Pressure Washing Guide

terry · Joined: 06 Nov 2010 Posts: 2

I have been hearing about 12% sodium hypoclorite for cleaning siding .. can you tell me the proper mix

A-PLUS · Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 9:34 pm Post subject:

How are you applying your chems?

terry · Joined: 06 Nov 2010 Posts: 2

I am thinking of a pump sprayer ...

Midwestpro · Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 9:19 pm Post subject:

Note the percentage of SH you are using and then dilute it with water to about 1%-1.5% and apply. For a one time job a pump up would work but to do this professionally you'll be killing yourself. Be sure to water down all the shrubs around the area being cleaned before, during, and after cleaning the siding.

The SH must also be fresh or it will not be as effective. If it has been sitting in a 5 gallon jug at the hardware store all summer it probably won't kill any mold or mildew.

DuaneG · Joined: 12 Aug 2011 Posts: 5

would 50-50 mix (chlorox - 5.5% sodium hypchloride & water) be fine with a cup of TSP? I am thinking of 2-1/2 gallons each of chlorox and water.
I am thinking of applying this with a sprayer, as I can't find low pressure pumps (or assemblies) where I'm from here. Is this fine?
Is rinsing 20min. afterwards with water necessary?
I am located in Prince Edward Island, Canada. North of Maine.

Midwestpro · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:15 pm Post subject:

I think you'll find that mix is a little strong if the SH is fresh. You'd be at 2.75% and you only need about 1-1.5%. It will clean just fine that strong but you'll be jeopardizing the plants and flowers in the area.

Rinsing is necessary on siding. Otherwise once the chlorine dries it will leave a salty residue behind and appear chalky.

DuaneG · Joined: 12 Aug 2011 Posts: 5

I put the solution on part of my roof (bottom to top) yesterday as you suggested (for my roof, not siding). As it has only been 1 day, how long will I notice somewhat definite results. There hasn't been any change, but I took a picture before I applied.

I bagged my gutters, as well as cleaned. Can this solution be disposed of in the sewer system, as it is bleach diluted with water and TSP?

I used 2L solution of SH (to get it to 1-1-1/2% concentration) and 6L of water. 1/2 cup of TSP.

Midwestpro · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 12:12 pm Post subject:

Okay this thread is confusing. I thought we were talking about siding?? Anyway for a roof, it's too weak of a mix. You want about 5-6% hitting the roof. You only started at 5.5% so if you diluted it at all, it's too weak.

You should have noticed results almost instantly. It doesn't work over time, it either works right away or it doesn't.

House siding solution should be 1-1.5% sodium hypochlorite.
Roof cleaning solution should be 5-6% sodium hypochlorite.

I can't tell you about the EPA laws in your area. You should check before allowing anything to run into the sewer system.

DuaneG · Joined: 12 Aug 2011 Posts: 5

Thank you for the tips. I have some time to do this this week.

How can you dilute this product with water if the bleach contains 5-6% SH? I wouldn't think you would put the full concentration of chlorox (in my case here) on my roof. Is there other bleaching products with higher concentrations of SH%?

Sorry for the mixup on siding and roofs! Great work here.

Midwestpro · Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 11:34 pm Post subject:

Pool chlorine is usually 10.5% or 12.5%