Driveway Cleaning: 4 Effective Stain Removal Tips
Living in Cincinnati with a somewhat unpredictable climate can cause a unique set of problems and issues for homeowners. Driveway cleaning can become a bit of a larger job when you are dealing with hard-hitting seasons. Exterior cleaning, in general, can take more effort, but driveway stains can form that are very hard to get rid of. If you are tired of always trying to keep your driveway spotless without much success, pressure washing is going to help you weather the storms.
Let’s take a closer look at four tried and tested tips to help eliminate those tough stains from your driveway.
Be Timely With Your Driveway Cleaning
As with stains on any sort of surface, the longer they sit there the more chance they have to take hold. This is why you need to clean any stains you see as soon as you can. Time is of the essence when dealing with stains, so don’t procrastinate and wait until a more convenient time. Power washing can quickly get rid of most marks and stains that you would come across, but it is not going to work for absolutely everything.
Tire Marks Can Be Tricky
A very common problem with most driveways is tire tracks. This is rubber that has stuck to your driveway and it doesn’t let go too easily. These marks are going to require some form of degreasing agent and some good old elbow grease. The power washer may replace things like chimney sweeps for your roof, but it won’t replace old fashioned hard work for those really nasty stains. Get down on your hands and knees and put your back into it.
Vehicle Fluids Can Make A Mess
It is almost inevitable that your vehicle will eventually leak some sort of fluid like oil, power steering or washer fluid on your driveway. It is part of owning a vehicle and all of these different fluids and lubricants can wreak havoc when it comes to driveway cleaning. As with all cleaning tasks you want to get these cleaned up as quickly as possible. A good spray with a hose or a scrub with a brush is going to be enough to get up most of these fluids if it is done when it is first noticed.
Mother Nature Says Hi
Living in an area where there can be severe weather from one season to the next is going to take its toll on your driveway. A lot of the time you aren’t going to sure what these marks and stains even are, so you will need an all-purpose way to get rid of them. A power washer is great for things like roofing, siding, decks, and especially driveways. If you don’t own one it is very easy to locate a professional service that can do the hard work for you.
Trust In A Bit Of Hard Work
Maintaining your home and property is not something to take lightly and it is a pretty large task for most people. Real driveway cleaning can take a lot of effort and hard work if you want to do it properly. Don’t be afraid to bring out the big, water guns and roll up your sleeves for those tough stains.
- Published in Cincinnati Powerwashing, Clogged Gutters, Commercial Powerwashing, Deck Cleaning, Exterior Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Powerwashing, Pressure Cleaning, Sidewalk Cleaning
Commercial Power Washing
If you walk onto a business property and the sidewalk is stained or covered with mildew or bubblegum, you tend to make an impression of that business. Well so do your customers. Your driveways and sidewalks may be the first impression that you have of a company so make a good one with a commercial power washing of your business premises.
Our services are ideal for sidewalks, commercial garage spaces, storage areas, parking lots and loading docks.
Our professional cleaning team will come to your business location and make you proud. We will ensure that all of your concrete surfaces have a professional appearance.
Concrete is one of the hardest things to clean due its pores nature. It absorbs tree sap, dirt, minerals, and rust that sink deep into the surface. Because concrete replacement is expensive, it makes a lot more sense to clean your driveways, patios, sidewalks, commercial garage, loading docks, parking lots and any other commercial concrete cleaning before it suffers deterioration from the elements. Commercial power washing will bring your facility back to life!
In today’s business environment you need to hold all advantages and look the best until you are. Your business image starts at the parking lot so let our team of commercial concrete cleaners give you an advantage over your competitors. Your building or parking lot will benefit from having your facility professionally power washed to remove oil, mold, dirt, pollen and any other contaminants.
Call us today for an estimate from our trained team of professionals to clean you concrete surfaces.
Cincinnati Power Washing is a full service residential and commercial concrete cleaning company that is fully insured and bonded. We can even clean the algae off of roofs. Our choices of eco-friendly cleaning products also assure that your landscaping, your staff, and your customers will all be safe.
Don’t lose customers because you need commercial power washing. Call us today for an instant quote.
