Do you know what that "chlorine" smell actually is?

February 09, 2024

The "chlorine-like" smell that may sometimes be noticed during soft washing comes from what are technically known as "chloramines".

These are produced by the chemical process of oxidising organic matter and are evidence that sodium hypochlorite is doing its job.

You'll have noticed a similar smell in swimming pools and tap water. It's a smell that is often, incorrectly, called "chlorine". In reality it is the result of pee and other contaminants being oxidised. The stronger the smell in a swimming pool, the more people you know have been peeing in the pool!

Does Benz Lightning Cleanze smell?

A large amount of organic matter on a surface will react with the Lightning Cleanze to release chloramines, which results in a slight "chlorine-like" smell.

We minimised this by adding a scent to the formula. We've only noticed a strong smell from Lightning Cleanze when there was no wind or in places with poor ventilation. 

How to avoid the "chlorine-like" smell

To minimise your exposure to the smell of chloramines, we suggest starting treatment at the furthest point away from your equipment set-up. Then move back towards your equipment. And preferably work in such a way that any wind blows the smell away from where you are working.

Working this way you will not need to work in areas you've already treated.

The reaction time during which a strong smell could arise from Lightning Cleanze is only around 15-20 minutes. So spray the first area needing treatment, move on to the next area, and then return when activation of the first area is complete and the surface is ready for rinsing.

For more information we have a comprehensive section in our render cleaning and maintenance manual

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

Benz Team

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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