Understanding Soft Washing Biocides: Residual Power, Safety & Best Practices

By Mark Cave May 17, 2025

Understanding Soft Washing Biocides: Residual Power, Safety & Best Practices

Soft washing is a powerful and safe method of cleaning exterior surfaces when done correctly and a major component of its success comes down to the use of biocides. But what exactly are soft washing biocides? How do they work, and what makes them different from more aggressive chemicals like sodium hypochlorite?

In this guide, we’ll explore the role of biocides in soft washing, the benefits of residual cleaning, and safe handling tips ⚠️. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this blog will help you better understand this crucial aspect of soft washing.

🔥 Confusion Between Biocides and Bleach

One of the biggest challenges contractors and homeowners face is understanding the difference between traditional bleach based cleaning and the more sustainable, long-acting effect of biocides. Many mistakenly believe biocide is just a weaker version of bleach which couldn’t be further from the truth!

Unlike sodium hypochlorite (bleach), which instantly breaks down organic matter, biocides work slower but have long-term effectiveness. That means they continue killing bacteria, mould and algae spores for days or even weeks after application, preventing regrowth. 🌱

Want to learn more about how bleach works? Check out our podcast episode "Will Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach Surfaces?".

💡 The Superpower of Residual Cleaning with Biocides

Biocides such as Soft Wash Pro 50 Biocideare designed for long term control of moss, algae, and lichen. When applied properly, they don’t just clean surfaces they also treat them. This is known as residual action 🕒.

According to our SoftWash UK podcast, biocides penetrate porous surfaces like render or tarmac and continue working beneath the surface. This makes them ideal for slow-release biological control without the harshness of bleach.

📌 Key Benefits of Biocides

✅ Long-term protection against organisms like moss & algae
✅ Minimal impact on delicate surfaces
✅ No harsh odours with the right masking scent like Fresh Wash
✅ Eco-friendlier when used properly

🔬 Residual Action in Action

Let’s say you just finished an extensive render cleaning job using render-safe cleaning methods. You could apply a finishing coat of Soft Wash Pro 50. Why? Because it will continue to kill spores, reducing the chance of regrowth and extending the clean appearance of the surface no need to revisit the site in a few months.

🚧 Safety First: Handling and Dilution Matters

Even though biocides are softer than bleach, they still require careful handling 🔍. Our experts recommend using the correct dilution ratios, PPE, and injector systems to ensure both performance and safety.

🧑🏫 Learn From the Pros

📘 Take our SoftWash Training Course for safe chemical handling practices.
📚 Prefer to study at home? Our Self-study chemical safety course is ideal for DIYers and pros alike.
👨🔬 For Sodium Hypochlorite users, our mixing guide is essential reading.

And remember always use a proper chemical injector such as the Dosatron Biocide Injector for accurate, safe mixing in real-time.

🔍 Best Practices When Using Biocides

✅ When to Use

After pressure washing to prevent regrowth on patios & walls
During soft wash treatments of rendered walls for long term protection
On roofs and driveways after moss removal for ongoing moss control

⛔ When NOT to Use

On hot sunny days evaporation reduces effectiveness
During rainfall ensures product runoff and contamination

🧼 Application Tips

Apply with a dedicated Dosatron unit or low pressure sprayer. Let it dwell and do NOT rinse it's designed to leave behind a residual film that keeps working.

For delicate surfaces, pair with tech like the Water Fed Pole Softwash Nozzle for targeted spraying and maximum reach.

🎯 Biocide is Your Secret Weapon

Understanding the role of biocides in soft washing gives you a competitive edge 💪 especially in delivering long-term results for clients and customers. With the right dilution, tools, and application process, you're not just cleaning; you’re treating.

Want to get started with products that pros trust? Head over to the SoftWash UK Chemicals Collection and explore everything from biocides to surfactants like Clever Wash.

If you're still curious about how biocides stack up against bleach, pressure washers, and more, binge listen to the SoftWash UK Podcast 🎧 your go to audio guide to soft washing.

🚀 Ready to Clean Smarter?

Visit SoftWash UK today to stock up on biocides, equipment, and expert knowledge that’ll take your cleaning game to the next level 🧽.

👉 Shop Soft Wash Pro 50 Biocide now and start protecting surfaces the professional way.

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Soft Wash Calculator App

Now you can say I've got an app for that!

Available NOW Click Here To Download

Softwashing calculator is an indispensable tool for juggling complicated chemical mixes. It helps reduce wastage and keeps operating costs down by giving accurate proportions

If you are having difficulty getting your head around the maths, trying to work out what percentage of softwash you need, how much chemical, surfactant and water to add, then this is the App for you.

The Soft Wash Calculator App allows you to work out your soft wash recipe by telling you exactly how much chemical, how much water and how much surfactant to add to get the desired soft wash recipe.
It doesn't stop there!.
- It can also remix your leftover softwash to a new stronger or weaker recipe.
- all controls in one place for see at a glance operation
- ease of input via pre-loaded dials. no more calculator style typing
- instantly responds to changes of complex combinations
- works in both Litres and US Gallons
- tested for Protan and Deutan colourblind users
- links to SoftwashingUK website

Take this scenario
You started with a 1% soft wash recipe of 50 gal (or litres) for a deck clean and you’re left with 13 gallons.

You get a call from a prospective customer to clean their roof. Past experience tells you a 4% soft wash recipe is needed, but what about your leftover mix at 1%?.

Do you waste time and effort driving back to base to transfer into a standby tank?
You could consider the 13 gal as just water, top up the tank and start again.
But that’s throwing away the value of the mix and raising your overhead.

Soft Wash Calculator App to the rescue.

You get to the new job and it requires 100 gal / litres.
Switch into remix mode , confirming the 13 gal already in the tank
Move the dials to your new recipe and the app immediately updates the different amounts to add in front of your eyes including the correct amount of extra surfactant.

You now have a 100 gal / litres tank of 4% soft wash recipe ready for your roof clean job!

Not forgetting you’ve saved money too, all without stress and uncertainty . Don’t underestimate what confident calmness has on your customer putting out referrals.

The same applies if you have a 4% recipe left in your tank and you need to dilute it down to 2%. Again the app will tell you how.

Softwashing calculator will also work for any chemical recipe. For instance you can use it for Sodium Hypochlorite, Bleach, Biocide , TFR traffic film remover and degreaser. Even the mathematically-challenged rocket scientist can top up their booster tanks to new fuel mixes after launch delays caused by changing weather conditions.

Using this app you will know exactly what chemical strength to put on any surface giving you the confidence and the knowledge of a professional soft washer and you’ll save money as well.

So if you have little knowledge of how to mix a soft wash recipe then this app is for you.
If you have little knowledge of how to remix a soft wash recipe then this app is for you.
If you want to save money when mixing a soft wash recipe then this app is for you.

This app is also backward compatible to devices running iOS7. We've done this so you can re-purpose an old iPhone 4 or iPod Touch 5 for what could be hazardous work environments. Just toss one in your cleaning van's toolkit.

Once you learn the methods and procedures of how to apply the soft wash to the different surfaces that need cleaning you’ll be unstoppable!

The app also has a guide to what percentage for what surface. And if you are the lucky owner of a Clever Injector it will remind you the correct setting for the job.
However you should always consider and risk assess what soft wash recipe you need to clean the surface.

** A major iOS code-base change may require a re-purchase. The appiverse at the time will confirm our promise that we won't do so unless the necessity is apparent.

01733 736191 Voicemail