How to softwash

« **on:** April 10, 2016, 05:33:00 pm »

Hi all

Just need clarification on something.

We will be doing our first softwash job next week.

We will be using Backwash first and then rinse it off.

I heard I need to then brush the walls down like you would in window cleaning and then spray a biocidal wash and then wash that off too?

Does the biocidal wash need to be washed off, or just left on the wall?

« **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2016, 06:00:21 pm »

Depends what's in it - quats you'll need to leave on hypo based then rinse down ( but not a nessesity) if your worried about what's left - personally I always rinse down to wash off the dead moss and algae.

Darran

« **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2016, 06:22:08 pm »

Ask Benz…they are selling you the products.

« **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2016, 07:34:59 pm »

Quote from: chris scott on April 10, 2016, 06:22:08 pm

Ask Benz…they are selling you the products.

That's the first place I went, can't get a reply

« **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2016, 09:20:01 pm »

Thats not very good customer support …what happens if something goes wrong?

« **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2016, 09:39:43 pm »

If you use hypo and also afterwards wash down hypo from walls say for example you have to be very mindful were the runoff goes onto surfaces etc. Just for starters DO NOT let it run off onto tarmac as will damage it or near ponds as will kill any living critters in it. Best you never underestimate the bleaching and corrosive power of sodium hypochlorite even when it's diluted down as still can cause you no end of grief if you don’t know what you are doing. Mixing hypo with other things like certain soaps & chems with a certain chem in it can produce a poisonous gas that can kill too

« **Reply #6 on:** April 10, 2016, 09:57:05 pm »

What damage does it do to Tarmac

Darran

« **Reply #7 on:** April 11, 2016, 12:31:35 pm »

It can bleach the colour out of it and look dreadful afterwards.

« **Reply #8 on:** April 11, 2016, 01:01:29 pm »

That is very, very rare and only if used virtually neat and not rinsed off afterwards, you'll find that most of the products we have available will damage something (inc the human body) if used incorrectly or badly
Hypo is actually the preferred cleaning solution as advised by the asphalt roof manufacturers association
Because has little to no effect on asphalt and Tarmac, not to be confused with sodium hydroxide

« **Reply #9 on:** April 11, 2016, 01:33:22 pm »

I have to laugh as what do the yanks know anyhow apart from YEHAA!

Trust me when I say YEHAA is no good for tarmac surfaces. Oops!

Also when softwashing (spraying hypo about) why take the risks of damaging stuff when their are alternative safer products that could be used on render walls etc instead.

Only thing going for hypo is that is as cheap as chips, ready available localy and is fast acting for instant looking results. That is why it's the most popular choice for dare I say it softwashing cowboys.

After saying that I will be putting on me cowboy hat on again this week as have some patio's and a block paved driveways to clean amoungst other work booked in. Still I prefer not to be spraying hypo about as will be applying it from a bucket and brushing it in instead.... YEHAA!

« **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2016, 09:00:43 am »

I found this training course, although I am quite dubious of it. http://www.softwashtraining.co.uk/ any thoughts?

« **Reply #11 on:** April 12, 2016, 07:30:11 pm »

Quote from: FRESHER on April 12, 2016, 09:00:43 am

I found this training course, although I am quite dubious of it. http://www.softwashtraining.co.uk/ any thoughts?

So you should be.

« **Reply #12 on:** April 13, 2016, 08:37:36 pm »

Quote from: Smurf on April 11, 2016, 01:33:22 pm

I have to laugh as what do the yanks know anyhow apart from YEHAA!
Trust me when I say YEHAA is no good for tarmac surfaces. Oops!

Also when softwashing (spraying hypo about) why take the risks of damaging stuff when their are alternative safer products that could be used on render walls etc instead.

Only thing going for hypo is that is as cheap as chips, ready available localy and is fast acting for instant looking results. That is why it's the most popular choice for dare I say it softwashing cowboys.

After saying that I will be putting on me cowboy hat on again this week as have some patio's and a block paved driveways to clean amoungst other work booked in. Still I prefer not to be spraying hypo about as will be applying it from a bucket and brushing it in instead.... YEHAA!

