March 21, 2022 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Cleaning QnA

PRESSURE CLEANING QnA

Thank you for checking out this PRESSURE CLEANING QnA video post. We receive many questions from various platforms and know that providing answers to these questions can be helpful to many others. So the first question comes to us through our YouTube channel in the comments section. Ron asks about a particular SH mix ratio for house washing while down streaming using a modified x jet. He is using a 5 gallon per minute pressure washer.

EXACT PERCENTAGES

While there are ways to calculate exact mix ratios and percentages, this is something that I have never done. There really isn’t any reason for me to know the exact percentage. Thus my main concern is this. Is the mix I’m using strong enough to change the color of the organic stains on the surface that I am cleaning? I cover various surfaces, various stains and the degree of staining and what color those stains are. These are determining factors in determining whether the bleach mix ratio is strong enough. In this Pressure Cleaning QnA, I also provide pictures that demonstrate what I’m speaking about. Experience does play a key role in helping to determine a general mix ratio of 30%, or 40% or 50% or stronger. This is what we might call “the eye test.” Here is the X Jet product I mention in the video on the Doug Rucker Store website.

ROOF CLEANING QnA

The second question I address is from Jamie and is specifically about roof cleaning and house washing. Will my mixture consist of solely bleach or would I be adding surfactant? This is a great question! One factor in answering this question relates to the grade and quality of the bleach you are using. Testing and experience is crucial here as I explain at the 7:30 time stamp. This Pressure Cleaning QnA video ends with one final question about surface cleaner maintenance. If this information has been helpful for you in your pressure washing business, check out my online video school.

June 17, 2020 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Downstream Injector Check Valve

For about the last eight months to a year I have been using a Downstream Injector Check Valve for Soft Washing. These not only help the injectors last longer, since we are removing the ball and spring, but they also actually make the mix a little stronger. We have been able to clean some porous surfaces that have the black algae stains on them, a little faster than using the injectors how they come. They are available on my store HERE .

Very easy to install, you simply remove the hose barb from the Downstream Injector. Then you remove the ball and spring, which will pop out anyway. Attache the check valve where the hose barb was, and you are ready to attach your hose and start downstreaming.

For the last few years there has has been a lot of mis-information about what soft washing is and isn’t. As long as y9u are using low pressure to apply your chemical mix, and rinsing under low pressure, you are Soft Washing. The use of a dedicated pump does not dictate that you are soft washing. Downstreaming is the original soft wash method that I was taught to use way back in 1979.

While a dedicated pump will allow you to apply a stronger mix than downstreaming, just like a pump up sprayer will. In fact, thats all a dedicated pump is, a pump up sprayer on steroids. If you want to clean buildings and houses faster, then using a downstream injector check valve is the way to go. Your mix will be much stronger than a traditional injector.

I always encourage people starting a pressure washing business, to learn how to downstream first. This will help you learn to clean in a traditional way, and help prevent damage to landscape.

For more educational options, be sure to check out our online video school. You can also check our class schedule page.

May 24, 2020 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing Hose Care

How you take care of your Pressure Washing Equipment plays a big factor in how long it will last. One of the most often overlooked is Pressure Washing Hose Care. We all try to prevent cars from running over them, dragging them through rough terrain, and other obstacles that our hoses face. One of the easiest ways to prevent damage is in the rolling up of your hoses onto hose reels.

In this video I show you a kink I found in one of our pressure washing hoses that was caused by the hose not being stretched out straight as it approached the hose reel. When at all possible always make sure the power washing hose isn’t twisted or kinked when rolling them up.

On our residential rig’s we install the hose reels on the passenger side of the trailer or truck. This makes it easier to roll out and roll up because we position the reel to feed down the driveway. When parking in front of a house, we always block the driveway with the trailer or truck. The hose reel can then easily feed down the driveway. Blocking the driveway also prevents cars or trucks from rolling over our hose.

