https://softwash.org.uk/blog/Soft washing across the UK: low-pressure biocide cleaning for render, roofs, cladding, brick, stone and fascias that kills algae, mould and lichen at the root.en-gbhttps://softwash.org.uk/blog/can-you-soft-wash-pebbledash/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/can-you-soft-wash-pebbledash/Yes. Soft washing is usually the best way to clean pebbledash and roughcast, because a biocide kills algae and mould deep in the textured surface without blasting stones loose. High pressure can dislodge pebbles, force water behind cracked render and leave patchy results. Loose or hollow areas should be checked first, as cleaning will not fix failed render.HomeownersFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://softwash.org.uk/blog/soft-washing-listed-buildings-conservation-areas/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/soft-washing-listed-buildings-conservation-areas/Simple cleaning of a listed building does not always need listed building consent, but cleaning that could affect its character, especially chemical or abrasive methods, may do. Speak to your council's conservation officer before booking, ask for a small trial panel and make sure the contractor uses low pressure and products suited to soft historic brick, stone or lime render.RegulationsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://softwash.org.uk/blog/diy-soft-washing-mistakes/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/diy-soft-washing-mistakes/The most common DIY soft washing mistakes are using the wrong product or strength, letting solution dry on the wall, working in hot sun, forgetting to protect plants and windows, using a pressure washer to rinse and working from ladders on roofs. Most damage comes from too much pressure or too strong a mix, so slow and gentle is always safer.AdviceFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://softwash.org.uk/blog/soft-washing-for-landlords-letting-agents/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/soft-washing-for-landlords-letting-agents/For landlords, soft washing is a low-cost way to improve kerb appeal before marketing a property, deal with green or black growth that tenants report as damp, and keep render and roofs in good order between larger repairs. Booking it between tenancies or alongside other exterior maintenance keeps disruption and access costs down.BusinessFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://softwash.org.uk/blog/commercial-soft-washing-offices-schools-flats/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/commercial-soft-washing-offices-schools-flats/Commercial soft washing is usually planned after a site survey, with a written risk assessment and method statement, the right access equipment and a schedule that works around occupants. Offices are often cleaned at weekends, schools during holidays and flats in stages with notice to residents. Pricing is usually by area, with access equipment and out-of-hours working adding to the cost.BusinessFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://softwash.org.uk/blog/roof-cleaning-nesting-birds-bats-law/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/roof-cleaning-nesting-birds-bats-law/All wild birds, their active nests and eggs are protected in the UK, and all bat species and their roosts are protected even when bats are not present. Roof and wall cleaning should avoid disturbing active nests, so many contractors avoid roofs with nesting birds from roughly March to August, and work near a known bat roost may need advice before it goes ahead.SeasonalFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://softwash.org.uk/blog/why-new-build-render-goes-green/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/why-new-build-render-goes-green/New build render often turns green within two to five years because modern thin-coat silicone and acrylic renders stay cool and damp on shaded walls, giving algae an easy place to grow. It is usually a cosmetic issue rather than a defect. Soft washing with a suitable biocide removes the growth without damaging the thin render coat, which a pressure washer can easily do.HomeownersFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://softwash.org.uk/blog/clean-repaint-or-rerender-tired-render/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/clean-repaint-or-rerender-tired-render/If render is sound and only stained by algae, mould or dirt, a soft wash is usually enough and costs far less than other options. Repainting makes sense when paint is faded, chalky or peeling, and re-rendering only when render is cracked, hollow or letting water in. Cleaning first often shows which option is really needed.CostsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://softwash.org.uk/blog/cleaning-upvc-fascias-soffits-conservatory-roofs/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/cleaning-upvc-fascias-soffits-conservatory-roofs/uPVC fascias, soffits, gutters and conservatory roofs are best cleaned with a gentle cleaner or diluted biocide, soft brushes and low-pressure rinsing, never abrasive pads or strong solvents. Algae and black streaks come away easily once treated. Work from the ground with long reach equipment, and never stand or lean on a conservatory roof.How-toFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://softwash.org.uk/blog/soft-washing-roof-types-concrete-clay-slate-fibre-cement/https://softwash.org.uk/blog/soft-washing-roof-types-concrete-clay-slate-fibre-cement/Concrete tiles are the most common UK roof and usually respond well to soft washing, as do clay tiles and natural slate when low pressure and careful product choice are used. Older fibre cement sheets and slates may contain asbestos, and the Health and Safety Executive advises against high-pressure cleaning of asbestos cement, so these roofs need checking and a specialist approach.ComparisonsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000