Frequently Asked Questions about Soft Washing

What is softwashing?

Softwashing is the preferred method for washing the exterior of a house. It utilizes a cleaning detergent that neutralizes mould and mildew from the surface it is growing on e.g. weatherboards, stucco etc. Softwashing is brilliant for Wellington homes that are often affected by either Damp bush or Seasalt Corrosion.

Is it high pressure?

The detergent can be applied to the surface at a very low pressure. We use a pressure range of around 50-100psi, which is comparable to the pressure of a garden hose. The detergent is then left for a short period of time on the surface being cleaned(about 5 minutes) to work its magic. The surface is then rinsed with clean water using the same pressure as was used before, around 50-100psi. This ensures no damage is done to the surface.

Will the detergent kill my plants?

While it is true that one of the ingredients in our cleaning detergent is chlorine bleach, it is a very low concentration. We believe “Dilution is the solution!” Our team always water nearby plants before, during and after the softwashing process. This ensures any detergent is so dilute that it won’t harm your treasured plants.

Is it eco-friendly? Is it biodegradable?

Yes! Softwashing is one of the most eco-friendly methods of washing a house. Many people believe chlorine to be very dangerous, and yes it can be in high concentrations. However, softwashing utilises a very low concentration of around 1%, that’s not a typo, one percent! With the right expertise we are able to achieve impressive results with very low concentrations. The truly amazing thing about chlorine bleach is that it biodegrades in daylight in less than an hour. It bio-degrades into salt and water so even if the worst case scenario occurs, (it trickles into the roadside-drains and out to sea) it is effectively made up of the ingredients of sea water, salt and water.

How does Soft Washing save me money?

Softwashing pampers your home and your wallet. By preventing damage from both corrosive elements and harsh waterblasting, you'll enjoy fewer repairs and less frequent cleaning, making it a wise investment that truly pays off. We recommend softwashing for good maintenance on your home, having this done once or twice a year will keep your home clean and healthy.

Do I need Home Maintenance for my Insurance?

Most House insurance companies instruct that you must maintain your home in good repair, and they won’t cover gradual damage caused by corrosion, rot, mildew and mould.
BRANZ 2023 listed that you should have the following services completed annually on your home: Roof Washing, Chimney Sweeping, Gutter Cleaning, Exterior Home and Windows Washing, Deck or Concrete cleaning. We can help with all of these services! Contact us today for your free instant quote.

How effective is an Exterior Barrier Spray?

You can expect a big drop in pest activity within just 2 to 5 days thanks to our treatment. The treatment keeps working on the outside surfaces for up to 3 months, and is effective against spiders, ants, cockroaches, fleas, and most other common insects.

Is an Exterior Barry Spray Weather Dependant?

Rain can slowly reduce its effectiveness, so this treatment is very dependent on the weather. Don’t worry, we will keep you in the loop and reschedule if there is rain on the radar that day.

When is the best time to get a Exterior Barrier Spray?

The best time to spray for spiders in New Zealand is early spring to prevent them from reproducing, and again in early to mid-autumn as they begin to move indoors. Spraying during these times targets the adult spiders before they reproduce or seek shelter for the winter, and can also help prevent spider populations from building up during the warmer months. For year-round control, a second treatment six months later is also effective. 

What is in the treatment, and How does it work?

The active ingredient in our Exterior Barrier Sprays is Fipronil. It works through contact, transfer, and secondary termination, for example: The treatment sticks to a spider web, so when they return to them, they are coated and perish. It is effective because it doesn't repel pests, allowing them to pick up and spread the insecticide to other members of the colony, and it leaves a lasting residual that continues to kill pests. 

Can I get an Exterior Barrier Spray on my car?

Unfortunately, we don’t spray the outside of vehicles because our products aren’t made for that. We suggest giving the vehicle a good wash and focusing on the areas around it, as those spots usually attract spiders and webs.