House Soft Washing

House Soft Washing: The Smarter Way to Restore Your Home’s Shine

If your house is looking a little tired — green mould on the eaves, dust streaks on the walls, cobwebs under the gutters — it’s probably time for a clean. But before you crank up the pressure washer, here’s something most people don’t realise: not all surfaces can handle high pressure. That’s where soft washing comes in.

What Is House Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a gentle cleaning method designed specifically for delicate exterior surfaces like weatherboard, render, painted brick, and timber. Instead of blasting water at full force, it uses low-pressure water combined with a specialised cleaning solution to loosen and remove grime, mould, mildew, and bacteria.

Think of it as a deep cleanse for your home — it gets right into the pores of the surface to kill the growth at the source, rather than just washing the top layer away.

The Advantages of Soft Washing

✅ Protects your home – High pressure can strip paint, dent cladding, and force water behind walls. Soft washing keeps your home safe while still getting incredible results.

✅ Kills mould and mildew, not just removes it – The biodegradable solution doesn’t just clean — it sanitises. That means a longer-lasting result and fewer repeat cleans.

✅ Restores your paintwork – Dirt and organic growth can dull the look of your paint. Soft washing brings back that “freshly painted” look without actually painting.

✅ Eco-friendly and water-efficient – Because it relies on chemistry rather than brute force, soft washing uses far less water than traditional pressure cleaning.

✅ Boosts your home’s street appeal – A clean home just looks loved. Whether you’re getting ready to sell, rent, or just enjoy your space again, it makes a world of difference.

Where Soft Washing Works Best

• House exteriors (painted surfaces, cladding, weatherboard)

• Eaves, soffits, gutters, and fascia boards

• Fences and gates

• Pergolas and awnings

• Outdoor furniture and decks (when sealed or painted)

For driveways, brick paths, and concrete — pressure washing still wins. But for your actual house, soft washing is the hero.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?
Pressure washing uses force — soft washing uses finesse. High-pressure water is great for tough, hard surfaces like concrete, but it can damage paint, siding, or timber. Soft washing uses gentle pressure and cleaning solutions to safely dissolve grime and kill mould without harm.

2. Is soft washing safe for plants and pets?
When done correctly, yes. Professional cleaners will pre-soak and rinse surrounding plants to keep them safe. All Foxwash solutions are biodegradable and carefully applied.

3. How long does soft washing last?
Typically 12–18 months, depending on your location and environment. Because it kills mould and algae spores at the root, it lasts much longer than a quick pressure wash.

4. Can I do it myself?
You can — but be warned. Getting the mix ratios wrong or using too much pressure can damage paint, oxidise aluminium, or cause water to get behind weatherboards. It’s one of those jobs that looks easy until it’s not.

Choosing the Right Soft Washing Contractor

Not all cleaners are created equal. A good contractor should:

• Know their chemistry – Using the wrong solution or mix strength can stain, etch, or damage surfaces.

• Use professional-grade gear – Soft washing systems use specialised nozzles and low-pressure pumps, not just a dialled-down pressure washer.

• Be insured and experienced – Always ask for public liability insurance and examples of past work.

• Care about prep and protection – Proper rinsing, taping, and plant protection separate the pros from the cowboys.

The Dangers of Inexperience

If someone doesn’t know what they’re doing, they can:

• Force water behind cladding or into wall cavities (causing rot and mould)

• Strip paint or fade colour from UV-exposed surfaces

• Leave behind chemical streaks or burn marks

• Kill plants or stain windows with overspray

The Bottom Line

Soft washing is the smarter, safer way to make your home look new again. It’s fast, gentle, and gives results that last — without damaging your biggest investment.

At Foxwash, we take pride in treating every home like our own — careful, thorough, and respectful of every surface, plant, and window along the way.