On our commercial rig, our hose reels feed off the back of the trailer. With wide open parking lots, or areas to park, this makes it easier. Especially if you are cleaning large concrete areas or need to move the truck and trailer while working. Disconnects at the hose reel allows us to drop the hose from reel before moving. Dragging a hose while moving the truck or trailer can cause damage to your hose.

Be sure to watch the Pressure Washing Hose Care video, and subscribe to our You Tube Channel and hit the like button. Leave a question or comment and I’ll be sure to respond as quickly as I can.

Starting a Pressure Washing Business? I have a great online pressure washing school with over 215 videos. I also have monthly Hands On Pressure Washing Training here in Houston that also covers Soft Washing and Roof Cleaning. If you have any questions bout our training please contact me at pressurecleaningschool@gmail.com or HERE.

May 17, 2020 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing Equipment Oil

When owning pressure washing equipment it is very important to properly maintain your equipment. Using the correct Pressure Washing Equipment Oil for your machines is very important. I have switched all my equipment and trucks to the High Performance Lubricants brand of oils. My equipment and trucks run much smoother and I also have more time between changes. This saves me time and money.

There are many options out there to consider for Pressure Washing Equipment Oil, and most of us do like I have done. Go to the auto parts store and get the oil that we feel is the best value. That’s all well and good, but those oils are not really the best for the equipment we use, and how much and often we run them.

The High Performance Lubricant brand of oils do exactly as they say, give you High Performance. I stock and sell them in our store, because I feel so strongly about them. You can find the ENGINE OIL HERE.

Also available on the store Site is Pressure Washing Pump Oil as well as Air Compressor Oil if you use an AODD pump for Soft Washing like I do.

These oils are competitively priced, only a little bit higher than the store bought brands. The little extra you spend, you will make up on extended equipment life, less failures, and more time between oil maintenance changes. Always remember to change your oil filter when changing engine oil.

If you have any questions feel free to email me or use the contact form on this site. You can also text me at 281-883-3630. Be sure to check out our online pressure washing school if you are starting a pressure washing business. With over 200 training videos you will drastically cut your learning curve.

January 3, 2020 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing Business Start Up

Doing a little playing around with iMovie the past couple weeks. Hope you enjoy. It was a quick put together, not perfect but I kind of like it. Developing one of these can be as challenging as a Pressure Washing Business Start Up

If you are planning to start a pressure washing, soft washing, or roof cleaning business, please consider attending one of my training events. Next year we will celebrate our 10 year anniversary, training and mentoring new business start ups. March 2011, Pressure Washing School was born after I saw a need to help new guys wanting to start a business. Over the last 10 years I have trained, taught, mentored, and coached, a few hundred businessmen and women in the exterior cleaning industry.

Hands On Pressure Washing Training

My school was the first to offer hands on training, and I have been doing that every month for the last 10 years. Since that beginning, I have also added two different online video training options, one at Online Video Training and the other at Cleaners University.

My schools are designed for anyone that is starting out or has been in the Pressure Washing Roof Cleaning Soft Washing industry for 3 years or less. My passion is helping the new guys start and grow a business, and I love watching them take what they learn, put it to action and watch them succeed. Once you attend one of my schools, you are a student for life, and I am available to you, at no extra charge, anytime you need me. Remember, just because the school is over, doesn’t mean the education is.

Contact Us Call or Text 2818833630

If you would like more information, please visit my web site at https://www.pressurewashingschool.com, or contact me by email, pressurecleaningschool@gmail.com, or call or text 2818833630…. Be sure to check out our February 2020 Difference Makers School at https://www.pressurewashingschool.com/event/2020-february-difference-maker-school/

August 2, 2019 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing Strainers

Hey, everybody! Real quick. I’ve see some post with people having problems
with their bleach tank getting degraded for various reasons. Pressure Washing Strainers degrading bleach can be the biggest cause for this.

A lot of the time it’s caused by these metal strainers. Your bleach will degrade these pretty quickly.
It can cause your bleach mix to turn orange or black. All these metal shavings will get left down
at the bottom of the tank. Every time you put bleach in it, it’s going to continue to degrade it. We
use our bleach fast enough that it doesn’t have time to degrade.

