What is surfactant for pressure washing?

Adding a surfactant weakens the surface tension, in turn making the water more “relaxed” so it can spread out more and cover larger surfaces. This is what is meant when it's said that surfactants make water “wetter.” The water is more relaxed and spreads out more on the surface.

How much surfactant do I need to clean my roof?

Start with 30%SH / 70%WATER + plus surfactant. If that is not enough, work your way up to 50/50 + surfactant. EXAMPLE: in a 10 gallon tank start with 3 gallons sh and 7 gallons water. If not strong enough, work your way up to 5 gallons sh and 5 gallons water.

What is the best chemical for pressure washing?

What should I spray my house with before pressure washing?

Using a 5-gallon water bucket, mix water and a cleaning detergent with mildewcide according to manufacturer's recommendations. Attach your pressure washer to your garden hose. Choose the pressure washer nozzle you plan to use and attach it to your sprayer.

What chemicals do you use to Softwash a roof?

Do You Really Need Surfactant?

What chemicals do you use to soft wash a roof?

When professionals think of soft washing roofs and siding, the top cleaning chemical used is a professional-grade 12.5% sodium hypochlorite, or bleach, mixed with water.

Does Lowe's sell surfactant?

BRAVE ProCling Surfactant 32-oz Multi-purpose Pressure Washer Cleaner in the Pressure Washer Chemicals department at Lowes.com.

What does surfactant mean?

surfactant, also called surface-active agent, substance such as a detergent that, when added to a liquid, reduces its surface tension, thereby increasing its spreading and wetting properties. In the dyeing of textiles, surfactants help the dye penetrate the fabric evenly.

What surfactant can I mix with bleach?

SWASS is a concentrated surfactant blend, designed to be mixed with diluted Sodium Hypochlorite then used as a 'House or Roof Wash Solution.

Can Dawn soap be used as a surfactant?

A common “trick” used when spraying weeds around your home may be to add a few drops of dish soap, such as Dawn®. Dish soap is used as a surfactant, both when washing dishes and applying herbicide to plants.

Can you use laundry detergent as a surfactant?

If you want to use something other than professional surfactants use laundry detergent. Just don't use Dawn. I wouldn't use Dawn.

Is simple cherry a surfactant?

Simple Cherry's proprietary blend of surfactants and water softening agents make it rinse easily without harsh side affects on glass and painted surfaces. Simple Cherry's surfactant package is stable if used with chlorine. Simple Cherry is infused with a strong cherry fragrance.

Is soft wash better than pressure washing?

Pressure washing can dislodge deep-rooted contaminants within the surface, making it ideal for hard and porous surfaces like concrete. Soft washing has lighter pressure, which can reduce the cleaning effectiveness while making it easier for softer surfaces to handle.

What is a good house wash mix?

A typical house wash can be done using 1 or 2, 5 gallon, buckets of mix. Start with a mix ratio of 1:1. This means for every gallon of bleach you use, add 1 gallon of water.

Can I use bleach to clean my roof?

Bleach can effectively clean roof shingles and remove even the toughest stains. Keeping roof shingles clean will not only enhance the overall look of your home, but can also protect the shingles from damage caused by moss and mildew.

How much water does it take to soft wash a roof?

Soft washing only uses 60 gallons of cleaning solution, which is comprised of about 40 gallons of water. The cleaning solution is so effective that it lasts 4 – 6 times longer than pressure washing.

Why you should not pressure wash your house?

Your house is built to withstand rain and other moisture, and it can even withstand a low PSI with a pressure washer, but when pressure washers are used at full capacity, you may end up with soggy carpet, wet attics, and mold. When done incorrectly, a pressure washer can damage siding, even knocking it loose.

How many PSI Do I need to pressure wash a house?

For cleaning your house's driveway, you need a pressure washer set to 2,500 to 3,000 psi. For other areas, like the vinyl sidings, decks, or glass, the pressure should not exceed 1,500 psi. For soft materials, like softwood, you should use even lower pressure, around 500 to 600 psi.

What should you not power wash?