We provide expert Soft Wash Render Cleaning in Exeter, Barnstaple, Tiverton, Cullompton, Exmouth and Taunton, that gently removes black spot, green algae, red algae, mould, mildew, lichen and moss. As one of the first professional adopters of soft washing in the South West of England, we have over a decade of experience successfully soft washing render, brick, stone, pebbledash, cladding and timber on residential and commercial properties.

What is Soft Washing?

Soft washing is an environmentally responsible and highly effective alternative to high-pressure cleaning. Our system uses dilute biocidal solutions applied with low-pressure water to treat exterior surfaces safely and thoroughly.

Unlike power washing, which can damage delicate materials, soft washing treats the root cause of staining — organic growth — leaving surfaces cleaner for longer. 

Soft Washing Benefits

• A low-pressure, chemical-based cleaning system that cleans and protects exterior surfaces
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• Kills algae, lichen, mould and fungi at the root — not just the surface

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• Safe for render, brick, stone, roofs, uPVC and more

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• Uses less water than traditional pressure washing

Eco-Friendly External Cleaning

We use HSE-approved Lightning Cleanze and Bio Cleanze solutions in partnership with Benz.

Soft washing is eco-conscious because:

• Solutions are applied at around 1% dilution (far weaker than household bleach)

• Active ingredients are biodegradable and break down rapidly once dry

• Uses up to 75% less water than pressure washing

• Run-off is carefully managed to protect drains and plant life

The active ingredient, Sodium Hypochlorite, occurs naturally in the environment and is also produced in small quantities by the human body.

Clean Large Areas, Fast

Soft washing allows us to treat large surface areas quickly and efficiently.

Visible results from Blackwash are often immediate, while the application of Biocide continues working for months — providing ongoing protection against regrowth.

Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing

Pressure washing uses force to blast away dirt. While effective for some hard surfaces, it can damage render, dislodge pointing, strip paint and force water into cavities.

Soft washing works differently. Instead of relying on force, it uses a targeted chemical reaction to sterilise and remove algae, lichen, fungi and mould. This means growth doesn’t return as quickly — and surfaces remain protected.

In many projects, we use a combination of both methods. However, for render and sensitive materials, soft washing alone is often the safest and most effective solution.

• Soft washing kills spores and organic growth at the root

• Pressure washing removes surface dirt but not underlying growth

• Soft washing is safer for delicate materials

• Longer-lasting results with biocidal protection

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Surfaces Cleaned with Soft Washing

Render Soft Washing

Render is highly susceptible to algae and red/black staining. Because render is porous, pressure washing can cause permanent damage.

Our low-pressure render soft washing treatment gently sterilises the surface, removes staining and restores the building’s appearance — all without causing harm.

Roof Tiles Soft Washing

Concrete, slate and fibre-cement roof tiles often suffer from moss, lichen and algae growth. Soft washing eliminates spores embedded in the surface, helping prevent regrowth and extending the life of the roof.

Brick and Masonry Soft Washing

Brick and stone can trap organic growth in mortar joints and pores. Soft washing penetrates these areas, delivering a deeper, longer-lasting clean compared to pressure alone.

Driveway Soft Washing

Concrete, paved and tarmac driveways affected by black spots, algae or mould can benefit from a combined pressure and soft wash treatment. Once cleaned, biocidal protection helps maintain results.

How Soft Washing Works

The Science Behind Soft Washing

Soft washing works through a controlled chemical oxidation process. The primary active ingredient — sodium hypochlorite — reacts with organic cells, breaking down algae, mould, fungi and lichen at a molecular level.

Unlike pressure washing, which only removes visible growth, soft washing destroys spores and biofilm. Surfactants help the solution cling to surfaces, increasing dwell time and penetration into porous materials such as render and stone.

This sterilisation process not only cleans the surface but also delays regrowth. Once dry, the active ingredients break down into salt and water, minimising environmental impact.

Our Soft Washing Process

Preparation

Remove heavy debris manually or with controlled pressure cleaning.

Clean

Low-pressure application of Benz Lightning Cleanze solution to sterilise organic growth.

Rinse

Gentle rinse to remove residues and reveal visibly clean surfaces.

Protect

Application of Benz Bio Cleanze to reduce ghosting stains and for ongoing protection.

Commercial Soft Washing 

Safety & Professional Standards

Alongside our residential service, we also operate a commercial and industrial soft washing service in Exeter, Devon and the region. 

We take safety seriously on every project:

• Fully trained team

• Correct PPE at all times

• HSE-approved products only

• Detailed RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements)

• Run-off prevention

• Protection of surrounding areas

• Clear communication with clients and neighbours

Please visit our Commercial Exterior Cleaning page for more about this service.

*STAY CLEAN* Guarantee: no algae, mould or lichen regrowth for at least 12 months — or we’ll retreat it FOC!

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