Clean It Up

UK General Cleaning Forum => General Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Essex Power Washing on November 07, 2015, 06:44:02 pm

Title: Softwash
Post by: Essex Power Washing on November 07, 2015, 06:44:02 pm
Does anyone have a softwash roof cleaning set up
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 07, 2015, 07:11:11 pm
I softwash - but according to others on here my definition and use of equipment is wrong so you'd better wait for the softwash guru to come along  ;D

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Essex Power Washing on November 07, 2015, 07:22:31 pm
What is your set up I'm looking at 8gpm 100psi pumps but can't source one 
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Ben Marriott on November 07, 2015, 07:27:28 pm
Evening,
 
What is your set up I'm looking at 8gpm 100psi pumps but can't source one 

What exactly are you looking for?

30 odd LPM is a massive flow for soft washing especially in the UK where methods are very different to the americans.

Are you looking for a full acid pump? How would it need to be driven by engine or electric motor?
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Essex Power Washing on November 07, 2015, 07:35:01 pm
I am looking to set up a van based system I have a 1000 ltr tank already will add a 250ltr mixing tank comprising of water hypo and a surfactant pumped through a 12v DC CHEMICAL RESISTANT PUMP to a 50 mtr hose operated from a ladder to spray down 2 storey house roof  on YouTube they are quoting 8 gpm at 100 psi can you help
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 07, 2015, 07:36:35 pm
I either dial down my gx390's in combination with an X-jet of use WFP equipment and apply through that
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1446924936_image.jpeg)

Sorry image is poor, horrid day and I only have an iPhone

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Essex Power Washing on November 07, 2015, 07:42:50 pm
Can you run chemicals through your pressure washer pump
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 07, 2015, 07:45:25 pm
I don't, that's why I use the X-jet - mixes upstream

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Ben Marriott on November 07, 2015, 07:45:39 pm
Never through the pump - you could use a chemical injector.  (Darran's too fast on the keyboard! :D )

When we build our systems we use petrol engines coupled to one of two pumps - the first 15 bar at 12 rpm the second 30 bar at 30 lpm both are of viton acid resistant construction so can even handle hydrochloric acid.

12 v is more complicated and we have found using a smaller flow jet pump.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Jacqueline Kerr on November 07, 2015, 07:46:07 pm
Ben's your man, he built us a fantastic bit of kit, good price and lovely bloke to deal with. And by the way Ben, any thoughts yet on my new project?? Cheers
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Ben Marriott on November 07, 2015, 07:47:59 pm
Ben's your man, he built us a fantastic bit of kit, good price and lovely bloke to deal with. And by the way Ben, any thoughts yet on my new project?? Cheers

I've got a chap coming this week who might shed some light on it - drop me an email with a rough idea on what we want to do so I can get have a look with him.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 07, 2015, 07:48:44 pm
http://powerpressurewash.com/xjets.html
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 07, 2015, 07:50:34 pm
 ;D

Ben is your man !!

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Jacqueline Kerr on November 07, 2015, 07:50:58 pm
ok thank s ben :)
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Jacqueline Kerr on November 07, 2015, 07:54:59 pm
 ;D

Ben is your man !!

Darran          ;)
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Essex Power Washing on November 07, 2015, 08:02:20 pm
Ben can you help me can you make a system up for me would like to talk 07947 382178 regards david
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Ben Marriott on November 07, 2015, 08:11:28 pm
Ben can you help me can you make a system up for me would like to talk 07947 382178 regards david

Of course - I can give you a call in the morning or first thing monday?

Cheers!  Ben
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Essex Power Washing on November 07, 2015, 08:21:48 pm
Thanks call me Monday morning thank you regards David
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Kev Martin on November 08, 2015, 08:26:24 am
Talk to Chris Scott this is right up his street
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 09, 2015, 05:38:53 pm
Another option you could use be it from ladder or pole to apply chem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em0-Eej_B5w
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Rob@Blast off on November 09, 2015, 05:52:31 pm
Wfp Backpack, x jet and sniper nozzle does the trick for me.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 09, 2015, 06:33:57 pm
What's a sniper nozzle?

