Traditional high-pressure washing isn’t always the best solution for maintaining your home’s exterior appearance.
While pressure cleaning can be effective for hard surfaces, such as driveways or brick walls, it can cause damage to more delicate areas, including weatherboards, renders, and roofs. That’s where soft washing comes in — a safe, gentle, and incredibly effective method for removing mould, mildew, dirt, and grime without harming your property.
At Refined Exterior Cleaning, we offer expert pressure washing services to revitalise your property with precision and care. Join us as we walk you through what soft washing is, how it works, and why it’s one of the best ways to protect and maintain your home’s exterior in Australia’s harsh climate.
So, What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses a combination of water and specially formulated cleaning solutions to clean exterior surfaces.
Unlike high-pressure washing, which blasts dirt off with sheer force, soft washing relies on chemical solutions to break down contaminants such as mould, algae, lichen, and dirt before rinsing them away with a gentle stream of water.
This makes it ideal for more fragile surfaces, such as:
- Painted weatherboard or timber cladding
- Roof tiles (concrete, terracotta, or metal)
- Colorbond walls
- Render and stucco
- Outdoor furniture, fences, and decking
How Does It Work?
The process is relatively straightforward, but the results can be dramatic.
- Pretreatment inspection: Our technician assesses the surface to determine the best solution mix and check for any damage.
- Application of cleaning solution: A biodegradable, eco-friendly detergent is applied using low-pressure nozzles. This solution kills mould spores, algae, and bacteria at the root, not just the surface.
- Dwell time: The cleaning solution is allowed to sit and do the heavy lifting, breaking down grime and organic matter.
- Gentle rinse: The area is rinsed clean with low-pressure water, removing all debris without damaging the material underneath.
Soft washing doesn’t just remove visible dirt — it sanitises the surface, which sometimes helps keep it clean longer than pressure washing.
Why Homeowners Prefer Soft Washing
Here are some key reasons homeowners across Australia are turning to soft washing as their go-to exterior cleaning method:
1. Protects Delicate Surfaces
High-pressure water can strip paint, dent cladding, and even crack roofing materials. Soft washing eliminates this risk by using water pressure comparable to that of a garden hose.
2. Longer-Lasting Results
Because soft washing kills algae, mould, and mildew at the root, it prevents regrowth for much longer than surface-level cleaning. This means you’ll enjoy a cleaner home exterior for months to come.
3. Eco-Friendly Cleaning
The detergents used in soft washing are biodegradable and safe for the environment, pets, and your garden. They’re formulated to break down safely without harming local ecosystems.
4. Improves Curb Appeal
Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply want to take pride in its appearance, a soft wash can instantly enhance your property’s presentation.
5. Health Benefits
Mould and mildew aren’t just unsightly — they also harm your health, especially for people with asthma or allergies. Regular soft washing helps maintain a healthier living environment by removing these allergens from exterior surfaces.
Soft Wash vs. Pressure Wash: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Soft Wash | Pressure Wash |
| Pressure Level | Low (under 500 psi) | High (up to 3,000+ psi) |
| Best For | Roofs, siding, wood, and painted surfaces | Concrete, brick, stone |
| Cleaning Method | Chemical + rinse | Forceful water blast |
| Risk of Damage | Low | Moderate to high (on delicate surfaces) |
| Lasting Results | Longer kills mould at the root | Shorter only removes surface grime |
Why Choose Refined Exterior Cleaning?
At Refined Exterior Cleaning, we specialise in professional soft washing services tailored to your property’s unique needs. Our experienced technicians use eco-friendly, Australian-standard cleaning solutions that are tough on grime but gentle on your home.
We don’t just clean — we care for your surfaces to help extend their life and keep your home looking its absolute best. Whether you’re dealing with black streaks on your roof, moss on your fence, or green algae on your walls, we have the tools and know-how to restore your home safely.
Ready for a Cleaner, Healthier Home?
If your home’s exterior is starting to show signs of wear, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue. Let our professional team bring it back to life with a safe, thorough, soft wash.
Contact us today for a free quote, and discover the difference soft washing can make! Visit our website to learn more about our services.
