Description
At 0.02 L of concentrate per m² for a single application and a 1:5 dilution rate with water, Atlas Mykos Plus 5L is a biocide-authorised concentrated fungicide and algaecide engineered to eliminate algae, mould, lichen and biological corrosion from facades, render systems and EWI installations across UK climate exposure. It belongs in our cleaning products range as the diagnostic-grade biocidal cleaner for organic surface contamination.
Product Overview
Atlas Mykos Plus is a concentrated dual-active biocide combining alkyl (C12–C16)-dimethylbenzylamine with 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one — a chemistry profile authorised under biocidal product registration No 7371/18 with biocidal effect against algae and mould fungi at minimum 150 g/m² of prepared solution. The product penetrates a few millimetres into absorbable mineral substrates, working actively within the material structure rather than only on the surface.
That depth of action matters. Surface-only cleaners remove visible growth but leave embedded mycelium and spore reserves intact, allowing rapid recolonisation. Mykos Plus reaches into the substrate where biological corrosion takes hold, which is why the manufacturer recommends three applications with 12–24 hour intervals on heavily contaminated facades — the protocol that stops the regrowth cycle rather than postponing it.
Key Benefits & Practical Uses
- Biocide authorisation No 7371/18: registered active chemistry with documented biocidal effect against algae, mould, lichen and basidiomycete fungi.
- Concentrated, dilutable to 1:5: a 5 L pack covers a substantial facade area at the recommended 0.02 L/m² consumption rate per application.
- Penetrates a few millimetres into mineral substrates: reaches embedded biological growth in render, concrete and stone, not just visible surface contamination.
- Works on render and EWI systems: approved for facades with or without thermal insulation, including silicone render finishes, concrete and limestone — preserves substrate appearance when applied per protocol.
- Preventive residual action: protects treated surfaces against secondary biological corrosion, extending the cleaning interval significantly compared to non-residual cleaners.
- Compatible with subsequent finishing: treated surfaces accept paints, renders or ceramic tiles after a minimum 48-hour cure — the product does not block downstream coatings.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product type | Concentrated fungicide and algaecide (biocide) |
| Active substances | Alkyl (C12–C16)-dimethylbenzylamine 2.40 g/100g · 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one 0.24 g/100g |
| Biocide authorisation | No 7371/18 |
| Density | ~1.0–1.1 g/cm³ |
| Dilution | Up to 1:5 with water (severity dependent) |
| Consumption | 0.02 L concentrate per m² per single application |
| Contact time | 6–12 hours minimum; 12–24 hour break between applications |
| Re-coat / finish | Minimum 48 hours after final application |
| Pack size | 5 L plastic container |
| Storage | +10°C to +30°C, protect from freezing; 24-month shelf life |
| Manufacturer | Atlas (Poland) |
Use & Compatibility
Mykos Plus works on mineral and ceramic substrates: building facades with or without thermal insulation, render systems, concrete, cement and cement-lime plasters, brick and block walls, terraces and basements. The product is not formulated for timber surfaces or for indoor wet areas (laundries, bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools), where the manufacturer specifies Atlas Mykos No. 1 instead.
Biological growth it eliminates
The dual-active chemistry targets a broad biological spectrum: algae and lichens on weathered facades, basidiomycete fungi, and moulds including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terrus, Paecilomyces variotti, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium ochrochloron, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Trichoderma viride. For diagnostic distinction between the common UK render-staining types, see our red algae vs green algae guide.
When this is not the right cleaner
Biological growth is one staining type — mineral and chemical staining is the other. Cement, lime and gypsum residues, efflorescence and limescale require an acid-based cleaner; for those deposits, the Atlas Cement Away Szop is the correct choice. The diagnostic step matters: applying the wrong chemistry wastes product and leaves the original problem untouched. The efflorescence diagnosis guide covers the visual differences.
Usage Notes
For the cleanest result, follow the manufacturer's three-pass protocol on heavily contaminated surfaces. First, locate and remove the source of damp — biological growth without underlying moisture is rare, and treating the surface without addressing the cause produces a short-lived result. Pre-clean the surface mechanically or with a pressure washer to remove loose contamination, then apply the diluted product profusely until the surface is fully moist.
