Service
Soft washing in Wellington
Low-pressure chemical wash for painted weatherboards, roofs and any surface where high pressure would do more harm than good.
What's included
- Have a look first, surface type, paint condition, plants that need watching, water access
- Plant and pet protection, gardens rinsed before and after, sensitive plants flagged
- Biodegradable soft-wash detergent applied at low pressure (200–500 PSI)
- Dwell time for the chemistry to lift moss, mould, lichen and salt
- Full rinse with controlled water flow
- Joinery, soffits, fascia and exterior detail included
- Before-and-after photos emailed once the job's sorted
Why this matters in Wellington
Wellington's mix of older painted weatherboards, plaster, brick and tile roofing makes soft washing the right method for most exterior cleaning here. High-pressure water blasting is fine for concrete and paths but strips painted timber and risks damaging older roof coatings. Soft wash gets moss, lichen, salt and weather-driven grime off the surface without disturbing what's underneath. The chemistry is biodegradable and rinses cleanly.
Soft washing is the right approach for any surface that’s been painted, sealed or coated, which means most of Wellington’s housing. Weatherboards, plaster, brick, painted brick, concrete tile roofs, Decramastic, Coloursteel, they all live longer when cleaned with chemistry and low pressure rather than blasted with high-pressure water.
The mechanics are simple, a biodegradable detergent does the work of lifting moss, mould, lichen and salt. Low-pressure water (200–500 PSI, compared with 2,500+ for blasting) carries it off the surface. The paint film, the roof coating, the original timber underneath, none of it gets touched.
James uses soft wash for almost every Wellington house wash job. The exception is hard surfaces, concrete, pavers, asphalt, where high-pressure blasting is the right tool off the truck.
Recent jobs
Soft Washing, before and after.
during 
FAQ
Soft Washing, common questions
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What's the difference between soft wash and water blasting?
Pressure and chemistry. Soft wash runs at 200–500 PSI with a biodegradable detergent, safe for paint and roof coating. Water blasting runs at 2,500+ PSI with mostly water, used for concrete, paths and tough hard surfaces. The right method for the right surface, every time.
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Will it strip my paint?
No. Soft washing at low pressure can't physically take sound paint film off. The chemistry only lifts what's sitting on top, moss, salt, lichen, soot, mould. If the paint's already failing (peeling, blistering), James will flag it on the day so you know before he starts.
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Is the chemistry safe around my garden?
Yes. Biodegradable detergents at low concentration are safe for established plants when used properly. James rinses gardens down before and after, and avoids spraying straight into beds. Flag anything specifically vulnerable (koi pond, prized vege patch, young trees) on the quote form.
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How long does soft wash last?
Most Wellington homes look good for 12–18 months after a soft wash. Coastal and south-facing properties closer to 12; sheltered northern suburbs closer to 18–24.
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Can soft wash do my roof?
Yes, soft wash is the recommended method for most roofs (concrete tile, Decramastic, Coloursteel, terracotta). High pressure on roofing can damage coatings and force water under the laps. Soft wash chemistry lifts moss and lichen without the risk.
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How long does the visit take?
A typical 3-bedroom single-storey soft wash takes 2–4 hours including setup, dwell, rinse and tidy-up. Two-storey or roof-included jobs run 4–6 hours.
Ready for a cleaner property?
Most quotes are back within a few hours, sometimes the same afternoon. Fill in the form, James will take a look at your address, and you'll get a straight price with no obligation.