A professional pressure washer can do a lot more than just make things look clean. They can prevent damage, and help with safety and health issues too.
To build your business, market to homeowners and businesses in your area. This includes networking in local groups, posting on Facebook, and distributing flyers.
Cleaning Garbage Cans
Garbage cans collect food residue, caked-on grease, and dead bugs – not to mention the foul smell of bacteria-ridden gunk. A regular hose can rinse off some of the dirt, but a pressure washing machine with a rotating scrub brush attachment will make quick work of cleaning even the most soiled waste bin. You’ll want to wear rubber gloves while scrubbing trash cans and use a solution of water and bleach to disinfect them. Washing your garbage cans outside is safer than doing so indoors, where the splatter of food could land on you or other household members.
Start by removing the trash bags and loose debris from your waste bin. It’s best to clean it on collection day, after your trash, recycling, and compost have been picked up, because the cans will be empty. If you can’t wash your garbage cans on that day, do so on a sunny one so they will dry faster.
Fill a bucket with a solution of two parts water and one part bleach. Dip your long-handled scrub brush into this mixture and scrub the interior and exterior of the container, paying special attention to the nooks and crannies. After scrubbing, let the container sit in the solution for about six minutes to fully disinfect it. Then rinse it with fresh water and let it dry completely before using.
In between washings, Melissa Poepping, founder of The Chemical Free Home, suggests wiping the garbage can down with a damp cloth or paper towel. She also recommends keeping newspapers in the bottom of your can to absorb leaks and odors. And if you’re thinking about replacing your garbage cans, she says that “any impermeable material is the way to go,” like aluminum or stainless steel.
Once you’ve cleaned your garbage cans, consider offering a recurring service for customers that includes regularly scheduled bin cleanings. This is a great marketing opportunity for your pressure washing business, and it will help build a relationship with each client. You can even set up an automated email sequence that sends coupons for your services to your clients’ inboxes on a weekly or monthly basis.
Preparing Your Building for Painting
Regardless of whether you’re getting ready for a new paint job or simply want to brighten the appearance of your home, exterior surfaces must be free from mildew, mold and dirt buildup. The best way to do this is with a thorough power washing.
For this task, commercial contractors typically use 4 to 6 gallons per minute (gpm) at 1500 to 3500 pounds per square inch (psi). For home tasks, you’ll need slightly less force; 3 gpm and 500 to 2000 psi should suffice for most surfaces.
Before you begin, examine the area and note any fixed features that shouldn’t be washed with the high-pressure spray. Also, look for sagging areas of the structure or any cracks that could allow water to enter, leading to damage and a potential health hazard.
Next, remove any moveable items and cover them with plastic tarps to protect them from the wash. Also, be sure to cover any plants that could be harmed by the water. Lastly, take the time to sweep up any dirt or loose gravel that may be swept away during the cleaning process and place it in containers for proper disposal.
Once you’ve gathered all of the materials and equipment you’ll need, make sure to read your pressure washer’s manual and follow its instructions carefully. It is important to know how much pressure you’re able to safely use, as too much can damage wood or cause discoloration to paint or other finishes.
Generally speaking, you’ll start with the widest spray nozzle possible, and then work your way down to the narrowest nozzle. Each nozzle has a specific purpose; a wider nozzle will tackle large areas and concrete surfaces, while the narrowest nozzles can get into crevices to remove stubborn stains.
Once you’ve attached the appropriate nozzle to your power washer, apply detergent and let it soak into the surface for about 10 minutes before switching to high-pressure spray. Keep the nozzle at least 10 inches from the surface and make sure to keep overlapping each pass by five or more inches. Continue this process until the accumulated dirt and grime is removed.
Preventing Mold and Mildew
Molds and mildew are types of fungi that grow where there’s moisture. They’re part of the natural environment, and they play an important role outdoors by breaking down dead organic material that enriches the soil. Indoors, however, they can cause a wide range of problems, from allergies to serious health issues for immunocompromised people.
The first step in preventing both is to eliminate moisture wherever it’s present. If there’s a leaky roof, wet basement or spilled drywall, tackle the issue immediately. It takes just 24 to 48 hours for mold to develop on a damp surface, and once it starts, the spores spread quickly.
It’s also a good idea to check and clean all surfaces that can become infested with mold, including plants, foods and paper products. The presence of mold spores in the air can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat of those sensitive to them. Molds and mildew can rot wood, discolor fabric and deteriorate leather.
Both mold and mildew are easily prevented with regular cleaning and good housekeeping practices. It’s a good idea to have the ducts in your heating and cooling system cleaned regularly to prevent any clogging or blockages that could result in excessive moisture in the home, which can lead to mold growth.
Make sure to wipe down and scrub any areas that are prone to moisture buildup with a cleaning product that includes bleach or antifungal agents. These can include wooden furniture, wallpaper, carpets, insulation, drywall and fabric. It’s also a good idea to add ventilation as a permanent feature in any rooms where mold might want to live long-term, such as a basement bathroom or laundry room.
Another great way to keep moisture at bay is by avoiding keeping fabrics in contact with each other until they’re completely dry. This means not storing wet clothes in the same drawer as other fabrics, or hanging wet towels over closet rods. It’s also a good idea not to leave wet washcloths or towels crumpled on the floor, and to spray washable items with a product that contains a fungicide before hanging them up to dry.
Preventing Damage
A pressure washer is an efficient and effective way to clean a variety of surfaces, both indoors and out. This tool can remove moss, mildew, dirt and grime from concrete, brick, wood and a range of other surfaces. Regular cleaning can help extend the life of a surface and prevent future damage from harsh chemicals or debris. A dirty and stained home or commercial building exterior can lower a property’s curb appeal, but a professional cleaning with a pressure washer can make the space look new again.
A business plan is an essential part of any small business, including a pressure washing service. This document helps you figure out how much to charge for your services and the best way to market your company to attract customers. It’s also necessary for applying for loans, as some lenders require a business plan before they will provide funds.
To prevent injuries and damage to surfaces while power washing, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling and using your machine. In addition, make sure you have a sturdy ladder to climb on for hard-to-reach places and don’t forget safety glasses to protect yourself from flying debris. It is a good idea to wear rubber gloves as well, as the water spray can cause lacerations.
Once you’ve assembled your equipment, it’s important to test the pressure of your machine on an inconspicuous area of the surface to be cleaned. This will let you know if the pressure is high enough to damage the surface or if you need to use a less forceful setting. Once you’ve found the right settings, take your time to clean the entire surface.
If you’re washing a large outdoor surface, break the project into manageable sections. This will prevent you from running out of gas or soap before completing the task. It’s also a good idea to choose a day that isn’t too sunny, as the sun can dry detergents before they have a chance to rinse off the surface being cleaned.
Finally, it’s a good idea to use the appropriate nozzle for the surface you are cleaning. For example, a black-tipped soaping nozzle is ideal for gently cleaning delicate surfaces like vinyl siding or painted woodwork. A high-pressure nozzle is best for cleaning tough dirt and stains, such as on driveways or car exteriors.