Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Graham Airey on January 26, 2015, 02:34:24 pm

Title: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: Graham Airey on January 26, 2015, 02:34:24 pm
Hi, i'm thinking of adding the above services to my carpet and upholstery cleaning business. Just looking for some advice on what equipment is needed etc etc. I have a portable carpet cleaner with 800 psi, could i use this with something like a whirl a way or would i have to use separate pressure washer???

Cheers
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: John Kelly on January 26, 2015, 03:08:02 pm
You will need a pressure washer running at least 3000psi. Any less than this and you will struggle to remove Algae staining. A Whirl-a-way isn't essential but does make the job easier and cleaner. Just using a lance causes debris to fly everywhere. The Whirl-a-ways with skirts rather than castors are better in my opinion.

There's plenty info on this in the general cleaning section.
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: Graham Airey on January 26, 2015, 03:24:32 pm
Thanks john.
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: Mike Halliday on January 26, 2015, 03:59:21 pm
Graham you need to do some serious research on the Internet, that fact that you ask such a question as 'can i use my portable' says you are clueless about powerwashing  

You need 3000psi 21ltmin, a turbo lance and hypo plus extras. But first you need the basic knowledge to be able to ask sensible questions
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: Steve Chapman on January 26, 2015, 04:04:24 pm
Isn't it the other way round ?

You ask questions then you get the knowledge ?

 ;D
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: derek west on January 26, 2015, 04:51:30 pm
Hoping to add a driveway and patio cleaning trainer/exhibitor to the TACCA training day, also graffiti removal. if you are interested then might be worth a trip. Just a thought.
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: Graham Airey on January 26, 2015, 05:10:46 pm
I thought that's how it worked aswell Steve, I'll make sure I know everything there is to know before I begin to ask questions about something. 
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: Mike Halliday on January 26, 2015, 05:19:20 pm
No Steve you're wrong, you do your research on a subject then any question you have you can ask.

This stops you looking daft by asking stupid questions.

Graham my post might sound insulting but I'm just being honest, I'm an expert at patio & drive cleaning ( and modest too) I could answer every question you have but I'd rather help someone who is willing to help themselves by at least researching the basics.

Start by using the search option on this site.
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: CleanerCarpets on January 26, 2015, 08:26:27 pm
lol, Graham - ask away, dont get put off asking things on a forum, you asked a question and got great info to start off with from John Kelly, now you can reasearch costs on those items. Best to do a course on it but the forums are a great way to find out best kit to buy and save tons of money by buying good quality used kit
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: jim mca on January 26, 2015, 09:10:58 pm
Graham
You will need a 3000psi at 15 lpm to make the job worthwhile lee kenny sells good second hand to get you started  turbo nozzle best bit of kit you will need
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: Graham Airey on January 26, 2015, 09:54:59 pm
Thanks Cleaner Carpets and  Jim.
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: mr muzzy on January 26, 2015, 09:55:14 pm
jim do you do the driveways ,is there good money in them
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: jim mca on January 26, 2015, 10:28:56 pm
Been cleaning drives for about 4 years easy money but its getting like carpets cheapo city the general section is where the jet wash guys are really good advice
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: mr muzzy on January 27, 2015, 03:42:28 pm
al have a look jim cheers ;D
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: Graham Airey on January 28, 2015, 08:13:37 am
OK, so now I'm starting to get an idea of what equipment is needed. I have also been looking to see if there are any training courses out there but don't seem to be having much luck. Does anyone know of any courses out there?
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: John Kelly on January 28, 2015, 10:17:08 am
To be honest Graham I am of the opinion a training course is not needed for pressure washing. You basically switch it on and blast the dirt off.
What you do learn pretty quick is that the crap will go everywhere, up the walls, doors, windows. Also you'll be surprised how much debris builds up in a short time. This needs to be bagged up and disposed of. Clean out any drains afterwards as well. Once dry block paving can be re-sanded using kiln dried sand. Wickes do a bag for about 3 quid.
However is you want to get into sealing then training is required. Most of the sealant manufacturers/suppliers run training courses.
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: JandS on January 28, 2015, 10:55:29 am
Always look round you before you switch on..everytime   especially in front of you where all the crap is going.....remember the scenery in front of you is always changing.
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: Sebastian Kaminski on January 29, 2015, 10:01:00 am
Hi does anyone from pressure washing business is looking for an employee ? I'm from southampton :)
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: wayne zabel on January 29, 2015, 03:50:18 pm
Just out of interest what PSI do the pressure washers that cost about £100 run at?

Not that I'm thinking about using one to do a paid job with ;D
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: derek west on January 29, 2015, 03:57:02 pm
its not the psi, its the LPM that is more important.
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: jim mca on January 29, 2015, 05:06:41 pm
110 bar 8lpm starter electric
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: garybristow on January 29, 2015, 06:55:47 pm
I have a karcher commercial machine, which whirl away would fit the bill? Would it need to be made by karcher?
Who supplies?
Gary
Title: Re: Driveway and Patio cleaning
Post by: jim mca on January 29, 2015, 11:12:19 pm
If its electric don't think about cleaning drives other than your own