GymRat

I have a single story rancher to clean that has the worst chalking problem on the vinyl siding I have seen so far. The siding is baby blue and is chalking on all sides. I don't know if this was caused by the previous house cleaning or just by the elements and cheap siding. I would like to know if anyone has any good methods of cleaning that helps to rid the house of chalk. I normally xjet on my house wash which includes 12% and citracleen and wax. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, John

Thanks for the help, and yes Tony I do have the M-5 and hope that does a pretty good job. I have discussed my concerns with the home owner of the results due to the siding condition. I had considered brushing (bumping the price of the wash way up) the house board by board, but thought it would probably be just a temporary fix and would chalk again in a few months, and may leave a very uneven look. I will probably take Tonys advice and go at it with my regular house wash with the M-5 and keep it at wide spray and keep my distance.

What trash can, and what tower, I must be going blind.

Well said Lou.

Most of my customers are relieved when I inform them I will not need a ladder to clean their home. I have had numerous customers voice their concern of me damaging their gutters or siding from the use of a ladder. When I tell them of my methods of cleaning their home with low pressure and not having to go board by board, it seems to be a good selling point for my house wash. Yes I do use a ladder on hard to reach sections and such, but not as a routine on every house wash.

I agree 110% with you Tony on working off ladders. I have seen to many accidents caused by the use of ladders, and have had a few near misses myself. I work and have been trained on ladders in the firefighting aspect of my job. I will not let my help work off of a ladder in any situation. I will be the only person using a ladder in my business because of the liability. I understand where Everett is coming from on being able to do a better job from a ladder, but the bottom line is I a'm cleaning a house, and not an area where food is going to be prepared. I know I am a rookie but my opinion is that from the experience is that all my customers have been extremely satisfied with the results from me cleaning their houses using the xjet and rinsing from the ground when possible. Thats why this board is so great, to read and understand how everyone tackles a job in a different manner.

Looks great Michael, but do I detect another opportunity on the roof.

I'm on the Map, Cool!

Congrats Lance, and may the force be with you.

I had the same problem, until I inserted a self tapping screw through the brush to work as a set screw.

Just last week I gave an estimate, and when the home owner asked how long it will take me to do the job and I quoted him 3 to 4 hours for the house wash, he told me right then that I had the job. He had received a quote the previous day that was $100 less than mine, but had been told the job would only take approximately 1 to 1/2 hours. The home owner said there is know way the other guy could do a very good job in that amount of time. I have heard this numerous times where the customer uses this theory.

Awesome set-up Flimmy, and your recovery system should will be easy to build. You DA Man!

I have only used the M-5 and love the way she cleans. Would like to try a downstream injector some day just so I will have a first hand decision on which I like best. I would think an 8' wand would be a little bit of a pain when doing a house wash. I use a 6' wand sometimes on a tall house with the M-5, but always switch back to my small wand after I have finished the hard to reach section because it is a pain to work with. Great Discussion, Love this board Thanks again Rod and Beth

Looks like they would have wanted the risers on the steps cleaned also.

I would have to have about a mile of hose for some houses, because I couldn't get it in the neighborhood. I love the equipment but think its overkill.

I have never tried it on asphalt, but I didn't think it was a good idea to use a surface cleaner on asphalt. I haven't done much more than clean a few oil spots where cars parked on asphalt, so I a'm no where near an expert on this topic.

Full time is not in my future plans as of now, but things can change in an instant. I began this business because of the present company I have worked at for over 25 years, looked like it may be going under, so I wanted a business to fall back on. I have enjoyed the challenge of starting a business, and because of all the help from the people on this site, things have gone very well. I will never say never, because I am entertaining going full time if this company offers early retirement packages this december. Thanks Ken for the support.

Crazy, trying to move and work my 40 hour a week job and pressure wash in the evenings is driving me nuts. Had to take my add out of the local paper so I could stop and breath. Things should get back to normal when I close on my old house today. Boy, I sure wine alot.

I left mine, because my picture looks much better than I remember. Its been 14 years since I had my pic updated.

Nice job, I like the well thought out design, you should be proud of your work. Happy washing. John

Part timer myself and have only been in business from the beginning of this year. Started out slow and has really picked up in the last month. I have been in my full time job for 27 years and could retire in 3 years. I have been so busy lately that I leave straight from my 8-4 job and have trailer in tow straight to my pwashing evening jobs. Last week grossed over $1700 in the evenings. This lifestyle is a little to busy for my likings, but I know it is a seasonal thing , and expect things to start slowing down anytime. I don't see myself going fulltime until retirement- if the body can still handle the physical stress (don't see to many 60 year old power washers out here). More power to those who give up the 9-5 and venture out to make a good living for themselves and families. I just don't have the %$*@" to give it a go at this late in my career.

I also purchased the 300' reel from Water Canon, and I would say it is a medium grade reel. I just had to pull it apart and weld the handle back to the inside of the reel due to a very poor tack weld from the factory. I do agree it is a good reel for the money.

Sounds lilke you are having more fun than me. I started moving Thursday, and worked all day on my birhday moving boxes and cleaning the old house getting it ready to sell. Have to catch up on all my pwashing work that has fallen by the wayside during the move.

Happy Birthday Beth. Hope Rod and the children spoil you today.

I think that may work on mother in laws.