Get rid of these! Don’t use them on anything that’s going to come in connect with bleach. We
don’t even use them with water. They come with the X-jet. Use the pail system on the X-jet and
get rid of this. You won’t have that problem.

PVC Pipes are great Strainers

If you’re downstreaming or using a dedicated pump, there are a couple of different ways you
can do it. These are two different types of PVC pipe. You have the female threads on the inside.
You can screw you pipe onto those. These are plastic, it won’t degrade it. I don’t like these
because I feel like these can starve your pump. I don’t think you get the flow you should. People
disagree with that and that’s ok. It’s what I feel so I don’t use these. I’ve had these sitting around
for years. If I ever did use them, I’d cut them off here.

Mainly, what we use, depending on if it’s a dedicated pump or if it’s downstreaming, we’ll use
something like this. It’s cut of and angled. We’ll actually run our dip hose or our braided hose
down through there. We’ll fasten these black strainers on if we’re downstreaming. That’s what
we use. There is a little weight in there.

I’ve never had a problem with these degrading our mix or the black causing it to turn a color.
They’re pretty safe. What you will have is the bleach will eat this cap our. The weight or
magnet will fall out. That’s why we have the pipe on there to keep it weighted down in the
bucket or the tank. We use those.

On our dedicated pumps, we don’t use a strainer. We actually use a PVC pipe and a 90. That
way we’re getting full flow.

Keep Your Pressure Washing Tanks Clean

One of the things we do is we keep our tanks clean. We have a bulk head that runs at the
bottom of the tank. We’ve been doing this for three or four years. It doesn’t hurt anything. The
bleach doesn’t hurt the bulk head fitting. At least, we’ve never had that problem. We run a hose
off of that bulk head fitting.

We use that for filling up X-jet buckets if we ever need to use and X-jet. Mainly we use it for
filling up pump up sprayers when we need to use pump up sprayers. We also use it to keep the
tank flushed out. It’ll get empty and about every 2 weeks we’ll take a water hose in there. We
don’t get a lot of grit in there. We keep it clean.

The other thing that could cause your problem is the type of soap you’re using. Sometimes
different types of soap can cause your bleach to degrade. It can cause it to turn colors. You
might switch your soap and see if that’s the issue.

Metal Causes Rust Issues

When you got a tank and bleach that’s degrading/changing colors, you’ve got to find out what is
different in that tank. What’s in my water tank(if your water tank is not doing it). Bleach will
attack anything.

I hope that helps you guys. That’s various different ways to get rid of these. You can use these if
you feel safe. We don’t sell them. I don’t recommend them. You can get them at many of the
other vendors around that sell those. This is what we use for downstreaming. Then just regular
PVC, we cut and angle or we put a 90 on it. We get our full flow. The key is keeping your tanks
clean for whenever you have a problem, isolating and figuring out what’s caused it. Using the correct Pressure Washing Strainers will help to solve this.

I hope that helps you guys!

If your just starting out in the pressure washing and roof cleaning business be sure to check out our online video school.

Also be sure to join and subscribe to my You Tube channel for more Pressure Washing Education.

December 9, 2018 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing School FAQ’s

For the last 12 years, we have been holding our monthly school in Houston, Texas. Here are some Pressure Washing School FAQ’s that will help you with questions you may have. Please feel free to text me at 2818833630 or email at pressurecleaningschool@gmail.com if you have questions you don’t find here.

When are the schools?

This monthly school in Houston is held once a month and usually on the second Monday and Tuesday of every month. The 2023 Schedule is as follows: January 9-10, February 6-7, March 13-14, April 10-11 May 8-9, June 12-3, July 10-11, August 14-15, September 11-12, October 9-10, November 6-7, and December 4-5.

What is the cost to attend the monthly schools?

The price is $750.00.

If you are bringing an additional attendee, the price is $375.00, per additional attendee.

What type of training happens at the monthly school?

