Hey guys, welcome back!
Today, we're out in the field doing a soft wash cleaning for a local veterinary clinic, just a quarter mile from my house. The front of the building had a nasty stripe of organic growth that needed serious attention. In this blog, we’ll walk you through our process of soft washing the surface using a 4% mix and explain why this method is both safe and effective, even for fragile surfaces like flagstone.
Let’s dive in!
Why Soft Washing is Perfect for Organic Growth
This building had some significant algae and mildew buildup, especially in the areas where rainwater would splash back onto the stone and keep it damp—perfect conditions for organic growth. The organic buildup was worst about three feet down from the roofline, where the constant moisture kept it thriving. Soft washing was the ideal solution because it allowed us to treat the growth with minimal risk of damaging the flagstone, which was already showing some signs of wear and tear.
Our Soft Wash Process
For this job, we decided to use a 4% soft wash mixture. This allowed us to treat the organic growth effectively without the need for high-pressure washing that could potentially damage the flagstone. Here’s the process we followed:
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Preparation: We primed the system and pulled out the hoses, using our trusted Lumax Pro soft wash system.
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Application: We applied the 4% solution from the top down, ensuring an even coat. On surfaces like this—rock, flagstone, and concrete—there’s not much risk of damage, so we hit it pretty hot to get the job done quickly.
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Dwell Time: We let the solution sit for about 20 minutes to really work its magic. For smaller sections, we could have just pressure-washed, but on larger areas, soft washing is faster and more effective.
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Rinsing: After the dwell time, we used a high-pressure ball valve to rinse off the organic growth. In no time, the surface looked brand new.
Pro Tip: If you're tackling similar jobs and want to learn more about soft washing techniques, check out the SESW Softwash 101 Class. This course is a great way to get up to speed on the latest soft washing methods, perfect for tackling delicate surfaces and organic growth like we did here.
Understanding Why the Growth Occurs
I always like to know why organic growth happens in specific areas—it helps when deciding how to clean it. In this case, the constant moisture from rainwater splashback created ideal conditions for algae to thrive. By understanding these patterns, we could approach the job with confidence and prevent future buildup by advising the client on water management.
The Benefits of Soft Washing on Fragile Surfaces
The veterinarian was especially concerned about getting water behind the flagstone and causing erosion. Soft washing allowed us to clean without any risk of forcing water behind the stones or into cracks in the mortar. High-pressure washing could have worsened the erosion, but soft washing kept everything safe.
Results: Dramatic Before and After
We applied a couple of coats, and you could immediately see the difference. The once grimy and discolored surface was now spotless. The customer was thrilled with the results, and the building looked as good as new—all without damaging any of the delicate stonework.
In less than 30 minutes, we transformed the look of the clinic, proving that soft washing is the way to go when tackling organic growth on stone, concrete, and brick surfaces.
Before we wrap up, keep an eye out for similar jobs in your area. When you spot organic growth on buildings, stop and offer your services—soft washing is a quick, efficient, and safe way to restore surfaces to their original look.
Final Thoughts
This job is a great reminder that soft washing is not only effective but also a safe alternative to high-pressure washing on more delicate surfaces. Whether you're working on stone, brick, or concrete, soft washing can handle the toughest organic growth without causing any damage. If you’re serious about mastering soft washing, don’t forget to check out the SESW Softwash 101 Class to refine your skills and build confidence for jobs like this.
That’s it for today! We’re off to grab some lunch after another successful soft wash job. Stay safe out there, and we’ll see you next time. Peace out!
