Surfactant

Surfactants, short for surface-active agents, are molecules with two distinct ends; the hydrophobic tail repels water but easily bonds with oils and other hydrophobic substances, while the hydrophilic head bonds with water and attracts polar substances. This dual nature allows surfactants to break surface tension of water and spread evenly over surfaces (rather than bead up), while also deeply penetrating into every crack and crevice where surface tension would normally inhibit penetration.

This is exactly how a traditional “soap” is characterized.

While a soap is technically a surfactant made by reacting oils with a strong base (like lye) to produce fatty acid salts, surfactants are synthetic soaps with highly engineered properties. In the same way that synthetic oil is far more advantageous than conventional oil, synthetic surfactants are far more capable than their more conventional ancestors.

alkyldimethylamine oxides

Alkyldimethylamine oxides are a class of surfactants which have very advantageous properties like foaming action, which allows a cleaning solution to organize into a stable, clinging foam on the sides of vertical surfaces. Additionally, this class of surfactant aids in stain-lifting by emulsifying agent - oily substances bind to the surfactant molecule. which then readily binds to the rinse water, removing oils with it. This action, combined with the natural ability of surfactants to bind polar substances, means that alkyldimethylamine oxides are ideal for lifting a wide range of substances off of your home’s surfaces. Furthermore, alkyldimethylamine oxides are mild on exterior surfaces, unlike much harsher anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or nonionic surfactants like nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs).

In contrast, alkyldimethylamine oxides are amphoteric surfactants, meaning they can act as either anionic or cationic depending on the pH of the solution. In practice, this means that these are mild surfactants which are highly specialized (yet retain significant versatility) cleaning compounds that are safer for the environment and exceptionally well-suited for house washing applications.

A Complete Solution: Surfactant with Sodium Hypochlorite

Surfactants perform the same basic functions as your dish soap, such as breaking down oils and dirt. However, unlike your dishes, the exterior of your home is host to a wide range of resilient, living organisms. From green algae and black mold to mildew, lichen, and moss, these organic growths are not only unsightly but also notoriously difficult to remove—even with the cleaning power of surfactants alone.

As discussed in Part 1 of this series, sodium hypochlorite is a powerful cleaning agent that effectively eliminates organic growth. However, many surfactants degrade rapidly when combined with bleach, reducing their effectiveness. Alkyldimethylamine oxides, on the other hand, are uniquely suited for use with sodium hypochlorite, owing to their resistance to oxidation. This compatibility creates a synergistic effect, enabling the bleach to cling more evenly to surfaces, enhancing dwell time, and improving penetration into porous materials like brick and stucco. Additionally, sodium hypochlorite acts as a powerful oxidizer, breaking down organic materials such as proteins and lipids; when used with alkyldimethylamine oxides, the surfactants help solubilize these oxidized residues, making them easier to rinse away.

This deeper penetration allows the solution to target and eliminate deeply ingrained organic growth, providing a thorough clean. By using alkyldimethylamine oxides with bleach, you can achieve exceptional cleaning results with reduced chemical use—maximizing efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

Surface Work has Done the Research

Surface Work has the knowledge and experience to get the job done right. Instead of researching a wide range of surfactants and then building a downstream injection system for your power washer, and spending big on a pump system, just to let it sit idle for 364 days each year… let Surface Work take the hassle out of pressure washing and soft washing. No matter where you live in Virginia Beach - from Thoroughgood to Pungo - Surface Work has your exterior cleaning needs covered with competent, professional service delivered with enthusiasm and passion for making customers smile! Check out the online quote for house washing and contact Surface Work today! If you still want to do it yourself, check out our information on nozzle selection - the most important part of using a pressure washing system.