Frequently Asked Questions
ULTRABAN
Do I have to clean with Rhino Hide products to use UltraBan?
The Ultra System is best used together, but using Rhino Hide cleaners are not required. Be careful not to use any product containing Chlorine Bleach. UltraBan is not compatible with Chlorine Bleach or Bleach residue as Chlorine Bleach will neutralize other products.
How long does it last?
This depends on many factors, such as weather, traffic, UV rays, and the surface it is being applied to. Typically, it lasts 1-2 years on outside porous surfaces. We usually recommend treating any outside surfaces once a year. The only way to know if UltraBan has worn off is if you see mold or mildew start to grow. If you wait to this point, more cleaning will be needed. Interior applications will last much longer as there is no external elements to degrade the dried film.
How much does one gallon cover?
Coverage rates will vary depending on the type of surface, weather condition, and the way it is applied.
One gallon of UltraBan will typically cover:
- 300-400 sq. ft. for composite decking
- 250-300 sq. ft. for natural wood
- 150-250 sq. ft. for concrete, cement.
Will it change the color of my deck or make it look wet?
No, UltraBan is an invisible film. It will not change the color or look of your deck.
How do I apply UltraBan?
UltraBan is very easy to use. It can be applied by spraying, rolling, sponging or mopping. The key is to saturate the surface long enough to allow it to penetrate.
The easiest way to apply is by using a garden pump sprayer. Saturate the surface. Keep the surface wet for at least 15 minutes to allow it to penetrate. Use a clean sponge mop soaked in UltraBan to wipe the surface once or twice. This will keep the product from pooling in certain areas and give you an even coverage. Then, simply allow to dry.
What is the shelf life?
Stored properly, UltraBan will last for at least 6 months beyond the purchase date. UltraBan should be stored in a cool, dry place. It should not be allowed to freeze.
Will this make my deck slippery?
During application of UltraBan the surface will be slippery. After it has dried it will not affect the traction of your deck.
ULTRAMEAN & ULTRAMEAN2
Which product is best to use to clean my composite deck?
Both the UltraMean and UltraMean-2 can be used on composite material. UltraMean is not safe for metal surfaces or glass. Keep this in mind if there is a chance of over spraying or splashing. We have found the best results with UltraMean 2 when cleaning composites. Either way, be sure to follow up with UltraBan.
Where can I buy your products?
We have consumer products available on our website. We would be happy to take phone orders at 863-665-0203. If you are interested in our professional line of products, please call 863-665-0203 for more information or contact us here.
Do your cleaners contain Bleach?
No, Rhino Hide products do not contain Chlorine Bleach.
Is UltraMean2 as powerful as Chlorine Bleach and other products mixed with Chlorine Bleach?
Yes, UltraMean2 is a “Peroxide” bleaching agent, so you still get the deep clean without the toxins of corrosive chlorine bleach.
UltraMean2 removed the oily stains from our citronella mosquito candle. But will it clean the grease from our BBQ Grill?
Yes, UltraMean2 is effective for removing citronella stains. As a degreaser/oil stain remover it will remove stains better than other deck cleaners. BBQ stains are often “built-up” grease, and need to have the build-up removed (with common dish soap) before removing the embedded stain with UltraMean2.
We have a small fish pond built into my deck. Is it okay for run-off to get into the pond?
NO, avoid contaminating the water when the pond is active. The fish won’t like it! In addition to potentially making bubbles, it will also alter the pH. UltraMean2 may be used to clean an empty (man-made) fish pond. Completely drain and rinse your pond after cleaning.
Will UltraMean2 harm my pets?
UltraMean2 is not intended to clean living things. Protecting pets from chemicals is a must! It is unfortunate that some chemicals apparently taste sweet to animals, and their ingestion is harmful if not fatal. Please don’t let them eat, drink, walk or otherwise come into contact with UltraMean2. The most common issue is a pet that tries to help! Be sure to wash their feet with fresh water as soon as possible to prevent irritation of their paws.
How long will a surface cleaned with UltraMean or UltraMean2 stay clean?
Our first answer is “never long enough!” Clean and “stain-free” are often different issues. To prevent recurring staining we recommend our UltraBan be applied to surfaces cleaned with UltraMean2. Some surfaces, like concrete and masonry, once cleaned (and then have had UltraMean2 reapplied, without rinsing) tend to hold a residue of UltraMean2 that remains inhospitable to mold and mildew growth for quite some time. There are products on the market that claim to control mold but are really using a form of the UltraMean2 technology. For longer and more resistant moisture protection, UltraBan’s invisible film is the product of choice.
What is the difference between Mold and Mildew stains?
For UltraMean2 there is no difference. It will clean both equally well. As a rule, mold stains generally appear as dark spots and mildew stains appear as white/gray.
What is the best way to maintain a surface I have cleaned with UltraMean or UltraMean2?
UltraBan is the best way to maintain a cleaned surface. Normal dirt and grime rinses off an UltraBan coated surface easier than bare surfaces. When a more aggressive cleaning is required, a weak solution of UltraMean2 is recommended along with a good rinsing. If the cleaning effort was aggressive, once dry simply apply another coat of UltraBan to the surface.
