May 12, 2023 1 Comment
Septic tanks and reed beds depend on micro-organisms – such as bacteria, fungi and algae – to break down sewage. That's fine and under normal circumstances they do their job and all's well with the world.
However ...
The problem with soft washing around septic tanks and reed beds arises because soft washing chemicals are designed to kill these same micro-organisms.
So if soft washing chemical run-off goes into a customer's septic tank or reed bed it will destroy the biological environment that safely breaks down the sewage.
This means the efficiency of the sewage treatment system will at the very least be severely impaired and it could quite likely stop working altogether.
Clearly, the customer will not be happy when, a few weeks after a contractor has cleaned their property, they discover their nice clean house came at the cost of their septic tank or reed bed ...
The simple solution is, when pricing a job, to ask a customer if they a) have a septic tank or reed bed b) where it is situated.
Then simply ensure that soft washing chemical run-off stays well clear of their sewage system. If necessary re-direct the run-off to a foul drain, if available, or to a safe location where it can be pumped into containers and transported away from the site for safe disposal.
We hope this information is helpful and sincerely wish you great success in your soft washing business,
Ben, Leo, Fiona, Stevie & Anthony
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)
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.
Comments will be approved before showing up. Please revisit to read our response.
January 17, 2025 2 Comments
Because H & S legislation has become so complex, few people fully understand it. This has led to much confusion and misunderstanding, often spread through online soft washing forums.
Click the link on this page to learn the truth ...
January 10, 2025 6 Comments
We've noticed erroneous assumptions being made about the legal uses of sodium hypochlorite for soft washing. A lot of misunderstanding, confusion and myths have arisen from these assumptions.
Click the link on this page to discover the truth ...
January 03, 2025
Soft washing can be carried out all year round when the temperature is not freezing or near freezing. The main thing to consider is that softwash chemicals will take longer to produce their full effect in cold conditions.
Click the link on this page to learn how to stay in business through a cold winter ...
It's a free resource for people wanting to learn about the soft washing industry, to expand an existing business, or build a new business.
Soft washing reduces, or even eliminates, the need to use high-pressure washing.
Instead, once the build up of algae, lichen, fungus and mould – the root causes of properties looking "dirty" – has been treated, the natural "self-cleansing" of sun, rain and wind removes the surface residue through time.
By educating the cleaning trade and public about soft washing we are helping develop an industry that offers sustainable treatments to clean and maintain exterior hard surfaces.
Subscribe to our free trade tips blog to download your "Professional Soft Wash Contractors Pricing Guide".
The free guide shows you – step by step – how to easily, quickly, and accurately create softwash business quotes.
This saves you time, is a highly professional approach, and increases your chances of winning new contracts.
© 2025 Benz Softwash Ltd.
Amy Saunders
January 02, 2023
Hi! Reading this article makes me wonder when was the last time I got the sewage system for my house checked, and I’m sure it’s been a while. Thanks for showing us that we should avoid washing our septic tank using soft chemicals so it won’t easily malfunction. I’ll call a plumber to look further into the matter and make any necessary repair. https://www.genossepticservice.com/services.html