Balancing the Basics: High pH and Low pH Presoaks in Soft, Hard, and Reclaim Water Systems

By Heather Lee

Water is the foundation of every carwash operation. Its quality determines the effectiveness of presoaks and the long-term performance of equipment, operational costs, and customer satisfaction.

Whether soft, hard, or reclaimed, understanding water’s impact on cleaning processes is critical for carwash owners and operators seeking efficiency and sustainability.

Gaining insights into the relationship between water quality and presoaks can help you optimize cleaning processes across diverse water systems at your car wash.

Understanding Presoaks: High pH vs. Low pH

Presoaks are the unsung heroes of the carwash process, setting the stage for a thorough clean.

• High pH Presoaks: Designed to break down organic materials like grease, oils, and bug splatter, high pH presoaks are alkaline solutions best suited for tackling tough, sticky contaminants.
• Low pH Presoaks: Acidic by nature, low pH presoaks excel at removing inorganic deposits, such as mineral buildup and rust, and often act as neutralizers for high pH chemicals. They also enhance vehicle shine by breaking down surface films.

While both types are essential, their effectiveness is closely tied to the water quality used during application.

Soft Water: The Ideal Cleaning Partner

Soft water, free of calcium and magnesium, is often considered the gold standard for car wash operations.

• Advantages: Soft water enhances the effectiveness of presoaks, resulting in better cleaning performance and foam production. It also prevents mineral buildup on vehicles and equipment, reducing the need for maintenance.
• Challenges: Over-softened water can lead to excessive sudsing, which increases rinse times and water usage.
• Best Practices: Regularly monitor water softness, aiming for 0–3 grains per gallon (GPG). This ensures presoaks perform optimally without unnecessary chemical or water waste.

Alicia Pape, a chemist at Sonny’s CarWash Chemistry, explains, “Soft water allows presoaks to work to their full potential, maximizing their cleaning power and creating the rich foam customers expect.

Hard Water: Navigating the Challenges

Hard water, characterized by high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium, presents unique challenges in car washes.

• Impact on Presoaks: Hard water interferes with high- and low-pH presoaks, reducing their cleaning and foaming capabilities. This often requires higher chemical dosages to achieve the desired effect.
• Equipment Concerns: Mineral deposits can clog nozzles, damage reverse osmosis membranes, and reduce equipment lifespan, leading to higher maintenance costs.
• Solutions: Installing water softeners to remove excess minerals is the first step. Descaling treatments for pipes and nozzles can further mitigate buildup.

“Operators can easily underestimate costs of hard water on their business,” says the SVP of Chemistry Sales & Service at Sonny’s, Jeff Carey. “Investing in a proper water treatment system can save thousands in chemical and equipment costs over time.”

Reclaim Water: A Sustainable Solution

A reclaim system recycles and reconditions used car wash water for re-use, offering a sustainable solution that reduces water consumption and aligns with environmental goals.

• Benefits: Reclaim water reduces freshwater and sewer usage, lowering operational costs and appealing to eco-conscious customers.
• Challenges: Reclaim water often contains residues like oils, detergents, and particulates, which can impact presoak effectiveness, cause spotting on cars, and lead to odors if untreated.
• Best Practices: Advanced filtration systems are crucial for removing contaminants. Ozone or UV treatments can neutralize bacteria and odors, while regular testing ensures water meets quality standards.

Reclaim water requires tailored chemical formulations to counteract variability. When managed correctly, it supports sustainability without compromising performance.

Matching Presoaks to Water Types

To optimize presoak performance, operators must consider how different water types interact with cleaning solutions.

• High pH Presoaks: Soft water enhances its effectiveness by allowing all of its components to work effectively and improving solubility, while hard water reduces cleaning power, requiring chemical adjustments. Reclaim water’s quality can vary, demanding tailored formulations.
• Low pH Presoaks: These perform well in soft water but may neutralize in hard water, decreasing efficiency. Reclaim water often necessitates adjustments to maintain the desired acidity.

Regular testing of pH, hardness, and total dissolved solids (TDS) is essential for adapting presoak formulations to local water conditions.

Integrating Water Systems: Sustainability Meets Efficiency

Combining water systems can strike a balance between sustainability and operational efficiency.

• Soft and Reclaim Water: Use reclaim water for presoaks and soft water for final rinses. This approach minimizes freshwater use while delivering a spotless finish.
• Hard and Reclaim Water: Blend reclaim water with softened water or treat reclaim water to reduce hardness. Adjust the presoak dilution ratio or change the product used to account for remaining minerals.

Practical Tips for Carwash Operators

1. Regular Water Testing
2. Monitor water quality monthly to adjust presoak effectively.
3. Invest in Quality Filtration
4. Advanced filtration and softening systems ensure consistent water quality, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
5. Collaborate with Chemical Experts
6. Work with suppliers to customize presoak use to align with your water type and operational goals.
7. Adopt Preventative Maintenance
8. Regularly descale equipment and inspect for buildup to extend its lifespan and maintain performance.

Water quality is more than a technical detail – it’s a pivotal factor in carwash success, an active ingredient that can elevate or undermine your operation. By understanding the nuances of soft, hard, and reclaim water, operators can optimize presoak performance, enhance customer satisfaction, and embrace sustainable practices. By mastering water dynamics, you can strike the perfect balance between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, ensuring your business shines in every sense of the word.

 

Heather Lee is a vice president of marketing at Sonny’s The CarWash Factory, the global leader in conveyorized carwash equipment manufacturing and end-to-end solution provider for carwash operators. Established in 1949, Sonny’s simplifies car washing by offering innovative chemistry, advanced water treatment solutions, and high-performance backroom equipment, helping businesses deliver exceptional results and drive customer satisfaction. Visit sonnysdirect.com to learn more.