Advantages of 12% Bleach over 3% Stuff?

[fireandrain]

Okay, I know, one is more powerful than the other. Thing is, Im having a very difficult time getting my hands on this 12% powder, still dumping 3 gal. of the basic 3% bleach into a 5'er with some laundry detergent, dropping my chem hose into the 5'er, running it straight through my pressure washer's chem injector,etc.. Usually using it on moss/mildew covered brickwork or aggregate patios,pool aprons. I get a decent result, usually let it dwell 15 minutes or thereabouts. Usually dries pretty quickly, so I have to keep misting it to keep it wet.. I think Im diluting the strength as it dwells though by doing so?

Anyways, I seem to get a decent result, but still have to hit the flatwork with around 3ooo psi in order to get the surface nice and clean... Oh, and I'm operating with a 4000 PSI 4GPM Cold Unit.

My question: Would I be getting better results, or rather, a quicker clean time if I was to use the 12% instead of this cheap 3% store bought stuff? I mean, I would think so, but Im having a heck of a time finding the powder form of 12% here in Northern California.

My hope would be that by spraying on the 12% w/, say, some Apple Blossum Dawn, that I could do a much quicker, lower pressure, wider spray band to get the flatwork clean after I let the solution dwell awhile...

Is this accurate? Anyone care to share their experience switching from the cheapo low-strength 3% bleach over to the 12%?

Thanks! [wsmile]

 

[PressurePros]

Well, first things first.. concrete cleaning requires a much more potent cleaner than dish liquid. Look for something with sodium hydroxide and butyl. You can even use the stuff from Home Depot made by Zep.

Bleach sold at stores is actually 5%-6%. The fact you are downstreaming it (or are you upstreaming which is baaaad news) means that your mix is very diluted. 12% will serve you much better. Final correction: 12% is liquid pool shock (sodium hypochlorite). The powder is calcium hypo and it sucks for cleaning.

Switching those two things will make your cleaning time and end result much more satisfying especially since you are using cold water.

 

[MR ALAN]

Berkeley may have banned Chlorine knowing them.

 

[fireandrain]

Yeah, I know, I REALLY need to learn how to work with downstreaming! Cant believe Ive got as far as i have without managing to learn more about this method. Can someone enlighten me? I uderstand that I would be using an independent chem injector "downstream" of my pump.... but do these injectors have settings on them that will dilute my chems as needed? I know, pretty basic, but Im still learning! Also, can someone give me a link to where I can find some 12% Liquid Pool Shock? Im really dying to get my hands on some! Thanks!

 

[JB Powerwash]

I too am in my 2nd year in this business and trying to learn as much as possible from this site. I too do not understand downstreaming and i am trying to. I have an x-jet that i used to use with 3% in a bucket and shoot it up to the side of the house but that didnt work too well obviously and i had to get up on a ladder to spray it with a pump sprayer. If anybody can help me it will be greatly appreciated, i finally was able to find a local pool supplier that sells liquid pool shock, just not sure how to apply it..

 

[Keep It Clean]

So you are saying stick with the liquid pool shock itz 12.5 with a cleaner on vinyl,i have the granulated itz calcium hypo i have never tried it itz 75% chlorine the granulated is.

 

[PressurePros]

You rarely need more than 1.5%-2% sodium hypochlorite hitting siding to clean it. The key is using the right synergistic house wash (it ain't Dawn dish liquid). Calcium hypo will not dissolve well in water and it leaves residue on windows and anything you spray it on.