🧼 Softwash Surface Guide

Simple Dilution & Application Advice

Softwashing relies on chemical action, dwell time, and correct dilution — not pressure.
This guide helps you choose the right chemical, correct strength, and application method for common exterior surfaces.

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🔵 Step 1: Choose the Correct Chemical

Sodium Hypochlorite Solution (10% Neat Strength)

✔ Fast-acting cleaner
✔ Removes heavy organic growth, black algae, red staining & lichen
✔ Must be rinsed after activation
✔ Used for initial cleaning

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DDAC Biocide (40% Strength)

✔ Residual biocidal treatment
✔ Ideal for long-term cleaning & prevention
✔ Generally no rinse required
✔ Continues working over weeks and months

💡 Best practice:
Use Sodium Hypochlorite for the clean, then DDAC Biocide for long-term control.

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🧱 Step 2: Surface-by-Surface Guidance

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🚗 Tarmac

• Heavy Growth Removal:
  Sodium Hypochlorite – 10:1

• Maintenance / Protection:
  DDAC Biocide – 40–50:1

✔ Restores natural weathered grey colour
⚠ May lighten surface – test first
⚠ Avoid strong mixes on decorative or new tarmac

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🧱 Concrete

• Heavy Soiling:
  Sodium Hypochlorite – 5:1

• Ongoing Treatment:
  DDAC Biocide – 40:1

✔ Apply hypo by spray, allow 15–60 mins activation
✔ Rinse thoroughly before drying
✔ DDAC provides residual protection

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🏠 Render

Light to Moderate Algae

• DDAC Biocide – 40:1
  ✔ Spray only
  ✔ Results develop over 2–14 days

Heavy Black or Red Algae

• Sodium Hypochlorite – 5:1
  ✔ Spray and allow activation
  ✔ Gentle rinse before drying
  ✔ Follow with DDAC Biocide

🎨 Red staining may turn pink → yellow → clear during treatment — this is normal.

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🎨 Paint Preparation (Render)

Unpainted Render

• Sodium Hypochlorite – 10:1
  ✔ Brush into heavy areas
  ✔ Rinse thoroughly
  ✔ Surface will be sterile once dry

Painted Render

• DDAC Biocide – 40:1
  ✔ Ideal final treatment before repainting

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🏗 Cladding, uPVC, Steel & Poly-Tunnels

• DDAC Biocide – 40–50:1
  ✔ Spray on
  ✔ Light agitation if required
  ✔ Rinse only if necessary

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🌿 Lichen (All Surfaces)

• Sodium Hypochlorite – 4–5:1
  ✔ May require gentle pressure washing
  ✔ Follow with DDAC Biocide for long-term control
  ⏳ Full removal may take several months

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🏠 Roofs

Slate

• DDAC Biocide – 25–40:1
  ✔ Spray only
  ✔ Results continue for up to 12 months

Tile

• DDAC Biocide – 25:1
  ✔ Same method as slate
  ⚠ Avoid high pressure

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🪵 Wood, Decking & Fencing

• DDAC Biocide – 40–50:1
  ✔ Spray only
  ✔ Heavy contamination may benefit from light pre-wash
  ✔ Excellent results after second application

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🪨 Patios & Resin Drives

• Heavy Soiling:
  Sodium Hypochlorite – 4:1

• Maintenance:
  DDAC Biocide – 40:1

⚠ Always test first on limestone, sandstone, or weathered surfaces

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⚠️ Important Safety & Application Notes

• Always test a small area first

• Allow full dwell time — don’t rush the rinse

• Avoid application in strong sunlight or high heat

• Stronger mixes do not mean better results

• PPE recommended during mixing and application