Is soft washing safe for plants, pets and your property?

Updated 6 November 2026 · By the Soft Wash team

Short answer: Soft washing is safe for plants, pets and building surfaces when it is done properly. The biocide is diluted to suit the surface, plants are wetted before and rinsed after, run-off is managed, and windows and paintwork are rinsed down. Pets should stay indoors until surfaces have been rinsed and dried.

Is soft washing safe for plants, pets and your property?

What is in a soft wash solution

Most soft wash mixes are based on diluted sodium hypochlorite with a surfactant that helps the solution cling to walls and roofs. Some jobs use quaternary ammonium biocides, which act more slowly and keep working for days or weeks. The strength used depends on the surface and how heavy the growth is.

How plants and gardens are protected

Plants and lawns near the work are soaked with water first
Delicate plants and ponds are covered
The solution is applied only where it is needed
Run-off is diluted and directed away from beds
Plants are rinsed again once the job is finished

Protecting your property

Windows, doors and vents are kept shut during the clean
Glass, frames and painted surfaces are rinsed down
Low pressure avoids forcing water into walls, roof voids or window seals

What to expect afterwards

Most staining is gone by the end of the visit. Lichen and some deeper marks can take a few weeks to fade fully as the biocide finishes working and rain washes the dead growth away.