Welcome back to the Lean and Mean Academy, where we test the tools, chemicals, and techniques that move the pressure washing industry forward. In today’s video and blog post, we’re diving into a side-by-side battle against two of the most stubborn stains you’ll find on brick and masonry: efflorescence and calcite. Both are common—both are annoying—and both require more than just pressure washing to remove.
Our secret weapon for this mission? A brand-new efflorescence remover from Southeast Softwash called Efflo-Go. Huge thanks to Coty Yarborough and the team for sending over a case of this powerful chemical to put to the test.
Let’s break down what we’re up against and how Efflo-Go performs under real-world conditions.
What Are Efflorescence and Calcite?
Before we jump into the treatment process, it’s important to understand the difference between efflorescence and calcite, because they behave—and clean—very differently.
✅ Efflorescence:
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Appears as a white chalky haze on the surface of masonry, brick, or block.
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Caused by salts and minerals that purge from the interior of the material and dry on the surface.
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Disappears when wet, which makes it hard to diagnose and treat.
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Comes right back once the wall dries, unless it's treated chemically.
✅ Calcite:
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A more aggressive, hardened form of calcium deposit.
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Feels gritty and crusty, like a mineral crust fused onto the surface.
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Does not disappear when wet, and pressure washing alone won’t touch it.
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Requires a strong chemical like Efflo-Go to break it down.
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right chemical and method for removal—and makes you look more professional when explaining it to clients.
Putting Efflo-Go to the Test
We headed to a wall absolutely covered in a mix of efflorescence haze and thick calcite buildup—the kind of job that eats up time and effort if you don't have the right tools.
Here’s how the test went down:
Step 1: Apply Efflo-Go
We applied Efflo-Go directly to the affected areas. Within seconds, we saw it start to bubble and boil—a clear sign that the product is reacting with the calcium and salt deposits. This bubbling is what you want to see: it’s the product actively eating away at the unwanted mineral buildup.
Step 2: Second Coat (Without Rinsing)
Instead of rinsing right away, we applied a second coat to the most stubborn areas. Keeping the surface wet with chemical allows Efflo-Go to penetrate deeper and react longer, which is crucial for tough calcite spots.
Step 3: Rinse and Reveal
After letting the product dwell and do its thing, we came in with a rinse—and the difference was night and day.
The Results: Does Efflo-Go Work?
Short answer: YES.
The Efflo-Go removed both:
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The light haze of efflorescence, which rinsed clean with no return ghosting.
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The crusty, hardened calcite that would have been nearly impossible to remove without acid-based treatment.
We were seriously impressed with how quickly and effectively the chemical worked—and with no scrubbing and no etching of the surface.
Why Efflo-Go Is a Game-Changer
Most contractors try to attack efflorescence with a pressure washer alone—only to find it reappears like magic when the surface dries. Others use the wrong acid, risking surface damage or staining.
Efflo-Go is designed specifically for this job. It:
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Targets both efflorescence and calcite
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Acts fast with visible reaction
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Requires minimal effort
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Is safe on most masonry when used correctly
If you're in the game and want a reliable efflorescence solution that works in the field, this is a must-have.
Want to Learn the Whole System?
If you're serious about pressure washing—whether you're just starting out or already in business—you need to understand how to clean every surface safely and effectively, including when to use specialized chemicals like Efflo-Go.
That’s why we created the How to Wash Course. It's packed with:
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Equipment setup
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Chemical mixing
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Cleaning techniques
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Property protection
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And so much more
📚 Click here to check out the How to Wash Course
📌 It’s the first link in the comments and description of the video.
Final Thoughts
Efflorescence and calcite are no joke. They can make an otherwise clean wall look like a mess and frustrate even experienced contractors. But with the right chemical—and the right knowledge—they’re easy to tackle.
Efflo-Go from Southeast Softwash has proven itself in the field. If you’re dealing with stubborn mineral stains, this is the tool to reach for.
See you guys in the next video—and remember to stay lean, stay mean, and stay clean.