Artillery Fungus Removal with Cincinnati Power Washing
Have you noticed small black dots on the siding of your Cincinnati home? If so, you may be experiencing artillery fungus. This type of fungus develops in organic mulch and appears in the spring and fall when temperatures are between fifty and seventy degrees. This kind of fungus can cause many problems if not dealt with quickly. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four ways to remove artillery fungus with Cincinnati power washing.
1. Remove fungus quickly
Artillery fungus needs to be removed as soon as you notice it because if it is left for any amount of time, it can stain the surface that it has adhered to. It tends to like light, bright surfaces such as light siding, soffits, gutters, windows, downspouts, roofing material, and even cars. The fungus opens up and “shoots” its spores about twenty feet in all directions focusing on the brightest spots. This is why it is called artillery fungus. As soon as you see small black dots on your property, call in a handyman or immediately perform Cincinnati power washing to remove the spores from your property.
2. Cincinnati power washing turbo nozzle
Another useful way to remove the artillery fungal spores is with a turbo nozzle. This needs to be used with extreme caution as power washing is already dangerous with the high pressures and a turbo nozzle, in addition, will deliver a cutting stream of hot water that can gouge or cut surfaces as it is concentrated. It does remove stubborn stains though, such as artillery fungus, from firm surfaces. Use caution around the HVAC system as well as the siding as you do not want to strip off all the exterior painting.
3. Utilize hot water
One of the most critical aspects of removing the fungus with Cincinnati power washing is to use hot water for the removal. The water temperature needs to be approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This method will work if the spores have not been in place for very long, no longer than two weeks generally. When power washing, you need to use a high flow rate as well as a high PSI to blast the spores off your property.
4. More work with wood
Unfortunately, if the fungal spores have shot themselves onto any wooden surface, you are going to have much more work than just power washing them off the exterior of where they adhered. If the spores have attached to wood and after power washing, you still see small black dots, this means the fungus has already “set” itself into the wood. Find some finely graded steel wool and set out for a long afternoon of removing the spores by hand.
As you can see, there are multiple ways to rid yourself and your home of this nasty fungus. By using a turbo nozzle in combination with hot water and pressure washing your home as soon as you see the nuisance, you should be able to eliminate the fungus for good. By following our advice on the top four ways to remove artillery fungus with Cincinnati power washing from your property, your home will once again be shiny and new!
Cincinnati Power Washing: Preparing your Premises for 2018
The New Year is upon us and that means the want and need to do better this year than the year prior. This can be said for all aspects of your Cincinnati life including better nutrition, more exercise, saving more money, and maintaining the house better. One way to keep your home or commercial business better maintained is with Cincinnati power washings frequently. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top five reasons you should prepare your premises for 2018 power washing.
1. Clean up around your house or business
One of the most essential things you can do to get your premises ready for a power washing is to clean up clutter from the outside of your home or office. If you have tools laying out, kid’s toys or bikes near the house, new shingles or siding that needs to be installed, or any other item that is cluttering up the sides of your house or office, you need to find a different location for these items. This includes clutter near or around the HVAC system. This will assist yourself or any professional who will be performing pressure washing on your home from tripping or damaging your property.
2. Move vehicles for Cincinnati power washing
If you have any vehicles that park in your driveway or park in your work lot, if it is a commercial business, make sure to move those cars and trucks so your concrete slab can be thoroughly pressured washed. By cleaning the slab, you are removing oil spots, grime, ground in debris, and mold and mildew that may be growing on or in cracks of your driveway and parking lot. By power washing your driveway, you are saving your concrete from further cracking and crumbling that can come with not maintaining your property.
3. Put anything that may be damaged away
If you have any patio furniture, potted plants, or throw pillows on your home’s patio, you may want to move them into the garage to where they will be safe from a pressure washing. Cincinnati power washing can be hard on different types of surfaces and can damage some surfaces and paint very easily. Make sure to put anything that you think may be damaged due to wetness or harsh force into the house or garage for safekeeping, or you may be in need of home remodeling and new belongings.
4. Use a safe solution and be knowledgeable
If you will be attempting to power wash your own home or commercial business this year, make sure you know how to fully operate the machine. If you have never used a power washer, it can be very dangerous. You need to use low pressure when washing near windows and certain types of building materials, including roofing materials as well as gutters. Also, make sure to use the proper detergent in the machine, as you want it to be safe for plants, animals, humans, and the environment.
