Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/12/2017 9:15:52 PM

Anyone have a reco for somene good/reliable?

Thanks!

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/12/2017 9:30:44 PM

I Don't know what you are trying to clean but pressure washing is rarely the best alternative. It is very destructive, especially to wood and concrete. I suggest a chemical solution. It will always work better, more efficiently and cheaper. I am lazy and prefer to let the chemicals do the work. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who does cleaning without a pressure washer but me and the few folks I have taught how to clean without one. A garden sprayer and a hose works just fine.

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/12/2017 10:56:18 PM

I haven't used them, but there is company out of Auburn that is advertising window cleaning, pressure washing and gutter cleaning.  They have a website "sparklealamaba.com.  Their phone number is 334-759-7080.  I have been thinking of calling them.  It appears they have been in business over in GA.

Name:	CranBob -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/13/2017 11:08:36 AM

There is a chemical solution called "Wet and Forget" I have seen advertised. Has anyone tried it?

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/13/2017 3:45:13 PM

A solution of laundry detergent and bleach will  clean about anything with very little scrubbing needed. Before all the anti bleach comments start don't waste your time. Does your laundry disintegrate when you use bleach? Of course not because it is diluted, but it whiten s and brightens. Also once again I will tell you that if you look at the active ingredient on ANY anti mold/mildew cleaner that actually works you will will it contains sodium hypochlorite in some percentage less than 6%. Bleach contains 6‰ sodium hypochlorite. If you read the instructions on most paints and stains they recommend chemicals as opposed to pressure washing lumber. Pressure washing is very destructive to wood. If your deck is very Grey you might need to use a deck brush for a light scrubbing. If your house is dirty use a garden sprayer with detergent and bleach and rinse it off. Works like magic.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/13/2017 5:30:53 PM

ZERO concern on use of bleach. I currently use it for white trim on house that gets mildew and have for 20 years. I mix it 1:1 with water, and it is excellent.

My need is to "clean" a rock walkway/patio/steps. I have never considered it for the rock seufaces since the issue is not really mildew.

Ever tried it?

Thanks...

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/13/2017 6:17:19 PM

Not rocks but I do my concrete sidewalks. Add the detergent for a better cleansing affect. It cuts dirt and grease better than the bleach although the bleach will take the color out of the dirt probably.... Lol

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/13/2017 6:20:05 PM

Maybe I can report back soon!

thanks....

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/13/2017 7:17:55 PM

AL so you don't need that high of a concentration on the bleach. I use about a cup to a two gallon sprayer along with a touch of detergent and my white gutters sparkle after I wash the house.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/17/2017 6:04:58 PM (updated 4/17/2017 6:06:35 PM)

Quick update, again my project is to clean rock walkways and patio.  I tried the "30 second" cleaner, which had high ratings. It cleaned my rock areas probably at a 50-60% level as contrasted to pressure washing.

Not impressed, far more expensive than bleach. I will try the bleach/soap combo.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/17/2017 6:58:56 PM

I got a Rubbermaid Deck Brush at Home Depot last year. It is great for doing decks and walks or patios. It has an extra long and really thick handle so it is easy to grip and you don't have to bend over to use it. It is very stiff bristles and will be great for that job. I used it to clean my pier/decks. I sprayed and then used it like a push broom and it really got in the cracks nd loosened the dirt and allowed the solution to really penetrate. No scrubbing required!

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/17/2017 7:02:45 PM

Thanks Lifer, that may very well make the difference. I noticed my hose, on jet setting, was lifting out the dirt that did come up. I will try the stiff broom!

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/17/2017 8:25:15 PM

Obviuosly a pressure washer will blow the dirt out but it will also take out motor joints or the top layer of solid concrete and expose aggregate if you aren't extremely careful. But my biggest gripe with pressure washing is the streaks it leaves if you aren't absolutely consistent with the distance you keep the nozzle from the surface. I know you can get roller attachments for some wands to use on flat surfaces but I am quite content to continue to let chemicals do the work instead of me.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/17/2017 8:29:11 PM

Lifer, at some point, I need to meet you for a cup of coffee and a discussion!

You are truly helpful. I agree with the streaks. I can make it work, but, as you say, it is a whole lot of work. I drove down today just to try the "30 second" chemical treatment. As I said, just OK. I'll try to go down in the next few days with my deck brush and clorox/detergent!

Thanks again!

lakeguy

Name:	Buteye -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/17/2017 9:10:17 PM

I think you will fin the chlorox/detergent works great. My wife swears by it.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/17/2017 9:25:46 PM

Thanks Buteye!

I'm not sure how I've missed this combo over the 18 years or so we have had our house!

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/18/2017 8:01:08 PM

Sounds like a plan. I'm available most days. I try not to stay to busy that I can't get away for good conversation.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/18/2017 8:09:11 PM

Great, what part of lake are you on?

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/18/2017 8:10:04 PM

Sounds like a plan. I'm available most days. I try not to stay to busy that I can't get away for good conversation.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/18/2017 9:47:29 PM

Dadeville side. Manoy Creek. We can meet in Alex City.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/18/2017 9:49:10 PM

I'll be in touch...hopefully to show you great pictures of my clean rock work :)

Name:	jalcz -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/22/2017 4:48:28 PM

Your clothes might not disintegrate, but how would you feel about drinking the water? 

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pressure Washing--near Ridge
Date:	4/22/2017 6:14:41 PM

  Hate to bust your bubble but your tap water has chlorine just like the bottled water you buy at the store, but no, I am not in the habit of drinking my laundry water, with or without bleach.