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Rob@Blast off on November 09, 2015, 06:41:52 pm
Its a long range low pressure zero degree nozzle i wasn't a fan at first but use it loads now.
https://youtu.be/Wfotfv4bIek
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 09, 2015, 06:52:14 pm
Yes found them, @ £15 well worth a try.

Where do you put a chemical pick ? I have them at the pw but they don't seem to draw chemical when using 50plus meters of hose  ???

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Ben Marriott on November 09, 2015, 06:54:23 pm
Chemical pick up at the machine works according to the Venturi effect whereby a pressure moving forwards creates a vortex with the hose and creates a back pressure which draws the chemical upwards. Strictly speaking this effect cannot be guaranteed to work over 10-15m though of course it usually does. :)
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Rob@Blast off on November 09, 2015, 06:55:28 pm
I just use it to pre wet and rinse off, i think you could put it on an xjet but never tryed
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 09, 2015, 06:58:39 pm
Rarely for me  :'(

What nozzle would be best to encourage the correct vortex and back pressure ?

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 09, 2015, 07:25:50 pm
Chemical pick up at the machine works according to the Venturi effect whereby a pressure moving forwards creates a vortex with the hose and creates a back pressure which draws the chemical upwards. Strictly speaking this effect cannot be guaranteed to work over 10-15m though of course it usually does. :)

That's why I guess some don't like downstreaming as also using strong chems can destroy high pressure hoses, couplings etc  eventually too.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Ben Marriott on November 09, 2015, 07:34:52 pm
Precisely why I never fit chem pickups to our machines - I don't take them off the Dual machines but I don't fit them. I always reckoned the GP stainless Soap Shooters which pick up at the lance.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 09, 2015, 08:42:26 pm
That's pretty much the same as an X jet then

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Ben Marriott on November 09, 2015, 08:52:51 pm
Pretty much - just stainless steel and less expensive.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 09, 2015, 09:06:31 pm
Yes I'll give you that  ;D

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 09, 2015, 09:28:21 pm
Those gp soap shooter seem cheap for a good reason.
I suppose they would be no good if wanting to change the type of nozzle you use as is a fixed so say long range. Also you can't run the chem mix as low a 1-1 ratio if you wanted so all in all a waste of time surely Ben?
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Ben Marriott on November 09, 2015, 09:42:37 pm
They offer the same adjustment as a downstream pick up - when combined with a proportioner (if you want to use them) you can get more flexibility. As for the fixed jet - most of our customers use them for washing trucks, buses and cars on the electric side so it makes no real difference.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 09, 2015, 09:51:41 pm
So what set up would you recommend for K-render cleaning Ben?
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Ben Marriott on November 09, 2015, 10:14:14 pm
I would go along the lines of the american systems.
The best way would be with a teflon air driven pump.
Failing that a pump designed to handle acids and chlorine's.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 09, 2015, 11:08:05 pm
For k-rend cleaning.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 09, 2015, 11:11:15 pm
or
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 10, 2015, 08:57:38 am
Thanks Chris, Which one do those petrol driven sprayers do you prefer (including the pro's & con's) as I take it you have both?

Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 10, 2015, 04:40:43 pm
I don't have a favourite.
The tank version is handy for cladding …we run 3 waterfed poles from it with a soap solution . Downside it takes up a fair amount of room in the van.
The "pump" only is good when used in conjunction with a Dosatron feeding it with bio-cide. It cuts down the amount of waste product at the end of the job and insures accurate chemical application,
Both machines are perfectly capable of either job. For cleaning K-rend they are a "must have" otherwise it's like trying to clean driveways with no pressure washer.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 10, 2015, 06:25:08 pm
Cheers chris  ;)
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 10, 2015, 07:23:21 pm
Ask Ben to build you a "tank" version with a demountable pump…best of both worlds.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: serj shergill on November 11, 2015, 03:25:36 pm
anyone ever used benzs cleaning solutions for softwashing????
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 11, 2015, 05:17:00 pm
One is Bleach and caustic the other is Quats….whey pay over the odds for either product?
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: serj shergill on November 13, 2015, 01:45:20 pm
Thanks, softwash is something that i would like to add to my pressure washing and it seems to be a mine field, as every manufacturer  has varying opinions. All I really want to know is a sytem that can be used that will mix the chemicals and produce enough pressure to clean a typical  2 storey house..
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 13, 2015, 02:03:07 pm
The simplest method is X-jet or the one Ben has mentioned, they fit to the end of the lance, so no extra pumps/motors and take up very little room, downside you have to move a barrel of chems every so often.

