stains like oil or gum from my driveway?
For tough stains like oil or chewing gum, pressure washing might be the better option. Soft washing is ideal for organic materials like mould, algae, and dirt, but it won’t remove stubborn grease stains.
How long do the results of soft washing last?
Soft washing can provide long-lasting results, often up to 2–3 years, because it removes contaminants at the root, preventing quick regrowth of mould and algae. Regular maintenance helps keep your exterior looking fresh.
Does soft washing replace repainting my home?
While soft washing can help preserve the appearance of your paint by removing grime and mould, it does not replace the need for periodic repainting. It helps extend the lifespan of your paint job.
Is soft washing safe for older or heritage homes?
Yes! Soft washing is the safest cleaning method for older homes with delicate exteriors like weatherboards or painted surfaces. It’s gentle and effective, making it ideal for preserving the integrity of older properties.
Conclusion
Soft washing is the modern, safe solution for cleaning your home’s exterior without the risk of damage.
Whether you’re dealing with moss on your roof in Tauranga, grime on your weatherboards in Auckland, or mould on your deck in Hamilton, soft washing ensures a thorough, long-lasting clean. It’s gentle on surfaces, eco-friendly, and offers better protection for your property.
If you’re ready to give your home a fresh, clean look, contact Sun SoftWash today. With local expertise in Tauranga, Auckland, and Hamilton, we provide top-quality soft washing services that restore your home’s beauty and protect its value.
Request your free quote now and let us help you maintain your home’s exterior the right way.
