Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Lee Burbidge on July 09, 2017, 11:42:31 am
-
I filmed a soft wash demo by the granddaddy of softwash here in the UK, but more importantly the window cleaners watching the demo and the customer whose house was being cleaned for their insights and what they thought about soft washing.
Softwash is something I have defo looked into as well as pressure washing for my own company. I have considered it to the extent that I am actually actively seeking the right bowser and associated equipment for a stand alone unit.
How many have considered adding these services to your window cleaning business? Obviously, there will be those just happy to window clean, so this is more about getting the thoughts of those wanting to look into this.
Click here if you want to see a film on soft washing a million pound property https://youtu.be/FUItAhvpa54
-
Soft Washing is relatively new in the UK. You can Hypo or Bio.
What are the differences?
Bio is bio degradable does the same thing as hypo but takes longer and does not use bleach as a source chemical, but takes weeks to react and longer to get your cheque for the job. ( some tell customers it's like weed killing, manage the customers expectations by stating all will be good in a few weeks, then take payment or some wait and come back a few weeks and collect payment after the result is shown)
Hypochloride, can give burns for those not trained, can harm plants or damage some surfaces. Training is essential. This chemical is under your kitchen sink ( bleach/toilet cleaner) so not the toxic menace made out, in fact treat this like you would the stuff under the sink, you know...dont drink it, splash it about, get it in your eyes/skin..... hence training essential.
Hypo is instant, collect the money on the day, no convincing required.
Concerns? Yes those with employees.
Infact I would have the same concerns if my staff were cleaning windows at 10 storeys. Thats why we have IRATA and IPAF :)
Conclusion?
Your decision - bio or hypo will be either health and safety concerns or environmental concerns. Training is key as with everything.
-
As a sole trader I have plenty of maintenance window cleaning work to keep me going....
If I was employing and had some free time on my hands however I might consider soft-washing.
-
As a sole trader I have plenty of maintenance window cleaning work to keep me going....
If I was employing and had some free time on my hands however I might consider soft-washing.
Yeah that's the problem for the solo guys, it cuts into the window cleaning work. Some operators have gone soft wash only mind as its more lucrative than window cleaning, but it would be like starting up a new window cleaning business in the way of building up customers.....
-
We do a small amount of softwashing still learning , I expect that prices will drop dramatically as more start doing it and undercut the competition, bit like the window cleaning there's always someone after a fast buck that will do a bad job and get the genuine company's a bad reputation
-
Nope not yet but the long term plan would be to get employees to do the regular window work leaving me to focus on softwashing/roofs/upvc etc. That way only me needs to be trained and take the risks etc the employees can just pound out the simple work and keep them out of trouble.
-
Use to have a swimming pool maintenance and cleaning company in Florida Sodium Hypochlorite is used to shock a pool 11.5 active bleach if this stuff gets on your van bed it will rot very quickly not sure what the dilution is to soft wash a house but we use to clean pool decks 50/50 mix comes up like new.
-
i wouldnt want to take the risk using bleach so softwashing is not something ive ever thought about.i can imagine it causing some problems/damage if your not careful.
id rather stick to an easier,less stressed out working life.