Is 30 seconds the same as Wet and Forget?

Author: Susanna Stokes Jr.  |  Last update: Monday, November 17, 2025

Key Differences Benzalkonium Chloride in Wet and Forget has a long-term cleaning method, whereas the Sodium Hypochlorite in 30 Seconds Spray and Walk Away has a fast reaction for immediate results. Both products require careful use of plants and delicate surfaces.

What should you not use 30 second cleaner on?

Q: Can I use 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner around our drinking water reservoir or pools? A: 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner is a formulated cleaner and should not be allowed to enter drinking water reservoirs, lakes or streams.

What is the active ingredient in 30 seconds?

One of the ingredients in 30 SECONDS® Outdoor Cleaner is sodium hypochlorite which will cause bleaching. We recommend you use 30 SECONDS® Spray & Walk Away if you have any concerns with colourfastness.

What is the problem with Wet and Forget?

Wet & Forget is highly corrosive, and can seriously harm your skin or eyes.

How long does wet it and forget it take?

It depends on the type of growth and the intensity of the contamination. If it's a new growth or a small amount of staining you can see results within days. Otherwise, it may take 2-3 months to see improvement. In the very worst case scenario, where contamination is extreme, it may take 6-12 months to work.

30 Second Spray & Walk Away

Is Wet and Forget the same as 30 seconds?

These two cleaning products are based with different chemical compounds: Benzalkonium Chloride for Wet and Forget and Sodium Hypochlorite for 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner, each one has it own way of effectiveness such the time it will take to clean, the way it is used and how to apply it.

Do you need to rinse off Wet and Forget?

Spring. Apply Wet & Forget Outdoor as soon as the weather warms to remove unsightly stains and growth that have been hiding in winter. Spring rain showers work with the product to clean dirty outdoor surfaces for you – no rinsing or scrubbing required!

Do you pressure wash before Wet and Forget?

Ideally, remove any excess debris. We don't recommend washing the surface prior to application as Wet & Forget must be applied to a dry surface.

What happens if it rains after applying Wet and Forget?

Thoroughly saturate the surface with Wet & Forget Outdoor. Then, allow the product to dry. Wet & Forget will work over time with the rain and wind to gently clean up the green and black stains.

Does 30 Seconds Spray and Walk Away work?

30 Seconds Spray and Walk Away is an amazing product for those who are patient enough to wait and let it do its magic. This product is NOT a quick fix for algae and moss problems. Over time it will eliminate black and green stains on awnings and aluminum/vinyl siding.

Is 30 SECONDS cleaner just bleach?

Yes, this product contains bleach, in fact the exact same strength as regular laundry bleach, 5 percent.

How long does it take for 30 SECONDS to work?

30 SECONDS Spray & Walk Away does not show immediate results, but works as a treatment, killing the growth slowly and effectively over time without damaging the surface. Some lichen and moss may take a week to remove or show signs of decay.

What works like Wet and Forget?

Bio-Shield was tested and certified by two separate laboratories, Labtec and Hill Laboratories, in October 2014 to have the same active component as Wet and Forget.

Does 30 second cleaner need to be rinsed off?

Rinse thoroughly with water, using a garden hose. The cleaning action stops when your surface dries.

What is the 1 minute rule for cleaning?

The 1-minute rule for cleaning is a quick and simple guideline that encourages you to clean up small messes as soon as you notice them.

What two household chemical cleaners must you never mix?

Dangers of Mixing Household Chemical Cleaners
  • Bleach + Vinegar = Chlorine gas. This can lead to coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes. ...
  • Bleach + Ammonia = Chloramine. ...
  • Bleach + Rubbing alcohol = Chloroform. ...
  • Hydrogen peroxide + Vinegar = peracetic/ peroxyacetic acid.

What are the dangers of Wet and Forget?

H302 - Harmful if swallowed. H314 - Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. H319 - Causes serious eye irritation. P260 - Do not breathe mist/vapours/spray.

How long does it take for Wet and Forget to start working?

If it is really light you will see results within days. Otherwise, it may take 2-3 months to see improvement. Your concrete may turn reddish brown when Wet & Forget Outdoor is applied. This is normal and shows you have a good reaction.

What is the main ingredient in Wet and Forget?

Lastly, the details: the active ingredient in Wet and Forget is alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride. Do YOU know what that is, how it works, what it's doing to our environment, or how quickly it degrades?

What precautions should be taken during Wet and Forget?

Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed.

How to remove algae without scrubbing?

Determine how severe the algae or other biological growth is. For heavy soiling, dilute 2 parts water to 1 part GK Greener Kleener. For light to medium soiling dilute 3 parts water to 1 part GK Greener Kleener. Easily apply the formula to the affected area using a garden sprayer or a brush.

Does Wet and Forget damage plants?

Wet & Forget is non-systemic; therefore, if there is runoff into the garden beds, it will not be absorbed into the root system and will not damage plants at all. Wet & Forget won't affect plants unless you accidentally spray directly onto them, which can cause spot burning of the leaves.

What is 30 seconds outdoor cleaner?

30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner is made to safely remove stains from Algae, Mold & Mildew on most all outdoor surfaces including vinyl siding. We do always recommend testing in a small, inconspicuous area first. Spray a small amount of cleaner, let sit 3 minutes, and rinse to see results. By Weiman Brands |Nov 8, 2024.

Does Wet and Forget damage shingles?

Wet & Forget's gentle, caustic formula is safe for all shingles and won't corrode your downspouts or harm your lawn with runoff.

Can you use a watering can with Wet and Forget?

APPLICATION: Using either a Wet & Forget Sprayer or watering can, thoroughly saturate the dry surface to be treated with the Wet & Forget mixture (do not hose first) so that maximum benefit is achieved.

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