If you’ve been researching exterior cleaning, you’ve probably come across the terms chemical softwash or chemical soft wash. While the word “chemical” may sound intimidating, the truth is that chemical soft washing is one of the safest and most effective methods for cleaning your home’s exterior when performed by trained professionals.
At Pura Softwash, we believe in educating homeowners about our process so you know exactly what is being applied to your property and why.
What Is Chemical Softwash?
A chemical softwash is a low-pressure cleaning method that relies on specially formulated cleaning solutions rather than high water pressure to remove organic growth.
Instead of blasting surfaces with thousands of PSI like a pressure washer, chemical soft washing applies biodegradable cleaning solutions that eliminate:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Algae
- Moss
- Lichen
- Bacteria
- Black roof streaks (Gloeocapsa magma)
The cleaning solution kills these organisms at their source, allowing surfaces to stay cleaner much longer than pressure washing alone.
What Chemicals Are Used During Soft Washing?
Many homeowners ask what is actually inside a chemical soft wash solution.
Professional soft washing typically uses a carefully diluted mixture of:
Sodium Hypochlorite
This is the primary cleaning ingredient. It is extremely effective at killing mold, algae, mildew, and bacteria.
When properly diluted for exterior cleaning, sodium hypochlorite sanitizes surfaces while breaking down organic staining.
Surfactants
Surfactants help the cleaning solution cling to vertical surfaces like siding and roofs.
Without surfactants, the solution would run off too quickly before it had time to work.
Water
Water is used to dilute the cleaning solution to the correct concentration depending on the surface being cleaned.
Different materials require different application strengths.
Is Chemical Soft Washing Safe?
Yes—when performed by trained professionals.
Professional soft washing companies calculate proper dilution ratios based on the surface being cleaned. They also take extensive precautions to protect landscaping before, during, and after the cleaning process.
At Pura Softwash, we:
- Thoroughly pre-soak plants and landscaping
- Continuously rinse vegetation throughout the cleaning
- Apply only the concentration needed for each surface
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for different building materials
Our goal is to safely clean your home while protecting everything around it.
Why Not Just Pressure Wash?
Many stains on siding and roofs are actually living organisms.
Pressure washing may remove some visible growth, but it often leaves behind spores and root systems that quickly return.
A chemical softwash works differently because it:
- Kills algae instead of just removing it
- Eliminates mold spores
- Treats mildew at its source
- Cleans more evenly
- Reduces the likelihood of rapid regrowth
This often results in a much longer-lasting clean compared to pressure washing alone.
Which Surfaces Can Be Soft Washed?
Chemical soft washing is commonly used on:
- Asphalt shingle roofs
- Vinyl siding
- Fiber cement siding
- Stucco
- Painted wood
- Brick
- Composite decking
- Vinyl fencing
- Outdoor furniture
Each material receives its own carefully adjusted cleaning solution.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Results vary depending on your environment, but most homeowners enjoy a noticeably cleaner home for several years after a professional soft wash.
Homes surrounded by trees or located in humid environments may develop organic growth more quickly, while homes with greater sun exposure often stay cleaner longer.
Routine maintenance helps prevent heavy buildup and extends the life of your exterior surfaces.
Choosing a Professional Chemical Soft Wash Company
Not all exterior cleaning companies use the same methods.
A professional company should:
- Use low-pressure equipment
- Understand proper chemical dilution ratios
- Protect landscaping
- Carry insurance
- Have experience cleaning multiple surface types
- Explain the cleaning process before starting work
Proper training is just as important as the equipment being used.
Final Thoughts
A chemical softwash is far more than simply spraying chemicals on a home. It is a carefully controlled cleaning process designed to safely eliminate mold, algae, mildew, and other organic growth while protecting your property’s surfaces.
When performed correctly, a chemical soft wash delivers longer-lasting results than traditional pressure washing and helps preserve the beauty and lifespan of your home’s exterior.
If your roof has black streaks, your siding has green algae, or your home simply needs a fresh appearance, professional soft washing is one of the safest and most effective solutions available.