How to Soft Wash a House in 5 Easy Steps

Soft washing tackles mould, algae, and dirt at the source. This makes it ideal for Brisbane’s — and especially Queensland’s — properties, as high humidity can lead to rapid regrowth.

In this article, we’ll highlight the importance of soft house washing in Brisbane and when it’s best to call a professional.

What Is Soft Washing? And Why It’s Better Than High-Pressure Cleaning

Soft washing uses low water pressure — typically under 100 PSI. It doesn’t “blast” grime away; instead, it uses specialised chemicals to tackle problematic growths at the source and prevent them from coming back.

High-pressure cleaning, meanwhile, uses up to 4,000 PSI. This can remove algae and other issues, but may not stop them from returning; it also risks stripping your home’s paint.

Here’s when soft washing is the best choice:

• Roof cleaning
• Rendered/painted walls
• Timber decks
• Solar panels
• Outdoor furniture

On the flipside, a high-pressure solution is often best for:

• Driveways
• Concrete patios
• Garage floors
• Pool surrounds
• Retaining walls

Ultimately, soft washing is safer for delicate surfaces like home exteriors that need more delicate treatment. It provides a longer-lasting clean while remaining eco-friendly. You can even do it yourself, though you should still know when to seek a professional house wash.

5 Simple Steps to Soft Wash Your House

As long as you gather the correct chemicals and plan effectively, you can enjoy all the benefits of soft wash house cleaning in Brisbane yourself. Here’s what you need to do to get the job done at home:

Step 1 – Prepare Your Surfaces and Safety Gear

Figure out exactly which surfaces you’ll be washing. As mentioned above, higher pressure is generally better for concrete patios and similar hard, robust materials.

You’ll also have to make sure the property is actually ready for a soft wash. While the water pressure is low, it can still damage your home if you’re not careful. To be safe, you should:

• • Cover plants to keep them safe from chemicals
  • Close windows to stop water from entering the home
  • Seal or disconnect any nearby power outlets

You won’t be working with particularly harsh chemicals, but you should also still get a hold of protective gloves and eyewear.

Step 2 – Mix the Right Cleaning Solution

You won’t have to use harsh bleaches or other strong chemicals — all you need is a biodegradable soft wash solution. This is what we use at MKL Pressure Cleaning to make sure our team can address mould issues without damaging your paint or property.

Always check that the solution you get is suitable for the surfaces you’ll use it on, such as timber, render, or roof shingles. You should also follow the manufacturer’s dilution instructions, or the mixture could be too weak to clean adequately.

Step 3 – Apply the Soft Wash Solution Evenly

Even a well-diluted solution only works if it is applied correctly. You’ll need a specialised soft wash applicator, or at least a low-pressure nozzle for your garden sprayer. Always aim for a PSI of 100 or lower.

Apply a generous amount of the solution, but make sure it isn’t dripping wet. It’s also best to apply from the bottom up to avoid streaking. Additionally, don’t coat the entire home at once. Instead, work in manageable sections.

Let the solution sit for 5–10 minutes as instructed. If it’s a hot day, mist it to prevent the chemicals from drying out.

Step 4 – Gently Rinse with Low Pressure

Once you’re sure the mixture has had enough time, rinse it off with a low-pressure washer, again at 100 PSI or lower. Rinse from top to bottom — this will remove the last traces of dirt and mould from your surfaces.

Clean with smooth, sweeping motions. As you’ll be working from the top, gravity will do a lot of the work and ensure you don’t “push” dirty water into clean spots.

However, you should still be mindful of the runoff. Keep the water away from storm drains, flower beds, and other sensitive areas; if this is unavoidable, rinse again with fresh water.

Step 5 – Inspect and Touch Up

Check dry areas for any remaining issues. If you spot any remaining algae or other stains, don’t be afraid to reapply the solution and repeat the process. Particularly stubborn spots might simply require an extra few minutes of dwelling time.

Ensure you have a clear view of the affected areas. This means checking them in the daytime or with the aid of a torch; you might struggle to notice any remaining mould at a glance if it’s overcast.

Once you’re satisfied with the soft wash’s results, rinse the affected areas one last time, again while trying to avoid any runoff issues.

Safety Tips for DIY Soft Washing

As you’ll still be working with cleaning chemicals, DIY Brisbane soft washing only works if you follow the right safety tips. Here’s how to make sure everything comes together:

• Use rubber gloves and goggles to avoid any chemical splashes
• Consider a face mask when cleaning in tight spaces or windy weather
• Always test the cleaning solution on a small patch to verify it works
• Be mindful of the manufacturer’s diluting recommendations
• Don’t use a pressure washer on painted or fragile surfaces
• Avoid cleaning on hot days; this can dry out the solution
• Have someone on the ground if you’re working on the home’s roof
• Pre-wet your plants and grass to prevent overspraying damage

The most important safety tip, however, is to know when to contact an expert in Brisbane’s soft house washing needs.

When to Call a Professional Soft Washing Service in Brisbane

Many homeowners across Queensland undertake DIY soft washing and get great results, but this isn’t always the correct approach. For example, homeowners don’t always know how to tackle small patches of algae lurking in corners or joints.

Stubborn mould growth might also require stronger chemicals that aren’t readily available at nearby shops. Brisbane soft washing professionals have the solutions your property needs, along with the equipment to apply them.

You should also consider contacting experts if you plan to soft wash your roof. It’s possible to do this yourself, but cleaners have the tools and experience required to do it faster and more safely.

Contact us today for a quote, starting as low as just $99. 

Protect and Refresh Your Home the Right Way

By following the above steps, you’ll know exactly how to keep your property free of algae and other similar pests whilst avoiding any long-term damage. 

However, if you need a professional touch, MKL Pressure Cleaning can soft wash any home in Brisbane, ensuring you don’t have to worry about regrowth. We’ll take care of your mould, algae and dirt in less time, giving you peace of mind without the stress of tackling it yourself. 

Get in touch today for a quote, give us a call on 0411 744 454 or request a callback online. We’re happy to help.