What chemical is used for soft wash?

We use a mix of professional-grade sodium hypochlorite (12.5%) or diluted bleach with water for soft washing. These chemicals are key to getting rid of mold, lichen, algae, moss, and mildew on surfaces. Soft washing is a gentle cleaning method that cleans exteriors well without the high pressure of power washing.

It’s great for cleaning algae off roof shingles, keeping properties looking good and lasting longer. With the right chemicals and methods, we ensure a deep clean that doesn’t harm the surfaces.

Understanding Soft Washing

Soft washing is a gentle cleaning method that uses a mix of bleach, algaecides, surfactants, and water. It’s perfect for removing mildew, organic stains, and algae from surfaces. Unlike pressure washing services, which use strong water pressure, soft washing is safe for delicate items like wooden panels, screens, windows, or roof shingles.

Soft Washing vs. Power Washing

Soft washing and power washing are different in how much pressure they use. Soft washing is low-pressure, while power washing is high-pressure. This makes soft washing great for roof cleaning and house washing tasks. It’s safer for surfaces that could be easily damaged by strong water.

Benefits of Soft Washing

Soft washing is great because it cleans well without being rough. It keeps delicate surfaces safe and removes algae and mildew. Using a special chemical solution, it cleans effectively without the risk of damage. This makes it perfect for keeping your home’s outside looking great.

Chemicals Used in Soft Washing

Professionals use a mix of professional-grade sodium hypochlorite, or bleach, for soft washing. They often go with a 12.5% sodium hypochlorite solution, which is stronger than what you find in laundry bleach. The ARMA suggests a 1:1 or 50/50 mix of bleach and water for cleaning roofs.

Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)

Sodium hypochlorite, found in bleach, is great at breaking down mold, mildew, and algae on surfaces like roofs and siding. But using too much bleach, like a 50/50 mix, can be costly and harm plants. Experts suggest a gentler mix, usually 1:4 or 1:5 bleach to water, with surfactants for safe cleaning.

Surfactants

Surfactants make water spread out and go deeper into surfaces, helping the cleaning solution work better. They’re key for loosening dirt and grime. Soft wash solutions often include 1-2% surfactants for better cleaning power.

Soft wash solutions might also have additives like alkaline builders, biocides, and oxygen-releasing agents. The right mix of these with the right equipment ensures a safe and effective clean for many surfaces.

Additional Soft Wash Products

Professionals use scented odor maskers to hide the bleach smell and make it smell fresh, like lemon or cherry. These maskers blend well with the soft wash solution. They make the process better for both the people doing the cleaning and the homeowners.

Soft wash businesses use these scented products to stand out. They aim to give customers a better experience.

Soft wash chemicals and equipment are key to a good soft wash. Knowing about extra products helps soft wash businesses improve their services. They offer everything from scented maskers to special cleaning agents. The industry keeps growing to meet the needs of homes and businesses.

Safeguarding Plants and Metal Surfaces

Protecting plants and metal surfaces is key when soft washing. We know how important it is to clean without harming the environment. That’s why we use special products like plant protectors and neutralizers during the soft wash process.

Plant Protectors and Neutralizers

Plant Protect is a bleach neutralizer for non-edible plants and shrubs. It’s sprayed before and after bleaching to reduce chemical exposure and protect your landscape. We also spray soft wash equipment, like trailers and vehicles, at the end of the day to shield metal surfaces from rust.

Flushing sprayers, fittings, hoses, and pumps with soft wash equipment helps them last longer. It cuts down on the need for early replacements and repairs.

We also suggest Plant Wash, a solution to neutralize harsh cleaners and feed your plants nutrients. Plant Wash coats leaves with a buffer during and after the soft wash process. This keeps your plants healthy and reduces damage.

Specialized Cleaning Solutions

Professionals use special cleaning solutions for soft washing, not just the basic ones. These products are made to solve specific cleaning problems. They make sure the cleaning is thorough and effective.

Degreasers

Degreasers, like Dynamite Degreaser, are great at getting rid of oil, tire, and carbon buildup. They work on surfaces like brick, shingles, and concrete. These products cut through tough grime, making the area look new again.

Rust and Stain Removers

Experts also use products like Rust Rescue Stain Remover for tough rust stains. Mud May-Day Red Clay Stain Cleaner is great for removing mud and tire tracks. These solutions make sure even the hardest stains are cleaned well.

For surfaces like granite and brick with graffiti, Graffiti Defeatii is the go-to product. It removes paint and other marks, bringing back the surface’s original look.

Softwashing info: Equipment and Techniques

Using the right soft wash equipment and techniques is key for great results. We use a soft wash system with adjustable nozzles for the right pressure. We also use spray bottles and hoses to apply the soft wash solution.

The process starts with making the solution, then protecting the area around it. Next, we apply the solution to the surface and rinse it well. Soft washing uses more cleaning solution and a higher water-to-chemical ratio than pressure washing. The solution stays on the surface to clean deeply.

Equipment like the Clever Injector Dosatron is often used for soft washing. These systems mix and apply the soft wash solution well. This solution has sodium hypochlorite, water, and surfactants like Clever Wash.

Learning the right soft wash techniques and safety is important. It ensures the job is done well without harming the surfaces.

For soft wash businesses, having the right equipment and training is crucial. It helps them offer top-notch services and build a strong reputation. By excelling in soft washing, they stand out from traditional pressure washing. This meets the growing need for gentle yet effective cleaning on various outdoor surfaces.