Cleveland Mobile

I cant believe that we will use bleach or hydroflouric acid in cleaning and focus on an ingredient in 6136. That's what they make respirators for. Understand that when they determine that a product may cause cancer they tested that one ingredient straight. You mention that washing houses causes chemicals to go everywhere...try washing semi trailers parked close together. And you never know when "they" will determine that a chemical that we have used for years under the assumption that it was safe will be called unsafe because they finally got around to testing. Always wear a protective mask when you think you may be exposed to anything. And another concern is storage in the trucks......the coctail of fumes caused by fuels and chemical fumes can also be dangerous. Andy

A little trick that has helped when i get decks like that........apply stripper to the new wood and power wash....this helps the new area to match more closely to the old area. Not a perfact match but better than just staining the new area Andy

I have found the 2 most useful tools is a tarp and a tack staple gun....I used the staple gun to fasten the cloth tarps and then pull the staples out (they usually come off with the tarp) and move the tarp to the next area. Large pieces of cardboard help too. I usually find the cardboard at a packaging company. They usually have quite a bit in their dumpster Andy

We always use the extended or a longer wand to clean the decks. I made a couple of 12' wands out of quarter inch pipe that work well. Sealing we use either a ladder or an extension wand for the airless. It all depends on how much control of the spray is required. Andy

Rob...just time how long it takes for the first chemical to come through.....use that time when switching Andy

Rob.. I saw the setup when Bob built it....use a small air compressor to blow out the lines. Andy

I have to laugh at these people who think that a pressure washer is going to dent aluminum. But hey.....they have to have an angle to get work i guess. The Sparkle Wash franchise in my area is good at hiring the most incompetent people and send them out to clean houses. But their work gives me more business....so i say...keep the weekend warriors and bad employees coming......they are free advertisement. Andy

Besides that they are slippery as hell too....i've used the same proceedure as if you are cleaning plastic lawn chairs. They do clean up. Andy

I never let prices of others bother me.....if you have to rely on selling only on the cheapest price...better hire a salesman. I always try to show want...need...and affordability.....you know they wanted the service...thats why they called...you point out why they need it. And you make the service affordable by building value. not cutting price Andy

You must use an alkaline on gutters....hf or any acid will not work....nor will it cut oil. I have never had to scrup a gutter....if you are...you're using the wrong soaps. Andy

I saw the machines at Bob's shop....very...very nice. I must agree that he is the best in the business. He took a diesel hydrotech that I aquired and turned it from a wreck to a like new machine. I wish everybody would just place their next order with him..whether it's for a machine or just a couple parts. His prices are the best and the way he stands behind his work is just never seen in the industry. Andy

I was never impressed by the tide formulas.......I do mix all my own cleaners and none of them have tide in them......Any cleaner will work better with hot water and anything with butyl in it will clean gutters with cold water. I have never had to scrup a gutter...I apply at 30 to 1 and rinse. Andy

The coextruded siding wouldnt streak until you wash it

I always use the gold clipper magazine and valpac coupon mailers....I target only the areas I want and usually get about 40 to 50 calls a week from them Andy

There are a lot of coextruded (probably mispelled) sidings out there....that is they use recycled plastic and fuse a layer of virgin vinyl on the surface....easiest way to tell is to lift a piece of siding and see if its the same color all the way through. If not...stay away from it....i did one house where the color washed off....the wall was black..no longer white. Another give away is the siding chalks.....those streaks may fade away in time as the rest of the wall chalks up Andy

W N A ......want, need and affordibility.......obviously the customer wants the job..he wouldnt have called you......you point out the need....and add value to the project so the customer can see the affordibility. Add value by going into detail of what is involved.....making it sound like a much harder job than it really is. Andy

Here's what works for me in that situation. When I view a customers deck and he either tells me or its obvious that he used something that is impossible to strip.....I wash and reseal with the same sealer. Andy

Tell them to get rid of the mulch that causes the fungus.....in time the spots which are spores will dry and fall off

I had front end problems with a 2001 Ford 150 4x4. 60k must be the magic nbr...that's what mine had when I got the bad news. I couldnt tell you why I havent had that problem with the dodge...I carry a 500 gallon water tank plus equipment and no front end problems (although I have heard that they are noted for that). By the way, Mike, that is one nice looking truck. Andy

Jon The service manager at Ganley Dodge here in Cleveland advised me not to use the overdrive. I've never had a transmission problem with it and it has 90k on it now. Besides...like I mentioned, I like the feeling of power when it is out of overdrive. In od it seems to be sluggish. Andy

I was concerned with cost after the warranty....i bought the additional warranty on the dodge....so i was safe for 5 years. One thing that I do is never drive it with the overdrive on....I've heard that its not good when hauling weight ( I carry 500 gallons of water and a diesel machine) besides...i hate that sound of the engine straining when in overdrive. I have to say this....there's no rust on the truck..not even the frame. Had similar brake problems.....fixed that by going to a harder pad in the front. The rears are still original with 90k on them. I also like the fact of seeing a hood in front of me....the Isuzu's make you wonder what would happen if you are in a head on. Looks pretty easy to be launched through that big window. Andy

Bought my dodge new in 97...one ton with a 12 foot box..dual wheels but 2 wheel drive. Gas engine 360 gets about 13 to a gallon. Always bought used before and really havent noticed a difference in upkeep.....new one gets problems just like the old ones. I looked into the Isuzu's but one of my customers Ryder, pointed out how expensive they were to fix....... I think the demo's are the best to buy....low mileage good as a new one. I've had chevy's fords and dodges.....feel they are all the same. Best deal is always the best way in my book. As far as bells and whistles....ac is all I look for. Andy

drywall sanding screen also works good on that Andy

Good thoughts. My wife is Jewish and when I let her read this she made a good point..........what does this have to do with pressure washing...lol Andy

Call me stupid...but what are these pads for? Andy