Archive for the ‘Pressure Washing Tips’ Category

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Gas Station Pressure Washing

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Grease, oil, and tough stains can only be removed with the hot water pressure washers in a precise and timely manner. For gas station power washing we recommend a hot water pressure washers with diesel engine or the Trailer Mounted Pressure Washer .

Do gas, diesel and oil stains come out of concrete? The answer is yes. The best and the most common method of concrete cleaning is called pressure washing. There are several elements to consider when power washing hard surfaces (cement cleaning).

Power washing concrete is used in order to remove oil, fuel and grease from the concrete and to do so you will need a hot water power washer. A hot water unit is necessary for cement pavement cleaners since the cleaning solutions emulsify oil and grease stains better and faster as the water temperature increases. Secondly, for a gas station powerwash, the power washer must be capable of producing a pressure of 3000 PSI or more and a water flow of 4 GPM. Keep in mind that among all pressure washing jobs, oil and fuel are the toughest stains to clean. This will require more time, energy and better, more sophisticated gear.

Connect the unit to the water tank or an outside faucet. Pour Heavy-Duty Degreaser cleaning solution into your chemical tank and start the machine. Spray the surface in an orderly and sequential manner. The best results are achieved if you pressure wash one sequence at a time. Make sure you let the cleaning solution sit on the surface for 5 to 10 minutes. When ready to rinse use the highest maximum hot water temperature your burner is capable of producing. Also, you will need to use a heavy-duty turbo tip. Turbo tip is a very powerful tool that attaches to your wand. Use this tool occasionally and with great care. It can act as a raiser, and if used on wood or bricks it can cut the surface and damage it instead of cleaning it. The best idea is to practice with it before doing the actual job. Try spraying at a distance of 4-5 feet and at an angle of 45 degree. As you start feeling comfortable with it, bring the wand closer to the surface but never closer than 3 feet. Caution: Be sure that the turbo tip is completely attached before using the trigger gun. Failure to do so may result in the tip becoming a projectile and may be lost or it may damage property and/or harm persons.

In some instances, gas and diesel stains may need to be removed using Foamer and Flat Surface Cleaner . If you decide to use a foamer, you will connect your wand to the Foamer twist fast adapter. The Foamer will create foam using cleaning detergent or soap. When applied to the surface it will stick to it for a longer period of time allowing the detergent to emulsify the stains systematically and thoroughly. After that, you would disconnect the Foamer and connect the Flat Surface Cleaner . This machine has a flat round cleaning surface, two hand handle and three wheels for easy maneuverability. Use this cleaner to remove the “shadows” still visible on the surface. Clean the tough spots by going over them several times if necessary. Surface cleaner will most of the time clean the area better and faster. Clean gas stations are much safer than those covered in oil!

Sometimes leaf stains seem to be the problem. At times they leave ”ghost” stains that want to linger after the job has been finished. Here is the solution: Mix a gallon of liquid chlorine with 2 gallons of water, and spray it directly on the stains ( DO NOT put any bleach or chlorine in your machine; they will damage the parts and components). The stains are gone in 5-10 minutes. Then rinse the area one last time. In extreme cases you can use citric acid, but be careful with the amounts because acids tend to brighten the concrete, so an even application is critical. Chlorine can also be used for tire marks. Make certain you are power washing the area thoroughly every time you use chlorine. Advise! Make sure you check the local jurisdiction regarding fuel and oil removals. Some states require all spills to be removed by taking them off the premises and being cleaned instead of washing them off into the drainage system.

Pulled this off ultimate Washer.com it has some good info about pressure washing gas stations.

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Cleaning Articles - House Washing Articles

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

If you are considering washing your own home, knowing and using the right cleaners to do the job can be a huge time saver and give you much better results.

Most of what you will be dealing with will be mold, mildew, algae, dirt, cobwebs, bird droppings, and bug fecal. Other contaminants not as noticeable are exhaust emissions from cars, trucks, airplanes and such. Also anything any nearby factories may be putting out will also land on your home.

