If you're new to soft washing, there’s one thing you should know right away: bleach efficiency matters. It’s not just about saving money (though that’s a big part); it's also about preventing property damage and working smarter, not harder.
Recently, I heard about a guy who picked up one of our Super Mini Skids on a Friday, completed one house wash, and had already burned through an entire 50-gallon barrel of bleach by Monday. That’s a clear sign of wasted chemical and inefficient spraying.
If you’re using 20+ gallons of SH (sodium hypochlorite) on a standard 2,500 sq. ft. vinyl-sided home, you're doing something wrong. A pro should be able to complete that job using 5-8 gallons max.
Let’s break down what’s happening, how to fix it, and how you can save time, money, and headaches on every wash.
Understanding Soft Washing Basics
Before we get into bleach usage, let's clarify what we mean by a "house wash."
A house wash refers to cleaning the walls, siding, doors, and windows—not the roof or flatwork (like driveways and sidewalks).
Each surface type requires a different mix:
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Vinyl siding: Typically requires a 1% to 2% SH mix
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Stucco or porous surfaces: 2.5% to 3% SH mix
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Roof cleaning: 4% to 6% SH mix
If you’re not sure how to mix your chemicals properly, grab our SH Ratio Chart Sticker from SoutheastSoftwash.com.
Where New Soft Washers Go Wrong
1. Overusing Bleach Due to Incorrect Valve Settings
If you're using a dedicated soft wash system, your metering valves should never be cranked wide open.
Proper Valve Settings for a House Wash:
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Water: Wide open
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Surfactant: Low setting
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Bleach: Set at 1 to 1.5 on a metering valve
Too much bleach not only wastes product but also increases the risk of property damage to plants, electrical components, and landscaping.
2. Poor Spraying Technique
What NOT to Do:
🚫 Holding the trigger gun on a pencil stream for the entire job
🚫 Spraying too much solution on a single area
🚫 Overlapping coats unnecessarily
The Right Way to Spray:
✅ Use a fan tip for 90% of your spraying
✅ Keep your hand moving like you're painting a car
✅ Apply one even coat—if the surface is wet, it's working
✅ Minimal runoff is the goal—if your mix is running down the driveway, you’re using too much
If you're washing a typical three-bed, two-bath home, your goal should be even coverage, not flooding the walls.
3. Not Using the Right Equipment
If you're still learning, the right tools make a huge difference.
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Super Pump Speed Control System – Allows you to dial back flow rates, reducing chemical usage
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Soft Wash Wands with Fan Tips – Improves coverage and prevents over-application
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Surfactant Additives – Helps bleach stick longer, reducing the need for excessive spraying
Check out SoutheastSoftwash.com for turnkey systems, chemicals, and supplies.
Real-World Example: Apartment Complex Cleaning
To put things into perspective, I once cleaned an 11-building apartment complex using just 30 gallons of SH.
If you’re using 30 gallons on a single house, you’re wasting hundreds of dollars in chemicals each month.
Your goal should be to maximize efficiency—less bleach, better results, and more profit.
Want to Get Hands-On Training?
If you're still struggling with bleach efficiency, take a training course.
The Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp with Aaron Parker is happening on March 21-22, 2025.
✅ Hands-on training
✅ Learn proper spraying techniques
✅ Understand chemical ratios and mixing
✅ Get real-world experience with expert guidance
There are only six seats left, so don’t wait—sign up today!
Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Harder
If you want to grow your soft washing business, cutting costs and improving efficiency is key.
💡 Stop overusing bleach
💡 Dial in your valve settings
💡 Improve your spraying technique
Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro, taking the time to learn proper methods will save you money, time, and potential damage claims.
💥 Need equipment, chemicals, or training?
Visit SoutheastSoftwash.com today!
Are you guilty of overusing bleach? Drop a comment and let me know how much SH you’re using per house wash! 🚀
