What Can I Mix With Bleach to Make it Stronger (for Pressure Washers)?

Professional pressure washers come to us to buy bleach for pressure washing and want to know what other chemicals, or surfactants, they can mix with the bleach to help the job go faster (or make their cleaning solution more effective). They may be faced with difficult dirt and grime on roofs, houses, etc., and are looking for options. “Do you have a stronger chemical?” “Can you recommend a surfactant?” In response to the many questions we get on this subject, here is our professional advice:

 

The only product that is okay to mix with bleach is a surfactant such as Dawn dish soap.

A surfactant such as Dawn or some other dish soap* lowers the surface tension so the solution spreads out better on the surface, rather than beading. The soap won’t initially react with your bleach, will slow the evaporation, and will help it to be a more effective cleaning solution. (Note: A surfactant doesn’t make bleach stronger, just more effective.)  

 

Always add the surfactant just before you use the solution.

Although bleach can be mixed with dish soap to help it clean more effectively, note that it should always be mixed just before you use the solution. Bleach and soap are not shelf-stable when mixed together. This means, if you leave it for a day or two, the chlorine in the bleach destroys the surfactant and both bleach and surfactant are rendered useless. The bleach will not bleach; the soap will not wash away. The solution is, essentially, trash.

 

There is no chemical that we recommend adding to bleach to make it “stronger”.

Because of the volatility and reactive nature of bleach, we do not recommend adding anything else, apart from the surfactant. The reason bleach works so well is because of the destructive nature of the Chlorine molecule. It effectively destroys biologicals such as mold and mildew, which removes them from many different types of surfaces. Adding other things can cause the Chlorine to be released, and will make it less effective. Bleach in its original concentrated form is as strong as it’s ever going to be.

 

When should I use other products?

Wondering when to use other pressure-washing chemical products? Rather than mixing, we recommend using them either before or after using the bleach solution. For example, a scummy barrier on a surface can prevent the Chlorine from getting to where you want it, and washing the surface first can help.

With other questions you may have about cleaning with bleach, soap, and other chemicals, reach out to a representative. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

*Consult the use instructions for the specific soap you intend to use to ensure there are no compatibility issues.