Soft What?
Hey Nitro,
I'm new here to this site, but I'm not new to "softwashing" or low pressure cleaning techniques. This is the method I was taught almost 8 years ago. It really is the best way to go and it basically seals the deal when you explain your methods to customers. Now some might classify “softwashing” as using only a water hose or a low pressure water supply (such as a 5gpm electric pump), but I consider using a pressure washer with low pressure tips to be the bomb. When performing “softwashing”, I cannot overstate the importance of “rinsing”. Rinsing is the most important stage because of the salts left behind from detergents and bleaches.
First thing, get rid of any tips you might have and any that you get with your machine. Throw them out. As far as staying under $2000, I’m not sure if you can, but it’s possible, depending on where you get your parts.
Basically, you want the biggest volume pump you can afford to raise the “cleaning units” since you are opting to go with low pressure. You will also want to go with a gear drive if possible since this setup transfers more power to your pump than a belt drive. High water flow is probably the most important factor in this equation because it affects the amount of soap you can apply, the amount of time you work and finally how fast you can rinse. I’ve used a TS 1511 for years, but I would highly recommend a General TS 2021 for two reasons; its gpm output will make up for the fact that you are using less pressure and also for it's low cost (around $420). The 2021 can be a beast if you are new to pressure washing, so be careful.
When doing this type of cleaning you will be using brushes quite a bit, so go with a "Giant" flow type unloader (Model #22655 - under $80). This will give you the ability to lay the gun down for as long as you want without worrying about your equipment. This will also allow you to use low pressure tips and reduce the strain on your pump, hose and gun assembly as well. Another benefit of a “flow type” unloader is that when you release your trigger, it will also leave your hose nice and soft so that you can move around someone’s patio or deck furniture area without fighting a stiff hose.
You should also get an "Allison" Big Gulp chemical injector (best on the market, imo). I'm not sure what I can say as far as pressure washer suppliers go on this site, but if you can't find this stuff, let me know. (See my website at SCRUBBINGBUBBLES.WS)
To run a 2021 pump you can use a 13 hp Honda if you are looking to stay cheap and this is why you want a gear drive setup – to get every bit of hp you’ve got coming to you. I’ve set them up like this and they are monsters! Just make sure to adjust the rpm’s of your engine down to about 3200 rmp for the pump. And USE a reserve tank of at least 100 gallons to keep your pump fed - some homes just don't put out enough water. Remember, your 2021’s put out 5.6 gpm.
As far as tips, you will need (2) 40 gallon tips; one is called a "Zero degree" (the numbers on the tip should be #0040) which will be used to apply chemical up to two stories high (forget those high priced "jet" thingamabobs - this is only about $5 with the female plug) and the other 40 gallon tip is a "fan" tip (numbers would be #4040) to cover walls and windows, but both are for dispersing chemicals. These tips will fit directly into your gun (no wand) for easier control. You will also need a 12 gallon 25 degree tip (#2512 or #25125 – I use a 12.5 gallon tip) for rinsing. You can go up to about a 12.5 gallon tip without drawing chemicals.
You will of course still need a high pressure tip for concrete and metal surfaces such as gutters and screened enclosures, but this is the only time you will use them. Here, I recommend a 40 degree, 6 gpm (#4006)(remember your 2021's put out 5.6 gpm) (white tip) because it disperses the pressure over a wide enough pattern that you can get away with being close to some surfaces without causing damage, such as screened cages and gutters next to wood faceboards.
Anyway, you will need a top of the line housewash. Don't even bother with the stuff you see on store shelves. Go with what the pro's use. Email me if you can't find anything you like. I’ve spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars buying and trying out different housewashes, gutter cleaners and degreasers. Check out my website to see the results of what I use and do.
I use a mixture of 4 gallons of water to 1 quart of professional grade housewash and one gallon of sodium hyperchlorite (pool chlorine) to make 5 gallons. Run this mixture through your injector using your zero and fan tips. This is also known as the “pre-soaking” stage. Let it sit for a few minutes (don’t let it dry on windows and rinse brass knobs and hinges immediately). Then use brushes to remove dirt dauber nests and webs that pressure “rinsing” won’t take out. Rinse only with your 12 gallon tip and you're in business. When doing driveways and sidewalks you can use your one high pressure tip for rinsing. Once you work your way out to about 3 feet from the home, you can switch from the 12 gallon rinse tip to the white, high-pressure tip to rinse the rest down to the sidewalk.
I know you want to keep it under $2000, but when you add in a surface cleaner, some extensions and more hose (I keep a minimum of 300 ft on my reel to reach around most homes), you will easily spend more than you hope. Check out my website and you will see a small trailer setup that I build, use and sell that does everything I talk about here. Even at my cost, I spend almost $4000 for this little giant. I’ve built bigger twin engine rigs, but this little brute does everything the bigger ones do. I just sold a $12,000 custom built rig to a guy that lives 30 minutes from me and he is so happy, he can hardly contain himself.
So here’s what you are looking at:
13 hp Honda (Northern Tool)…………………………..........…………………………….$900
*If shopping for one at a pawnshop, only be concerned about the engine being in good shape (good oil, clean carb, one pull crank, minimum scratches and abuse, etc) since you will want to scrap the pump. Since you are in the lawn care business, I will assume that you should be able to recognize an engine in good shape.…………………..….…….........................................$400
Surface Cleaner (don’t buy Chinese built, they don’t last and you can’t get parts)…......................................................................................$500
(I only use Whisper Wash surface cleaners, but that’s just me)
General TS 2021 Pump (internet – shop around for “free shipping”)….….$420
Allison Chemical Injector………………………………………………….............…………$20
Dual Bearing Gearbox (2.2:1 ratio)………………………………......…………………..$200
Various quick connects, hose connections and cutoff valves………………..$100
100 Gallon Tank ……………….……………………………….............…………………….$200
150’ High Pressure Hose reel ………………………………….........…………………….$100
Water hose and reel for water supply…………………………...……………………..$100
Hudson Valve (cuts water off inside your reserve tank when it is full)…..$40
12 gpm Gun (any less gpm’s will not pull chemical over 250” of hose)….$25
(2) Aluminum wands (one 5 foot long and one at 8 foot long)………………$50
16’ – 17’ Ladder……………………………………………………………………...............…$75
So, there you have it. I’m writing this in kind of a hurry, as I am off to do a job this morning. If you need anything else or have any questions, just let me know, bro.
MrKlean
ScrubbingBubbles.ws
813-298-2059