House washing chemicals thoroughly clean your home’s exterior and work with water molecules to provide a deeper, more effective washing. The professionals at ClearView Home Services aim to show you the various cleaning solutions and what professionals prefer to use for maximum results.
Continue reading to learn more about pressure washing chemicals, what to use, and how they work. Contact our team to inquire about our house washing services.
Why Should You Use Cleaning Solutions?
Water alone will clean, but cleaning solutions make it more effective. Water molecules have a unique ability; they have positive and negative electrons. This makeup allows water molecules to grab dirt and grime and wash it away.
So, how do cleaning products help? Cleaning solutions enhance this property of water and make the molecules smaller to reach more surface area. You will find multiple types of products available, but the two most common include soaps and detergents.
Soaps
Natural products from plants and animals make up soaps. Soap makers create their products from animal or plant fats combined with salts using heat. They are natural and biodegradable.
Detergents
Detergents are man-made and created from various purified chemicals. They usually do not biodegrade. Detergents prove extremely effective and work best for a specific material or goal, such as rust removal or wooden fences.
Detergents and soaps have their uses, but knowing the difference can help you find the best for your needs.
Professionally Used Pressure Washing Chemicals
You can choose from one of the many options, but some of the most common pressure washing chemicals include the following:
Bleach
Bleach is a powerful chemical created by combining sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite. Due to its strength, be careful using this solution on specific materials and always water it down well. It lies on the alkaline side of the pH scale and sanitizes and disinfects materials.
Always take care when using bleach; it will eat away at certain materials and remove the color from fabrics.
Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid refers to an isolated and purified compound found in vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Professionals use it to remove rust or other stains from wood and stone materials. It’s organic and acts as a bleaching agent for several uses.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a natural, strong-smelling gas created from hydrogen and nitrogen. It has an alkaline pH and effectively cleans glass, stainless steel, and other delicate surfaces. Many professionals prefer this over other house washing chemicals for its versatility.
Citric Acid
Citric acid comes from citrus fruits and, once isolated and purified, becomes a powdery white bleaching agent ideal for rust, mildew, and water stains. Citric acid is organic and works well as a general cleaning agent for many materials.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is a necessary ingredient in liquid soap. Also known as potash or lye, it makes cleaning solutions more effective.
Ensuring Safe Chemical Use
The above chemicals enhance the cleaning process and ensure the pressure washer works well. However, you must use these chemicals cautiously and always read the labels to guarantee safe use. For pressure washing a home, choose biodegradable solutions to mitigate damage to the local wildlife and landscaping.
Never mix chemicals together during use. You’ll need several to finish the job, but use them one at a time for maximum results and to limit your exposure to dangerous chemical solutions. Mixing them can also negate their effectiveness, so for the best cleaning, take your time with each chemical.
Always dilute the chemicals to the proper level. These solutions often come concentrated, and because they help water remove contaminants, you must always use them correctly. Some other things to consider include the following:
- Use the correct nozzle for each chemical, and follow the directions on the application.
- Not all pressure washing chemicals are biodegradable—ask a professional before application to protect your pets and plants.
- Always use the best solution for the material; some solutions will damage more sensitive areas of the home.
If you don’t know which chemical you need for your cleaning job, ask a professional for help. They can guide you, ensure you use the best option for your home or property, and provide insight into proper usage and safety risks.
Contact ClearView Home Services
Contact our team for more house washing tips and ensure your home receives the care it needs. If you need help washing your home or choosing the best house washing chemicals, contact ClearView Home Services at (604) 944-9972 and request a consultation in Maple Ridge, BC, today!
