Improve your home without harsh pressure
The outside of your home is constantly exposed to dust, pollution, moisture and changing weather. Over time, exterior walls and rooflines can develop staining, streaks and organic growth that regular hosing won’t remove.
Soft wash house cleaning treats the cause of mould, algae, mildew and lichen rather than relying on water pressure to blast away the visible layer. The cleaning solution does most of the work before the surface is gently rinsed.
This makes house soft washing well suited to delicate, coated and textured surfaces. It can restore a cleaner, better-maintained appearance while reducing the risk of stripped paint, marked render, damaged cladding or water being forced into gaps.
Whether you’re preparing to sell, getting ready for an inspection or simply want your home looking its best, Kleenit can recommend the right exterior cleaning method for the property.
How soft wash house cleaning works
1. We assess your home
Before starting, we identify the exterior materials, their condition and the type of build-up. We also consider access, drainage, nearby plants, outdoor furniture and any areas requiring additional protection.
2. We prepare the area
The work area is made safe and surrounding fixtures, surfaces and landscaping are managed as required. This may include moving outdoor items and pre-wetting or covering sensitive areas.
3. We apply the treatment
A cleaning solution selected for the surface and contamination is applied evenly at low pressure. Depending on the job, the treatment may include carefully diluted sodium hypochlorite and surfactants that help the solution remain on vertical surfaces.
4. We allow it time to work
The treatment is left to dwell so it can penetrate and break down dirt, mould, algae, mildew and other organic growth.
5. We gently rinse the surface
Once the treatment has worked, the exterior is rinsed using controlled low pressure to remove loosened grime and residue.
What can be included in a soft house wash?
Depending on the materials and condition of your property, soft wash exterior house cleaning can include:
- Painted exterior walls
- Rendered walls and facades
- Weatherboard and fibre-cement cladding
- Eaves, soffits and fascia
- Gutters and downpipes
- Garage doors
- Verandahs and outdoor structures
- Awnings and suitable shade structures
- Suitable roof tiles or coated metal roofing
Some areas of a property require a different cleaning method. Concrete driveways, brick paving, paths and heavily soiled hard surfaces are often better suited to high-pressure cleaning.
Kleenit can use soft washing on the house exterior and pressure cleaning on surrounding hard surfaces, giving each part of the property the treatment it needs.
Tell us what needs cleaning and we’ll recommend the right approach.
When is soft washing right for your house?
Soft washing may be the better choice when:
- The exterior is painted, rendered, coated or otherwise delicate
- Mould, algae, mildew or lichen is causing the discolouration
- High pressure could strip paint or mark the surface
- Water could be forced behind cladding, around seals or into gaps
- The property has textured surfaces that need even treatment
- You want to clean several different exterior materials safely
Every home is different. Our operators inspect the surface before deciding whether soft washing, pressure cleaning or a combination of both is appropriate.
Multi-storey soft wash house cleaning
Cleaning a multi-storey exterior presents additional access and safety challenges. Reaching high walls, eaves, fascia and rooflines with DIY equipment can also lead to uneven results or unnecessary risk.
Kleenit has the specialist equipment and experience to assess multi-level homes and hard-to-reach exterior areas. The cleaning method and access requirements are planned around the property, surface condition and surrounding environment.
Where different areas require different treatments, we can combine low-pressure soft washing with targeted pressure cleaning to complete the job efficiently.
Soft washing vs pressure washing a house
The right method depends on what is being cleaned.
Soft washing uses a cleaning solution, dwell time and low-pressure water. It is designed for organic growth and more delicate surfaces, including painted walls, render, cladding and suitable roofing.
Pressure washing relies on the mechanical force of water. It is generally better for durable surfaces such as concrete, brick paving and some stone areas, particularly where there is heavy dirt, mud, oil or other physical build-up.
Using more pressure does not always deliver a better clean. Kleenit assesses the surface and contamination first, then selects the method that will achieve the best result with less risk of damage.
Learn more about professional soft washing and how it differs from pressure cleaning.
Why choose Kleenit for soft wash house cleaning?
Kleenit has provided specialist cleaning and commercial property services across Australia since 1987. Our local operators combine experience, professional equipment and established systems to deliver residential exterior cleaning safely and efficiently.
We don’t treat every home or surface the same. Before starting, we consider the material, condition, contamination, access and surrounding areas. We can then use soft washing, high-pressure cleaning or a combination of both to get the job done properly.
Kleenit is backed by a national franchise network and recognised quality, safety and environmental certifications, giving homeowners confidence that their property is being cleaned by an experienced professional.
Get a free soft wash house cleaning quote
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Frequently asked questions
What is soft wash house cleaning?
Soft wash house cleaning uses a specialised cleaning solution and low-pressure water to remove exterior dirt and treat organic growth such as mould, algae, mildew and lichen. The solution is allowed to dwell before the surface is gently rinsed.
Is soft washing safe for painted walls and render?
Soft washing is generally better suited to painted, rendered and coated surfaces than high-pressure cleaning because it relies on the treatment rather than strong water force. The material and its condition still need to be assessed before cleaning begins.
Does soft washing remove mould and algae?
Yes. Soft washing is designed to treat organic growth such as mould, algae, mildew and lichen rather than only removing the visible surface staining.
Can you soft wash a roof?
Soft washing may be suitable for some tiled and coated metal roofs. The roof material, condition, access and surrounding areas must be assessed before the appropriate treatment is confirmed.
Can you clean the driveway at the same time?
Yes. Driveways and other durable hard surfaces are often better suited to pressure cleaning. Kleenit can combine soft washing and high-pressure cleaning so each area receives the right treatment.
How much does soft wash house cleaning cost?
The cost depends on the size and height of the home, the surfaces being cleaned, the level of build-up, access and any additional preparation required. Send us photos of the property for a more accurate quote.
How often should a house be soft washed?
There is no set schedule for every property. The right frequency depends on the local climate, shade, surrounding trees, moisture, surface materials and how quickly organic growth returns. Kleenit can recommend a suitable maintenance interval after assessing your home.
Get a free soft wash house cleaning quote
Tell us which exterior surfaces need cleaning and what type of staining or growth you have noticed. If possible, attach photos of the property so we can assess the job more accurately.
We’ll be in touch within 24 hours to discuss your requirements and confirm the next steps.
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