How to clean fountains

Fountains are often cleaned like patios or walls, blasted with pressure or treated with whatever chemical is on hand. That approach usually creates more problems than it solves.

Fountain surfaces are constantly wet, often porous, and connected to pumps, seals, and recirculating water systems. If the cleaning method is wrong, you can damage the surface, shorten the life of the system, and see regrowth within weeks.

A proper softwash approach treats the cause of the problem, the biofilm, not just the visible staining.

What you’re actually dealing with

Most fountain staining falls into three categories:

Algae and organic growth
This is what makes surfaces green and slippery. It forms quickly due to constant moisture and light.

Biofilm
A microscopic layer of microorganisms that anchors growth to the surface. If this is not treated, the problem will return.

Mineral staining
Limescale or deposits from hard water. This is a separate issue and will not respond to biocides.

Understanding the difference is key. Softwashing is designed to deal with organic growth and biofilm, not mineral deposits.

How to clean fountains properly

Option 1: Deep clean (empty or drainable fountains)

• Remove loose debris and surface dirt
• Apply Lightning Cleanze at a 5:1 dilution, or up to 10:1 for lighter soiling
• Allow a short dwell time and do not let it fully dry
• Light agitation can be used if needed
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

This method delivers near-instant visual results and is ideal for first cleans or heavily contaminated surfaces.

Option 2: Maintenance treatment 

• Apply Bio Cleanze at 30:1 for initial treatment
• Use 50:1 for regular maintenance
• Apply directly to surfaces and not into the water system
• Allow to dry naturally

This approach avoids aggressive cleaning while still targeting the root cause of regrowth.

Critical mistakes to avoid

• Pressure washing joints and seals
  This can force water into the structure and cause leaks or damage pumps.
• Using strong acids on decorative stone
  Acids can etch and permanently damage surfaces.
• Dumping chemicals into the water system
  This can damage pumps, seals, and create environmental issues.
• Cleaning visually but not treating the biofilm
  The fountain may look clean, but growth will return quickly.

Quick Tip : Fountains that are cleaned without a biocidal treatment often return to green within weeks.
When the biofilm is properly treated, regrowth slows significantly and maintenance becomes much easier.

We wish you all the best with your soft washing business,

Team Benz