Skip to main content

Over time, rendered surfaces can become dirty and stained after being exposed to the natural elements and pollution, requiring regular cleaning to maintain their fresh and appealing appearance. There are various methods for cleaning render, but soft washing is widely regarded as the most effective method for cleaning rendered surfaces, especially for modern render types.

What is Softwashing?

Softwashing is a cleaning technique that utilises low-pressure, warm water and cleaning solutions/detergents to break down and wash away dirt, dust, debris, moss, mildew, and algae growth.

Softwashing is a gentler cleaning option than pressure washing/jet washing, which uses a high-pressure stream of water to clean rendered surfaces. Although pressure washing is a powerful cleaning technique, it also has the added risk of damaging the render, which is why softwashing is the safer cleaning option.

What Can Softwashing Be Used On?

Softwashing is effective to clean away organic growth and debris, including:

  • Dirt and debris build up
  • Algae growth
  • Mould
  • Fungi growth
  • Moss
  • Lichen growth
  • Mildew
  • Staining from exposure to the elements and pollution
  • Organic growth and imperfections

What Cleaning Solutions Can Be Used for Softwashing?

Mild detergents and cleaning solutions play a crucial role in the softwashing process, as they help break down organic growth on rendered surfaces, making it easier for the low-pressure water stream to wash the debris away and leave your walls looking brand new.

The best cleaning solutions to use in the softwashing process include:

  • Cleaning detergents: Mild cleaning detergents, which don’t harm the render
  • Biocides: Cleaning solutions that contain a kind of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) that removes algae and mould growth and prevents them from regrowing.
  • Rust removers: If your rendered surface has rust stains, rust removers can be used to remove them.
  • Oxidation remover: Removes stains or marks caused by the oxidation process.
  • Surfactant: Enhances the effectiveness of the cleaning solutions used during the soft washing process.

Softwashing Equipment

The equipment used during a softwash can include a garden hose to rinse and prepare the surface, a pump sprayer (for the cleaning solution) and a pressure washer for the actual washing part.

What Are the Benefits of Softwashing?

The benefits of softwashing include:

Gentle Yet Effective

Softwashing is the perfect way to clean rendered surfaces without damaging the walls or render.

Powerful

Although it is a low-pressure wash, softwashing is still powerful enough to remove stubborn stains and debris from the render, leaving it as good as new.

Fast Process

The softwashing cleaning process is fast, and the results are instant.

Say Goodbye to Organic Matter

Softwashing is the ideal method for removing organic growth from your rendered surfaces. If left untreated, organic matter isn’t only unsightly, but it can also cause structural damage over time.

Amazing Results

You can expect amazing results after softwashing your rendered surfaces. Say goodbye to unsightly dirt, grime and fungi growth and hello to shiny, fresh rendered walls!

Uses Less Water

Softwashing uses less water than power or jet washing does, saving you money in the long run.

Long Reach

Softwashing can reach heights of 12-24 metres from the ground, easily cleaning multiple-level homes and effectively reaching higher surfaces.

Enhances Curbside Appeal

Nobody likes a dirty or old-looking house. Softwashing your rendered home gives it an instant facelift, making it look freshly rendered and instantly enhancing its curbside appeal.

Use of Biodegradable Solutions

Softwashing works perfectly well with biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. You don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals that ruin the environment to get the job done.

Softwashing Process

Whether you do it yourself or call in the professionals to softwash your render, here are the basic steps that are taken:

Asessing

Study your home and the render carefully. Can you clean the render in one day? How many bottles of cleaning solution will you need? Do you have all the necessary equipment, or do you need to purchase any additional items?

Gather the Equipment Together

Gather everything you’ll need (garden hose, pump sprayer, pressure washer and cleaning solutions).

Protection and Preparation

Wear protective goggles, gloves and a coverall to protect yourself. Also, place plastic drop sheets over the surrounding grass and garden to protect them from the cleaning solutions.

Give the exterior of your home a quick rinse with a hose to remove any loose dirt or debris.

Practice

Practice using a pressure washer before starting the softwashing process. Learn how to aim and shoot (so to speak), so you get the cleaning solution where you need it most, and not all over the ground, where it will go to waste.

Action Time

Use the pump sprayer to distribute the cleaning solution/detergent over the rendered surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wait a certain amount of time (around 15-20 minutes) for the cleaning solution to kick in and work its magic.

Rinse Off the Cleaning Solution

Use the pressure washer to rinse off the cleaning solution from the rendered surface and the surrounding area, ensuring that no traces of the cleaning solution remain.

When Should You Use Softwashing?

Softwash is a gentle washing technique that is perfect for more delicate surfaces, such as render, brick, wood, vinyl and stone. It is also great for use on roofs, driveways, footpaths, or balconies.

When Should You Use Jet Wash/Pressure Washing Instead?

Pressure washing/jet washing is ideal for harder surfaces like concrete, metals, and plastics, as it withstands the higher pressure of water better and is less likely to become damaged.

If you want to find out more about softwashing and other render cleaning methods, give Sydney Cement Rendering a call! We take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts and providing our customers with the highest quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!