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 13, 2015, 02:17:15 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1447424163_image.jpeg)

(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1447424179_image.jpeg)

This was "soft washed" using an xjet

DARRAN
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 13, 2015, 03:33:32 pm
Thanks, softwash is something that i would like to add to my pressure washing and it seems to be a mine field, as every manufacturer  has varying opinions. All I really want to know is a sytem that can be used that will mix the chemicals and produce enough pressure to clean a typical  2 storey house..
It's not a mine field…there are two basic chemicals Bleach or Quats. Get the msds sheet form the supplier…see which one it is.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 13, 2015, 04:08:24 pm
Just try not to mix them ....

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 14, 2015, 09:30:25 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1447424163_image.jpeg)

(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1447424179_image.jpeg)

This was "soft washed" using an xjet

DARRAN

And a chloras mix by any chance?  ;D
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 15, 2015, 08:01:55 am
Never spray bleach on a vertical surface….it's too dangerous.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on November 15, 2015, 12:17:57 pm
Never spray bleach on a vertical surface….it's too dangerous.
  +1
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 15, 2015, 04:10:27 pm
Never spray bleach on a vertical surface….it's too dangerous.

Are you speaking from first hand experience then chris...? If so go on do tell us what happend.
If not then why not?
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 15, 2015, 05:19:26 pm
Never spray bleach on a vertical surface….it's too dangerous.

Yawn........


Yes smurf

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 15, 2015, 05:44:45 pm
Never spray bleach on a vertical surface….it's too dangerous.

Yawn........


Yes smurf

Darran

You bleached my best sexy knickers hanging out to dry  ;D
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 15, 2015, 06:30:42 pm
Thats one point Smurf …it's hard to control drift.
He is a clue for point number two…effects on Organic and /or metallic surfaces.
See if you can figure it out yourself…maybe nudger can help you.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Kev Martin on November 15, 2015, 06:37:36 pm
Thats one point Smurf …it's hard to control drift.
He is a clue for point number two…effects on Organic and /or metallic surfaces.
See if you can figure it out yourself…maybe nudger can help you.

Can I play? ;D ;D :D
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 15, 2015, 06:44:51 pm
Thats one point Smurf …it's hard to control drift.
He is a clue for point number two…effects on Organic and /or metallic surfaces.
See if you can figure it out yourself…maybe nudger can help you.

Can I play? ;D ;D :D

No  ;D

I generally brush chloras on for that same reason be it hard surface areas on the ground or walls..
You do have to be careful as is also corrosive on some metals not to mention harmful to aquatic life, organic life, pets, kids etc too. Apart from that it's fine ;D
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 15, 2015, 07:05:07 pm
Spot on  ;D
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Kev Martin on November 15, 2015, 07:51:18 pm
Thats one point Smurf …it's hard to control drift.
He is a clue for point number two…effects on Organic and /or metallic surfaces.
See if you can figure it out yourself…maybe nudger can help you.

Can I play? ;D ;D :D

No  ;D

I generally brush chloras on for that same reason be it hard surface areas on the ground or walls..
You do have to be careful as is also corrosive on some metals not to mention harmful to aquatic life, organic life, pets, kids etc too. Apart from that it's fine ;D

Miserable git ;D
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 15, 2015, 08:07:35 pm
Thats one point Smurf …it's hard to control drift.
He is a clue for point number two…effects on Organic and /or metallic surfaces.
See if you can figure it out yourself…maybe nudger can help you.

