Devon’s Dirty Secret | Soft Wash in Exeter
Devon is one of the most unpredictable places for weather in the UK.
Especially when we get into the colder and darker months.
From my own experience from providing soft washing in Devon for the last number of years.
By the time winter hits, that once-bright render on your home is probably looking dull, patchy, or worse…
Green
A lot of people just brush this off,
“It’s no big deal, it’s just a bit of algae.”
That layer of grime is quietly holding moisture against your walls, slowly eating away at your render and paintwork.
Soft washing is the safest, most effective way to clean your home’s exterior, and just before winter is the best time to do it.
Here’s why delaying could cost you hundreds, and why a soft wash in Devon will protect your home for the entire year ahead.
1️⃣ The Problem: What Winter Really Does to Your Render
Coming into the Winter time, Devon’s mix of sea air, constant drizzle, and cold temperatures create the perfect environment for moss, algae, and lichen to thrive.
And that moss that clings to the side of your home like a leech, and it acts like a sponge.
It soaks in all the water and moisture from the air, and holds it against your render.
Then, as temperatures drop during the colder days, that moisture can freeze and expand inside tiny cracks and joints.
Over time, this cycle causes:
- Crumbling render and paint flaking
- Damp patches spreading through walls
- Permanent staining and discolouration
- Weakened surfaces that absorb more water
It’s a slow process, but one that could be building up over years of neglect, and by the time spring arrives, the damage could already be done.
A simple soft wash in Exeter or across Devon can stop that freeze-thaw cycle before it starts by removing the growth.
2️⃣ Why Before Winter Is the Best Time to Act (Not Wait)
Soft washing is a lot more common in the summer months, and this leads people to believe that summer is the only time to do it.
But actually, winter cleaning has a few hidden advantages:
- Less organic regrowth – Once removed, algae and moss take longer to come back in colder weather.
- Better protection – Cleaning before the harshest frosts prevents trapped moisture from turning into cracks.
- Longer-lasting results – The surface stays cleaner through spring, meaning less frequent maintenance.
- Avoiding the spring rush – Every year, we get flooded with calls once the sun comes back out. By then, the damage is already visible.
If you want to keep your home looking clean and prevent costly render repairs, now is the time to act.
3️⃣ The Science Behind Soft Washing
Unlike pressure washing, which blasts dirt off the surface (and can damage render) soft washing works at the root of the problem.
Here’s how:
- We use biodegradable cleaning solutions to kill organic growth like algae and moss down to the spores.
- A low-pressure rinse then safely removes dirt, grime, and dead growth without harming the render.
- The surface is left clean, smooth, and protected, with results that last months longer than power washing, because the root of the problem has been solved.
Soft washing is the most effective and safest way to clean the render on your home.
Our team at The Exeter Gutter Cleaner use a specialist soft washing system to provide the best soft washing in Devon.
It’s gentle, effective, and safe for all render types, whether you have K-Rend, Weber, or painted finishes.
4️⃣ The Hidden Cost of Ignoring a Dirty Render
As I have said previously, a lot of people believe soft washing to be a summer type of job, and this leads a lot of people to put it off.
“I’ll wait until summer, it should be okay until then,”
Now don’t get me wrong, your render could be okay over the winter, and then once you get it cleaned in the summer there could be no issues.
But what if it’s not okay?
Here’s what happens when you leave it too long:
- Flaking and discolouration – Once algae penetrates the surface, it stains permanently.
- Cracks from frost expansion – Water trapped beneath moss freezes and widens hairline cracks.
- Damp and mould indoors – Moisture eventually seeps through your walls, showing up as dark patches.
- Expensive repainting or render replacement – Once the surface degrades, a soft wash can’t reverse it.
The cost of repairing damaged render can easily exceed £2,000–£3,000, whereas a professional soft wash in Devon typically costs under £300.
It’s far better to be smart and preventative, than trying to hold out and save a little bit of money, then having to react to any problems that happen when you neglect the outside of your home.
5️⃣ Why Soft Washing Beats Repainting
Many homeowners in Devon assume that once their render looks dull or patchy, it’s time for a whole repaint.
But, in most cases, it’s not the paint that’s the problem.
The real issue is the layer of biological growth dulling the surface.
A soft wash can restore your render’s original colour and brightness without a single drop of paint.
A full house repaint can cost anywhere from £2,000 to £5,000, while soft washing achieves near-identical results for a fraction of the price.
I would always recommend people to book a soft wash in Devon before they start shopping for a painter.
6️⃣ What Makes The Exeter Gutter Cleaner Different
We don’t offer multiple different exterior cleaning services, we only offer the ones that we are the experts in, and soft washing happens to be one of those services.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Pure-water soft wash system — No harsh chemicals, just safe biodegradable solutions.
✅ Local expertise — We understand Devon’s coastal conditions and how they affect your home.
✅ Affordable and transparent pricing — No hidden fees, no upselling, just quality work.
✅ 46+ 5⭐ Google reviews — From Exeter to Exminster, Marsh Barton to Upton Pyne.
When you book with us, you’re not just getting a clean, you’re preventing a very scary looking bill from popping up further down the road.
7️⃣ How Often Should You Soft Wash Your Home?
In Devon’s weather, we recommend:
- Every 12–18 months for homes exposed to coastal winds or shaded by trees.
- Every 24 months for newer or south-facing properties with better drainage.
If you see green streaks, dark patches, or flaking paint, that’s your signal to book a soft wash immediately.
The longer the growth stays, the deeper it penetrates, and the harder (and more expensive) it becomes.
Final Thoughts: Clean Now, Protect for Winter
Winter in Devon isn’t kind to your home.
Cold nights and endless drizzle create the perfect storm for algae and moss.
The best thing you can do for your property right now?
Book a soft wash in Devon before the frost sets in.
You’ll protect your render from damage, keep your walls dry, and take the first steps in preventing a very unpleasant bill down the line.
Call The Exeter Gutter Cleaner today or fill out the form below to book your soft washing in Devon today!