Outdoor Hard Surface Cleaning

[Jason Lang]

Hi,

For those of you doing outdoor softwash/power washing. What solutions products do you use? I see there is a range of possible options (STS / Stone and Brick Cleaner etc.) but I have no idea what they are like. Are they suitable for softwashing with or would you need a powerwash? Also what are people using to agitate outside brickwork / concrete etc?

I am keen on softwashing for the benefits to the surface and because it is a bit different to the more common power-washing service. However I am not too keen on using Hypo given the environmental impacts. We are trying to have "green clean" as a USP and rocking up with a barrel of Hypo may not be compliant with the image...

 

[John Bolton]

The term 'soft washing' is normally applied to the use of sodium hydrochloride (bleach).

The Solution products that you mentioned are effective in the appropriate situations and can be termed as 'green' but not so-called 'soft washing'

 

[Jacob Ward]

Pressure washing utilises pressure
Soft washing uses low pressure water along with a chemical to achieve similar/different results.
Soft washing in the American context uses hypo as its base
Most people consider hyperchlorite based solutions as softwash.
I use many different sorts of chemicals to achieve what traditional pressure washing cannot do.

Check out @Mair Hunts YouTube where I think some exterior travertine is being cleaned using a rotary machine!

That's the type of work you want

J

 

[Philip Hoare]

Hi Jason
Just before the start of half term we used two solutions products for exterior work.

Stone and brick cleaner, and decking cleaning.

Both amazing products with fabulous results.
The decking cleaner was used in a commercial setting.
Owner so pleased with results we have been asked to clean all the decking area's every quarter.
Not really our thing, but with these solutions products it's effortless and damn good money.

 

[Jason Lang]

@Jacob Ward tell me more! I'm just looking to offer something a bit different (and hopefully better!) than standard pressure washing. I'm not a massive fan of using hypo and just wondered if there were alternatives. I'd love to know more about what chemicals / equipment you use to achieve "what pressure washing cannot do" if you don't mind sharing. Also, you don't have a link to the youtube you mentioned. I had a look but can only see carpet videos...

@Philip Hoare I think that is the kind of work we would be interested in. Apart from the Solutions solutions, what other equipment did you use? Did you just use them through the pressure washer or some other technique?

Not trying to steal trade secrets but if you have tips and general advice I'd be keen to learn more.

 

[Remus R Lungu]

I believe what Jacob is saying is in order to compensate for pressure/heat you need to use stronger chemicalls
In some cases even with high pressure and heat you will not get the results you would get from something like hypo
those cases being lichen infestations

 

[Garry Neilson]

Sts is very similar to the non harsh chemical decking /paving cleaners you can buy.. It probably would not be as effective as say the really harsh cleaners used for removing lichen marks on slabs but if it is a general clean it is fine, also works really well in wooden decking and upvc ect.

 

[Jacob Ward]

Jason
As with carpet cleaning, C.H.A.T or T.A.C.T can be applied in many situations
Anybody who has had the pleasure of being taught by @Ken Wainwright will know.
The skill is in knowing what to emphasize to achieve good results.
I have enclosed some pictures showing what you can do with things
Previous company walked away from this.

J

 

[Mair Hunt]

 

[Philip Hoare]

@Jason Lang
I will PM you the method, equipment, etc etc that we tend to use.
The reason behind PM you, their is a cleaning company in my area that spends more time worrying about what we are doing, products we use, and trying to poach my customers, than he does running his own business.
He's such a slime ball he's prob on here under a false name.

 

[Igor liv]

Hi Philip

Am I also able to get this information? We are due to start Jet washing and softwashing this year.

I am due to do a course on the 23rd of March for Jet washing so trying to learn as much Prior to this.

Much appreciated.

 

[Jason Lang]

Thanks @Mair Hunt . Looks like a great job. What chemical are you using?

@Philip Hoare , thanks much appreciated. I look forward to your PM!

J

 

[Mair Hunt]

Used Tilemaster No 3 on that Trav

 

[Jacob Ward]

Job I did today

I hate those cheap man made sandstone slabs they are putting on new builds now.
Once an infestation gets on, it grows into the stone.
I have seen loads of ruined slabs where somebody with a jet washer has gone to town on it.

J