In the world of soft washing and pressure washing, you often hear the term "surfactant." But what exactly is it? A surfactant, short for "surface acting agent," is a chemical additive that helps improve the cleaning process. While people may casually refer to it as "soap," surfactants are more than that. They contain wetting agents and some cleaning power to assist with specific jobs, making the washing process more effective.
Why Use a Surfactant?
Surfactants offer several benefits in soft washing applications:
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Increased Cleaning Power – Surfactants help break surface tension, allowing your cleaning solution to penetrate dirt, cobwebs, and debris more effectively.
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Better Rinsing – They aid in rinsing surfaces clean without leaving residue, especially on windows and glass surfaces.
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Foam and Thickness – A good surfactant increases the thickness of your mix, creating foam that clings to surfaces, reducing runoff and maximizing dwell time.
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Cover Scent – Many surfactants, including Southern Slang (Cherry) and Southern Drawl (Lemon), offer a pleasant scent to mask the strong bleach odor.
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Visual Indicator – Some surfactants provide a visible color indicator, helping technicians see when their mix transitions from water to soap, preventing mistakes in the field.
Introducing Southern Slang & Southern Drawl Surfactants
At Southeast Softwash, we’ve developed two surfactants that have become customer favorites:
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Southern Slang (Cherry Scent) – A high-quality surfactant with a strong red color for visibility and a cherry cover scent.
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Southern Drawl (Lemon Scent) – A lemon-scented surfactant with bright yellow-green iridescence for easy identification.
Both formulas are non-DOT regulated, meaning they can be shipped easily. These surfactants are designed to work at a 15:1 dilution rate, ideal for soft wash skids like the AlumiMax Pro.
Mixing & Using Surfactants
When preparing your mix, proper dilution is key. For example:
You can also mix on the thicker side (e.g., 10:1) to allow for quick dilution in the field if needed. This ensures your mix remains effective even if you need to extend it.
Surfactant in Action: Visual Transition
One of the unique features of Southern Slang and Southern Drawl is their color visibility. As you transition from water to your cleaning mix, you’ll notice:
This helps technicians quickly see when their mix is active, preventing accidental overspray of bleach or other chemicals.
Why You Need Surfactant
Surfactants are an essential part of any soft washing business. They improve cleaning efficiency, enhance safety, and ultimately save money by reducing chemical waste. Whether you're working on house washes, roof cleaning, or driveway pre-treating, adding a high-quality surfactant to your mix is a game-changer.
Want to Learn More? Check Out SESW Softwash 101!
If you’re serious about mastering the soft washing business, the SESW Softwash 101 Class is a must. This training covers everything from:
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Proper chemical mixing and dilution.
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Equipment setup and troubleshooting.
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Marketing strategies to grow your business.
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Hands-on techniques for different cleaning applications.
Ready to elevate your skills? Click the link in the description to sign up for SESW Softwash 101 and take your business to the next level.
Get Your Surfactant Today
Southern Slang and Southern Drawl are top-tier surfactants trusted by professionals. We go through three pallets per week, and they are flying off the shelves. Get yours today from our web store and experience the difference!
For more soft washing tips and product recommendations, stay tuned to Southeast Softwash. Subscribe to our updates and follow us for more industry insights!
