Soft Washing 101: Setup, Process, and Pressure Washing Comparisons

What is soft washing? How does it work? Do you need a soft wash system? These are questions you probably have asked yourself when researching how to clean the outside of your home.

At Paradise Restore Lawn Maintenance, we are dedicated to providing you with expert property maintenance advice and instruction. That is why we have put together this ultimate guide to soft washing. You will find the answers to all your soft washing questions below.

If you have any other questions or would like to get a quote, contact us today!

What is a Soft Wash System?

A soft wash system is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses biodegradable chemicals to remove dirt, mold, algae, and bacteria from surfaces. It is commonly used for roofs, siding, and other delicate surfaces where high-pressure washing could cause damage. The system ensures thorough cleaning without harming the material.

How to Soft Wash a House

Soft Wash Setup

Now that you know what a soft wash system is, we need to explain how to set it up. Whether you are a DIY homeowner, a new soft wash business owner, or maintenance staff, follow these steps to ensure a proper soft wash.

Equipment

Soft Wash Pump or 12V Diaphragm Pump. Either one of these options will work depending on your price restraints and specific needs.
Hose Reel. You will need a hose connected to a water source to power your soft wash pump.
Tank. If you have access to your house’s or your client’s house’s water, then you do not need a tank. However, for bigger cleaning jobs, you may desire a separate tank for injecting your chemicals.
Soft Wash Spray Gun. Some soft systems may come with everything needed, but if you are buying separate equipment, you will need to buy a spray gun specifically designed for soft washing.
Special Nozzles. Soft wash nozzles ensure allow for the precise application of chemicals.
Chemicals. To effectively kill mold, mildew, and algae, you will need sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach. You will dilute this with water. We will explore the proper mixing ratios later.

Safety Tips

In order to keep yourself safe while mixing and applying soft wash chemicals, follow these safety precautions:

Avoid Skin Contact. Bleach and other chemicals can cause burns, irritation, and other damage to your skin. If your skin is exposed to the chemicals, wash it off immediately.
Wear PPE. Use personal protection (PPE) like gloves, goggles, long pants, close-toed shoes, a mask, and a long-sleeved shirt.
Protect Surroundings. Cover plants, outlets, and outdoor windows so no chemicals ruin them.
Use a Stable Ladder. When working with high walls or on roofs, use a long, stable ladder for your safety.
Use and Extension Wand. If you need to spray hard to reach areas, use an extension wand to safely reach areas without having to climb.
Properly Dispose Chemicals. Do not dump excess chemicals into storm drains or nearby water sources.

DIY Soft Wash Tutorial

As discussed previously, use the proper safety equipment and safety practices for secure, efficient application.
Once everything has been prepped appropriately, dilute the chemicals according to a 1:4 ratio (1 part sodium hypochlorite to 4 parts water)
Spray bottom up to prevent streaking.
Let dwell 5-15 minutes depending on the surface and grime level. This allows the solution to break down grime without letting it dry.
Use a low-pressure washer or garden hose to rinse thoroughly from top to bottom.

Soft Wash FAQs

What if There is Still Mold Left?

If there is still mold left on your roof or siding after the first wash, don’t worry – some areas may need extra cleaning. If this is the case, feel free to repeat the cleaning process for the moldy areas.

What if Paint Peels?

Since soft washing uses low water pressure to clean, peeling paint is usually indicative of and old or improper paint job. If that’s not the case, it could be one of the following reasons:

High Bleach Concentration. If your ratio was higher than 1:4, the bleach could cause damage to the paint.
Wood or Porous Surfaces. These surfaces expand with moisture, so if the paint has poor adhesion, it will crack and peel.

Converting Your Pressure Washer to Soft Wash

If you already own a pressure washer and are wondering if you can use it for soft washing-–you can! Just follow the instructions below for the equipment you will need and for professional tips.

What You Need

To convert your pressure washer into a soft washer, you will need these two items:

Soft Wash Nozzle. These nozzles are specially designed for low-pressure, wide angle sprays, the perfect solution for soft washing.
Downstream Injector. A downstream injector pulls chemicals into the water stream after the pump, on the “downstream” side of the pressure washer.

Pro Tips

Don’t ever run bleach through the pump itself unless it’s a downstream injector—it can corrode internal parts.
Never use high pressure on vinyl siding, wood, or stucco because it can damage the surface or force water behind it.
For roofs or higher areas, consider an X-Jet or soft wash system that can shoot farther without ladders.

How it Compares to a Real Soft Wash System

If you already own a pressure washer and only need to clean a small portion of your house, buying a soft wash nozzle and injector is the most budget-frienly. However, a pressure washer makes it harder to control mix ratios and spray vertically (for tall siding application).

With a soft wash system, you have more control over the mix ratio and the chemical application is more consistent than a pressure washer. However, purchasing all new soft wash equipment can get a little pricy and can only be used for one purpose (soft washing).

Hire Professional Soft Wash Services

Paradise Restored provides expert soft washing and pressure washing services. We exist to and enjoy enhancing your property’s longevity and curb appeal. So give us a call at (850) 417-6788 to schedule your cleaning!

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