How to soft wash boat harbour slipways & jetties

August 16, 2024

A customer asked about the best way to softwash boat slipways and jetties.

The first question we asked was, "Does the slipway lead into freshwater or saltwater?"

Saltwater slipways

If the slipway runs into saltwater, then using Benz Lightning Cleanze or Benz Tornado Cleanze should be fine as the run-off will just add a tiny bit more salt water to the sea.

The surfactant in both products is biodegradable and after activation the formulas break down into ordinary salt and water.

We recommend a light jet washing first with clean water (nothing added) to clear away the worst of the organic material that slipways inevitably accumulate.

Clearing loose matter away through a light jet washing allows the softwash cleaning products to act more effectively on the cause of the colonisation – i.e. biological growths such as algae and lichen.

Then apply Lightning Cleanze biocide at 5:1, or Tornado Cleanze either neat or diluted up to 50%.

Quick tip: Treat the slipway at the very beginning of low-tide, which will ensure the products can work most effectively for the longest time on the maximum surface area – and will give you the maximum time to spray, brush and rinse.

Freshwater slipways

If the slipway leads into freshwater then don't use Lightning Cleanze or Tornado Cleanze as the run-off could harm aquatic life.

For a freshwater slipway we suggest applying Benz Bio Cleanze biocide at 40-50:1 (winter:summer) after a light jet washing to remove loose matter. 

If the water is near an estuary and is tidal, treat the slipway or jetty at the very lowest point of the tide, to allow maximum exposure time for Bio Cleanze to work.

Application: Spray Bio Cleanze very carefully, using a Benz 6.5 nozzle, on a dry and reasonably wind-free day, keeping the chemical on the slipway, and avoiding overspray into the water. 

Brush Bio Cleanze into areas of heavy colonisation to ensure the full biofilm has been treated effectively.

Safety tip: Ensure children and animals are kept away from the working area until the surface has thoroughly dried out.

Bio Cleanze is bio-degradable and by working in a careful and responsible way, the harbour master, boat owners and our environment will be happy with the completed soft washing of the slipway or jetty.
 

We hope this information is helpful and sincerely wish you great success in your soft washing business,

Team Benz

Click here to get more practical soft washing how-to tips

How to find answers to most soft washing questions: Simply enter a relevant "keyword" or short phrase – e.g. keyword for the above link = "how to" – into our in-site Search Engine (magnifying glass icon on the main menu).

Click here to download our Product Documentation Pack (includes Application & Dilution guides, SDS, PDS, RAMS, PPE & Mask info, COSSH, sample Contract and more)

Order Benz Softwash chemicals & equipment online or by phone:

GB (England, Scotland, Wales)

Phone: 0800 70 74 222 

Online: www.benzsoftwash.co.uk

Ireland and other countries

Phone: 00353 214 622 978

Online: www.benzsoftwash.com

Lines open Monday - Friday, 9am – 5pm

Please note: The above numbers are for orders only (click here for tech support)

PS: Click here to set up your "Clean & Maintain" programme. After completing an initial soft wash treatment, put your customer on a "Clean & Maintain" ongoing maintenance programme. Your customers will enjoy a permanently clean property and you will enjoy a steady stream of repeat business.

This is clearly a win-win arrangement for you and your customers.

Click here to explore the extensive range of Benz softwash cleaning chemicals & equipment

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