The Key to Perfect Batch Mixing for Soft Washing
When starting a soft wash or pressure washing business, one of the first challenges you’ll encounter is batch mixing chemicals properly. If you don’t get this step right, you risk damaging surfaces, wasting materials, or delivering ineffective results.
In this guide, Aaron Parker breaks down batch mixing ratios in a way that’s simple and easy to follow—even if you’re completely new to the industry. Whether you’re cleaning vinyl siding, roofs, brick, or concrete, understanding how to mix chemicals is crucial for success.
Let’s dive into the fundamentals of batch mixing and how you can implement the right ratios in your washing process.
Understanding Industrial Bleach & Chemical Ratios
Before we get into the numbers, it’s important to understand the type of bleach used in soft washing:
- Industrial-Grade Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite – 12.5%) → This is the standard bleach used in soft washing.
- Household Bleach (Clorox – 6%) → We avoid using this because it’s too weak for professional use.
You can find 12.5% bleach at:
✅ Industrial chemical suppliers
✅ Pool supply stores
✅ Pressure washing supply stores
✅ Some Ace Hardware locations
Now that you know what kind of bleach to use, let’s break down the most common batch mixing ratios.
Batch Mixing for Different Surfaces
1. Roof Cleaning – 6% Mix
Roofs require one of the highest concentrations of bleach to effectively remove mold, algae, and lichen. Here’s how to mix a 6% solution using a 10-gallon batch:
- 5 gallons of 12% bleach
- 5 gallons of water
Since you’re diluting 12% bleach by half, you end up with a 6% solution—perfect for stubborn organic stains on shingles and tile roofs.
2. Brick, Concrete, & Heavy Moss Removal – 3% Mix
A slightly lower concentration works well for brick and concrete, where you still need a strong mix but not as aggressive as a roof cleaning mix. To create a 3% mix in a 10-gallon batch:
- 2.5 gallons of 12% bleach
- 7.5 gallons of water
This 3% mix is one of the most commonly used in soft washing because it’s strong enough for organic stains but safer for delicate surfaces.
3. Vinyl Siding – 1% Mix
For residential home washes, especially on vinyl siding, a 1% mix is ideal. This is usually achieved using a downstream injector rather than batch mixing manually. However, if you’re mixing a batch for a soft wash system, the ratio looks like this:
- 0.83 gallons of 12% bleach
- 9.17 gallons of water
Since 1% is a highly diluted solution, it’s best for lightly soiled surfaces and maintenance washes. If you need a stronger mix, you can bump it up to 1.5% for better results.
Using a Batch Mix Calculator for Accuracy
If doing these calculations in your head sounds like a hassle, there’s an easier way! Instead of manually figuring out your bleach-to-water ratio, use the Batch Mix Calculator from Southeast Softwash.
📌 Get it here: Southeast Softwash Batch Mix Calculator
Simply input the mix strength you need, and it will tell you exactly how much bleach, water, and surfactant to use.
Upgrade Your Knowledge: The How to Wash Course
If you want to take your soft washing skills to the next level, Aaron Parker, Cody Arro, Mike Vidan, and Justin Rogers have created the How to Wash Course—a 6.5-hour masterclass on:
✅ How to mix and apply chemicals correctly
✅ Pressure settings for different surfaces
✅ Specialty chemicals & property protection
✅ Equipment recommendations & setup
✅ And much more!
This course has helped thousands of pressure washing professionals launch and scale their businesses successfully. Get instant access here:
Get Hands-On Training: Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp
If you’re serious about learning soft washing the right way, there’s no better opportunity than the Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp with Aaron Parker.
📅 March 21-22, 2025
📍 Location: [TBA]
This boot camp will give you live, in-person training with hands-on instruction, real-world applications, and the chance to network with other professionals in the industry.
🔗 Reserve Your Spot Now!
This is your chance to learn from one of the best in the business and take your pressure washing game to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Understanding batch mixing ratios is an essential part of running a successful soft wash business. Whether you’re cleaning vinyl, brick, or roofs, knowing how to mix the right chemical concentration will ensure:
✅ Safe and effective cleaning
✅ Lower chemical costs
✅ Better results for your customers
💡 Remember: If you want to make batch mixing effortless, check out the Batch Mix Calculator from Southeast Softwash, enroll in the How to Wash Course, and sign up for the Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp on March 21-22, 2025!
🔥 Want more soft wash tips? Subscribe to Lean & Mean Academy on YouTube!
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!
