Water and pressure alone are often not enough to remove biological growth, grease or deeply embedded stains. Sodium hypochlorite kills mold, mildew and algae. Surfactants make it cling. Degreasers break down oil. Acids remove rust and mineral deposits. Matching the chemical to the surface is what prevents damage.
Chemicals do the work that pressure cannot. These are the categories used across the industry, and what Ameritech stocks for each.
| Chemical | What it does | Ameritech product |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium hypochlorite (SH) | Bleach-based. Kills mold, mildew, algae and bacteria on contact. The primary active ingredient in soft washing. | 12% bleach cleaning solution |
| Surfactants | Reduce surface tension so solution clings to vertical surfaces longer and penetrates contaminants. | Ameritech Sticky Icky |
| Degreasers | Alkaline. Break down oil, grease and petroleum stains. Essential for concrete, kitchens and fleet. | Ameritech Bad Ass Degreaser |
| Acids | Remove rust stains, mineral deposits and efflorescence from concrete and masonry. | Ameritech Pink Power, Rust Power, Efflorescence Remover |
| All-purpose cleaners | Milder formulations for vehicles, outdoor furniture and lightly soiled surfaces. | Ameritech MPC |
Matching the right chemical to the right surface is what separates effective cleaning from expensive damage.
| Surface | Approach |
|---|---|
| Concrete and driveways | Pre-treat with sodium hypochlorite to kill biological growth, then pressure wash. Use a degreaser on oil stains. Follow with a post-treatment SH rinse for lasting results. |
| Roofs, asphalt shingle and tile | Soft wash only. Sodium hypochlorite with Sticky Icky surfactant at low pressure. Never high-pressure wash a roof; it damages shingles and voids warranties. |
| Vinyl and aluminum siding | Diluted SH with Sticky Icky surfactant applied by soft wash or low-pressure rinse. Avoid pressure that can force water behind the siding. |
| Wood decks and fences | A dedicated wood cleaner such as Ameritech Wood and Deck Cleaner, which is oxalic acid based, to restore natural colour before staining or sealing. |
| Vehicles and fleet | pH-neutral or mildly alkaline vehicle wash detergent. Hot water significantly improves results on greasy or heavily soiled vehicles. |
Always wear proper personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and respiratory protection, when mixing or applying sodium hypochlorite and other strong chemicals.
Never mix different chemicals unless you are certain they are compatible. Mixing bleach with acids produces toxic chlorine gas.
Store chemicals in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight, because sodium hypochlorite degrades rapidly in heat and UV light. Pre-wet surrounding vegetation and rinse it thoroughly after cleaning to prevent damage to plants. Follow all local regulations on chemical runoff and wastewater management, which matters especially on commercial properties.
Sodium hypochlorite, a bleach-based solution, kills mold, mildew, algae and bacteria on contact. It is the primary active ingredient in soft washing solutions and is usually combined with a surfactant so it clings to vertical surfaces.
A surfactant is a soap or detergent added to a cleaning solution to reduce surface tension. It allows the solution to cling to vertical surfaces longer and penetrate contaminants more effectively, which matters on siding and roofs.
An alkaline degreaser breaks down oil, grease and petroleum-based stains. On concrete, pre-treat with sodium hypochlorite to kill biological growth, use a degreaser on the oil stains, then pressure wash and post-treat with a light SH rinse.
No, not unless you are certain they are compatible. Mixing bleach with acids produces toxic chlorine gas. Always follow product guidance and wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and respiratory protection.
Sodium hypochlorite degrades rapidly in heat and UV light. Store it in a cool, shaded area out of direct sunlight or it will lose strength before you use it.
Ameritech stocks the full chemical line in Tampa. Tell us what you clean and we will get the mix right.
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