5. Call a professional team
The last great tip to prepare your premises for 2018 is to call in a professional team to perform Cincinnati power washing for you. If you do not have the time or you do not have the knowledge to operate a power washer, call in a local handyman or a professional team that can do the work for you. Your home or business will be shiny and new and you will have had time to perform other duties instead.
As you can see, there are multiple reasons you should get your home or business ready for the New Year. Whether it is a little cleaning up around the outside of your house, moving the vehicles to get the grime off the concrete driveway, or putting anything that could be damaged away, your home or business will be ready for Cincinnati power washing!
Cincinnati Power Washing: 7 Ways to Use Your Washer
Power washing is a necessary part of the maintenance to keep your Cincinnati home and property looking clean all year long. A Cincinnati power washing machine is not a complicated device to use, but you do need to be safe when operating it. Otherwise, you may be remodeling part of your house, deck, or patio furniture from too high of pressure! In this short guide, you will be informed of the top seven ways to use your washer.
1. Pressure wash the house
The most used and obvious use for your Cincinnati power washing machine is to clean the house. You want to use a cleaning solution to strip away the grime and debris that has built up all year on your siding, shutters, downspouts, and front door. Blast it apart with your washer.
2. Power wash the concrete slabs
Another well-known use for Cincinnati power washing is to give the driveway and patio slab a good cleaning with the pressure washer. Dirt, oil, rubber, and other contaminants are brought home on your vehicle’s tires and deposited on the driveway concrete. It can cause stains and eventually damage the concrete if not treated.
3. Spray the deck
A useful way to utilize your Cincinnati power washing machine is to spray down your wooden floor. Decks can get grimy from the abuse they take from the weather including rain, sleet, snow, wind, and hail. By cleaning the deck, you are removing the dirt and restoring it to its original beautiful color. Then you can choose a stain color or, painting it may be a better option. Just make sure to use a lower pressure setting to avoid damaging your wood planks.
4. Patio furniture
The patio furniture, HVAC system, gazebo, and other outdoor seating can take the brunt of grime from the weather as well. It also needs to be cleaned with the power washer. If you leave your patio furniture out all year long, make sure to clean it often, as it gets dirty from the outdoors. Cleaning it will make it look brand new once again.
5. Cincinnati power washing of the privacy fence
One use that homeowners do not utilize their Cincinnati power washing machine for is the cleaning of their fences. A privacy fence, like the gutters and roofing materials, takes a toll from the outdoor weather. This is due to the vast expanse that stops the wind, which carries dirt particles in it. This dirt and grime stick to the wooden fence and make it look dilapidated. A proper power washing will make it look new again. After you wash it, make sure to paint or stain it to keep your wood sealed to prevent wood rot.
6. Garage door and flooring
When thinking about using a power washing device, you do not usually remember to use it on the garage floor. This is an excellent use for the washer though as it can remove dirt, rubber, oil, and other ground in debris from both your vehicle and home use. While you are at it, make sure to spray the garage door as well to remove years of grime from the door.
7. Outdoor equipment
The last excellent use for your pressure washer is to utilize it on your outdoor equipment such as the lawnmower and grill. These items can get grimy and dirty if left out all year, so make sure to use the low pressure setting to strip the grime off these handy tools. If you do not have the time or do not have a washer, rent one or have a local handymanChuc do the power washing for you!
As you can see, there are multiple ways to use a power washer to benefit you and your property. Whether you use it for traditional instances such as cleaning the house, driveway, and deck or use it in alternative ways such as washing the outdoor furniture, garage floor, or even to get a stuck Frisbee out of a tree, you will find many uses for your power washer on your Cincinnati property!
Exterior Cleaning Tips: Removing Graffiti with Power Washing
Seeing graffiti on your property is never a lovely sight to behold. It is usually ugly, frustrating, and disheartening to know that someone vandalized your property on purpose. Other than calling the police and filing a report, you need to investigate the best way to remove the graffiti from the surface of your building. The best way to perform exterior cleaning is by power washing the area. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four tips for removing graffiti with a power washer.