The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) recommends using the following for small spots of mold or mildew. Small spots of mold and mildew can be handled with cleaners such as Fantastik® or Windex®. For larger sections, a solution of vinegar (30%) and water (70%) has proven successful. Alternatively, you also could try the following solution: 1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) powdered laundry detergent (e.g., Tide®, Fab®, or equivalent), 2/3 cup (5 1/3 ounces) powdered household cleaner (e.g., Spic & Span®, Soilax®, or equivalent), 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) of water.

In my opinion, the only way to kill and remove mold and mildew is to use the bleach solution. Its important not only to remove it but to kill it as well. If you’ve ever cleaned mold or mildew before with just water you know it looks good at first but it returns in a short time, that’s because it was never completely killed.

Something else you need to know is that bleach is for killing and removing mold, mildew, and algae but does not clean well. For dirt and grime you will also need soap in your house wash cleaner. You can use the laundry soap like recommended by the VSI or add a few squirts of dish soap to your bleach mix.

Now you have a home cleaning recipe that will take care of most anything on your home. It can be applied with a brush or sponge. You can try using a pump up sprayer but bleach is corrosive and will eventually ruin the sprayer. It may work long enough to get the job done and if you rinse it thoroughly it may last even longer. Remember that if you’re going to use your pressure washer’s chemical injector to apply the cleaner, it will be diluting your mix quite a bit. Most injectors draw only 1 part chemical to 5 or 6 parts water. You can do the math and try making your initial solution stronger and see if you can get good results.

Once you’ve found a good solution, it should do most of the work for you and you will only need to rinse the area clean. After applying the solution allow it to dwell for a few minutes and then use your garden hose or a pressure washer using no more than 1000 psi and a wide fan nozzle to clean the area. Try to spray straight at eye level with the siding or you can force water underneath and behind it.

It’s important to rinse from top to bottom and to be thorough as to not leave any residue on your home. You can add some dishwasher rinse aid like Jet Dry to your mix if you want. An 8 oz bottle will treat 5 gallons of cleaning solution, this will help the water sheet off the siding.

The bleach, water, soap, and rinse aid (optional) cleaning solution will also work well on aluminum and painted wood siding. It can also be used for vinyl fences, plastic decking, painted shutters, lawn furniture and most anything else that is exposed to the elements and is covered in dirt, mold, and mildew.

Make sure when working around your plants and shrubs that you wet them down with water before, during, and after the cleaning process so no solution is allowed to dry on them. The same goes for your windows, don’t allow the solution to dry on them and you’ll be fine. Also wear eye and hand protection and a ventilation mask when dealing with bleach. Never mix ammonia with bleach or anything else you aren’t sure of.

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How to Pressure Wash your drive way

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Your driveway is a mess and you know it. It’s full of grease stains; dirt; sand; mud; tire marks; tree sap; not to mention a dozen other things that make it look older and more worn than it really is. Don’t you think it’s time to give your driveway a good power washing?

One of the easiest, fastest and cheapest ways to spruce up the outside of your home is to give it a good scrubbing. Pressure washing driveway isn’t hard, yet it can make a big difference as to how you (and others) see your home.

To give your driveway the kind of scouring it deserves, get out your pressure washer ad get to work. But, first, remember these important tips:

Pick up all loose debris on the driveway
Soak up any excess grease or oil using sawdust or cat litter
Pre-treat the area with a degrease

Soak the entire driveway in cleaning solution for about 10 minutes
Finish by spraying the area in even strokes using a power washer that produces at least 3000 PSI
For extra tough stains, use a pressure washing driveway cleaner that is specially designed to clean asphalt, cement, concrete and brick or a turbo nozzle that will better direct the flow of water onto the surface using a high pressure stream
Once you are finished pressure washing your driveway, you may want to consider resealing it to prevent damage in the future
Cutting Your Cleaning Time With a Water Broom

Pressure washing driveway will go a lot faster and easier is you sue a water broom. This simple attachment added to your pressure washer will allow you to more evenly clean your driveway in half the time, and with half the effort of using your pressure washer alone.

