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Aplus

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Posts posted by Aplus

  2. Posted · Report reply

    Bryan,

    I subscribe to a mag called "Cleaner Times". It is devoted to the power wash industry.

    In the back of the mag where the vendors advertise, there are chemical companies that offer free samples. I have had at least two companies provide samples.

    If you can't get samples, then buy a smaller quantity for testing purposes before committing to a larger quantity.

  6. Posted · Report reply

    Bryan,

    I agree, softened water is nice to have. For me, however, it would not be practical for the way I do my work. You know how I prefer portable units on many jobs due to the required mobility.

    We here in lower Michigan enjoy some of the best "city" water in the whole country. Compared to other areas of the country, our water is very usable right out of the tap.

    I was just down in southern Florida, and their water is horrible compared to ours. I could notice how much longer it took to rinse things, like dishes, and even while showering, I felt like the soap was hard to rinse off, to feel 'squeeky clean'. And it tasted like chlorine.

    Water treatment down there would make a bigger improvement than what we see here. If I washed vehicles, I'd be more concerned about whether I left water spots, and a softener and D-I system would be appropriate.

    For me right now, I'll take DEEtroit water right out of the tap.

    As for black streaks......well, sometimes gutterw will come clean from spraying alone, but most times they require at least a little brushing. There's a line when mixing the chems where if the mix is too strong, it could do more harm than good. Like take paint off, or damage metals. Rather than take that chance, I'm ok with having to provide light brushing. Basically just move the cleaner around a bit, not actually scrubbing. Sometimes scrubbing is required, no way around it.

    There are two ways to approach a job.....FAST, or HALF-FASSED. The right way is not always the fastest, or least expensive. Writing from experience here.....I do not feel there is one solution to all problems. The key here is having experience to know how to deal with each situation or problem in the most effective way. Not all surfaces are cleaned the same way. If I have to brush something, that's ok, because at least I know it will be clean and will not be damaged when I'm done. Brushing is an unfortunate fact of this trade.....sometimes you have to do it.

  7. Posted · Report reply

    I'm not a fan of using liquid Tide either. I think it was originally included in a house wash mix to create suds which help increase dwell on vertical surfaces. However, most laundry detergent is designed "to not" create a lot of suds. Dishwashing soap may be more appropriate to increase dwell time.

    I use Emulsifier Plus and liquid pool chlorine. Works great for me, but I had to fiddle with the recipe for a bit to obtain the results I was looking for.

    You have to be careful with what you use, because windows, polished brass, and bare aluminum can all be damaged faster than you may think, especially on hot days, and when you are working alone. And don't forget about the potential for overspray....wind can carry sprayed chems 50 feet or more with ease. So the neighbors cars, lawn furniture, etc can easily be damaged.

    There are many products available that were specifically formulated to wash houses. Why not use what's available? A one chem fits all approach is usually not the best approach.

    It's important to consider that the water condition in your area is probably the single biggest factor to consider when mixing up a recipe that works for you. The harder the water, the more chems you will need, and likely the less satisfactory results you will see.

  10. Posted · Report reply

    Paul,

    I emailed Glenn once regarding some questionable (Read: wrong) advice he dispensed. I offered to discuss it with him via email or phone, but he would not return a message to me.

    Glenn is merely an author who sells books and newspaper columns, and in my mind he doesn't know alot about what it really takes to perform certain tasks.

    Apparently the vendors do a good job of supplying him with sales baloney.

  15. Posted · Report reply

    If you are looking to cart-mount a plastic tank, don't forget to consider overall weight. A a full fifteen gallon tank mounted on a typical portable setup, would weigh about 150 pounds. That is very heavy when thinking about dragging it around site to site, through who-knows-what type of terrain. A full twenty gallon rig weighs in at about 190 pounds. Anything greater is probably wishful thinking at best.

  24. Posted · Report reply

    Scott, you might also consider tinting the windows so people won't see you growling like in your mug shot....;)

    BE..... I have a hard time with the WANTS and NEEDS. Fortunately my wife helps me with that.

    Gav, throw a K&N air filter on your truck. You'll be surprised how it improves mid-range torque. Also switch to Mobil 1 oil, and I'll bet you see an improvement in gas mileage.

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