I teach Residential Exterior Cleaning only. This includes House Washing, Roof Cleaning, Driveway Cleaning, I do not teach commercial, fleet wash, kitchen hood cleaning, wood restoration, but we do go over wood cleaning, or any other type of pressure washing service. It is purely residential cleaning only.

What type of training will I receive?

You will receive “hands on” field training as well as classroom training. One day of training is held either outside at my home, or on an actual job site, as we teach you how we clean a roof, a house, and a driveway. During this training, we will go over Spraying Techniques, Soft Washing, Pressure Washing, Different Chemical Application methods for Soft Washing and Pressure Washing, how we set up on a job site, planning and visualizing the job, Chemical Mix Ratios, what I look for when I am bidding a job as well as what I look for protecting the property, plants, pets and more. This training is done at my home or on a job site when available. Attire for this day is work type clothes and something you would not mind getting spotted since we may use bleach for cleaning. November through February, be sure to bring cold weather attire, as the weather here can be cold one day and 80 degrees the next. In the event of rain on the field training day, we may switch the class room and field training day. If there is rain both days, then extended class room time will be given at the training center.

Day Two

The second day of training is classroom training and is held at our training center. The classroom portion consists of PowerPoint presentations that cover House Washing and Roof Cleaning, equipment needed, mixing ratios, different application methods, bidding residential jobs, preparing the job site, identifying surfaces, stains and best application methods, and more. We also have PowerPoint presentations that will cover hardscape cleaning, and plant and property protection.

Each day starts at about 8:30am, unless advised a different start time, and we usually finish by 12:00-1:00 each day. Please do not arrive earlier than 8:30am or the designated start time given to you. You will receive a text message or email the Saturday or Sunday prior to the school with the location we will meet at. In the event of rain on the field training day, we may switch the class room and field training day. If there is rain both days, then extended class room time will be given at the training center. You are also granted access to the class room portions via video, so you can review once you leave the school.

Travel and Lodging Recommendations

I recommend that you fly into the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) as it is only 10-15 from my the training center. The hotel that I recommend is the Courtyard Marriott Kingwood, 130 Northpark Plaza, Kingwood Tx 77339. (281) 973-1790. Room Rates are $109.00 per night, (price subject to change) using the code DougRuckerSchool. This hotel is just 5 minutes from the training center, and has plenty of eating, shopping and even a movie theatre nearby. They have a shuttle available to pick you up from the airport, when available, as well as take you anywhere within 5 miles of the Hotel during your stay. There are many other choices for lodging near me; you would just want to stay in the Kingwood/Humble area, as close to the 59/Northpark exit as possible. I advise that you plan to arrive sometime Sunday afternoon and plan to leave, if flying, no earlier than 3-4pm on Tuesday after the class.

Transportation

The Courtyard Marriott offers a shuttle to and from the airport, when available. You can also choose to take a cab or Uber to your hotel. A rental car is also an option to consider, if you plan to tour the Houston area during your free time. On Tuesday, once the school has concluded, you will need to make arrangements for transportation back to the airport.

Online Video Pressure Washing School’s

Is there any additional training after the school and, if so, what is the cost?

The only additional training that you can purchase is my online video school. In fact you may want to consider purchasing it first. The online school has all the classroom classes I teach here in Houston, and over 260 additional training videos. It is a lifetime, one-time membership of $549.00 (price subject to change), and you get access to all current videos and future videos. There are also FREE certificate of completion tests you can take after each module. The certification of completion tests are FREE, and there is one each for Roof Cleaning, House Washing, Hardscape & Concrete Cleaning, and Plant and Property Protection. If you decide to take the tests, and you pass, I can post a listing of your business on our directory located here: https://www.pressurecleaningschool.com/directory/. We would need you to email us your logo in Digital Format to pressurecleaningschool@gmail.com Membership to this online school also get’s you access to me for further mentoring or coaching anytime you need me at no additional charge.

Length of Video Classes

The Roof Cleaning class portions are about 1 and 1/2 hours spread over 4 videos. House Washing Class is about 2 and 1/2 hours spread over 5 videos. Concrete is about 30 minutes spread over 2 videos. Plant Protection is about 1 hours with 2 videos. There are also many other training videos under these classes, but those are the main ones that you take to prepare you for the tests. After taking and passing the tests, you can print a certificate to use for your business.

