The Truth About Surfactants: Do They Make a Difference in Pressure Washing?

When running a pressure washing business, it's essential to understand the various aspects that contribute to its success and growth. From the use of surfactants and the proper handling of chemicals to the importance of systems and the potential for add-on services, there are many factors to consider. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most common questions and concerns that pressure washing business owners face, providing insights and advice to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of this dynamic industry.

The Benefits and Necessity of Surfactants in Pressure Washing

Surfactants can provide several benefits when pressure washing, but are they really necessary? This is a common question among pressure washing professionals. Surfactants help the cleaning solution encapsulate dirt molecules so they rinse away more easily. They allow you to use less water by creating more suds and bubbles. On roofs especially, surfactants help the cleaning solution stay wetter longer and not run off as quickly.

However, many highly successful pressure washing companies doing hundreds of thousands or even millions in revenue don't use surfactants at all, or only use them sparingly. If you choose to use surfactants, they can help mask the bleach smell which customers may complain about otherwise. Scented surfactants made for pressure washing, or even some laundry detergents, can leave behind a fresh, clean scent.

Ultimately, whether to use surfactants comes down to personal preference. They aren't an absolute necessity to run a profitable pressure washing business. But if you find surfactants beneficial for your process and results, there's no reason not to use them judiciously. As with any chemical, follow proper safety precautions.

Mixing Chemicals - Use Extreme Caution

Mixing the wrong chemicals together when pressure washing can create dangerous chemical reactions. Never mix bleach and acid, not even a weak acid like lemon juice or vinegar. Acid will react with bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and create toxic gases and intense heat. Even just one drop of acid mixed with bleach can cause a closed container to explode.

If a pump sprayer or chemical tank previously contained acid, make absolutely sure it is thoroughly flushed before adding bleach to it. Dedicate certain sprayers for only acids and others only for bleach. Never try to repurpose a sprayer between the two. Many experienced pressure washers simply discard sprayers used for acid out of an abundance of caution.

Also take care not to use pump sprayers that are not compatible with the specific chemical. The intense heat and gases from mixing incompatible chemicals can melt a pump sprayer, cause the tank to rupture, or blow the top off, resulting in severe injuries. Always follow chemical safety best practices.

Focus on the Fundamentals

It's easy to get caught up in chasing the latest chemicals or techniques. But the core of a successful pressure washing business is sound fundamentals - a good cleaning process using just a few basic chemicals, good equipment maintenance, efficient operations, professional customer service, and effective marketing. Master those fundamentals first before getting distracted by the peripherals.

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is the core chemical used in pressure washing. An acid like F9 BARC (which is safer than muriatic acid) is helpful for rust and mineral stains. Surfactants and specialty stain removers have their place. But don't fall for the hype that you need to spend excessively on dozens of boutique chemicals to succeed. Focus on your process using the essentials. Expensive premixed solutions are often marked up 300% or more anyway.

Growing and Scaling Your Pressure Washing Business

Starting a pressure washing business is relatively simple and low cost compared to many industries. But actually growing it into a thriving, profitable company is another matter entirely. It takes grit, tenacity and the willingness to do hard things - knocking doors, making sales calls, delivering great service, constantly optimizing your operations.

The two hardest phases are first going full-time, giving up the safety net of another job or income source, and then reaching the point where you can get off the truck yourself by hiring and training quality employees. It often takes pressure washing business owners 2-3 years to reach the point where they can focus solely on management, sales and growth rather than personally doing the labor every day.

There's no shortcut to putting in the hard work. But you can work smart by learning from those who have gone before you. Invest in your knowledge and your systems. A good pressure washing business coach and mentor can help you reach your goals much faster than trying to figure it all out on your own through trial and error.

You Need Systems to Scale

Creating effective, efficient systems is essential to scaling any business to the next level, and pressure washing is no exception. You need systems for every core function:

- Lead generation (marketing, advertising, referrals, etc.)
- Sales (pricing, presenting proposals, overcoming objections, etc.)
- Scheduling and routing jobs
- Equipment and vehicle maintenance
- Hiring and training employees
- Job process (supplies, quality control, cleanup, etc.)
- Administrative (accounting, taxes, legal, etc.)

Your business is only as strong as the weakest link in your core systems. You can spend a lot of money on marketing, but if you don't have a reliable system for promptly answering the phone and closing sales, you're losing profits. Or you might be great at closing sales, but if you don't have systems for efficiently routing your crews and controlling quality, you'll struggle with high expenses and low margins.

Analyze and strengthen your systems in each key area. Document processes in checklists, flowcharts and standard operating procedures. That empowers you to hire and train employees to run the systems, so the business no longer relies solely on you. Without good systems, you don't really have a business - you have a self-employed job. With good systems, you gain the freedom to scale and the potential to sell the business in the future.

