Why is Softwash the Best Way to Clean Patios, Driveways and Decks?

When algae, moulds, lichen, and other microorganisms form a biofilm and take over the surfaces of a property, it is time for a smart and effective cleaning. This is where the softwash method comes into action. This powerful and eco-friendly cleaning technique removes microorganisms such as moss, algae, and fungi from driveways, patios, decks, and other surfaces without causing any damage.

After scratching lumps of moss, cleaners use a non-aggressive high purity biocide that brings back the beauty and cleanness of all types of external surfaces. At Mullan External Cleaning we use a biocide solution called Algoclear Pro, which is adapted to the weather conditions of Ireland. We dilute it to the water and apply it smoothly on the area that needs cleaning with specialised equipment

After the application, nature does the rest. The dead material is disposed naturally and soon enough the small marks that require attention will be more distinguishable. Once the area has been pre-treated, we pressure wash using our 22-inch surface cleaner. This cleaning process is very efficient and produces outstanding results.

We then protect the surface from re-colonisation by biological growth, through applying a residual-action biocide. This penetrates deeper into the surface, killing any remaining spores. This continues to provide active protection for the surface for up to a year or more. Without this protection, growth can return to a surface very quickly.

Softwash vs Pressure Wash

Softwash utilises less than 500 pressure per square inch, which is much lower than the high pressure employed in the pressure wash method. The tip of the pressure washer is substituted by one that widens the spray. It means that softwash does not cause any damage to the surfaces during and after washing.

Softwash is not only the safest, but also the most effective and eco-friendly solution to clean driveways, patios, decks, and other external surfaces. It kills the microorganism’s growth at root, rather than just removing it. It is important to remember that having a professional do the work is always advised as amateur work can be dangerous, damaging, and costly.

Patio and Deck Cleaning 

Sitting on the patio or deck in a sunny day is something most people enjoy doing, but we all agree that moss, lichen, algae, fungi and other infectants are the main enemies when it comes to the cleanness of a patio or deck. Even a professional high-pressure wash does not guarantee that these microorganisms will not return.

The most efficient way to kill the roots of these contaminants is softwash. Fungus, moss, red and green algae, bacteria, lichen, pollen, mould, and others are all completely removed. They do not return because the softwash solution used by Mullan External Cleaning penetrates the sub-surface, sanitising cracks and gaps between slabs. Shortly after our softwash your patio and deck will be totally clean, and you will be able to enjoy your outdoors areas the way you deserve.

Rest assured that our service will not damage your patio or your garden. Plants and grass are protected by our team of professional cleaners, so they are not affected by our treatment. Likewise, there is no danger for pets.

Driveway Cleaning 

Driveways are usually the first impression in residential and commercial properties. Unfortunately, if they are covered by infectants such as mould, algae, weeds, lichen, and moss that first impression will not be great. And we all know how time-consuming and hard it can be for people to wash a driveway by themselves.

Mullan External Cleaning are proud of our great driveway cleaning service using the softwash method. Unlike the pressure wash solutions, that clean the driveway but do not prevent microorganisms from growing again after a few weeks, our softwash kills these contaminants at root due to the cleaning solution applied on the surface of the driveway.

As the water pressure is lower than pressure wash, there is no damage to the structure of the driveway or to the plants located nearby. Before the work starts, your garden and green areas are protected by our staff to make sure our cleaning solution does not cause any harm to the surrounding areas.