1. Remove the marks immediately
The material that was used to mark your building or other property can vary. Usually, it is spray paint, but different mediums can be used to graffiti property. No matter what the medium for the marking, make sure to have it removed immediately. Not only does the graffiti look and feel ugly, but also if it is left to set in, it can damage your brick and stucco surfaces to the point they can need serious remodeling. By leaving it for any length of time, you have more of a chance of having more graffiti occur as well as your property values will be lowered due to the state of the building.
2. Exterior cleaning using hot water
Another critical point you want to be aware of when removing graffiti is to use hot water when performing the exterior cleaning. A hot water pressure washer can be used on the stain and efficiently remove the writing if you act fast. You may not even need chemicals to assist you in the removal if you get to it quick enough! Just like the urgency to fix the HVAC system on a 98-degree day, you want that same urgency when attacking graffiti.
3. The need for chemicals in the washer
If there is a broad expanse of graffiti or if the graffiti was performed and was not noticed immediately, you may need to use chemicals on the stain to remove it. This entails more than just plain old soap and water. A removal agent will be required, and this can include chemicals such as denatured alcohol, turpentine, acetone, and many others. Just as painting removal needs compounds, so does graffiti removal. Your surface will look beautiful again once exterior cleaning has been completed.
4. Call in a professional team
The longer the graffiti stays on your building or property, the more chance it has to soak in and destroy your property. It also makes it more difficult to remove. If you do not have the knowledge to operate a power washer or if you do not have the time, call a professional exterior cleaning company to have the stain removed immediately. This gives you and your property the best chance to move on without damage.
As you can see, there are ways to remove the unsightly damage that was caused to your property. The best way to remove graffiti is to remove the marks as soon as you can so they do not set in and stain the surface. To do this, you need to use hot water, utilize chemicals, and start with low pressure, gently increasing the pressure to a high setting once you get a feel for how the writing is disappearing. Lastly, if you do not feel comfortable or do not have the time to remove the graffiti yourself, call in a local handyman or a professional power washing team to perform the exterior cleaning for you as it is time sensitive. If you follow our advice on the top four tips for removing graffiti with a power washer, your building will be back to brand new once again!
- Published in Cincinnati Powerwashing, Exterior Cleaning, Powerwashing, Pressure Cleaning
3 Sidewalk Cleaning Tips for Removing Chewing Gum
If you are a local business owner in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, you know how irritating and frustrating as well as challenging it is to remove chewing gum that has been tossed on your sidewalk or concrete area. What kind of sidewalk cleaning can you perform to remove the sticky, gooey mess? Cincinnati pressure washing seems to be one of the best ways to remove baked on, walked over chewing gum. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top three tips to remove chewing gum with power washing.
1. Use heat
The most critical advice when eliminating stuck-on chewing gum from a concrete surface is to use heat. Just as heat sears on roofing materials and heat repairs seams of gutters, warmth is beneficial with power washing. Most individuals think that the pressure of the water hitting the chewing gum removes the substance, but that is not true. What actually removes the black gum from your sidewalks is the heat that is applied. Cold-water pressure washing will etch the concrete causing it to be more susceptible to future damage. It is also imperative to remove the gum as soon as you see it because gum that is left for an extended period can stain the surface. Due to the acidity in the saliva of the gum as well as the chemical makeup of the chewing gum, if left on the porous concrete, it can etch the concrete surface causing it to be more fragile and susceptible to the environment.
2. Utilize the proper equipment
The next most crucial tip when removing chewing gum with Cincinnati pressure washing is to use the appropriate tools. Since power washing is the most efficient and reliable method to remove the sticky substance, you want to make sure you are going about it correctly as you do not want residue or a stain left. Just as a technician knows an HVAC system or a painter knows painting, you too must know your tools. You are going to want to observe your pressure washer for the size dictated. It should state the rating, which is something like five gallons at 5000 PSI (pounds per square inch). The PSI is the energy with which the water will hit the surface you are cleaning, and it is imperative to the proper completion of the task. Know your equipment ahead of time and if you have any difficulty, or are lacking the knowledge needed, call in the professionals to assist you with your cleaning.