Using a Surface Cleaner to Beat the Tough Stains

Sometimes pressure washing driveway isn’t enough to get it back into pristine shape. That’s when its time to bring out the big guns: a surface cleaner. Surface cleaners can help remove dirt and grime from your driveway up to 15 times faster than using a standard wand alone, and 10 times faster then using a water broom.

Surface cleaners work the same way as a pressure washer gun. These arms of the cleaner rotate, or spin with the flow of the water (greater the water volume – the faster it spins), which creates a scrubbing action with the water coming out. Since the spray nozzles are only1/2” to 2” away from the surface being cleaned, it works better. One of the greatest advantages of using surface cleaning machines to pressure washing driveway is that they eliminate the “zebra” striping usually seen on driveways and sidewalks after being cleaned.

Pressure washing driveways isn’t the only thing surface cleaners are useful for. They can also be used to clean:

Tennis Courts
Shuffleboard Courts
Basketball Courts
Roofs - Excellent Results with Clay Tile Roofs (Use Low Pressure on Shingle Roofs)
Pool Decks
Sidewalks
Driveways
Loading Docks
Warehouse Floors
Refrigerated Semi Trailer Floors

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Picking a good cleaning contractor Corona, Riverside,

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Finding a qualified pressure washing business can be a daunting task for the homeowner. The following guide has been developed to help you locate a quality pressure washing contractors.

Educate Yourself. First and foremost, realize that education is your best line of defense. With pressure washing, the possibility for damage exists. Take the time to understand potential risks and how to minimize them. This will help you distinguish cut-rate pressure washing contractors from quality professionals.

Meet the Contractor. Meet the contractor during the estimate and take time to evaluate the site together. This will better communications and reduce errors in the estimating process.
Get Consultation. A qualified pressure washing contractors will take time to review your site, ask questions and seek out areas of concern. They will listen carefully and interpret the service you desire and expect. In turn, they will also review with you, the strengths and limitations of their service. As you consult with various contractors, ask them specific questions on service, procedures, expected outcomes, and possibilities for damage. Together you will develop a more complete picture of the service, weeding out obvious inconsistencies in service. In all this is a great way to judge professionalism.
Get A Procedure Listing. This list briefly outlines the steps that will be taken during your particular job. It may be a separate sheet or part of the estimate. In either case, this is a very helpful tool when comparing one pressure washing service to another.
Inquire about Equipment. Is it owed or rented? Owed or leased equipment is evidence of a long-term commitment to the field of pressure washing. Renting may indicate only an occasional need for equipment.
Most pressure washing businesses will have power washer equipment that can supply 11-15 HP (horsepower, strength), 3000-4000 PSI (pound per square inch, force) and 3-6 GPM (gallons per minute, flow). A rating of 2000 PSI and 2 GPM or less is a residential grade of equipment and will not perform at the level of doing business.

