Can weedkillers be mixed with a softwash DDAC biocide?

January 20, 2023

First off, legally no  – because mixing anything with a government approved softwash DDAC biocide product such as Benz Bio Cleanze will invalidate the conditions of use in the HSE and PRCD approval certification.

Also, to apply herbicides (aka "weedkillers" or "weed control" products) commercially the law requires a softwash contractor to have completed a training course and passed an exam in their safe use.

All gardeners, for example, who use herbicide weedkillers on their customer's property must be certified in the safe practical use, storage and allowable applications of herbicides.

There is no argument about any of the above. The law is the law and whether we like it or not, agree with it or not, our opinions will make absolutely no difference. 

Chemically it's a much harder area to get clarity on. But we'll do our best to clarify the situation to the best of our understanding.

Weedkillers

Flazasulfuron

This is a herbicide and is the active ingredient in a number of commercial products.

As such it is a weedkiller, although the marketing departments of some companies do not call it a weedkiller but rather a "weed inhibitor".

We have no experience of this chemical and neither do our industrial chemists. So we cannot comment further.

If a softwash contractor wants to use a Flazasulfuron product – or any other herbicide – in conjunction with a DDAC biocide such as Bio Cleanze, they should investigate directly with the manufucturers of the herbicide.

We've put together some online resources regarding Flazasulfuron that you can access at the end of this article.

Glyphosate

This is the active ingredient in the notorious Monsanto product "Roundup". The evidence is rapidly accumulating to show that this is a highly toxic product that is dangerous for our environment and can induce cancers in humans. Several countries have already banned it or are considering banning it.

Farmers have found that weeds develop an immunity to this product and thus require the application of another chemical to control them. In the USA weeds have mutated to be so tough they break harvesting machinery.

We guess it's pretty obvious that we do not endorse this product ...

Herbicides – the law

By law a contractor must be trained and licensed to apply a herbicide.

It's also important to be aware that a DDAC-based biocide cannot be legally used for agricultural purposes.

If a customer asks for advice about using weedkillers, the safest option for a softwashing contractor is to point the customer to where they can buy weedkillers. Then let them use them according to the product labelling.

Unless a contractor is licensed to administer weedkiller commercially we strongly suggest not giving advice to a customer on the use, storage and application of weedkillers. Giving such advice could leave a contractor in a vulnerable position should their customer use the weedkiller inappropriately.

Click here to download a copy of the 1986 Control of Pesticides Act which contains details of the relevant legislation

Chemistry

An important point to bear in mind when considering whether to use a herbicide in conjunction with a DDAC biocide – such as Bio Cleanze – is that DDAC is "cationic" and if the other chemicals are "anionic" then there would be an interaction.

This chemical reaction could be an issue even when the two products are applied separately.

Therefore the conscientious softwash contractor should check with the manufacturers of any herbicide they are considering using and ask them if their product is compatible with DDAC.

Resources

Click here to download a copy of the 1986 Control of Pesticides Act

How to control weeds without an artificial chemical weedkller: The problems associated with the commercial use of chemical herbicides are the reasons we explored alternative weed control solutions:

• Click here to find out how to control weeds on cobblelock and block paving after soft washing

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

Benz Team

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GB (England, Scotland, Wales)

Phone: 0800 70 74 222 

Online: www.benzsoftwash.co.uk

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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.

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