3. Effective technique
The last essential tip when using pressure washing for sidewalk cleaning and chewing gum removal is to have an efficient method of performing the task. If you are not capable of performing the cleaning, make sure you hire an experienced local handyman or professional commercial power washing team to complete the work for you. If you are performing your own job, your tool of choice in completing the task at hand will be the correct nozzle. Always use a higher flow nozzle when removing chewing gum. You want to use the nozzle in a careful circular motion at a distance, as the pressure does not remove the gum, the heat does.
Successful sidewalk cleaning
As you can see, there are a few excellent tips to remove the sticky, gooey clump from your well-used sidewalk. Whether you use Cincinnati pressure washing or another form of sidewalk cleaning, if you follow our advice on the top three tips to remove chewing gum with power washing, you will have the shiniest and cleanest sidewalks on your block!
Concrete Cleaning: How to Remove Food Grease Stains
When it comes to removing hard stains from concrete, it can become frustrating, overwhelming, and challenging. If your Cincinnati place of business has food grease stains, you know how hard they can be to resolve. One of the best ways to perform concrete cleaning is with pressure washing. Cincinnati power washing will strip the grease stain permanently. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four steps to remove food grease stains from a concrete surface.
1. Remove debris
The first and one of the most important steps in removing grease stains from the flooring is to sweep up any debris such as dirt, food particles, spilled juices, or other debris. Just like with painting, which sometimes requires a primer, to get the stain fully out, you have to treat the entire area. You do not want to miss a portion of the area to be cleaned because something was sitting on a portion of the stain or food was covering up the area. Use a broom and dustpan and then a clean cloth to wipe off any remaining particles.
2. Apply chemicals to stain
The next step in concrete cleaning is to apply chemicals to the stain. This remodeling process allows the chemicals to dissolve and break apart the oil residue of the food grease stain. Make sure to check with local government before putting harsh chemicals inside a kitchen near food or where it is cooked. The chemicals need to sit for a bit to do their job; overnight is usually a good amount of time for the application process.
3. Let soak then scrub area
The next step to complete the removal of food grease stains after the area has soaked for a good amount of time is to scrub the area with a bristle brush. You are going to want to use a stiff brush and you need to apply a lot of hard work. Make sure you are really scrubbing the area to get the best results. Use a grid type pattern to make sure you are not scrubbing the same area twice and wasting your time; you do not want to miss any spots. If you are performing the scrubbing outdoors near a rear door on the way to the dumpster or HVAC area, you need to use stronger chemicals and tools that are more powerful. Again, check with local government on the strength of the chemicals you can use at your facility.
4. Power wash area
The last step to get rid of stubborn food grease stains is to use Cincinnati power washing on the area of need. If you are indoors, use hot water and power wash the floors with a cleaner with a vacuum attachment. The suction from the vacuum will draw out the stain as well as remove the contaminated water while placing it into a nearby drainage system approved by your facility for use. If you are power washing outdoors, much larger equipment is used with more pressure and suction. If you are not inclined to perform this task yourself, check with a local experienced handyman or contact a professional power washing company.
Concrete cleaning with confidence
As you can see, there many steps to perform concrete cleaning that will remove the ugly stain from your business. Cincinnati power washing seems to be the best way to remove the food grease, but many of the other steps are necessary to get the stain completely out and keep it from returning. If you follow our advice on the top four steps to utilize to remove food grease stains from a concrete surface, you will have the best-looking floors in all of Cincinnati!
5 Reasons To Powerwash Before Thanksgiving
The holidays are upon us, and that means family gatherings, eating turkey, and being grateful for all we have. One of the things you should be thankful for is your Cincinnati, Ohio, home. It is crucial to keep that home in good repair for the years to come, and one way to do that is to perform Cincinnati power washing on the exterior of the house. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top five reasons you should power wash your home before Thanksgiving.
1. Impress the family
One of the most important reasons to perform exterior cleaning of your home is to impress family and friends who stop over for the holidays. You want them to enjoy their stay, and that starts when they pull up to the house. Who wants to see and stay at a home with green moss and grime on the front? It gives the feel of a dilapidated house, and that is what you are trying to avoid. Your family will be impressed with the shiny new look of your home for the holidays!
2. Be grateful for what you have
A huge reason to complete exterior cleaning on your house before Thanksgiving is because of what the day means. Thanksgiving is to stop and be grateful for all you have in your life. This includes items like your house that you have worked hard to purchase and maintain. Shine up that old house with a pressure wash, and it will look brand new again!