Ask for a Demonstration. This is not always feasible. Demonstrations can take an enormous amount of time to setup and perform. Often contractors will forgo demonstrations and ask the client to be present at job startup. This is not uncommon. If you are not satisfied with results or question work performance, do not hesitate to inform them.
Get Written Estimates. Having a written estimate protects both you and the pressure washing contractors. A written estimate should detail the desired service, expected outcome and complete costs in labor and material.
Get Referrals. When you get referrals, be sure that they represent the service you desire. For instance, someone seeking deck cleaning should receive deck cleaning referrals, not vinyl siding cleaning. Once you have referrals, use them. Ask specific questions concerning cleaning procedures, job outcomes, workmanship and professionalism.
Satisfaction and Billing Policies. Familiarize yourself with the contractor’s satisfaction and billing policies. Understand deposits and payment schedules. Ask them, in the event of dissatisfaction, what their policy is.
Insurance. Check to see that your contractor has liability insurance. All pressure washing contractors should have protected both themselves and their clients from possible on-site accidents, injury, or damage.
Analyze Cost. Cost of service will be a factor in your decision. Keep in mind less cost frequently means less service and less quality. Basically, you get what you pay. Be wary of $49 deck and $99 house washes.
Be Present During The Job. Observe work as it takes place. Quite often, cleaning results are remarkable and you should experience this process first hand. Likewise, be ready to consult with the contractor as any problems or potential damages arise.
Be Present At Job Completion. Thoroughly inspect and evaluate the job site upon completion. List any problems or concerns and review them with the contractor. A contractor is more likely to address problems now, than returning in the future.
Overall, build your knowledge base, research each pressure washing contractors and use common sense when choosing a contractor. Understand the entire cleaning process, analyze cost comparisons, and weed out possible low quality service providers. A quality pressure washing contractor will encourage and assist in helping you in all these areas.

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Pressure washing tips Riverside, Orange county, Inland Empire

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Pressure washing tips and advice:

Even though there are several techniques in cleaning different applications, pressure-washing basics are pretty unique and simple. If you haven’t handled the power washer before, be sure to take a few minutes to practice, get a feel for the wand, and choose the most effective spray pattern. For better control and to keep your arms from tiring, use two hands. Many experienced contractors use the handle that attached to the wand to help hold the lance more securely. Other advises:

While it’s best to wash with the wand aimed downward, at times you’ll have to point it somewhat upward, especially under soffits. When you do, remember the general rule not to drive the water directly into cracks or gaps. And always avoid shooting water up into soffit vents. Also, it is dangerous to wash directly underneath the shingles, because they can be easily moved and misplaced.

Never pressure wash while standing on a ladder; the recoil from the pressure can knock you off balance. For that reason we recommend, the telescoping wand that can reach points as high as 24′. They are easy to operate and are great accessory for washing 2 or 3 story buildings.

Steer clear of electrical devices like lights and outlets. You can easily cause a short circuit or break them. If you are using an electric pressure washer, make sure it is equipped with the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), to protect yourself from possible electrical shocks.

Always test the pressure of the outgoing water, to eliminate the possibility of stripping loose paint and gouging the wood or other surfaces. This is considered the most common mistakes and will leave you with time-consuming, difficult wood repairs.

Make sure the wood is completely dry before applying seals and new paint.

Pressure washing techniques:

1. CONNECT the pressure washer to the outdoor faucet through an ordinary garden hose, attach a nozzle (make sure it is fully attached) and start the engine. Wear goggles to keep paint chips and dirt out of your eyes, and clothing that can get soaked. Expect to get wet.

2. PRACTICE handling the washer in a low area first. Hold the wand with two hands and move it across the siding from side to side at a steady pace. Start about 2-3 ft. from the siding, then move closer until you find the optimal cleaning distance. In general, work at a horizontal or slightly downward angle to avoid driving water up under the siding.

3. BEGIN washing the walls at the bottom and work upwards. Wash the gutters and soffits as well as the siding. Direct the spray away from breakable objects like windows and outside lights, and remove house numbers and window boxes whenever possible.

4. PRESSURE from the power washers will remove loose paint, but they’re not a substitute for scraping. In some cases you will have to scrape additional loose paint.

5. CAUTION! If you hold the nozzle too close or for too long in one spot, you’ll gouge the wood. Gouging will be inevitable if you try to strip paint.

6. DIRECT the nozzle away from windows, holding the wand away at an angle so you don’t drive water into joints, gaps or against the glass. Even so, check the sill on the inside and dry up any water that leaked through. Remove the shutters after washing and wash underneath.