Attending my school here in Houston, or any other of my schools, DOES NOT give you free access to the online video school. It is a separate purchase. Please don’t assume that just because you pay to attend the school here that the online video school comes with that purchase. IT DOES NOT . This is why I say you may want to consider the online video school first.

Another Online Video School Choice

For those that may not be able to afford the life-time membership course, you can choose to pay for the individual classes separately. The prices vary depending on the course, and you have access to only the classes needed to take the tests. It is not a lifetime membership, and access to the courses and videos are 2 weeks to complete the course(s) from the time you register. Once the 2 weeks expire, you no longer have access to the videos or classes. You can check out this online power wash school at Pressure Washing School Courses.

Even More Additional Training

Any student that attends my school will have access to me anytime they need additional help at no extra charge. This means you can text me, email me, or call me anytime you have questions, whether it be about equipment selection, bidding a job, how to clean something, etc. I also offer video conferencing when needed as well. Whatever you need, I am here to help you succeed. If I don’t know the answer, I will help you get it. I am here to help your new business be successful and to teach you how to clean using the proper process and procedures. Remember that just because the school ends, the education does not.

Is there a Certification?

You will receive a Certificate of Attendance for Exterior Cleaning. You can also, after passing the tests, have a listing on our Web Site directory. This is not required. It is only an option if you’d like to have your business listed as a Certified Graduate.

Difference Maker School

From time to time, I will host a Difference Maker School. The Difference Maker school is designed for those that are thinking about or just starting a pressure washing business. It is also ideal for those that have been in business for 3 years or less. The Difference Maker school has more classroom training than hands-on training. My monthly school we are on an actual job site, cleaning a roof, house, and driveway.

At some of the Difference Maker schools, we provide equipment demonstration training, using the equipment I use on a daily basis. This demonstration training is mainly designed to get you familiar with the equipment needed for your new business. Application Techniques and Equipment demonstrations allow you to get a feel for what you need to make you a success.

November 16, 2018 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Stucco Cleaning Houston

Cleaning Stucco Houston

Our crews are often out Cleaning Stucco Houston style using our low pressure soft washing method. This method is something we spend a lot of time on here at the school when you attend. When starting a pressure washing business, it is important that you learn how to clean stucco correctly so that you do not damage the surface. Stucco comes in a wide variety of types. EIFS and Dryvit are two of the most commonly known types. When cleaning stucco it’s important to know the differences and whats required in cleaning them.

Traditional stucco is a basically a concrete block wall with stucco concrete mix troweled on, often times in different and elaborate designs. Traditional stucco is also known as a hard coat stucco and dryvit is known as soft coat. You can tell the difference by knocking on them as you would someones door. Hard Coat Stucco will be solid and have a thud or hard sound to it. EIFS, or Dryvit, will sound hollow. This is because behind the stucco finish in EIFS is a styrofoam sheet for insulation. EIFS stand for exterior insulating finish system.

Pressure Washing School Houston Texas

Always treat EIFS and Dryvit very delicately and do not use high pressure on it. I always suggest soft washing it either using a dedicated pump or by down streaming using your pressure washer. Follow that up with a nice cold water rinse.

The picture in this article is from a recent Cleaning Stucco Houston that our Houston Pressure Washing Company, Clean and Green Solutions, did for a customer. The customer had actually thought he may have to replace the stucco, but was so delighted that our cleaning proved he did not need too.

If you are looking to start a pressure washing and or roof cleaning company, please consider attending one of our Pressure Washing Schools here in Houston Tx or we also have an Online Pressure Washing School you can attend, complete with test’s after each section.

You can also check out our Pressure Washing School You Tube page.

December 2, 2017 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Houston Pressure Washing Training

Kingwood Texas is the site of my annual FREE Houston Pressure Washing Training Event. So join us February 18th and 19th at the Courtyard Marriott, Kingwood Texas. Thus, this event is FREE to all contractors to attend and will have classes and equipment demonstrations designed to help you take your business to the next level. We will have educational classes that will benefit your business model, whether commercial or residential focus.

