Soft Washing vs. Water Blasting in Auckland: Which Exterior Cleaning Method Is Right for You?
Auckland homes face a unique set of exterior cleaning challenges — from salt spray in Mission Bay, to moss buildup under trees in Titirangi, to the black mould streaks common in the Waitākere Ranges. When it comes time to clean your home, driveway, deck, or roof, one big question always comes up:
Should you soft wash or water blast?
Both methods are effective — but they’re not interchangeable. Using the wrong one can mean poor results, damage to your property, or even safety risks.
In this guide, we’ll compare soft washing and water blasting, show you which surfaces each is best for, and explain how to choose the safest, most effective method for your Auckland home.
Understanding the Difference: Soft Wash vs Water Blast
Before we go into when to use each method, here’s a quick breakdown of what they are.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses a combination of water, biodegradable detergents, and algaecides to gently clean surfaces.
It’s ideal for:
- Painted homes
- Timber cladding
- Weatherboard houses
- Roofs (especially concrete tile or Colorsteel)
- Areas with mould, mildew, or lichen
Soft washing doesn’t rely on pressure to remove grime — instead, it kills organic growth at the root, lifting stains and streaks chemically.
What is Water Blasting?
Water blasting (or pressure washing) uses high-pressure water jets to remove dirt, moss, oil stains, and surface grime from hard materials.
It’s best used for:
- Concrete driveways
- Pavers and patios
- Retaining walls
- Garage floors
- Commercial outdoor surfaces
Unlike soft washing, water blasting relies purely on force — which makes it effective, but risky on delicate materials.
Auckland Weather & Homes: Why It Matters
Auckland’s humid climate, coastal air, and leafy suburbs create the perfect storm for:
- Algae and black mould on house walls
- Moss growth on roofs, paths, and fences
- Salt deposits near coastal areas
- Slippery driveways and decks
- Paint fading and chalkiness
This means your cleaning method needs to account for organic growth, paint integrity, and moisture retention — not just surface-level dirt.
Pros and Cons of Soft Washing
✅ Pros:
- Safe for painted surfaces and timber
- Kills mould and algae at the root (lasts longer)
- Eco-safe detergents won’t harm plants or pets
- No surface damage
- Ideal for roofs and older homes
❌ Cons:
- Slower visual results than blasting
- Needs time (rain) to fully rinse dead growth
- Doesn’t remove heavy oil or rust stains
Pros and Cons of Water Blasting
✅ Pros:
- Fast and powerful cleaning
- Great for hard surfaces (concrete, bricks)
- Instantly removes moss, lichen, and mud
- Effective for prepping surfaces like driveways or patios
❌ Cons:
- Can damage paint or wood if used incorrectly
- Doesn’t kill mould spores (they can return)
- May force water into cladding or roofing if misapplied
- Not safe for roofs, weatherboards, or aged materials
Soft Wash or Water Blast? A Surface-by-Surface Guide
| Surface Type | Recommended Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Painted weatherboards | ✅ Soft Wash | Avoid pressure — can chip paint |
| Timber cladding | ✅ Soft Wash | Gentle cleaning preserves wood |
| Concrete driveway | ✅ Water Blast | Handles moss and tyre marks well |
| Pavers and patios | ✅ Water Blast | Use a rotary surface cleaner for best results |
| Plaster or stucco | ✅ Soft Wash | Pressure can crack or stain finish |
| Roof (tile or iron) | ✅ Soft Wash (or Treatment) | Never blast a roof — it causes leaks |
| Decks (timber) | ✅ Soft Wash | Avoid splintering with pressure |
| Commercial paths | ✅ Water Blast | Durable surfaces benefit from high pressure |
Real-World Examples from Auckland Homes
🏡 Mission Bay – Salt Air and Mould Streaks
A client’s home near the water was streaked with black mould and algae, especially on the shaded south-facing wall. We used a soft wash with detergent and algaecide — the result was a brighter, fresher facade without lifting the older paint.
🏡 Grey Lynn – Slippery Concrete Drive
A busy family with young kids had a dangerously slick driveway. Water blasting removed moss and grime in under an hour — making it safe again and restoring its original colour.
🏡 Remuera – Roof Treatment, No Pressure
An older home with concrete tile roofing had visible moss buildup. Rather than risking a pressure wash, we applied a roof treatment to kill growth. Over the next 6–8 weeks, the moss browned and naturally washed away in the rain.
Why Many Auckland Homes Need a Combination
At Metro Water Blasting Auckland, we often combine both methods on the same property.
Example:
- Soft wash the house and roof
- Water blast the driveway and footpaths
- Gutter cleaning and moss treatment on the same day
It’s about choosing the right method for each surface — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
How to Choose the Right Method
Ask yourself these 4 questions:
- What is the surface made of?
→ Painted = soft wash, Concrete = water blast - Is there organic growth like mould or moss?
→ Soft wash kills growth; blasting removes it visually but doesn’t kill spores - Is it a high-traffic or visual area?
→ Blasting gives instant results; soft washing may take 1–2 weeks to fully shine - Do you plan to repaint?
→ Soft washing is ideal for pre-paint prep — no surface damage or paint stripping
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Blasting weatherboard or plaster homes
🚫 Water blasting roofs (can cause leaks or tile damage)
🚫 Skipping pre-treatment for moss
🚫 Not using soft wash when dealing with mould
🚫 Using high pressure near window seals or soffits
Areas We Serve Across Auckland
We provide soft wash and water blasting services throughout the Auckland region, including:
- Central Auckland – Grey Lynn, Parnell, Mt Eden
- East Auckland – Mission Bay, Kohimarama, Glendowie
- South Auckland – Manukau, Papatoetoe, Flat Bush
- West Auckland – Henderson, Titirangi, Te Atatū
- North Shore – Takapuna, Birkenhead, Albany
- Rodney District – Warkworth, Orewa, Silverdale
Book the Right Clean for Your Home
Choosing the right exterior cleaning method isn’t just about looks — it’s about preserving your home and avoiding costly damage.
📞 Call us today on 0800 997 997
💻 Or book online at Metro Water Blasting Auckland
We’ll recommend the safest and most effective method for your home — soft wash, water blast, or both.