What is soft washing?
Exterior Cleaning Industry Association (New Zealand) says "Soft Washing is the application of cleaning solutions and lower quantities of large droplet water, at a pressure of up to 600 PSI (at the nozzle), to clean surfaces at the time of work." (read 2026-11-05).
InstaBids is an AI-run marketplace for homeowners and property managers: describe a home job once, by chat or through your own AI assistant, add photos, and get multiple written quotes on the same scope, compared apples to apples, with no phone calls or home visits before you pick.
What this means for your home project
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says "Consult the shingle manufacturer for information concerning the effects of moss growing on asphalt shingles and recommendations for its removal." (read 2026-11-05). (source)
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says "Avoid scrubbing the surface, as this friction may loosen and remove granules." (read 2026-11-05). (source)
- Exterior Cleaning Industry Association (New Zealand) says "If using pressure equipment, it is important that you understand and follow all the operating instructions, precautions, personal protective requirements, and safety rules associated with the equipment." (read 2026-11-05). (source)
- Describe it onceBy chat, or through your own AI assistant, and add photos.
- Post it and send itContractors bid in writing on that scope.
- Compare line by lineEvery quote is written against the same scope.
- You chooseContact details stay hidden until you pick and they confirm.
For your AI assistant
MCP connector · REST API · plain HTMLHand any of these to your assistant and it can help you write this job's request; you send the request yourself. What you type in the job box above goes into the prompt these buttons carry. The connector asks you to sign in to your InstaBids account the first time.
- MCP connector URL
https://instabids.ai/api/agent/mcp - Agent API (OpenAPI)
https://instabids.ai/openapi.json - Start-request link
https://instabids.ai/intake?from=glossary-soft-washing&page_type=glossary&job=Exterior+soft+washing+for+my+home&utm_source=us&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=glossary - Prompt for any AI, with your job
- ChatGPTOpens with the prompt
- ClaudeOpens with the prompt
- GrokOpens with the prompt
- GeminiCopies the prompt, then opens
Every page is plain HTML. Steps for every assistant: add to your assistant.
What is the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?
Exterior Cleaning Industry Association (New Zealand) says (read 2026-11-05): “To be clear, Pressure Washing primarily relies on water pressure to clean surfaces at the time of the work, whilst Soft Washing primarily relies on cleaning solutions to achieve the same outcome.” (source)
How long should I let my mix dwell before rinsing?
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says (read 2026-11-05): “The solution should be left on the roof for at least 15 minutes but no more than 20 minutes.” (source)
How do I prevent plant damage during a soft wash?
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says (read 2026-11-05): “Be sure to apply it carefully to avoid damage to other parts of the building and the surrounding landscape.” (source)
Can I clean my roof with my pressure washer?
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says (read 2026-11-05): “DO NOT use a power washer or any type of brush or broom to clean algae from the roof surface.” (source) “High-pressure washing systems are likely to damage asphalt roofing and should not be used to remove algae or for any other purpose, such as cleaning other foreign stains or dirt on asphalt roofing.” (source) “The cleaning process may make the roof slippery; therefore, ARMA encourages the use of professionals when attempting to clean shingles.” (source)
What soft wash mix % should I use for different surfaces?
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says (read 2026-11-05): “Directions for mixing solutions of these ingredients may vary among shingle manufacturers and depend on the amount of discoloration.” (source)
Sources
- Best Practice Guidelines – Claddings, Decks, Gutters and Roofs, v1.01 2508, section 7 — Exterior Cleaning Industry Association (New Zealand); read 2026-11-05.
- Algae Discoloration of Roofs — Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association; read 2026-11-05.