History of SoftWash Systems & Ac Lockyer
The True Legacy of AC Lockyer and the Rise of SoftWash Systems
The modern softwashing industry traces much of its growth and structure back to AC Lockyer, a pioneer who transformed a common chemical cleaning method into a scalable business model. But the journey didn’t happen overnight—and it involved key platforms, partnerships, and industry transitions along the way.
Mallard Systems – The Foundation
AC’s roots began with Mallard Systems, a residential exterior cleaning company he helped build alongside his father in Orlando, Florida. Mallard expanded into a multi-million dollar, multi-truck operation with satellite offices across Florida, handling both residential and commercial work. At one point, Mallard was even the preferred exterior cleaner for Disney.
This early experience taught AC the importance of operational systems and efficiency, which later became the backbone of SoftWash Systems.
From Chemical Method to Business Model
Although trades like painting had been using sodium hypochlorite for surface prep and cleaning long before, AC Lockyer recognized an opportunity: take the method and turn it into a complete, repeatable service model. His innovation wasn’t in inventing the process—it was in systemizing it for business.
He created proportioning equipment, specialized surfactants, safety standards, and an educational structure that enabled contractors to professionally offer softwashing services.
National Cleaning Expo: 2008–2011
The UAMCC Era: 2013–2015
In 2013, the United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners (UAMCC) emerged strongly as a national voice in the industry. At that point, the torch was passed from the National Cleaning Expo to UAMCC.
AC Lockyer continued his work promoting SoftWash Systems through this new organization, remaining active in 2013 and 2014, and participating lightly in 2015. The UAMCC provided yet another national platform for contractors to learn about softwashing and access training, helping AC further scale his system.
Softwashapalooza – The Game-Changing Summit (2012–Present)
In 2012, SoftWash Systems launched Softwashapalooza, a high-energy, hands-on training summit that quickly became one of the most iconic events in the exterior cleaning industry. Focused on professional development, marketing strategies, and live demonstrations, Softwashapalooza brought together contractors from all over the world.
Even today, it's widely considered one of the finest and most influential events in the business—playing a major role in pushing softwashing into the mainstream and raising the bar for education and excellence across the industry.
Learn More & Stay Updated
For ongoing historical documentation, including updates through 2025, visit:
History of SoftWash Systems (2009–2026):
http://propowerwash.com/board/upload/threads/history-of-softwash-systems-ac-lockyer-2009-to-2026.35446/
To explore SoftWash Systems’ current offerings, training programs, and certified network, visit:
SoftWash Systems Official Website:
https://www.softwashsystems.com/
The True Legacy of AC Lockyer and the Rise of SoftWash SystemsThe modern softwashing industry traces much of its growth and structure back to AC Lockyer, a pioneer who transformed a common chemical cleaning method into a scalable business model. But the journey didn’t happen overnight—and it involved key platforms, partnerships, and industry transitions along the way.
Mallard Systems – The FoundationAC’s roots began with Mallard Systems, a residential exterior cleaning company he helped build alongside his father in Orlando, Florida. Mallard expanded into a multi-million dollar, multi-truck operation with satellite offices across Florida, handling both residential and commercial work. At one point, Mallard was even the preferred exterior cleaner for Disney.
This early experience taught AC the importance of operational systems and efficiency, which later became the backbone of SoftWash Systems.
From Chemical Method to Business ModelAlthough trades like painting had been using sodium hypochlorite for surface prep and cleaning long before, AC Lockyer recognized an opportunity: take the method and turn it into a complete, repeatable service model. His innovation wasn’t in inventing the process—it was in systemizing it for business.
He created proportioning equipment, specialized surfactants, safety standards, and an educational structure that enabled contractors to professionally offer softwashing services.
National Cleaning Expo: 2008–2011- 2008: AC was invited to speak at the National Cleaning Expo in Tampa, hosted by Pressure Washing Institute (PWI). He didn’t attend due to personal and business commitments—he was in the midst of launching his earlier company, TerraClean.
- 2009: He made his first official speaking appearance at the Expo.
- 2010: AC returned and delivered a soft launch of SoftWash Systems.
- 2011: At the Charleston National Cleaning Expo, AC delivered the major launch of SoftWash Systems, in partnership with PowerWash.com—cementing his influence on the industry.
The UAMCC Era: 2013–2015In 2013, the United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners (UAMCC) emerged strongly as a national voice in the industry. At that point, the torch was passed from the National Cleaning Expo to UAMCC.
AC Lockyer continued his work promoting SoftWash Systems through this new organization, remaining active in 2013 and 2014, and participating lightly in 2015. The UAMCC provided yet another national platform for contractors to learn about softwashing and access training, helping AC further scale his system.
Softwashapalooza – The Game-Changing Summit (2012–Present)In 2012, SoftWash Systems launched Softwashapalooza, a high-energy, hands-on training summit that quickly became one of the most iconic events in the exterior cleaning industry. Focused on professional development, marketing strategies, and live demonstrations, Softwashapalooza brought together contractors from all over the world.
Even today, it's widely considered one of the finest and most influential events in the business—playing a major role in pushing softwashing into the mainstream and raising the bar for education and excellence across the industry.
Learn More & Stay UpdatedFor ongoing historical documentation, including updates through 2025, visit:
History of SoftWash Systems (2009–2026):http://propowerwash.com/board/upload/threads/history-of-softwash-systems-ac-lockyer-2009-to-2026.35446/
To explore SoftWash Systems’ current offerings, training programs, and certified network, visit:
SoftWash Systems Official Website:https://www.softwashsystems.com/
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