Softwash Equipment Education

SECTION 1: The Foundations of Soft Washing

Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning technique that uses a mix of water, specialized cleaning solutions (like bleach, water, and detergents), to safely remove mold, mildew, algae, dirt, and other stains from surfaces. Unlike power washing, soft washing uses a low- pressure spray to avoid damaging delicate surfaces such as roofs, siding, and windows. The cleaning solution breaks down and kills organics, and the low pressure rinses them off without harming the surface underneath. Unlike pressure washing, it relies on chemistry, not force.

SECTION 2: Property Protection – Safeguarding Surroundings During Soft

Washing

When performing soft washing, it is essential to take proactive steps to protect the property and its surroundings. Improper handling of chemicals or equipment can cause damage to landscaping, electrical components, painted surfaces, and more. Here are the best practices to ensure property safety:

1. Pre-Wash Inspection:

- Walk around the property and identify sensitive areas, including plants, decorative fixtures, painted surfaces, and outdoor electronics. Look for open windows or any point of water entry.

- Take photos of pre-existing conditions to document the state of the property before cleaning.

2. Protecting Vegetation:

- Pre-wet all plants and landscaping within the cleaning area. Saturate soil around plants to reduce chemical absorption.

- Cover delicate plants with plastic sheeting or tarps when necessary.

- Use a neutralizing agent on plants both before and after cleaning to mitigate chemical exposure.

3. Shielding Surfaces:

- Cover non-target surfaces such as electrical outlets, door bells, and cameras with

protective coverings.

- Use painter’s tape, Stucco Tape or waterproof silicone to seal gaps where cleaning

solution might seep.

4. Chemical Management:

- Mix and handle chemicals away from sensitive areas to prevent accidental spills.

- Always use properly labeled containers to avoid mix-ups.

5. Rinsing and Post-Wash Care:

- Thoroughly rinse all surfaces and surrounding areas post-application to remove any residual cleaning solutions.

- Inspect the property again to ensure no damage or chemical residue remains.

6. Documentation and Communication:

- Share your property protection strategy with the client beforehand.

- Document any protective measures taken and post-wash results to maintain

transparency. By adhering to these best practices, you minimize the risk of property damage and increase customer satisfaction. Remember, proactive protection not only safeguards the client’s property but also your reputation as a professional cleaner.

SECTION 3: Soft Wash Delivery Methods Explained

Batch Mixing .

Mix chemical, water, and surfactant in a tank before spraying.

- Pros: Simple, affordable, beginner-friendly.

- Cons: No adjustability once mixed.

X-Jet

Draws chemical using a venturi nozzle attachment on pressure washer wand.

- Pros: stronger pull than downstream, precise chemical mix , cost effective.

- Cons: have to carry bucket of chem around with you, potential of spilling chemical

Downstreaming

Injects chemical after the pressure pump via injector.

- Pros: Great for house wash mixes, easy to use.

- Cons: Limited to about 1.5% SH downstream ratio, ineffective for heavy organic growth.

12V Pump Systems

Electric diaphragm pumps, ideal for beginner setups (e.g., 5 GPM - 7 GPM @ 60–100 PSI).

- Pros: Works well with blend manifolds for precise mixing ability. Have Great control over where the chem is applied.

- Cons: Vertical reach is limited, takes longer to apply on larger project

24V Pump Systems

Higher flow and power than 12V systems (e.g., 10+ GPM @ 100 PSI+).

- Pros: Higher volume, Better Reach, Easy to use, Works Well with Blend manifold

- Cons: Battery run times can be limited, lower knockdown pressure than a gas system Gas-Powered Systems (AR45, P40, etc.) High-flow diaphragm pumps powered by gas engines (10+ GPM @ up to 300 PSI).

- Pros: Fast coverage, farther reach, Higher knock down pressure.

- Cons: Higher cost to set up, do not have precise control on the spray like lower GPM systems.

Upstreaming (Simpson Dual Wash Pro)

Injects chemical before the pressure pump.

- Pros: dual capabilities (soft Wash Pressure wash) One machine for maintenance

- Cons: Chemicals run through pump, Higher set up cost

SECTION 4: Blend Manifolds – The Heart of Soft Wash Adjustability

Blend manifolds use metering valves to control and mix chemical (SH), water, and

surfactant in real time. Each valve adjusts the draw rate of one liquid. Combined, they feed the pump with the desired mix.

Compatible with:

- 12V Systems: ½- ¾ vales

- 24V Systems: 1” valves

- Gas Systems (P40, AR45): needs 1” valves

- Upstream Systems:(Dual Wash Pro) need 1” Valves

SECTION 5: Valve & Plumbing Sizing – Why It Matters

Basic 12V Setup

- 60 PSI pump

- ½” valves and plumbing

- ½” hose on reel

- Result: Restrictive flow, best for short runs or light-duty work or Flat surfaces.

Upgraded 12V Setup

- 100 PSI pump

- ¾” valves and plumbing

- 5/8” hose on reel

- Result: Better performance, higher reach, more flow.

24V / P40 / AR45 Setup

- 1” valves and plumbing

- 5/8” hose on reel

- Result: Maximum GPM, best performance, long-range spraying.

Key Takeaways:

- Undersized plumbing restricts flow.

- Use properly sized valves to match your pump.

- Bigger plumbing = more flow, better performance.

- Keep hose length and diameter in mind.

SECTION 6: Wrap-Up

Bonus Tips:

- Use bleach-rated materials (Viton, FKM, etc.)

- Flush your system regularly.

- Inspect plumbing for wear and tear.

- Match system components to pump flow and PSI for optimal performance.