Pressure Washing Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT CHEMICALS DO YOU USE?
The majority of our chemicals are either chlorine/bleach products and/or degreasers for animal fats or petroleum-based product cleaning. Chlorine is about twice as strong as household bleach and is typically 12.5% chlorine. Without a downstream injector, we don’t use more than 20% of the chemical being used. The degreasers we use are biodegradable. They are either used for animal fats, restaurant oil, petroleum-based products like hydraulic fluid and motor oil.
ARE THE CHEMICALS YOU USE PLANT FRIENDLY, PAINT FRIENDLY, PET-FRIENDLY OR ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE?
Spraying any kind of chemical and not rinsing it can be harmful. We wet the subject before we apply the chemical and completely rinse it as a final step. Many of our products are biodegradable and earth friendly, if used in the right manner.
WHAT PRESSURE PSI DO YOU USE?
It can range from garden hose pressure to 5000 psi, but on an average, is around 3600. We have full control using our dual lances and we can get close or further away from what we are cleaning.
HOW MANY GALLONS PER MINUTE DO YOU USE?
All the pressure washers use ranges from 5.5 GPM to 8.5 gallons per minute. Of course, we will not be 100% fulling cleaning. There is a lot of stopping & going. For two people working for say an hour or two it’s around 8.5 GPM because of the stopping and going.
WILL THE PRESSURE REMOVE PAINT FROM MY HOUSE?
All our pressure washers are adjustable. It can be gentle enough to clean a pet or set to strip paint. The pressure we use depends on the job type and we rarely use full pressure. The Chemicals we use do most of the work for us. Note: In rare cases, you may have loose paint that may chip off with even very low pressure.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD PAVERS, POOL CAGES, HOUSES, DRIVEWAYS, ETC. BE CLEANED?
Cleaning schedules for these things depend on traffic and weather conditions. Other conditions, such as construction in the area, will determine how fast these items become soiled. For guideline purposes, use these schedules:
House Exterior (6 months to 3 years)
Pavers and Driveways (6 to 12 months)
Pool Cages ( 6 months to 2 years)
DO YOU USE HOT WATER?
Yes. We have two heating units that heat the water up to 250°, which is for commercial jobs and for oil/grease spots. Hot water is not required for residential jobs, but there are situations where it’s needed. There is an extra fee for hot water.
DO YOU DO COMMERCIAL PRESSURE WASHING?
Yes. We have 28 commercial accounts that are on biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual cleaning schedules. Our accounts consist of plazas, restaurants, stores and even bridges.
WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
We use top-of-the-line commercial grade pressure washers ranging from 20 HP to 24 HP. They are capable water pressure between 50 to 5000 psi, at a consumption of 5.5 to 8.5 gallons per minute. Most of our equipment is trailer mounted. We use the best, most widely used, 20 surface Cleaner and Dual wands for complete control.
WILL PRESSURE WASHING DAMAGE MY SCREENS?
We use very low pressure to breeze off the screens. The only time screen will get blown out is if it is extremely old or is already ripping on the sides. Usually, when the wind pressure in front of the pressure washing is more of a damaging effect than the pressure itself.
CAN YOU DO THE SECOND-STORY SCREENED IN PORCHES?
Yes, we would have to peel back some of the screen and spline in the corner and run a hose in the patio and then re-spline the screen when done. It’s not hard, but can take 2-3 times longer than using a door.
ARE YOU LICENSED, INSURED AND/OR CARRY WORKERS COMP?
We are fully Licensed, Insured and Carry Workers Comp from the state on all of our employees and can be visually seen or printed from our website.
HOW MANY TRUCKS DO YOU HAVE ON THE ROAD?
We currently have two trucks and two trailers fully equipped on the road.
DO WE NEED TO BE HOME WHEN WORK IS BEING PERFORMED?
No, I would say half our customers are not home. We ask that things are moved out of the way.
DO YOU SEND OUT REMINDERS?
The program we use typically use sends out an email and a text message four days prior to the appointment time.
WHAT’S THE PERCENTAGE OF CHEMICALS DO YOU USE COMPARED TO THE WATER RATIO?
In most cases, we typically would use anywhere from 1.25% to 12.5% chlorine ratio. It all depends what we are cleaning and how bad it is.
DO YOU USE THE RECLAIMED (CAPE CORAL) WATER FOR YOUR PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES?
No, because why would you want to spray reclaimed water on anything you’re trying to clean : It’s not the cleanest water and will cause spots and has a poor smell.
DO YOU USE WELL WATER?
Yes, if we need to and would need to hook up our filters to it and this is if it’s our resort of water.
WHAT ABOUT REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS?
Reverse osmosis usually spits out 80% of the water and keeps 20% going into the tank. We typically will drain the water maybe two-thirds of the tank, but also have a hook up from well water and a filter. If there is a bypass on it we can turn it on as well.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST US IN WATER?
If I had to guess it would cost about $10 an hour for water being using with two guys. It’s about an average use of 8.5 GPM.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
We are based in Southwest Cape Coral, FL.
DO YOU DO WEEKEND WORK?
We do, it’s usually only for our commercial work or for makeup days.
HOW EARLY DO YOU START RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL?
For residential it’s around 7:00 am and for commercial typically around 4:00 am.
DO YOU PRESSURE WASH IN THE RAIN?
We work in the rain most of the time unless there is excessive lightning. Also, If it is raining very hard or on the area where we are working, the rain will wash away the cleaning agent before it has time to dwell (work).
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO PRESSURE WASH?
Typically, cleaning and maintenance is a personal preference, but as a rule of thumb, the north and west sides of Florida structures will show signs of mold and mildew first. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
