Softwashing is one of the fastest-growing exterior cleaning services in the UK. Homeowners, landlords, letting agents, facilities managers and commercial clients are all looking for safer, longer-lasting alternatives to pressure washing.
And for window cleaners, it’s a natural progression.
But wanting to add softwashing is one thing. Feeling confident enough to offer it professionally is another.
We speak to window cleaners every week who want to diversify but feel held back by the same concerns. Some don’t want to risk damaging a customer’s property. Others aren’t confident with chemicals. Many simply don’t know where to start — and are understandably wary of guessing.
This is exactly where proper training matters.
Below, we break down the real pain points UK window cleaners face when trying to move into softwashing, and how the BWCA Softwash Training Course (SW5) solves each one.
Most window cleaners have never needed to handle chemicals stronger than glass cleaner. Softwashing is different. It involves diluting sodium hypochlorite, biocides, detergents, surfactants and other oxidisers.
When you don’t know how these chemicals react with different surfaces, paints, weather conditions or each other, it’s a risk — both to the property and to yourself.
Why it matters
Incorrect mix ratios can damage render, stain paintwork, kill plants, or cause respiratory issues. It’s also where most insurance claims come from.
How the SW5 course solves it
You learn the chemistry behind softwashing properly — how chemicals work, how to mix them safely, how to store them, how to neutralise them, and how to avoid the classic mistakes that cause damage. It’s hands-on, practical and taught by industry professionals.
Learn more: BWCA Softwash Training Course
This is the number one fear — and for good reason. Softwashing can go wrong quickly when you’re guessing surface identification or chemical strength.
Modern renders, painted surfaces, stone, timber, cladding and even certain pigments all react differently. If you can’t identify the surface, you can’t select the right approach.
Why it matters
Damage isn’t just expensive — it destroys reputation. One bad job spreads fast in a local area.
How the SW5 course solves it
You learn how to identify surfaces confidently, choose the right strength, test safely and protect surrounding areas. You’re shown in real-world scenarios how to work safely and responsibly.
Explore the course: Softwash Training (SW5)
Softwashing falls under chemical handling rules. That means PPE, COSHH, environmental care, storage, labelling and responsible disposal.
If something goes wrong, and you’ve not followed correct procedures, your insurance may not cover you.
Why it matters
You need to understand UK regulations to operate legally and safely.
How the SW5 course solves it
You’re taught COSHH, safe chemical handling, PPE, risk assessments, environmental protection and legal compliance — all specific to exterior cleaning.
Full details: BWCA Softwash Training
Softwashing equipment can be simple, advanced, or somewhere in between. Without guidance, it’s easy to overspend or buy the wrong system altogether.
Why it matters
Equipment mistakes can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds.
How the SW5 course solves it
You’ll get hands-on time with several types of softwash delivery systems, from simple setups to professional-grade injectors and mixing systems. This saves you from buying blind.
See what’s covered: Softwash Training Course
Softwashing isn’t priced like window cleaning. There are variables that dramatically change the quote:
• Surface type
• Level of growth
• Chemical needed
• Access
• Dwell time
• Neutralisation
• Protective measures
Many window cleaners underquote simply because they don’t know what to factor in.
Why it matters
If you get the quote wrong, it eats into your earnings.
How the SW5 course solves it
We teach you how to assess jobs properly, calculate chemical usage, estimate labour, and quote confidently so you’re not leaving money on the table.
Learn more: BWCA Softwash Course
Softwashing involves chemicals, PPE and visible changes to the property. Customers often want reassurance that you’re trained and competent.
Why it matters
Certification boosts your credibility instantly.
How the SW5 course solves it
You become an Approved Soft Wash Operative and receive official certification and marketing assets to build customer trust.
Become certified: Softwash Training (SW5)
Overspray, streaking, damaged plants, wrong chemical strength — these aren’t beginner mistakes, they’re untrained mistakes.
Why it matters
One mistake can wipe out the profit from multiple jobs.
How the SW5 course solves it
You learn by doing. Practical training shows you how to work safely, avoid common pitfalls, and deliver consistent results in real-world scenarios.
Find out more: BWCA Softwash Training
BWCA has trained thousands of exterior cleaning professionals across the UK. We’re the UK’s most established, most trusted training provider for window cleaning and exterior cleaning services.
Our goal is simple:
Give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to offer softwashing properly — without guesswork.
Softwashing is profitable. It’s in demand. Customers love the results.
But without the right training, it’s risky.
The SW5 Softwash Course gives you a complete foundation: the chemistry, the safety, the surface knowledge, the equipment understanding, and the confidence to quote and clean professionally.
If you want to add softwashing to your business safely and profitably, start with proper training.
Learn more or book a place: BWCA Softwash Training Course (SW5)
Product Enquiry
Please fill out the form below and we will contact you ASAP.
