Softwashing & biocide — a gentler way to clean and protect.
Softwashing uses low pressure and specialist cleaning agents to lift organic staining from your roof. Paired with a biocide, it helps keep the surface cleaner for longer.
Why homeowners choose this service
- Low-pressure application designed for delicate roof surfaces
- Lifts algae, lichen and organic staining without harsh blasting
- Biocide treatment helps slow moss and algae regrowth
- Ideal follow-up to a hand-clean and moss removal
- Even, considered finish across the whole roof
Why softwash + biocide?
Where a hand-clean removes the bulk of moss and debris, softwashing addresses the organic staining that remains — the greens, greys and blacks that build up on tiles over time. A biocide treatment then helps slow the return of moss, algae and lichen.
This combination gives a more even, longer-lasting finish than a physical clean on its own.
Further reading: when to use soft washing, softwash vs pressure washing and why pressure washing damages tiles.
Our process
A careful, methodical approach designed to protect your roof and your property.
Prepare the roof
We clear loose moss and debris first so the softwash can reach the tile surface evenly.
Apply the softwash
A low-pressure application lifts organic staining without the risks of high-pressure blasting.
Biocide protection
A professional biocide treatment helps slow the return of moss, algae and lichen.
Soft wash roof cleaning explained
Soft washing uses low pressure and a biocide solution to kill algae, lichen and spores rather than blasting them off. On a roof, softwash roof cleaning usually follows hand moss removal: the heavy growth comes off by hand, then the soft wash and treatment deals with what is left in the surface of the tiles.
The treatment keeps working after we leave, so staining often continues to fade over the following weeks. Our biocide treatment is backed by a 24-month guarantee.
Soft washing vs pressure washing
Pressure washing relies on force, which can strip tile surfaces, open up render and drive water where it should not go. Soft washing relies on the treatment instead, which is why it is the approach we use on roofs and render.
Soft washing services also suit render and cladding, where black and green algae are common. Our render cleaning page covers that work in detail.
Soft washing the whole outside of the house
Soft washing is one part of a wider exterior clean. If you want the roof, gutters, fascias, render and cladding done together, our exterior house cleaning page explains how the work is ordered so nothing is cleaned twice.
Frequently asked
Is it safe for plants and pets?
We take care with application and rinse down where needed. Sensitive plants can be covered while we work — just let us know.
How long do the results last?
It varies with location, tree cover and exposure, but a biocide treatment typically slows regrowth for a long period.
Can I have softwash without moss removal?
Sometimes — if moss coverage is light. For heavier growth, a hand-clean first gives a much better result.
Do you use industrial pressure washers?
Not on the roof. Softwashing is deliberately low-pressure and much gentler on tiles.
What is softwashing a roof?
It is cleaning with low pressure and a biocide solution that kills algae, lichen and spores, rather than forcing them off with a pressure washer.
How much to softwash a roof?
It depends on the roof size, access and how much growth there is, so we quote each roof for free after seeing it or photos of it.
How much to softwash a house?
House walls are priced on the area of render or cladding, access and the level of staining. We give free, no-obligation quotes.
Is soft washing better than pressure washing for render?
Yes for most render. Low-pressure soft washing avoids the thinning and patchy finish that a pressure lance can cause.
Related pages
More detail on where we work, what we find on roofs, and how the job is priced.