Soft Washing in Whangarei and throughout Northland

Soft Washing: A Gentle Approach to Exterior Cleaning

Blast Away Guys specialise in providing top-quality exterior cleaning and soft washing services for residential, commercial, and educational properties. 

When it comes to washing cladding, decking, fencing and any other softer materials we are big advocates of soft washing as a great solution for removing grime, black, green and pink mould. 

If a surface contains pink mould we often need to apply a concentrated mix of cleaning solution first followed by hand washing the area to loosen the mould. Then we can soft wash the area. 

What is Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a specialised cleaning technique that uses low-pressure water combined with eco-friendly detergents to remove dirt, grime, mould, algae, and other contaminants from various surfaces. 

Unlike traditional high-pressure washing, which can damage delicate materials, soft washing is gentle yet effective. It’s particularly suitable for surfaces made of softer materials, such as painted walls, cedar, stucco, wood and fragile brick or concrete. 

It has the added benefit of leaving painted surfaces shiny and looking like they have been freshly painted. 

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Benefits of Soft Washing

  • Soft washing ensures that your property’s surfaces remain intact. The low-pressure application prevents chipping, cracking, or peeling, making it ideal for painted surfaces, cladding, and delicate materials. 

    Withe the right gear and technique the gentle pressure of soft washing will not feather wooden surfaces such as decking or fencing.
  • Regular house soft washing and washing of painted and stained surfaces is the cheapest form of preventative maintenance and can increase the life expectancy of your paint by a whopping 25%.
  • In fact, all paint manufacturers recommend cleaning exterior paintwork annually because: 
    1. Airborne contaminants, including salt deposits, settle on your paint film, can attack the surface, and cause premature breakdown.
    1. Moss, and lichen penetrate the surface of the paint, damaging its integrity. mould growth can destroy the chemical entity of the resin system that holds the paint system together.
    1. The presence of moss, mould and lichen will also hold moisture on the surface longer, promoting further growth of these organisms and increasing the risk of damage to the coating.

      The above 3 points are summarised from Resene Paints – Maintenance Guide..
  • Our specially formulated detergents not only clean but also protect. After a soft washing, your painted surfaces will gleam, appearing as if they’ve just been freshly painted. 
  • Soft washing minimizes water usage compared to high-pressure methods. Additionally, our biodegradable detergents are safe for the environment, ensuring a sustainable cleaning process.
  • Removing mould, algae, and other contaminants not only improves aesthetics but also promotes a healthier living environment. Soft washing eliminates potential allergens and keeps your property looking its best.

Blast Away Guys is trusted by over 8000 customers and have 1000's of 5 star reviews and glowing testimonials.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We are here to help you if you want professional soft washing services that rejuvenate your property without causing any harm. 

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We will make your home, office or property shine!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is it okay to clean panels myself?

We don’t recommend it. Solar panels are slippery, often hard to reach, and can be easily scratched or damaged with incorrect tools. It’s safer — and more effective — to let trained technicians handle it.

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How often should panels be cleaned?

Typically, every 6 to 12 months. If you live near the coast, in a rural area, or anywhere with dust or high pollen, you may benefit from more frequent cleaning to maximise output.

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What if my panels have lichen on them?

We’ll inspect your panels before we begin. If lichen is present, we’ll discuss a gentle treatment approach that removes it safely. Regular cleaning helps prevent lichen from taking hold in the first place.

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Will cleaning damage the panels or reduce warranty?

No. Our method is in line with most manufacturers’ warranty recommendations. In fact, it can help preserve the lifespan of your system by preventing lichen and dirt buildup from degrading the surface over time.

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How do you clean solar panels safely?

We use either a pure water-fed pole or a soft-bristle brush system depending on your setup. No harsh detergents, no pressure washing — just safe, chemical-free cleaning that protects delicate surfaces and electrical components.

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Why should I have my solar panels cleaned?

Dirty panels can’t absorb as much sunlight, which directly affects your energy output. Dust, pollen, lichen, and grime reduce efficiency over time. Regular cleaning restores performance and helps protect your solar investment.

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Is fence washing safe for my plants and lawn?

Yes. We rinse nearby vegetation before and after application and use biodegradable products. Let us know if you have sensitive plants or edible gardens nearby — we’ll take extra care.

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Can fence washing improve the look of my entire property?

