John Orr

Sodium Percarbonate degrades quickly, but I don't think it matters what type of container it is in. As far as bleach, according to the study, as long as you use it within a few months, it should not degrade significantly. In my personal experience, it seems to degrade faster, which may be due to the "herbs and spices" I add. I should add that the chlorine I buy comes in dark containers, though it appears to be stored in large white plastic tanks.

Were you using the KK in the clear jug/blue liquid? There is another ($10) in a white jug, though I have never tried it.

John, I drive an hour (Chesapeake to Yorktown) to buy my chlorine from Harper & Co. I pay $2/gal, or $30/15 gal with a $30 fee on the drum. When I first started buying from them earlier this year, I was paying about $1.25/gal. If I bought in larger quantities (150 gals) and had a storefront, I could get free delivery.

For the past few years, I have been using Krud Kutter. It costs about $5 at HD. I dilute 50/50 with water and apply with a soft brush, using a 24' extension. Excellent results. Do not let dry, or you'll have to re-clean.

"Is that your best price?" My reply: I always assume that when I'm asked for a price, I'm being asked for my best price. I don't know if I am your first or forth bid, so this is my one shot to get your business. If I lowered my price now, it would be obvious that I was trying to charge you too much, but got caught.

4 story, Dryvit. Call me ASAP. John Orr 757/718-5442

Ken, I never heard from him. I was wondering if you had heard from him. dk, Sorry you had a difficult time trying to reach me, but I do not recall any emails or messages from you. I'm not sure who you were calling, but it was not me. Ask anyone on this or any board...I answer my phone. 757/718-5442 is my cell and john@exteriorcleaning.com is my email address. (With the volume of spam I get, I may have inadvertently missed an email, though I even look in my trash before emptying it.

...plus solid-color latex.

Great suggestion Craig. Might I also suggest what I have been doing for the last few years? I buy neoprene fishing gloves (K or Wal Mart - about $8). They won't keep your hands dry, but they will keep them warm. They fit snuggly, so you still have dexterity. I go through about 2 pair/year.

For 5 years, I used a 20' fiberglass that was enough for 98% of what I needed a ladder for. I would rent longer ladders if they were needed. Recently, I purchased a 28' aluminum, which weighs about the same as the 20'. I always use a stabilizer.

I was recently hired by Trex to clean a deck under warranty. It had the usual black spots. They sent a "kit" of PSC Composite Deck Cleaner and Sealer. Add bleach to the cleaner and spray. The sealer smelled like Mop n Glo and left a semi-gloss finish when dry. I would suggest that you have your customer contact Trex and they may offer to have the deck cleaned and treated. (Make sure he suggests that they use you!) Trex is aware of the staining problems and seem to be willing to pay to satisfy their customers.

I've had walls turn rusty and have found that for vinyl, downstreaming oxalic works well. Don't forget to rinse!

Ryan, FYI, I use oxalic acid on the rust stains on the roof and it gets most it off. John

I use a liquid carnuba wax - like the stuff used at car washes. About $10/gal and I use about 16 oz in 30 gal of cleaning solution. I downstream hot (about 140 deg).

Increase the % of bleach/chlorine in your mix. I get them out every time.

Dryvit is a brand of synthetic stucco, which is basically 1" of styrofoam with a skimcoat of mortar. The test is: when you knock on it with yiur knuckles, does it hurt? If it does, its stucco. If it doesn't, and in fact sounds hollow, its Dryvit. As far as cleaning, see the other Dryvit post.

2 to 3% chlorine should be (it always works for me) more than enough - if you give it a few minutes. The stronger the concentration, the greater the danger of chem burns on grass/landscaping. People like to tip for good service, it makes us feel good to reward others for ourstanding service. I would say that almost 10% of my customers will tip, usually $5 to $20 - though yesterday, I was given a $75 tip on a $225 house wash and a $25 tip on another $225 job. The "pickiest" customers are usually the best tippers. They know good service when they get it and appreciate it more. They also make the best referrers.

The "farmer's" solution may have been a stronger mix of oxalic. Try it, it will brighten faster and whiter. Lance, 1) I use approx 8oz/gal - a little stronger if needed. The hotter the water, the easier it will mix. It does not have to be hot, just warm. 2) As far as dwell time, I leave it on until the rust is gone (vinyl) and leave it on, without (usually) rinsing, on concrete. 3) I use a backpack sprayer from HD. It holds-up very well. I also one for spraying chlorine as well as SH. 4) I do the chlorine first. Hope this helps.

The new Mr. Clean car wash system makes DI water for the rinse.

I asked the Virginia Dept of Environmental Quality (DEQ) about chlorine/bleach and house washing. Their answer was that given the small quantities involved, they had no problem, especially since 99+% stays on the customers' property. P.S. No, I didn't get that in writing, but I do have the name of the person I spoke with.

2 lbs sounds about right. Warm or hot water will help it mix more completely. Do't mix over concrete...unless you will be spraying the whole area.

Ok, I had to find out. Dog urine has ph of 6.0 to 8.0, depending on diet. Females tend to have lower ph's than males. What may be staining the deck is urea, which is high in nitrogen.

When you get back to it, here's my take: Many people do not (accurately) know the sf of their house, so I now ask "Small, Medium or Large". If they hesitate, I add extra large or extra small.

I'll give this a shot...Urine is acidic, so I don't think that more acid is the answer. I would try washing with plain water first, then a weak sodium hydroxide solution, then acid. You've got nothing to lose at this point, and the experience/knowledge gained (and shared) may come in handy in the future.

http://www.chemistrystore.com/oxalic_acid.htm I always order from these guys. They ship fast and don't charge an arm and a leg. $33 + $17 s&h for 25 lbs, which makes about 50 gallons.