Archive for the ‘Pressure washing Articals’ Category

Restaurant Pressure Washing

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Restaurant pressure washing - People like to eat in a clean restaurant. Perhaps their fork, knife, spoon and plate are fresh from the dishwasher- but what about the rest of your place? Being a restaurant owner, you already know there is a lot of cleaning to do. Wiping down the tables, washing dishes and cooking equipment, vacuuming the floor and cleaning the bathrooms. But what about the tasks your wait and bus staff cannot do?

The answer to cleaning your ducts, signs, dumpster area and parking lot is found in pressure washing. A pressure washer is a necessity for those in the restaurant business. Owning one allows for do-it-yourself for endless cleaning duties.

You can start inside by using your pressure washer to give the kitchen hood, duct, and filters and fans a good cleaning. This will allow for better exhaust. The floor, which is most likely mopped daily, can get a much deeper good cleaning, much better than the busboy can do at day’s end! These two areas, by using a pressure washer, will also get rid of excess grease that was otherwise missed using other methods. For these areas, a light-duty setting can be used.

The exterior of the restaurant is also a key area, as this is what customers will see first. Use a setting of about 2600 PSI to clean oil spills, grease, excess dirt, chewing gum and other debris from your parking lot and sidewalks. If you have an outdoor seating area, clean that as well. For extra greasy areas, be sure to presoak the area. Higher pressure may need to be used on chewing gum. And, do not overlook the dumpster pad area, as this could be one of the most infested areas on your property. The garbage man may pick up the bags weekly, but if there are spills and caked food on and around the dumpster, you are just asking for rats, cats, bears and other stray scavengers.

Our new duct cleaners will help you clean your system from dust and general dirt.

And, while you are in pressure washer mode, take a look up at your sign. How does that look? Give it a quick spray and make it sparkle. If it is a hard to reach area use our telescoping wand that can go as high as 24′. A cleaner sign could look like a new sign. Perhaps you’ll attract some hungry mouths wanting to try out that “new” restaurant!

Ultimate Pressure Washer.com

Gas Station Cleaning

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Our gas station cleaning consist of unseeing commercial grade environmentally friendly de greasers to help remove any oil or greaes stains. While cleaning gas station we focus on removing gum, tar, oil, grease, etc. Not every bit of oil will come out of the concrete. Concrete sucks up oil like a sponge so it makes it very tuff to remove the oil stain but we can sure make it look allot better. Cleaning your gas station gives your costumers a pleasant atmosphere while feeling up as well as a great curb appeal. Our gas station cleaning services include cleaning your canopy 2 times a year. we charge 125 extra to clean a canopy. This includes cleaning and wiping down off all pump from top to bottom. After every gas station cleaning we wipe down all of the bottom of the pumps and clean all the bottom of the windows. The average cost of cleaning a gas station vary’s between 185.00 up to 675.00 most of the time it cost 225.00 to clean your gas station on a monthly baces. Our number one rule is to recover our water especially while cleaning gas stations.

Graffiti Removal

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

It’s a shame that most cities or large metropolitan areas suffer from the constant expense of graffiti removal! The amount of money it takes to hire a company or other professionals to battle the spray paint, oil based paints and other types of substances used to desecrate buildings, bridges and other surfaces could be so much better put to use in other desperate areas! Unfortunately, no matter how hard any neighborhood watch may try, there are those individuals out there who are always going to use the “world as their canvas” in order to get their “message” across and graffiti will always be a costly problem. You can’t stop the “oppressed” from making their mark, but what if there were a more cost effective way to solve the graffiti removal problem?

If it is up to a small group of people within a community to volunteer their time and resources with regard to graffiti removal, perhaps the edition of a pressure washer or even a sandblaster can help to keep up with the problem in a cost efficient way. It may not stop the ones responsible for letting the city know that “Adam Loves Rachel” but it can help empower the volunteers with equipment that can efficiently aid in graffiti removal and still maintain the original surface underneath!

In order to remove unwanted writing and pictures from all types of surfaces, it’s essential to have a pressure washer with the right amount of PSI. In most instances, as PSI of 2000-3500 should do the trick in graffiti removal, especially on concrete surfaces.

Hot water pressure washers are the most effective in removing all types of materials used in creating the graffiti. The right kind of nozzle head is extremely important when trying to release the bond of the unwanted material without hurting the actual surface that it it written on. Using a nozzle with a fan type spray is best; any type of direct line or “pencil spray” can cause costly damage to the underlying surface and should be avoided.

A water pressure washer / sandblaster combination may be the most cost effective and time efficient way to combat the different types of surface contaminants and paints used in graffiti. Sand blaster attachments are available to be used in conjunction with the pressure washer and are quite easy to operate. The use of silica sand for most graffiti removal jobs is highly recommended however referring to the instruction manual will help to resolve which type of sand may be best for easiest removal without damaging the underlying material.

Chemical solvents can be added to the spray of the pressure washer but must be used with care as some solvents can actually cause more damage to certain surfaces. Refer to the label of the solvent to be sure that it can be used safely on the surface you’re trying to clean. Performing a spot check is recommended. Apply the solvent on a small area, wait the proper amount of time indicated on the label and then determine if that particular chemical will have the desired effect on the clean up you’re trying to accomplish.