Absolutely. A clean fence instantly lifts your property’s appearance from the street. It’s one of the most overlooked yet powerful ways to boost street appeal — especially when selling or getting ready for guests.

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Do you clean both sides of the fence?

We clean the side accessible from your property. If you want both sides cleaned (and have permission or access), we’re happy to include that in the quote. Let us know when you book and we’ll tailor the scope to your needs.

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How does your mould treatment work on fences?

After the initial clean, we apply a mould inhibitor that penetrates porous fence surfaces and helps slow down the return of mould and algae. This keeps your fence looking clean for longer, particularly in shaded or damp areas.

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Will your cleaning strip paint or damage my fence finish?

No. We take care to use only surface-safe pressure and deck/fence-specific detergents. This ensures the cleaning removes dirt, mould, and mildew without affecting your stain, paint, or the integrity of the timber.

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What type of fences do you clean?

We clean timber, concrete, painted, stained, and untreated fences. Whether you have a painted timber boundary or a concrete block wall, we tailor our cleaning approach to suit the material — using soft washing or low-pressure methods as needed.

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My deck gets slippery. Will this help?

Yes. Our treatment not only improves the appearance of your deck but also improves safety by removing the grime and algae that create slippery surfaces. You’ll notice the difference right away underfoot.

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Do I need to move furniture or pot plants before you arrive?

Yes, please — moving furniture allows us to reach all parts of the surface for a thorough clean. If you need help moving heavier pieces, just give us a heads-up and we’ll assist on the day.

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How long do the results last?

Most decks stay clean for several months after washing, depending on exposure to rain, shade, and organic debris. The mould treatment we apply helps extend that by slowing the return of algae and lichen.

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Is the deck wash safe around pets and gardens?

Yes. Our cleaning solution is biodegradable and diluted correctly to be safe for pets, garden beds, and surrounding surfaces. We take care to rinse down garden areas afterward to minimise any contact.

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Will your deck washing damage the paint or stain on my deck?

Not at all. We use a soft wash system with a biodegradable, timber-safe detergent that gently lifts grime, mould, and mildew without stripping your paint or stain. It’s ideal for preserving the look and longevity of painted or stained decking.

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I’ve had a bad experience with another company. How are you different?

We hear this a lot. What sets us apart is our consistency, communication, and commitment to care. We show up when we say we will, do what we promise (and often more), and treat your home like it’s our own. You’ll notice the difference straight away.

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What if I’m not happy with the result?

We back every job with our 100% Love Clean Guarantee. If something’s not quite right, let us know and we’ll come back to fix it. Still not happy? You don’t pay. It’s that simple.

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Is it safe to soft wash your house?

Yes, it most certainly is safe when done correctly. Unlike high-pressure washing, which can damage surfaces, soft washing uses low-pressure water and eco-friendly detergents. 

It’s gentle on your home’s exterior while effectively removing dirt, mould, and algae.

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How often should I soft wash my house?

The frequency depends on factors like your location, climate, and the level of contamination. In the Northland and Auckland regions generally, a soft washing once every year is sufficient to maintain a clean appearance.

If the building or a specific area on the building does not get a lot of sun then often it will benefit from being soft washed more frequently

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How long does it take to soft wash your house?

The duration varies based on the size of your property, how many levels it is, the specific areas being cleaned, how dirty or mouldy it is and what the water pressure is like. 

A typical residential soft washing session can take a few hours to a full day.

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Pressure washing vs soft washing: Which is better for houses?

Soft washing is better for houses because it’s gentle and won’t harm delicate surfaces. 

Pressure washing is suitable for driveways, sidewalks, and tougher materials but can damage cladding, paint, and roofing.

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What’s the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to blast away grime, while soft washing relies on low-pressure water via a special nozzle and specialized detergents. 

Soft washing is safer for painted surfaces and materials like stucco and wood.

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What chemical is used for soft washing?

The primary chemical used in soft washing is a biodegradable detergent. It effectively breaks down contaminants without harming your property or the environment.

Remember, soft washing is an excellent choice for maintaining your home’s exterior without causing damage. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

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How long do the results last?

Our results don’t just look great on the day — they last. Because we use professional-grade treatments to kill mould spores and help prevent regrowth, you can expect a cleaner home for longer. Most homeowners only need a full house wash once a year.

We will make your home, office or property shine!

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