What Is Clever Wash?

Quick Answer: Clever Wash is a professional softwash surfactant developed by SoftWash UK. It is designed to improve the performance of softwashing solutions by reducing surface tension, improving coverage, increasing cling and helping cleaning solutions remain in contact with surfaces for longer.

What Is Clever Wash?

Clever Wash is a specialist softwash surfactant used by exterior cleaning contractors throughout the United Kingdom.

It is commonly added to softwashing solutions to improve how the solution behaves when applied to roofs, render, cladding, masonry and other exterior surfaces.

Rather than acting as the primary cleaning agent, Clever Wash is designed to enhance the performance of the cleaning solution it is mixed with.

Why Was Clever Wash Developed?

Many cleaning solutions naturally run off vertical and sloping surfaces before they have had sufficient time to work.

Clever Wash was developed to help overcome this problem by improving surface coverage and increasing the amount of time the cleaning solution remains in contact with contamination.

This allows contractors to achieve more consistent applications across a wide range of exterior surfaces.

How Does Clever Wash Work?

Clever Wash works by reducing the surface tension of water.

This allows the cleaning solution to spread more evenly across the surface instead of forming beads and running off quickly.

Improved coverage can help maximise contact between the cleaning solution and the contamination being treated.

Learn more in our guides:

What Are The Main Benefits Of Clever Wash?

Improved surface coverage
Reduced runoff
Increased cling on vertical surfaces
Improved dwell time
More consistent application
Professional-grade formulation
Suitable for a wide range of exterior surfaces
Commonly used at economical dilution rates around 200:1

What Surfaces Can Clever Wash Be Used On?

Clever Wash is commonly used during the cleaning of:

Roof tiles
Render
Cladding
UPVC
Masonry
Patios
Driveways
Fencing

The suitability of any product should always be assessed against the specific surface and cleaning objective.

Why Is Clever Wash Commonly Used With Sodium Hypochlorite?

Sodium hypochlorite is one of the most widely used cleaning chemicals within professional softwashing.

When used alongside a suitable surfactant, the cleaning solution can achieve improved coverage, better cling and longer contact times.

This is one reason why many contractors choose to use Clever Wash as part of their softwashing process.

Learn more in our guides:

Does Clever Wash Replace The Cleaning Chemical?

No.

Clever Wash is designed to support the performance of the primary cleaning solution rather than replace it.

Its purpose is to improve how the solution behaves on the surface.

Why Do Professional Contractors Use Clever Wash?

Professional contractors often look for products that improve efficiency, consistency and application performance.

By helping cleaning solutions remain where they are needed for longer, Clever Wash can support more effective softwashing operations.

It is especially useful on vertical, sloped and uneven surfaces where runoff can reduce contact time.

How Does Clever Wash Fit Into A Softwash System?

Clever Wash typically forms part of a wider softwashing system that may also include cleaning chemicals, application equipment, dosing systems, PPE and compliance procedures.

It is commonly used by contractors carrying out roof cleaning, render cleaning and general exterior surface maintenance.

Learn more in our guides:

Summary

Clever Wash is a professional softwash surfactant developed by SoftWash UK. It helps improve coverage, reduce runoff, increase cling and support dwell time, making it a popular choice amongst professional exterior cleaning contractors throughout the UK.

Related Knowledge Hubs

Answered By SoftWash UK

This guide has been prepared by SoftWash UK, one of the United Kingdom's leading suppliers of professional softwashing chemicals, equipment, compliance resources and CPD-certified training.

Founded by Mark Cave in 2015, SoftWash UK developed Clever Wash to help contractors improve the way softwashing solutions perform on roofs, render, cladding and exterior surfaces.