Allow 6–12 hours minimum contact time per pass, with 12–24 hour breaks between applications. Three applications addresses fungi at different growth stages — vegetative mycelium and germinating spores respond quickly, but the more resistant spore forms such as conidia need repeat exposure. Cutting the protocol short on heavy contamination is the most common reason for visible regrowth within a season.
Trade Insight — Practical Note
The biggest mistake on biological cleaning is treating the symptom rather than the cause. Render that grows algae again within twelve months is almost always rendering on a wall with an unresolved damp source — failed flashing, blocked weep paths, leaking gutters, or insufficient roof overhang. The cleaning works; the conditions return. Diagnosing and fixing the moisture source first is what makes the cleaning hold.
Professional applicators consistently report that the residual preventive effect is what justifies the investment in a biocide-authorised product over a generic surface cleaner. The active chemistry stays in the substrate, suppressing recolonisation through the next damp season — and that protection is the genuine value of the dilution-and-protocol approach. Skipping passes saves time on the day; the regrowth cycle reclaims it within months.
Is This Product Right for Your Project?
- Choose this product if: you need to remove algae, mould, lichen or other biological growth from facades, render systems, EWI installations, terraces or stone surfaces — and want residual protection against regrowth.
- Consider the alternative: for cement, lime, gypsum or efflorescence-type mineral residues, the Atlas Cement Away Szop is the correct acid-based cleaner; for resin or polymer dispersion residues, the Resin Away Szop 2000 handles polymer-based contamination.
- Use in context: apply before refinishing or repainting silicone render elevations affected by biological growth — Mykos Plus disinfects the substrate before the new finish, breaking the recolonisation cycle.
- Not the right fit: indoor wet areas (use Mykos No. 1), timber surfaces, mineral or chemical staining without biological growth, or projects where the underlying damp source remains unresolved.
FAQ
How much surface area does a 5 L pack typically treat?
At the manufacturer's recommended 0.02 L/m² consumption rate per application, a 5 L pack of concentrate covers approximately 250 m² per single application before dilution. With 1:5 dilution and the three-pass protocol on heavy contamination, treated facade area scales accordingly — a single 5 L pack handles substantial residential elevation work.
Can the product be used on EWI render finishes?
Yes — the product is explicitly approved for facades with thermal insulation systems, including render finishes over EPS, mineral wool and similar EWI build-ups. The penetrating action reaches embedded growth without damaging the render surface when applied per the dilution and contact-time protocol. Sample application on a discreet area is recommended for any new substrate.
How does this compare to Atlas Cement Away Szop for render cleaning?
The two products address opposite staining types. Mykos Plus is a biocide for biological growth — algae, mould, lichen, fungal corrosion. Atlas Cement Away Szop is an acid cleaner for mineral residues — cement, lime, gypsum, efflorescence. Diagnosing the staining type first determines which product applies; using the wrong chemistry wastes both.
How long after application can the surface be repainted or rendered?
Minimum 48 hours after the final application of Mykos Plus before subsequent finishing work — paints, renders or ceramic tiles. The manufacturer recommends silicone or silicate paints such as Atlas Salta N for the new finish, since these systems reduce substrate absorption and limit the conditions that allow biological recolonisation.
Why does the manufacturer recommend three applications rather than one?
Biological contamination contains organisms at different growth stages. Vegetative mycelium and germinating spores respond to a single pass, but conidia and other resistant spore forms survive — and re-establish growth from the substrate within months. The three-pass protocol with 12–24 hour intervals targets each stage in turn, breaking the recolonisation cycle.
What safety precautions are required when handling the product?
The concentrate contains active biocides with skin and eye irritation risk and potential allergenic effect. Protective gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation are essential. The product is very toxic to aquatic life — runoff control and proper waste disposal are required. Following the safety guidance on the product label and SDS protects both the operator and the surrounding environment.
Technical Documentation