So please go to UAMCC EVENTS to get registered for this two day FREE event.

EVENT SPEAKER SCHEDULE

Houston Pressure Washing Training Event

Our keynote speaker once again will be Mitch Beckman leading it off the first day with another great inspiring and challenging talk about the “YouTudes”. Thus, you don’t want to miss this.

Our second day will start off with Jeffrey Blackman “Trusting and believing in Dark Times.” So if you missed Jeffrey at the UAMCC National Convention, here is your opportunity to hear his inspiring story of going from living under a bridge in New Orleans, to now operating his very successful Houston Tx Pressure Washing and Striping company.

Other speakers and trainers will be Craig Harrison, of F9 Restoration Products, Jerry McMillen, with Sirroco Vacuums and owner of www. pressurewasher.net, Jerry is one of the foremost and sough out leaders on Environmental Compliance for Pressure Washing and other exterior cleaning/interior cleaning companies. Gerald Vess, owner of Roman Roof Cleaning, Ron Musgraves on Commercial Sales, and more. Here is the full agenda:

February 18

9:00 AM Mitch Beckman- “You Tudes”
10:15 AM Craig Harrison – Building the F9 Team
11:15 AM Paul Ballard – Unger Water Fed Pole Cleaning
12:15 PM Lunch
1:30 PM Gerald Vess – Roof Cleaning Process
2:30 PM Circuit Training – / Soft Wash / Window Cleaning / Sidewalk/ Restoration Event
4:30 PM Circuit Training – / Soft Wash / Window Cleaning / Sidewalk/ Restoration Event

February 19

9:00 AM Jeffery Blackmon- Never give Up

9:45 AM Doug Rucker – “Don’t Compete on Price”

11:00 AM Jerry McMillen – Wash Water Control Certification Environmental

12:15 PM Lunch

1:30 PM Doug Mineart – Hard Surface Sealing

2:30 PM Expert Panel – Ask Anything

3:00 PM Ron Musgraves & Kristy White – Commercial Sales Residual Income

If you are new to the pressure washing industry, check out my FAQ page for more information about all the training options we provide!

July 25, 2015 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker No Comments

HOW TO CLEAN UP YOUR START UP

There is so much to think about when starting up a new pressure washing business. Thus, it can all get very messy in your mind. Perhaps you have wondered what to call your new business. Maybe you have wondered precisely what services you should offer that are most needed in your area. So where will you get your equipment? Will you work alone or hire others? Maybe you have asked yourself how you would advertise? And most importantly, how are you going to afford to do any of this? It sounds like you may need a little help in How to Clean Up Your Start Up first.

Website Launch

At Doug Rucker’s Pressure Washing School, we are committed to helping you with right from the very beginning. This is why we help pressure cleaning and soft wash companies launch their website with minimal effort and cost. Our staff of professionals can assist you in virtually every area of website development. We connect you with professional website builders, content writers, and provide high quality photos. Our graphic design team can assist with logo development and we even have a business consultant that can help you create the vision, mission, and values of your new company in written form. This will distinguish you from many of your competitors as you reveal to customers from the start precisely what is important to you, what you stand for, and values you believe are most important.

From start to finish, you could have a website up and running in a matter of days. This is a tremendous help to attracting and gaining new customers in your area and is a fantastic marketing tool that you can leverage through email, social media, and any other advertising strategies you take. With over twenty five years in this industry, including five years of training others in cleaning techniques all over the country, we can share great insights into how to get your business started up, running smoothly, and becoming profitable very quickly.

How to Clean Up Your Start Up

Starting a business in any industry is not easy and will require focused determination, unyielding commitment, and a work ethic far beyond average. But with Doug Rucker’s Pressure Washing School providing guidance and direction as you take each step moving forward, you’re only regret could be not getting into this business sooner than you did!

Take a look at one of our web sites by clicking PowerWash.net.