3. The health of family and friends
Exterior cleaning of your home removes mold and mildew that can be harmful to family and friends. Some members of the family may have allergies, and mold growing near the door when they arrive could trigger their allergies and health problems could ensue over the holiday. Pressure washing and cleaning the gutters before guests arrive will remove the grime and debris safely and efficiently.
4. Cost
Renting a power washing machine is usually a little cheaper in the wintertime because not a lot of people are thinking about pressure washing in the colder temperatures. It all depends on where you rent the materials, but if you shop around, you can usually find a good deal. If you elect to call in a professional Cincinnati power washing team to perform the task, you may get a deal from them as well due to the time of year. It never hurts to ask!
5. Temperature
The last reason to power wash your home before Thanksgiving is because the temperatures have not gotten below zero yet. You do not want to power wash in the heart of the winter as ice and moisture retention can occur. If you can power wash the beginning of November when temperatures are still milder, possibly when HVAC maintenance, roofing repairs, or other handyman services are being utilized, you can have a home that will be inviting to holiday guests. If you wait until Christmas, you will have missed your opportunity, as it will be too cold at that time!
As you can see, there are multiple reasons to perform Cincinnati power washing on your home before the holidays arrive. Whether it is for the health of your family, the cost, the gratitude you feel, or for vanity, your home will be shiny and inviting to all the family members who will be coming over for the holidays. If you follow our advice on the top five reasons to power wash your home before Thanksgiving, you will have the best turkey day in all of Cincinnati!
4 Great Tips for Cleaning Your Wooden Deck
A wooden deck is a wonderful addition to any Cincinnati, Ohio home. The tricky part of having a wooden deck is the upkeep that is required, specifically deck cleaning. House washing and power washing the deck are needed services to remove dirt and grime build-up as well as keeping your home in good working condition. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four tips for cleaning your wooden deck.
1. Remove any unneeded items
With a patio or deck surface, we start out minimal with a table and chair and maybe a potted plant. And then life happens. The kid’s toys are left on the deck, the garden hose is coiled in the corner, painting supplies are left out, the roofing shingles are in a heap, and random other items are left about on the wooden deck. Before you can perform any kind of cleaning to the deck, you need to move all the unwanted items from the deck to their respective places in the garage or shed.
2. Perform repairs before cleaning
The next task you need to accomplish before deck cleaning can begin is to inspect the wooden deck for any repairs that need to be made. Examining the deck is similar to inspecting the gutters or the chimney. Repairs may be required on any of your home systems. With the deck, you are explicitly looking for loose planks, nails that are starting to come out, splintering of the wood, or any wood rot or termite damage that you notice. It is imperative that you fix these issues before cleaning or sealing the deck because if you proceed without repairing the items, the wood may be damaged further and can end up costing you in the end.
3. Power wash the patio
The next crucial tip in cleaning your wood deck is to power wash the area of any grime and build-up. Just like house washing, deck cleaning needs to be done meticulously, so you do not miss any spots. You want to make sure you take your time and perform the job carefully as pressure washing a deck can be difficult. It all depends on the amount of pressure that is applied. If you use too much pressure, you can damage the planks, causing splintering. If you do not apply enough pressure, you do not get a thorough cleaning, and the grime and dirt remain.
4. Place sealer
The last and most crucial step of the entire process is to apply sealer to the wooden deck once it has been rinsed and dried. You can hire a local handyman to perform this task if you want, but it is straightforward to complete. Make sure you have purchased the correct sealer for wooden decks and then apply the sealer with a sprayer. You can also use a brush to get into tight spots such as corners. The sealer can be expensive, but it is well worth the cost to have your wood sealed in so less damage can come from the weather, sunlight, and insects.
As you can see, there are multiple steps in the process of deck cleaning. Just like with house washing, you need to prep the area first by making repairs and moving unwanted items before you can perform the pressure washing of the deck. Lastly, make sure to seal in your hard work. If you follow our advice on the top four tips for cleaning your wooden floor, you will have the cleanest and most preserved deck on your block!
- Published in Cincinnati Powerwashing, Deck Cleaning, Exterior Cleaning, Powerwashing, Pressure Cleaning