Today I soft-washed a house with vinyl siding by siphoning 10% bleach with 1 oz. of dawn dish soap per gallon., siphon dilutes at around 10:1 ratio, even did some calculations and test runs coming out right under 1%. The vinyl pretty much started to lose some of its color after rinsing. You could lick your finger and then smear some of the color off. Never had this issue before and looking to avoid doing it again, anyone know why this would happen?
Hey look we don’t need to recreate old threads. It will be done for us. Just…again. When the site gets back up look up oxidation then look up elemonator.
1 Like
Troll alert troll alert…
If I’m wrong… use the search bar at the bottom of this link and search Dawn and oxidation.
https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/search
2 Likes
Thanks! I’m new to this site and forums in general
1 Like
Search those terms and as much as possible about soft washing. You disturbed the oxidation because you used Dawn as your surfactant. You need to be aware of the basics if you plan on washing any other houses.
3 Likes
Thank you! Just when you think you know a lot, you really don’t.
If your customers are upset and you’re looking for a fix, search oxidation removal. It’s not your fault that the oxidation was present but it is your fault for not knowing not to touch it or how to deal with it. You can check for oxidation next time by rubbing your finger gently accross the dry surface in an inconspicuous spot. Not when wet.
2 Likes
So, what are you doing to fix the mistake?
Luckily the client was super cool and didn’t mind it. Definitely need to buy a professional surfactant
So you’re just going to leave it like that? What about your reputation?
1 Like
To your face, at least. What happens when they start talking to friends and neighbors and mention your name when you’re not around? Do you feel that they will undoubtedly recommend you? What about your own conscience?
1 Like
I’m gonna do more research into fixing it (didn’t know you could without replacing it)
1 Like
I agree with above. You need to fix that. Not everyone is like @DisplacedTexan 
and some are just too nice and don’t have it in them to complain to someone’s face. They might not have a problem complaining to the whole neighborhood though. You definitely need to fix it. I’d lose sleep over something like that and especially if I didn’t fix it. You’re here asking for help so that’s good.
Be sure to do more research before tackling anymore jobs. If you’re using Dawn as a surfactant and aren’t sure what oxidation is you’ve got a little ways to go. You’re going to deal with oxidation all the time. Not to mentioned a range of other issues that you need to learn about beforehand. No matter how much someone knows you’re bound to come across some new stuff but you need to at least get the basics down. As Harold said, don’t go rubbing on the siding when wet. You can see in your pictures where you disturbed the oxidation by rubbing your fingers over it.
There’s only one way to fix it now. They have some chemicals that can help but is still going to take some work.
3 Likes
Thank you for the wise words and encouragement. I’ve watched hundreds of hours of softwashing/pressure washing videos and not one mentioned vinyl oxidation. I was taken back when I saw this happen.
1 Like
I’m not trying to be rough on you but even if you replacing it is the only way to fix it, then that’s what you need to do. Are you insured?
I just needed some time to think this through (happeneded today) and some advice from fellow peeps with more experience. I sure am insured, I’m gonna look into the oxidation removal process
Start reading through old threads on here. You’ll learn the right way to do things. Good thing about reading through old threads is you’ll learn answers to questions you didn’t even know you had yet. If you stick around and, follow the advice on here, your business will flourish. Be sure to read up on marketing too.
You have to remove the layer of oxidation on all sides of the house where you disturbed it. That’s going to take brushing. Some use a little bit of Gutter Grenade to make it come off a little easier. Always do test areas in inconspicuous spots when trying something new.
@DisplacedTexan is spot on. It doesn’t matter if you burned their house down. They’re trusting you with their property. You fix anything that you caused. There are plenty of hacks out there. You want to do things like a professional business would do right from the start. Guess what the customer is going to say to friends if you don’t fix the oxidation? Now guess how much they’re going to talk you up with everybody when you go back and make their siding look brand new even though you made a mistake and originally screwed it up? People remember those things because a lot of companies would turn a blind eye. People are pretty understanding and realize mistakes happen. What they remember is what you did to fix it.
3 Likes
At least you’re insured. That way if the oxidation removal process fails you have something to fall back on. I’ve never tried the oxidation removal process myself so I don’t know kuch about it but I do know that it entails A LOT of work. You’ll have to blend the bare spot in with the rest of the siding for it to look halfway acceptable. Not sure on what chemicals to use or anything like that but I’m sure you can find that information here. Regardless, it needs to be fixed or replaced and unfortunately it’s going to cost you some money to do so. Fortunately, if you do what’s right, it won’t cost you your reputation as a contractor.
1 Like
I have (knocks on wood) not damaged anyone’s property in the course of my work thus far. I have, however, killed two gold fish when a tarp collapsed under the load of the house wash mix that accumulated on top of it. I went to a pet store and bought a gift certificate that would cover the cost of four goldfish per the customer’s request. That same customer has sent me over $1,000 in referrals since then. It pays to be honest and responsible. Own up to mistakes and make them right–regardless of cost. Because once your reputation is in the gutter, so will your business.
2 Likes
You’re in the right place to learn everything you need to know. Stop watching YouTube videos. Too many guys putting out poor information and leaving out very important steps and information. After doing a nice amount of research here you’ll go back and see there’s only a handful of guys on YouTube are putting out useful/good information.
4 Likes