Expand Your Service Offerings

Pressure washing pairs well with a variety of add-on services that can boost your revenue per customer. Some popular options include:

- Window cleaning
- Roof cleaning
- Gutter cleaning
- Holiday light installation
- Dryer vent cleaning
- Pressure washing below-ground surfaces
- Graffiti removal
- Striping and sealing parking lots

Adding holiday light installation can be an especially smart move, providing strong revenue during pressure washing's slow season. Christmas light installation is a proven model, and there's strong demand for professional service. Permanent, year-round lighting for both homes and businesses is an emerging trend that's likely to grow.

Consider which additional services your current and potential customers need. Survey your customers about what other services they wish you provided. Think about which ones naturally fit well with your existing business model and employee skill sets. Avoid spreading yourself too thin by chasing too many add-ons in the beginning. Focus first on doing an excellent job with your core pressure washing service. Then gradually expand into additional offerings that are the best fit.

Action is the Key to Growth

There's a wealth of information out there on how to start and grow a pressure washing business. But information alone isn't enough - you have to diligently put it into practice. Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly gathering more information but never actually implementing what you learn.

If you want your business to grow, you need to constantly take action. When you're starting out, that may mean knocking on doors and making sales calls even when it's uncomfortable. Renting equipment and supplies to reinvest your profits into growth. Hiring your first employee and learning to delegate. Raising your prices to reflect the true value you provide. Expanding into new services and learning new skills.

Take consistent action and course correct as you go. You'll make some mistakes, but you'll learn invaluable lessons. And if you've built your knowledge base and implemented strong systems, you'll be well-positioned to overcome challenges. A year from now, you'll be amazed at how much progress you've made - but only if you're willing to take consistent action starting today.

What are the benefits of using surfactants in pressure washing?

Surfactants help the cleaning solution encapsulate dirt molecules, making them easier to rinse away. They also allow you to use less water by creating more suds and bubbles. On roofs, surfactants help the cleaning solution stay wetter longer and not run off as quickly.

Are surfactants necessary for a successful pressure washing business?

No, surfactants are not an absolute necessity. Many highly successful pressure washing companies doing hundreds of thousands or even millions in revenue don't use surfactants at all, or only use them sparingly. Whether to use surfactants comes down to personal preference.

What happens if you mix bleach and acid when pressure washing?

Mixing bleach (sodium hypochlorite) with acid, even a weak acid like lemon juice or vinegar, can create a dangerous chemical reaction. This reaction produces toxic gases and intense heat, which can cause closed containers to explode. Never mix bleach and acid.

What are the core chemicals used in pressure washing?

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is the primary chemical used in pressure washing. An acid like F9 BARC, which is safer than muriatic acid, is helpful for rust and mineral stains. While surfactants and specialty stain removers have their place, focus on mastering your process using the essential chemicals.

What are the two hardest phases of growing a pressure washing business?

The two hardest phases are first going full-time, giving up the safety net of another job or income source, and then reaching the point where you can get off the truck yourself by hiring and training quality employees. It often takes pressure washing business owners 2-3 years to reach the point where they can focus solely on management, sales, and growth.

Why are systems important for scaling a pressure washing business?

Creating effective, efficient systems is essential to scaling any business, including pressure washing. You need systems for every core function, such as lead generation, sales, scheduling, equipment maintenance, hiring and training, job processes, and administration. Without good systems, you don't really have a business – you have a self-employed job.

What add-on services pair well with pressure washing?

Some popular add-on services that pair well with pressure washing include window cleaning, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, holiday light installation, dryer vent cleaning, pressure washing below-ground surfaces, graffiti removal, and striping and sealing parking lots.

Why is holiday light installation a smart add-on service for pressure washing businesses?

Holiday light installation, particularly Christmas light installation, can provide strong revenue during pressure washing's slow season. There is strong demand for professional holiday light installation services. Permanent, year-round lighting for both homes and businesses is an emerging trend that's likely to grow.

How can I decide which add-on services to offer in my pressure washing business?

Consider which additional services your current and potential customers need. Survey your customers about what other services they wish you provided. Think about which ones naturally fit well with your existing business model and employee skill sets. Avoid spreading yourself too thin by chasing too many add-ons in the beginning.

What is the key to growing a pressure washing business?

The key to growing a pressure washing business is taking consistent action. Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly gathering information but never implementing what you learn. Take action, whether it's knocking on doors, making sales calls, renting equipment, hiring employees, raising prices, or expanding into new services. Learn from your mistakes and course-correct as you go.