You really do talk a load of old twoddle....

Below is a Tarmac path, I know you are a worry wart smurf and I only had a small pw job today so the right half I treated with neat hypo and left it for an hour...

Oh! Shock horror it's still black, and clean 😱😱😱🙄🙄

Now to hypo this lot.....

« **Reply #13 on:** April 13, 2016, 08:42:11 pm »

My god look at the devastation !!!

What will we do all that hypo has wiped out half of Norfolk !!! O hang on ! It's still all green, no nuclear wasteland... The birds have not fallen off the trees.. Hmmm... Never mind mate go a stick your big yellow helmet back on and do some gutter clearing 👍👍👍😆

« **Reply #14 on:** April 13, 2016, 09:07:11 pm »

YeeHa! Ridem' Cowboy

I did say that I put on me cowboy hat on now and then too but manly on the ground hard surfaces not spraying it on walls etc.
As for instance that slab pic second one down is a prime example where I would use hypo instead of blasting that pee shingle all over the place if using a washer instead. Same goes for slabs where the mortar joints are starting to break up or concrete drive/paving that has frost damage I would be reluctant to use a washer on.

Mind you only a true cowboy would put hypo down on tarmac

« **Reply #15 on:** April 16, 2016, 08:08:48 pm »

I too put me cowboy hat on today Smudger as this one was very green to start with so could not be arsed to use a washer.

Here are a couple of after pics... YeeHa!

« **Reply #16 on:** April 17, 2016, 10:04:20 am »

Smudger you know I was saying about hypo on tarmac and you have to be minful of damaging it. Well was browsing another forum yesterday as you do and found this pic for you that happened last week.

The poor chap was doing a softwash job and did not notice his hose reel was leaking. Now the chap has to go back to rectify the damage meaning clean and repiant all that tarmac area for free.

Looks a mess don't it?

« **Reply #17 on:** April 17, 2016, 12:04:23 pm »

Did he just leave it of clean it up ??

As said used it loads and as yet never effected the asphalt.

Anyway I thought you were banned from the other forums

Darran

« **Reply #18 on:** April 17, 2016, 12:48:01 pm »

I must have been to late when he tried as the damage was already done.

I've also had something simular happen too but knowhere as near as bad as that so got away with it. Anyway my customer said don't worry about it as they where having new paving soon. Still that is why I say to be mindful getting hypo on tarmac as can damage it.

« **Reply #19 on:** April 17, 2016, 02:18:59 pm »

I'll let you know how I get on, drive tomorrow - Tarmac then 3 locations Thursday for housing assoc. cleaning Tarmac car parks

Darran

« **Reply #20 on:** April 18, 2016, 04:28:49 pm »

Smudger the slabs and block have come out spot on. What strength hypo did you use and how long did you leave it on before washing off. Iv got a 10lt container from a local swimming pool place and that 14% 15% I need to do mine and I have some decking it's gone green and white have you cleaned decking and if so is it the same strength as slab mix. Thanks

« **Reply #21 on:** April 18, 2016, 08:58:18 pm »

I apply after pressure washing the drive is done using an X-jet ( no proportioner ) so 3 to 1 the smaller areas I use an ik sprayer at 2 to 1 I also mix in a detergent - cherry or bubble gum to help it stick to the surface.

Dwell times are usually around 20 mins - if all good I lightly rinse over if not spot treat any stubborn bits

(The 3 areas used around 6 to 8 litres of hypo)

Darran

« **Reply #22 on:** April 18, 2016, 09:03:30 pm »

Today's render soft washing....

« **Reply #23 on:** April 19, 2016, 12:02:28 am »

I love the slug trails on the 2nd pic... it's a shame you can't train them to clean the whole wall

« **Reply #24 on:** April 19, 2016, 06:16:02 am »

Now there's a thought - a totally environmentally safe algae removal system

Darran

« **Reply #25 on:** April 19, 2016, 07:24:25 am »

Thanks smudged.

« **Reply #26 on:** April 19, 2016, 08:05:14 pm »

For smurf

https://youtu.be/Ud5jaHKWIYs

Bit long winded, but you get the idea !!

