Soft Washing in Dorking
Soft Washing in Dorking: dirt, algae, mould and staining cleared at low pressure with biodegradable solutions that treat the growth at its source. Dorking and the wider Surrey area are served from Horley. The first step is a free, no-obligation quote.
- Low-pressure, surface-safe cleaning
- Eco-friendly, biodegradable solutions
- Removes dirt, algae, mould and staining
- Treats growth at the source for a longer-lasting finish
Soft Washing for homes and businesses in Dorking
Conservatories and glazed extensions are one of the most common soft washing jobs there is, and the one people in Dorking most often try themselves and regret. A conservatory roof is a large, shallow, permanently damp surface made of the exact materials that pressure damages: polycarbonate, glazing bars, PVC frames and sealed joints.
Why conservatory roofs go green so quickly
A conservatory roof is shallow, so water drains slowly. It is usually shaded by the house for part of the day. It has ribbed polycarbonate or glazing bars that trap debris. And it is warm underneath, which keeps the surface temperature up. That is a very good set of conditions for algae.
The green tends to start in the channels between the glazing bars and in the ribs of polycarbonate sheets, which is exactly where water lingers. Left long enough, the algae and debris block the drainage channels at the eaves and water starts backing up.
Sealed joints do not appreciate a jet
The waterproofing on a conservatory roof is a set of gaskets, seals and capping strips. A close, high-pressure jet can lift a capping, force water past a gasket or open a joint, and you find out about it the next time it rains hard.
Soft washing at low pressure with the right cleaner takes the growth off the panels, the bars and the frames without stressing any of that. The ridge, the eaves and the drainage channels usually need hand attention as well, because that is where the debris sits.
How we work
- 1Identify the growth and the substrate
Green algae, black lichen, red algae and mould all respond differently, and render, K-rend, painted masonry, timber, cladding and PVC all take the treatment differently. Both halves have to be right before anything is mixed.
- 2Test patch somewhere out of the way
On painted and rendered surfaces especially, a small area should be tried first to see how it reacts. It costs ten minutes and it is the difference between a clean elevation and a patchy one.
- 3Pre-wet the planting and cover what needs covering
Beds and borders want watering before anything is mixed so nothing takes the solution neat, and anything nearby that should not get wet wants covering. This is most of the actual work on a soft wash.
- 4Apply at low pressure and let it dwell
The solution does the cleaning, not the machine. It goes on gently, then it needs time on the surface. Rushing the dwell is the usual reason a soft wash looks streaky.
- 5Rinse or leave to weather, then check back over
Some surfaces get rinsed down, some are better left for the rain to finish, and it depends on the product and the material. We tell you which one applies to yours and what it will look like in a fortnight.
A soft wash keeps clearing after we leave. The colour lifts on the day and the rest weathers off over the following days and weeks, so it is worth not judging it the same afternoon.
Other services in Dorking
Soft Washing near Dorking
Real results
Soft Washing: before & after
Genuine before and after results from recent jobs across Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
Customer reviews
What our customers say
Dirty South Power Wash were absolutely fantastic from start to finish. They're extremely friendly, professional, and reliable, making the whole process completely stress free. I had my decking soft washed and the results were amazing, it genuinely looks like new and has been brought back to life. You can really tell they take pride in their work and pay attention to detail. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone and will definitely be using their services again in the future!
No fuss, just excellent - from start to finish. Friendly to deal with, clear communication all the way, came when they said they would, did an excellent job. Would use again without a doubt.
Great service, really pleased with our garage roof. All the moss has gone and left nice and tidy. Great guys too. Thanks!
Did a fantastic job on a garage roof clean/moss removal, looks good as new! friendly & professional highly recommend 👏🏼
Really pleased with our driveway😊
They done an amazing job and great price
Good to know
Soft Washing in Dorking: your questions answered
Can you clean a conservatory roof?
Yes, and it is best done as a soft wash. Conservatory roofs are shallow, permanently damp and made of polycarbonate or glass with PVC glazing bars and sealed joints, none of which take pressure well. We clean the panels, bars, frames and ridge at low pressure and clear the drainage channels at the eaves by hand, since that is where the debris collects.
Why does my conservatory roof go green so fast?
Because everything about it suits algae. The shallow pitch drains slowly, the house shades it for part of the day, the ribs and glazing bars trap moisture and debris, and the warmth from inside keeps the surface temperature up. The green usually starts in the channels between the bars and in the ribs of polycarbonate sheets where water lingers longest.
Is it safe to pressure wash PVC frames and glazing bars?
Not at high pressure. The waterproofing on a glazed roof is a set of gaskets, seals and capping strips, and a close jet can lift a capping, force water past a gasket or open a joint, which you discover during the next heavy rain. PVC can also be permanently dulled by an unsuitable cleaner, so the product matters as much as the pressure.
Do you clean the conservatory glass and the frames too?
Yes, roof, glazing bars, frames and the glass are usually done together, since cleaning one and leaving the others looks half finished. Glass is finished with a pure water rinse so it dries without streaks or spotting. The drainage channels at the eaves are cleared by hand as part of the same visit.
How often should a conservatory be cleaned?
Usually once a year suits most, and shaded ones can want it more often. The important part is not letting the drainage channels at the eaves block up with debris, because that is when water starts backing up rather than draining away. If you can see green in the channels between the glazing bars, it is ready.
Soft Washing in Dorking, done properly
Free, no-obligation quotes across Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Send a few photos and we will do the rest.