Can I play? ;D ;D :D

No  ;D

I generally brush chloras on for that same reason be it hard surface areas on the ground or walls..
You do have to be careful as is also corrosive on some metals not to mention harmful to aquatic life, organic life, pets, kids etc too. Apart from that it's fine ;D

Miserable git ;D

 ;D
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: serj shergill on November 18, 2015, 04:21:36 pm
Thanks for the info. Have ordered a x jet from the USA which should work on 2 storey buildings.. would like some further info on the extended lances I have seen on various videos..

Sorry for being thick, with the x jet it draws the diluted chemical from a container? So does it not further  dilute the chemical when using the lance with the x jet at the end??

Are the chemicals available on the market just a dearer form of hypo??

Trying to educate myself before I clean my neighbours render.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Cowan on November 18, 2015, 05:22:28 pm
Following as I am looking to gain as much knowledge as possible before i tackle my own roof as a trial 👍 Interested to get any advice on a suitable wfp to use (pros and cons) and if anyone has any links to a soft wash in a box type of idea in the UK that would be very much appreciated 👍
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 18, 2015, 06:33:44 pm
Thanks for the info. Have ordered a x jet from the USA which should work on 2 storey buildings.. would like some further info on the extended lances I have seen on various videos..

Sorry for being thick, with the x jet it draws the diluted chemical from a container? So does it not further  dilute the chemical when using the lance with the x jet at the end??

Are the chemicals available on the market just a dearer form of hypo??

Trying to educate myself before I clean my neighbours render.

X jet draws neat chemical and then mixes it with your water flow, you get a set of Venturi's ( I think that's the name of them ) which allow differing mix ratios

I've adapted some gardiners clx poles to take the X-jet which also has a shroud around it ( stops wind drift when applying to walls etc  ;D ) and other pressure washing bits.

I'm sure our resident chemist Chris will be more than happy to list plenty of options - but hypo is pretty much the most effective chem for algae ( just be aware it has its drawbacks and dangers)

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 18, 2015, 07:45:50 pm
X-jets are as far removed from "soft washing' as you could possibly get. X-jets need around 3000psi to work (and a pressure washer). "UK' Soft washing is the application of  a chemical (to do the cleaning)  typically we  use around 10bar at 10lpm …reducing the risk of damaging to the surface (althoughh chemical damage may occur). "American" softwashing consists of spraying bleach at everything and anything .
Below is a specifically made pump aimed at the UK softwash market.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 18, 2015, 07:47:55 pm
Own tank for pre mixing.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 18, 2015, 07:49:37 pm
http://www.dosatron.com   for auto mixing.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 18, 2015, 07:50:38 pm
Info on softwash chemical.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 18, 2015, 10:25:13 pm
There we go, told you the expert would be along - thx for the info Chris, much appreciated.

Do you spray this on vertical surfaces ?

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 18, 2015, 10:32:11 pm
No problem…glad I could help.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smudger on November 18, 2015, 10:35:49 pm
So do you ?

Darran
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: Smurf on November 18, 2015, 10:57:48 pm
So do you ?

Darran

Smudger if you open the pdf that chris has posted you will find out. 
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 19, 2015, 07:23:20 am
So do you ?

Darran
Yep…(sometimes) we spray  on vertical surfaces.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: serj shergill on November 19, 2015, 09:34:52 am
Thanks, if you don't mind scott where can you buy those specially adapted pressure washers from?
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: chris scott on November 19, 2015, 10:19:48 am
Rutland pumps.
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: serj shergill on November 19, 2015, 02:41:33 pm
Thanks once again for sharing your knowledge, have spoken to Ben and will be paying a visit soon..
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: serj shergill on December 15, 2015, 06:11:11 pm
forgot to ask, will I require any special licence from my local authority for the use of chems for soft washing?
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: scott aird on December 16, 2015, 07:31:39 pm
Precisely why I never fit chem pickups to our machines - I don't take them off the Dual machines but I don't fit them. I always reckoned the GP stainless Soap Shooters which pick up at the lance.

do you have a link for this? cheers
Title: Re: Softwash
Post by: rah on December 17, 2015, 04:47:46 am
Website - www.softwashtechnology.co.uk