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Soft Washing is a very effective cleaning method that removes the organic growth that can develop on exterior hard surfaces over time. These organic growths generally include various types of algae, fungus, lichens, moss and mould (often referred to as Biofilm).
In contrast to a Pressure Washing system, a Soft Washing system uses a chemical solution to remove biofilm on exterior surfaces. As the name suggests, these chemicals are applied at low pressure (3-6 bar), so as to protect the delicate areas we are treating.
Yes, Soft Washing can be used on all exterior hard surfaces including walls, steps, pathways, patios, decking and roofs as well as UPVC and cladding for example.
In the past three decades or so, rendered homes and business premises have become really popular with architects and householders alike. And it’s easy to see why. Self-finished render with its modern ‘clean’ lines look amazing and is relatively low maintenance.
However, low maintenance is not to be confused with no maintenance. Regular cleaning is essential to keep render looking at it’s best, and in great condition.
If not regularly cleaned, the colour of render will appear to fade and change. This is because render is prone to becoming infected with red, green and black algae, lichens, mould and even moss. The staining these organic growths produce can not only ruin the appearance of a home or commercial building, but also cause damage to the rendered surface itself if left untreated. The good news is that the original colour of the render is there under all that organic growth, waiting to be revealed. And we can safely remove that organic growth for you.
One suggested contributor is that modern wall insulation is now extremely efficient. With the introduction of such effective wall insulation, the amount of heat passing through external walls has reduced, which means the ability of external surfaces to dry out completely has also reduced. It’s these damp conditions that can lead to a build up of biological growth on rendered walls, producing unsightly staining.
The good news is that organic growth on render is actually quite simple to contain and remove if you have the right equipment, chemicals and knowhow. The render needs to be treated with a biocide – a specific type of industrial disinfectant, which effectively breaks down the living matter, while causing zero damage to the render surface itself.
Soft washing (depending on the chemicals used) can either produce an instant result that homeowners love to see, or a gradual result.
The use of products containing bleach has been very popular because they provide instant impressive results. Chemicals containing no bleach also provide impressive results but work over time. “Self Cleansing” usually takes around two to three weeks. The use of non-bleach products is now becoming more popular with some incredible products on the market we can utilize.
At Pure Water Window Cleaning we use both types of products depending on the customers needs. Some customers require an instant result, which can only be achieved with a bleach-based product. But if you do not need an instant result and are happy to watch your render become beautifully clean over a period of time, then we recommend and prefer the use of non-bleach products.
Green and red algae usually die within minutes of application. Green algae will disappear first; sometimes leaving a faint shadow for a few days, and due to the darker compound within red algae (beta carotene) this may linger for a while longer still. Some black marks from black fungal discolouration may persist, but will recede over time. (Non organic marks on render surfaces may need to be treated using different cleaning products / chemicals)
How quickly non-bleach cleaning products take to work is dependent on the biological loading of moulds and algae. With mild staining, results can be seen in days. Heavier loads can take 2-3 months to see radical improvements. In severe cases of contamination, it may take 6-12 months to see optimum results. But don’t let this put you off. Non-bleach products produce amazing results. (Both ‘after’ pictures displayed on this page have been cleaned with non-bleach products)
Post treatment, we allow nature (the repeated cycles of wind, rain and sun) to do the rest of the work for us and gradually reveal the original appearance of the render. This is the “self cleansing” nature of soft washing with non-bleach products. Once your surfaces are beautifully clean, the following season, after a light maintenance spray, results will be seen within days.
Our Soft Washing service using non-bleach products can be used on ALL outdoor hard surfaces including tarmac, brick facades, paving, concrete, decking, roof tiles and even artificial sports surfaces (i.e. tennis courts, football, hockey, rugby, ski-slopes).
Soft washing of cladding, domestic or industrial, provides better results when compared to Pressure Washing producing a longer lasting clean. Popular in the US for many years, it is becoming a growing preference here in the UK with much success in cleaning cladding all over the country. Cleaning cladding regularly will ensure it remains weather proof, and that its appearance is maintained as the build-up of organic growths and the resulting staining will be avoided.
Allowing bacterial growths to prosper, over time, will likely damage the surface of the cladding, affecting the buildings ability to remain watertight and weatherproof. Cladding, in any form, aluminium, composite, stainless steel, glass, wood, laminate, concrete and plastisol are able to benefit from our routine Cladding Cleaning service.
We use cleaning products that can restore your building to its original bright appearance, with minimum disruption to the running of your business – or damage to the cladding itself. Having your cladding professionally cleaned can also extend its lifespan, preventing potentially expensive repair bills or end of lease “dilapidation” expense.
We use cleaning products that are guaranteed not to adversely affect any component, product, coating, adhesive or sealant on your building. It will not discolour, is biodegradable and safe to use in any environment.
So Contact us today for your hassle-free Soft Washing / Render Cleaning quote!