7. USE an adjustable extension wand (6 to 18 ft.) to wash high areas. At full length and at high pressures, the wand takes some muscle to handle. It is also advisable to use a belt kit to support the weight of the wand. Such wand with water flowing through the hose can weigh as much as 40 lbs. Good control takes some practice, but it’s safer than pressure washing from a ladder. Remember to keep all the windows closed.

8. CLEAN high areas beyond the reach of the pressure washer extension with a rotating nylon brush and a quality pressure washer chemicals. Begin from the lower areas and work upward, rinsing frequently. Let the cleaning solution dwell for 10 to 15 minutes. When finished, rinse with fresh water from the top down using your pressure washer. Your deck and/or fence are now ready for a new paint.

Remembering these pressure washing tips and techniques, your first experience with power washing will be flawless.

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Tips for Cleaning Shingle Roofs With Soft Washing Techniques

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Cleaning any type of roof system requires experience and the use of proper equipment accompanied by professional grade cleaners that are formulated to remove debris without causing damage your roof. And one of the most common roof systems that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis is the shingle roof. It may suprise you to know how many roofs get replaced each year based on the looks of the shingles and all that was required was a good cleaning.

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Gutter Cleaning Orange County, inland Empire, Riverside,

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Will spring arrive and find you pulling out your gas pressure washer to spruce things up? You probably use it to clean your deck, patio furniture, and outdoor toys and sports equipment. Gas pressure washers are great for cleaning winter salt stains from your walkways and driveway. Many folks use their gas pressure washers to wash their cars and campers. Then, they put it away and climb a ladder to clean out their gutters by hand!

It is amazing how many homeowners only use their gas pressure washer for a few jobs, storing it away 80% of the time. But, from clearing sink drains to cleaning your gutters, there are seemingly endless uses for this phenomenal machine…all it takes are a few special attachments…and your imagination!

The safest way to clean gutters is while you are standing on the ground. Your versatile gas pressure washer can manage this easily with a telescoping or extension wand, and an affordable gutter cleaning attachment.

Extensions and telescoping wands are available in several models. They fit most gas pressure washers, or are easily made adaptable with minor hardware connectors. They increase the psi (pounds per square inch) and gpm (gallons per minute) of your gas pressure washer. Extension wands can be less expensive and can provide greater PSI and gpm then telescoping wands, but they generally only extend in lengths from 36” to 79”. Molded and insulated, they can deliver up to 15.8 gpm and go as high as 9,570 PSI. They can usually handle hot water up to 300° F.

Telescoping wands have lower water temperature ratings (195° - 200° F), and can deliver 3,000 – 4,000 PSI at up to 8 GPM, but a telescoping wand can give greater distance. Two popular models extend your cleaning range from 6’-18’ or 9’- 24’. Telescoping wands have a belt attachment that takes much of the pressure of the weight away off your back. The wands weigh between 12 –13 pounds.

Add a gutter cleaning nozzle and a spray flex wand, which bends, twists, and turns up to a 90° angle, and you have everything you need to easily clean not only gutters, but all hard to reach places like low ledges, under eaves, around corners, and even the unexposed areas of your vehicles like wheel wells and engine undersides. The spray flex wands are great. You adjust the angle needed, and the wand will retain the angle even with up to 4,000 PSI pressure.

Hot water capability makes any cleaning job easier (and it is an affordable addition to gas pressure washers, too), but it is not necessary for cleaning gutters. Neither is a super powered gas pressure washer, but water will lose some pressure due to the height it must travel while you remain on the ground. Water will lose about 4 psi in about 10’ of height. At 50’, it will drop about 22 PSI, and 100’ will see a loss of about 43 PSI.

Increasingly, gas pressure washers are coming out of cellars and garages and are providing an income (or supplementing one), for ambitious entrepreneurs. Gas pressure washers have stirred the imagination of engineers and tinkerers’ alike, and are now the main unit for a plethora of attachments to optimize their applications and turn them into real moneymakers. If your business is cleaning, gas pressure washers make absolute sense. They can add tremendous cleaning capability to your repertoire. Offering gutter cleaning using gutter cleaner wand is just one more way a gas pressure washer puts money in your pocket with minimal financial outlay.