We have a lot of foliage (plants and grass) surrounding our project. Should we “protect them”?
YES! Although UltraMean2 is biodegradable it's still a cleaning solution. It's always a good idea to heavily water plants and grass before and after using UltraMean or UltraMean2 to “protect” them. For additional protection, cover your plants and grass with plastic. Once diluted, small doses of UltraMean or UltraMean2 run-off should not kill plants and grass.
Why do I need to “TEST FIRST ON A SMALL AREA”?
It is always best to perform a test first on a small area, preferably on a sample, scrap piece or unnoticeable area of the surface you intend to clean. There are a number of reasons for this.
- Clearly establishes the process required to achieve the goal, saving money and time.
- Prevents damaging the surface with inappropriate solutions strengths.
- Reveals obstacles to a successful application.
In the end, if you don’t like the results, do not use the product.
I cleaned the surface of my composite deck with UltraMean2 and now I have a white residue. What is it, and is this normal?
Well…yes and no.
First, is this normal? YES, if the surface was not rinsed thoroughly,a harmless soda ash residue is left behind. This residue should not be noticeable if the surface has been thoroughly rinsed after cleaning. Remember not to let UltraMean2 dry at any time during the cleaning process on composite surfaces. Rinsing may be required if the cleaner has become discolored during this process from contaminates lifted from the surface. Wash the dirty cleaner away before it dries and reapply fresh material to continue cleaning.
What is it? UltraMean2 breaks down after the active cleaning process. The residual material on the surface is a mixture of soda ash and surfactants. On masonry, until the time it has thoroughly rinsed away, this residue fills the pores and reactivates when it receives moisture keeping the masonry surfaces cleaner for longer periods of time. On composites, you want to ensure this is rinsed away. A mild solution of common liquid dish washing detergent will remove this film and prepare the surface for a coat of UltraBan.
I forgot to protect my sliding glass patio door and have managed to get UltraMean2 on the glass and aluminum. How do I get the residue off?
Believe it or not, UltraMean2 should do the trick. Mix a solution of UltraMean2 and re-wet the areas to be cleaned. (this time you want to PROTECT the other surfaces) UltraMean2 will soften the residue and, with some light scrubbing, remove the residue. Be sure to rinse the area well with fresh water. It helps to wipe the area while rinsing to remove residue.
Can I use UltraMean2 to clean plastic railing or fencing?
UltraMean2 works well at cleaning these materials. Always perform a test in an inconspicuous place or area first.
Is it okay to allow UltraMean2 to stand on composite surfaces? What about applications in direct sunlight?
If UltraMean2 is used in “DIRECT SUNLIGHT”, let the cleaning solution stand for 10-15 minutes, or until the cleaner becomes discolored or dirty. DO NOT allow the dirty cleaner to dry on a composite surface. ALWAYS keep the area wet with additional cleaner by spraying more cleaning solution onto the surface. A pump sprayer filled with UltraMean2 works great for this application.
In low light conditions, let UltraMean2 stand on the surface for as long as 45 minutes, following the same process.
The Ultra Violet rays from the sun (UVA & UVB) can speed up chemical reactions. UltraMean2 used in “DIRECT SUNLIGHT”, will likely result in a shorter, more efficient cleaning process.
Should I use UltraMean2 to “SPOT” clean my composite decking?
Not if the whole deck has not already been cleaned with UltraMean2. If used to “SPOT” clean the whole surface, prior to thoroughly cleaning, the likely result will be clean SPOTS on the composite- which may be as ugly as the dirty spots. Once cleaned you may use UltraMean 2 to address spill areas and other spots. Always work with the weakest solution that does the job!
What exactly is growing on my composite deck and does it matter?
Who knows! There are dozens, if not hundreds, of molds, mildew, and fungi. That impressive list laid over a geographic area of the USA can allow for an innumerable set of combinations. Aspergillus Niger & Stachybotrys are believed to be some of the major culprits. What does matter is how to get rid of the stains they leave behind and how to prevent their return. UltraMean & UltraMean2 are the materials we recommend to remove the staining. UltraBan is what is applied to inhibit their return. UltraBan’s invisible film is protected from the destructive effects of mold and mildew. UltraBan further controls moisture on a cellular level, separating these organisms from their food source.
Should I use UltraMean2 on Pressure Treated Wood?
UltraMean2 is recommended for exotic woods like cedar, redwood, douglas fir, and other high tannin woods. However, our recommendation for treated wood is to use the liquid form of UltraMean.
How long will it take to clean a composite surface with UltraMean2?
How long it will take depends on how dirty and how stained it has become. An initial test will reveal the process & solution strength required to achieve the best possible results. We understand that the average size deck is about 300 to 400 sq. ft. On average, it generally takes a couple of hours to maybe a half a day to clean. Of course, changing variables (bigger, dirtier, more stained, etc.) the longer it takes, especially if the initial test revealed an application process requiring repeated cleaning cycles to remove tough stains. Another benefit of the initial test is the ability to judge time and materials. Nothing is more frustrating than having to stop to get more material, or running out of time to complete a project. Time and effort are too valuable to be wasted. Preserve the cleaning effort with an application of UltraBan – Mold Barrier film. Clean today, let it completely dry, and protect it tomorrow.