Hey guys, Cody from Southeast Softwash here, bringing you another practical cleaning tip! Today, we’re tackling a common issue that homeowners face, especially in the fall—tannin stains. These stains come from the oils and natural compounds in fallen leaves and can leave your driveway looking dirty and discolored.
Luckily, we’ve got an easy and effective soft wash solution to clean them up without excessive scrubbing or harsh chemicals.
What Causes Tannin Stains?
Tannin stains occur when organic matter, like leaves, sits on your driveway for too long. The oils and pigments in the leaves seep into the concrete, leaving behind brownish or yellowish stains. These stains can be tough to remove with just pressure washing alone, but with the right chemical mix and application method, they come off easily.
The Best Soft Wash Method for Tannin Stain Removal
For today’s job, we’re using:
✅ A 1.5% SH (sodium hypochlorite) mixture – This is strong enough to break down the tannin stains without damaging the concrete.
✅ A downstream injector – This allows us to apply the chemical mix efficiently through our pressure washer without needing a separate sprayer.
✅ Smart Stream Remote System – This remote-controlled system lets us turn the chemical flow on and off without walking back and forth to the truck.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
1. Prep the Driveway
Before applying any chemicals, we used a blower to remove all loose leaves and debris from the driveway. This prevents the solution from getting diluted by fresh organic matter.
2. Apply the SH Mix with a Downstream Injector
We turned on our Smart Blend remote control system, which is linked to the downstream injector. This allows us to apply the SH mix evenly across the stained areas.
🔥 Pro Tip: Using Smart Stream saves time and effort by allowing you to control the chemical application remotely.
3. Let the Chemical Dwell
One of the key factors in effective tannin stain removal is letting the SH mixture sit for long enough to break down the stains. We let it dwell for about 10 minutes before rinsing.
⏳ Patience Pays Off!
Many people rush this step, but if you don’t let the chemical do its work, you’ll end up having to reapply multiple times.
4. Automatic System Flushing
One of the biggest advantages of the Smart Stream system is that when you turn it off, it automatically switches to water mode. This means the system flushes itself out every time, preventing buildup and extending the life of your downstream injector.
🔧 Additional Upgrade: Skunk Check Valve
We’ve also installed a skunk check valve on our truck, which gives us a slightly stronger bleach mix (10-15% increase in SH strength). This results in a more effective cleaning process and better stain removal.
Results: A Stain-Free Driveway!
After a short dwell time, the tannin stains faded significantly, and the driveway was noticeably brighter. With a few more applications throughout the fall, we’ll be able to keep it looking fresh and clean without excessive scrubbing or high pressure.
Get Your Smart Stream at a Huge Discount!
🚨 Limited-Time Pre-Black Friday Sale! 🚨
For today only, Smart Stream remotes are half off! These remotes are a game-changer for pressure washing pros and homeowners alike, making chemical application more efficient and hassle-free.
🔗 Click the link below to grab yours before the sale ends!
Final Thoughts
✔ Tannin stains are easy to remove with the right chemical mix and technique.
✔ Downstream injectors + Smart Stream remotes save time and effort.
✔ Flushing your system automatically prevents buildup and extends equipment life.
Whether you’re a professional contractor or just want to keep your driveway clean, investing in the right tools makes all the difference. Grab your Smart Stream remote today and make your soft washing jobs easier than ever!
🔹 Need more pro-level soft wash tips? Stay tuned for more content, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! 🚀