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Duct Cleaning

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

During a periodic clean up at home or in an office, duct cleaning is often overlooked, and for very good reasons. Very few find the necessity of carrying out the job especially if the air conditioning or the exhaust system seems to be in order. And doing it can be very frustrating and tiring since not all the parts of a ducting system are readily visible.

But duct cleaning is as important as any cleaning job.

An air duct system comprise of supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, blowers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, drip pans, fan motor and housing and the air handling unit housing.

All these parts should be properly maintained and cleaned. Failure to do so may result in accumulation of dust, pollen, grime and other debris. If moisture develops, microbiological growth like molds may ensue, and corrosion may start. In extreme cases, dirty ducts may become health hazards.

Duct cleaning is particularly crucial in restaurant operations. Many contaminants like dust, grease, oil, bits of paper and fibers may find their way into the ducting system and lead to a destructive fire ignited by stray spark or even heat build up.

Restaurants are particularly prone to fire if one looks at how exhaust systems work there. Hoods are designed to capture smoke, heated grease and particles so as not to contaminate the food cooked or waft into the dining area. With time and improper maintenance, dirt can rapidly choke the system.

The best method to prevent further damage to exhaust ducts is periodic pressure washing. Next to a seasoned chef, an industrial duct cleaner may be the most important investment the owners can make.

The owner can commission a commercial cleaning outfit, but due to a recurring need for duct cleaning, owning an industrial grade pressure washer is a must, and cost effective in the long run. In addition local fire and health departments are increasingly wary of eating places which are not up to standards in safety and cleanliness.

Duct cleaners are perfect accessories for any hot or cold pressure washer. They come in many sizes and are designed for cleaning specific portions of a ducting system. To clean vertical ductwork, a fixed type duct cleaner with non-adjustable arms is perfect for the job.

A typical one contains 2 spray nozzles capable of withstanding high RPM and pressure of 4000 PSI. The temperature of operation is normally between 40°F and 250°F. The nozzle sizes are determined based on the pressure and flow rate (GPM) desired.

Horizontal duct cleaning devices use an adjustable type. Typically, these are designed to be mobile, with a side to side frame and height which is adjustable, and mounted in casters. The set up allows easy cleaning and restrains the entire device from bouncing off the walls during operation.

Ducts at home also need occasional cleaning. But if you keep ducts well maintained, cleaning time can be few and far in between.

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Pressure Washing Contractor

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Why a pressure washing contractor? Being a pressure washing contractor with a D38 lic gives us the ability to wright contacts with big business or even small business if we wright a contract most likely its for a year and we are able to give a better price. Pressure Washing Contractors also are required to carriea 12500.00 dollar bond, California requires a contractors licence when doing business over 500 dollars including Pressure Washing Services. Not only that but its possible if a  Pressure Washing company that is not a Contractor does a job for you and gets hurt on your property, could make you cover the hospital bill. There are many benefits when dealing with Pressure Washing Contractors. To see if your Pressure Washing company is a register Contractor go to www.cslb.ca.gov and type in the company name.

Contractors lic# 937279   (D38 and General B) Precision Pressure Washing

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Why Precision Pressure washing?

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

As a costumer or business owner you always have the option of picking any cleaning company for your pressure washing needs Why Precision?  At Precision Pressure Washing we have fast friendly service 24/7 We pride ourselves in showing up on time and getting the job done right. Our equipment is top of the line. The best steamers. pressure washers, and recovery systems on the market. Here are a few things that sets us apart.

1. Contractors Lic

2. Api certified

3. AQMD registered and certified

4. Lic, Bonded, and Ins.

5. Recovery classes in PWNA for water recovery

See the differences in experience with Precision Pressure Washing

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