Graffiti removal can be conducted in a cost efficient manner with the right equipment and dedicated volunteers. Adding a combination pressure washer / sand blaster can greatly reduce the amount of time and manpower needed to combat the problem on a consistent basis.

Awning Cleaning

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Awnings can be wonderful additions to buildings, walkways, decks, patios, campers, and more. Windows are not alone, anymore, when it comes to wanting to keep the sun out, the rain off, or just add a warmer welcome! But have you ever seen filthy awnings that made you think the structure would be better off without them?

Many natural forces make for dirty awnings. Rain, soot, grease, smog (or pollution in general), bird droppings, tree sap, leaves, and needles all cause deterioration to awnings when left on the surface. They soil the awning and make it look old—often before it’s time. Some of the new vinyl and plastic awnings—used in many commercial applications—are made to last for many years. With proper awnings cleaning, they can always look brand new.

The daunting task of cleaning awnings, both underneath and topside has become less dismal with the advent of pressure washers. Awnings cleaning should be done quite gently, so small, low power, or electric pressure washers are fine.

You don’t need an industrial strength power washer for this job—in fact, be sure to keep the pressure to about 500 psi (pounds per square inch) only. Using your gas or electric pressure washer (especially with warm water, if you have that capability) can often remove much of the dirt awnings collect.

Folks seem to enjoy the comfort awnings imply…and so do bees, wasps, spiders, birds, and such. When preparing to clean any awning application, be sure to check for critters that may have decided to make the awning ‘home’. Don’t be surprised, and perhaps stung, by being a sudden intruder.

The one attachment you will need for awnings cleaning with your pressure washer is an extension or telescoping wand. This will keep you on the ground while the work is conducted 6’, 9’, 18’, or 24’ above you. That’s the versatility of today’s wands! If your pressure washer has a chemical injection system, and you find you need more cleaning power than plain water pressure, investigate the safest chemical cleaners for the type of awning.

If there are weird angles, or intricate hardware systems on the awnings, a spray flex wand, especially used for cleaning gutters, will come in handy for awnings cleaning, too. These attachments can be bent and shaped into any angle up to 90°, and stay that way until you reshape it. You can reach hard to clean areas and get cobwebs off intricate hardware easily with such a flexible reach.

The spray nozzle and pressure alone should do the trick for most awnings cleaning jobs. Be sure to adjust the nozzle for a light enough spray as not to damage the material. Try a 40° spray first. Keep moving the spray back and forth. This helps you keep an eye on any pending damage to the awning from the water pressure itself.

In certain cases, a cleaning solution will be needed to remove stains or soil. Before adding any pressure washer chemicals to your injection system, find out exactly what substance you are trying to remove. You also need to know what material you are cleaning. Is it fabric? Dyed? Is it aluminum, plastic, wood, or vinyl? Will the finish re-act poorly to chemicals—or even too strong a stream from your nozzle? Soap or other chemicals should help remove any stains, just be careful to chose the right ones.

The use of a power washer brushes should be considered carefully on fabric or lightweight awnings. The brush should be soft, such as a low-pressure 6” diameter rotating brush. Experiment on a small, out of the way area, and examine for damage before starting in heartily with a brush.

When you start awnings cleaning, start at the lower portion, and work your way up; this will prevent any chemicals from streaking through the dirt on the bottom as you do the top, or adding to it. While you are cleaning the top section, take notice of anything above the awning itself that can be dripping, steadily, onto the awning in the same spot. Such an issue, over time, can wear the spot thin, or create an un-removable stain on an otherwise good awning.

As with any cleaning job, especially when the extra power of a pressure washer is being applied, be sure to take note of your surroundings. You don’t want to rip apart an expensive door or window screen, or break an expensive light fixture while you’re aiming for the awning!

Picking The Right Pressure Washing Contractor

Sunday, November 1st, 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.

Before you paint your house!

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

Pressure wash cleaning is one of the best and cost effective ways to improve the curb appeal of your home. You may think you need to paint your  house because your paint is dull or dim, instead of spending thousands on painting a great way to to improve the look of your home is pressure washing. Pressure washing can make an old dull or dim house look new again. With pressure washing and the right environmental friendly chiemicals with the right know how, you can make your home look amazing. In the past we have preped homes for painting by  pressure washing, after we finish our pressure washing service some coustumers don’t even bother with the painting, But if you are painting your house we do highly recommind pressure washing it first. It is one of the most important prep before you paint.

PSI & GPM

Friday, April 10th, 2009

When buying or using a pressure washer most people are concerned with the PSI (pounds per square inch) more then the GPM (Gallons Per Minute). The truth is that the GPM is were it’s at, you only need 3000 to 3500 PSI to get the job done. The GPM on an average machine is about 2.5 to 3.5. The machines we use for Pressure Washing is 7.0 to 8.0 Most pressure washing company’s use 5.0 to 6.0 which is good but not great. You get better quality work and you get the job done much faster with the higher GPM.