« **Reply #27 on:** April 19, 2016, 08:33:41 pm »

Nice vid. Thanks for posting.
I could obviously see how it was applied but can I ask what is being used pump wise to get it to the brush fan jets?

« **Reply #28 on:** April 19, 2016, 08:41:29 pm »

Yep ( happy to share

)

A lookielikey gardiners backpack costs £59.00 off eBay - been using it for a couple of years now, just give it a rinse out and it's good to go for window cleaning or applying TFR , algoclear ( well a version of.. ) or yeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaa.....

Darran

« **Reply #29 on:** April 19, 2016, 09:01:39 pm »

Quote from: Smudger on April 19, 2016, 08:41:29 pm

Yep ( happy to share )

A lookielikey gardiners backpack costs £59.00 off eBay - been using it for a couple of years now, just give it a rinse out and it's good to go for window cleaning or applying TFR , algoclear ( well a version of.. ) or yeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaa.....

Darran

Many thanks Smudger

That just goes to show you don't have to spend a fortune on softwash kit.
Have you a link to the backpack sprayer you got for 59 off eBay as I need to get one as hypo would defo kill me pf trolley pump.

« **Reply #30 on:** April 19, 2016, 09:21:51 pm »

This is the closest to mine
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sprayer-Back-Pack-Battery-Operated-16L-Litre-Pump-Garden-Weed-Killer-Knapsack-/191430851632?hash=item2c922afc30:g:S-IAAOSwPcVVya15

Prices go up and down, last week they were £69 - normally you can get them to drop a few quid

Darran

« **Reply #31 on:** April 20, 2016, 02:04:57 pm »

Darren how did you attach said sprayer to your wfp pole pal. Great video.

« **Reply #32 on:** April 20, 2016, 04:03:00 pm »

Rectus 21 fittings

Darran

« **Reply #33 on:** April 21, 2016, 07:50:05 pm »

Not render but softwashing with steam...

« **Reply #34 on:** April 21, 2016, 07:54:42 pm »

Then onto grafitti removal..

There was lots more but I don't think I would be allowed to put the pictures on a public forum

Darran

« **Reply #35 on:** April 21, 2016, 08:01:05 pm »

Nice pics smudger.

Can I ask what you use for soft washing using steam as I can't see in any of the pics your set up?

« **Reply #36 on:** April 21, 2016, 08:13:54 pm »

I use one of those wallpaper strippers 😂

Yeehaaaaaaa.....

I've done a video, but need to edit it, it's not a doff, but IPC hot pressure washer with 'super steam' 130 degree option - works fantastically well, no pressure, hold the lance with finger and thumb if you want to and still direct it around, the easiest pw job I've done so far.

Darran

« **Reply #37 on:** April 21, 2016, 10:27:35 pm »

Nice work Darran, need to get some heat on the go myself but still messing about trying to find the perfect pump for my machine.

« **Reply #38 on:** April 21, 2016, 11:10:39 pm »

Many thanks Smudger. Looking forward to seeing the vid as I'm guessing you used an adapted wfp instead of any added cost and time using access equipment for the higher bits.

I'm also guessing it's green in colour as just could make out a corner of it in one of the pics.

The lavor 21 lpm vulcano hot box I have is yellow and is a peace of crap to be honest

« **Reply #39 on:** April 22, 2016, 06:44:44 am »

We had high access on this one, it's the first time using hot to remove algae and lichen, ( done gum removal ) so I didn't want take a chance that I might not have to get up close and personal.
I also hired the pw and they use some weird old fittings and I didn't have time to sort it all out.
Hire is a very reasonable £60 for the day

Darran

« **Reply #40 on:** April 22, 2016, 07:31:07 am »

That's cheap for a days hire, thinking about going for a 12v mazzoni boiler either 250- 25 or 200- 30 in a frame with fuel tank etc

« **Reply #41 on:** April 22, 2016, 06:32:58 pm »

Quote from: Smudger on April 22, 2016, 06:44:44 am

We had high access on this one, it's the first time using hot to remove algae and lichen, ( done gum removal ) so I didn't want take a chance that I might not have to get up close and personal.
I also hired the pw and they use some weird old fittings and I didn't have time to sort it all out.
Hire is a very reasonable £60 for the day

Darran

Thanks smudger. At that daily hire rate you defo don't need to buy a steam system for sure.

