What Is Sodium Hypochlorite 14-15%?

Quick Answer: Sodium Hypochlorite 14-15% is a professional-strength chlorine-based cleaning chemical widely used throughout the exterior cleaning industry. It is commonly used by softwashing contractors to tackle organic contamination on roofs, render, cladding, patios and other exterior surfaces.

What Is Sodium Hypochlorite 14-15%?

Sodium Hypochlorite 14-15% is a concentrated cleaning chemical supplied for professional exterior cleaning applications.

Within the softwashing industry it is one of the most widely used products due to its ability to tackle organic contamination commonly found on exterior surfaces.

Many contractors simply refer to it as "hypo".

Why Is 14-15% Important?

The 14-15% figure refers to the concentration of sodium hypochlorite within the product.

Professional-grade sodium hypochlorite is commonly supplied at this strength before being diluted to create working solutions suitable for specific applications.

The final dilution used depends on the surface, contamination level and treatment objectives.

How Does Sodium Hypochlorite Work?

Sodium hypochlorite works through a chemical process known as oxidation.

This reaction helps break down organic contamination found on exterior surfaces.

Learn more in our guide:

How Does Sodium Hypochlorite Work?

Where Is Sodium Hypochlorite 14-15% Commonly Used?

Professional contractors commonly use sodium hypochlorite on:

Roof tiles
Render
Cladding
Patios
Driveways
Concrete
Brickwork
UPVC

The suitability of any treatment depends on the surface and site-specific conditions.

Why Is Sodium Hypochlorite Popular In Softwashing?

Sodium hypochlorite has become a core part of many professional softwashing systems because it can be adapted to a wide range of exterior cleaning tasks.

Its popularity has contributed significantly to the growth of the professional softwashing industry throughout the UK.

Why Are Surfactants Often Used With Sodium Hypochlorite?

Many contractors combine sodium hypochlorite with a softwash surfactant.

Surfactants help improve coverage, reduce runoff and increase contact time on the surface.

Learn more in our guides:

Is Sodium Hypochlorite The Same As A Biocide?

No.

Sodium hypochlorite and biocides are different product categories.

Both are widely used within the exterior cleaning industry, but they have different characteristics and applications.

Learn more in our guides:

Can Sodium Hypochlorite Be Used In A Dosatron?

Many professional contractors use sodium hypochlorite as part of Dosatron-based softwashing systems.

Equipment selection, compatibility and setup should always be considered carefully.

Learn more in our guides:

What Should Contractors Consider Before Using Sodium Hypochlorite?

Surface suitability
Dilution requirements
COSHH requirements
Risk assessments
PPE requirements
Environmental considerations
Weather conditions
Application procedures

Professional training and planning remain important parts of safe and effective use.

Why Contractors Choose Sodium Hypochlorite 14-15%

Professional contractors choose sodium hypochlorite because it remains one of the most versatile and widely recognised chemicals used within the softwashing industry.

When combined with appropriate equipment, surfactants and training, it forms the foundation of many professional exterior cleaning systems.

How Does Sodium Hypochlorite Fit Into A Softwash System?

Many softwashing systems are built around the controlled application of sodium hypochlorite solutions.

Contractors often combine:

Sodium hypochlorite
Softwash surfactants
Dosatron systems
Application equipment
Training and compliance procedures

to create complete professional softwashing operations.

Summary

Sodium Hypochlorite 14-15% is one of the most widely used professional cleaning chemicals in the exterior cleaning industry. Its versatility and effectiveness have made it a cornerstone of modern softwashing systems throughout the United Kingdom.

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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 has helped thousands of contractors understand sodium hypochlorite, softwashing chemistry, application systems and professional exterior cleaning practices.