Hey guys, my name is Aaron, and welcome to the Lean and Mean Academy!
Today, we're diving deep into the exact chemicals that professional pressure washers use every day to deliver amazing results safely and effectively.
Before we jump in, I have to mention that if you're serious about starting or leveling up your pressure washing business, you need to check out the "How to Wash" course — built by myself, Coty Yarbrough, Mike Vian, and Justin Rogers. It’s your blueprint for success in the pressure washing industry, covering everything from chemical mixing to liability mitigation and proper equipment use.
👉 Link in the description and the first comment!
Now, let’s get into the chemicals every pro keeps on the truck.
1. Sodium Hypochlorite (SH)
The backbone of almost every professional pressure washing operation is sodium hypochlorite.
A lot of folks just call it "bleach" — and while that's technically true, the bleach professionals use is much stronger than household bleach.
-
Household Bleach: ~6% sodium hypochlorite
-
Professional Bleach: ~12% sodium hypochlorite
This double-strength SH is critical for:
-
Disinfecting surfaces
-
Removing mold, mildew, algae, and organic stains
Typical application rates:
-
Vinyl siding: 1.5% mix
-
Roofs and TPO: up to full strength (6%-12%)
Important: Always pay attention to proper dilution and application methods to protect surfaces and surrounding landscaping.
2. Surfactants
Surfactants are game changers.
They allow SH to stick to surfaces longer by breaking the surface tension of water, making your cleaning solution more effective and efficient.
Recommended surfactants:
-
Southern Draw (Southeast Softwash)
-
Cherry Southern Slang
They not only improve performance but also add a great scent to your wash mix.
Pro Tip:
-
Avoid dish soaps. They don’t mix well with SH.
-
If you must DIY, use Gain laundry detergent (but dedicated surfactants are better).
3. Industrial Strength Degreasers
You can't call yourself a professional without a legit degreaser on hand.
While you might find Purple Power at Home Depot or O'Reilly’s, it doesn’t come close to heavy-hitters like:
-
Dynamite Degreaser (Southeast Softwash)
This stuff melts oil stains and grimy traffic marks off:
-
Dumpster pads
-
Drive-thru lanes
-
Gas station islands
Don't believe me? Do a side-by-side test with Purple Power — you’ll see the difference immediately.
4. Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is an old-school favorite that still holds up today.
Uses include:
-
Rust removal from concrete and siding
-
Wood brightening after cleaning
If you’ve ever seen that gorgeous, like-new look on a freshly cleaned wood deck, oxalic acid probably played a big role. It restores vibrancy without damaging the wood fibers.
5. Bleach Neutralizer
Whenever you’re using a lot of SH, especially during roof cleanings, you need a bleach neutralizer.
Why?
-
Protects plants and landscaping from chemical runoff
-
Extends equipment life by neutralizing bleach inside hoses, pumps, and fittings
Just a light rinse with neutralizer at the end of your workday can save you thousands of dollars in equipment repairs over time.
6. Gutter Brightener
After a house wash, you might notice black stripes still on the gutters.
These aren't dirt — they’re a chemical reaction between roofing materials and paint.
You’ll need a special product like:
-
Gutter Guardar (Southeast Softwash)
Important:
Dilute it properly! Too strong a mix can strip paint right off the gutter, creating a bigger problem than you started with.
7. Wood Cleaning Chemicals (Sodium Metasilicate)
Last but not least, let’s talk about wood cleaning.
Instead of blasting wood with high-pressure water (bad idea) or bleaching it out with SH (also bad idea), professionals use sodium metasilicate-based cleaners like:
-
Wood Wizard (Southeast Softwash)
Benefits:
-
Cleans wood gently
-
Preserves the lignin (the natural fibers in the wood)
-
Avoids that ugly "bleached out" white look that SH can cause
-
Perfect for decks, fences, and log homes
Mix it 1 part Wood Wizard to 4 parts water, apply evenly, and rinse with medium pressure — your results will be stunning.
Final Thoughts
These chemicals are the foundation of professional pressure washing.
Using the right chemical, the right way, is what separates the pros from the amateurs. Whether you're cleaning a vinyl house, a dumpster pad, or a beautiful wood deck, choosing the right product makes all the difference.
👉 Want to really get good?
Check out the "How to Wash" course — it’s everything you need to know to build a real pressure washing business.
Links to the course and more resources are down below.
Thanks for hanging out — don’t forget to like this blog, share it with someone getting into the business, and subscribe for more powerful content from Lean and Mean Academy! 🚀