« **Reply #42 on:** April 26, 2016, 04:30:40 pm »

Help pls, have tried algo clr pro but no joy, should I try hypo???

« **Reply #43 on:** April 26, 2016, 04:32:33 pm »

Sorry about the quality

« **Reply #44 on:** April 26, 2016, 04:46:54 pm »

Black staining like that it's probably best to use hypo first as you will see near instant results. Then if you want once the wall is clean, rinse down and when dry can go over with the likes of algoclear for a risiduel type treatment to help prolong the growth coming back . Funny enough Algoclear also do a gel form of hypo too for stubbon black staining so they already know it don't work that great on certain black growth.

The likes of algoclear can take weeks/months to work on render properly and may need a repeat treatment and/or their gel used so how long has it been for you to say it did not work?

« **Reply #45 on:** April 26, 2016, 05:25:12 pm »

1 week, yep I know about the gel, Francois tried to sell me some, but I didn't
See the point as it's hypo in a gel form and you pay a fortune for it... I got to say I did think about applying hypo first and then the algo clear after a rinse...

Thanks for the advice.

« **Reply #46 on:** April 26, 2016, 06:26:02 pm »

No probs

The gel form so say can be applied to a brush and brushed on so sticks to were you want it that's all.
I have some but have not had the need to try it yet so can't really comment if it's any good or not.

« **Reply #47 on:** April 26, 2016, 08:58:23 pm »

What dilution rate should I use?

« **Reply #48 on:** April 26, 2016, 09:13:15 pm »

5% should be more than enough if scrubbed in. Then just re apply if need be but if say after half an hour it don't shift it you could try a stronger mix.

« **Reply #49 on:** April 27, 2016, 07:18:00 am »

Thanks

« **Reply #50 on:** January 11, 2017, 04:50:19 pm »

Quote from: Smudger on April 13, 2016, 08:42:11 pm

My god look at the devastation !!!

What will we do all that hypo has wiped out half of Norfolk !!! O hang on ! It's still all green, no nuclear wasteland... The birds have not fallen off the trees.. Hmmm... Never mind mate go a stick your big yellow helmet back on and do some gutter clearing 👍👍👍😆

Hi smudger

Sorry for tagging onto such an old post but im just planning on getting into softwashing.

Did you powerwash the above pics and then treat with blackwash or biocidal wash is it?

The results are incredible , fair play 👍👍

« **Reply #51 on:** January 11, 2017, 05:33:58 pm »

Pressure wash then treated with Hypo

i apply using an x-Jet for large areas or ik sprayer for the smaller areas

i soft wash roofs and walls

Darran

« **Reply #52 on:** January 11, 2017, 05:46:48 pm »

YeHaa! Ride em cowboy

Tom best you don't use an xjet on buildings as creates way too much chemical drift. Not only that wastes far too much chem.

« **Reply #53 on:** January 11, 2017, 10:46:14 pm »

Thanks lads ..... very helpful as always

I bought a soft brush with fan jets , i already have a backpack with wpf so this kit is enough to softwash houses to begin with surely?

I purchased biocidal wash off benz and tried it on red and green algae on walls with very good results.

Am i right in saying the blackwash can potentially remove dirt on cobblelock drives etc without the need for powerwashing?

« **Reply #54 on:** January 11, 2017, 11:27:54 pm »

Yes a backpack and with a wfp is good enough to get started for sure.

Blackwash is just 10% sodium hypochlorite (also called hypo or SH for short) with a scent & soap already added.
Regards to cleaning cobble block with SH I take it you mean block paving. If so then yes it will to a degree depending on how strong you make the mix, dwell time etc. However SH will not remove weeds, moss etc from the joints like using a descent pressure washer with a turbo would but will turn the weeds, moss etc white and a bit easier to remove by manual methods.

It seems more common now to use SH after pressure washing or even before if you know what you are doing to help remove stubborn black spot etc for a cleaner looking finish.