When it comes to the pressure washing business, one of the most crucial distinctions to understand is the difference between cleaning and restoration. These two services may seem similar to the untrained eye, but they are worlds apart in terms of approach, chemicals, equipment, and, most importantly, pricing.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what separates cleaning from restoration, why restoration should command double or even triple the price of cleaning, and how you can add these high-ticket services to your business. Plus, we’ll highlight key restoration techniques and recommend resources, like the SESW Softwash 101 Class, to help you master them.
Cleaning: The Basics of Organic Matter Removal
Cleaning is the bread and butter of most pressure washing businesses. It’s the process of removing organic matter—think mold, mildew, algae, dirt, and other living or natural debris.
The two primary chemicals used for cleaning are:
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Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach): For killing and removing organic growth.
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Surfactants: To enhance cleaning power and improve rinsing.
This process is effective for cleaning homes, driveways, decks, and other exterior surfaces. However, cleaning stops at removing organic material. It doesn’t address stubborn stains or substrate damage, which is where restoration comes into play.
Restoration: A Whole Different Game
Restoration is more specialized, requiring expertise, advanced chemicals, and often higher-end equipment. It focuses on removing inorganic stains and restoring substrates to their original condition. Because of the skill and precision involved, restoration commands much higher prices.
Let’s dive into six common types of restoration services you can offer:
1. Mud and Clay Stain Removal
If you’re in areas with red clay, you’ve likely seen unsightly splatters on brick or concrete surfaces. These stains cannot be removed with bleach or pressure alone. A chemical like Mud May Day (available at Southeast Softwash) is perfect for this task.
This service is especially valuable for restoring homes with clay stains from roof runoff or construction debris. Price this service at least double your standard cleaning rate due to the added expertise and product costs.
2. Rust Removal
Rust stains often come from fertilizers, metal railings, or pop-outs in concrete. These stubborn stains require a strong chemical like Rust Rescue.
Rust removal is an urgent service, often requested by property managers or businesses with visible rust on their exteriors. It’s critical to price this service according to its urgency and difficulty—don’t sell yourself short.
3. Efflorescence Removal
Efflorescence is the white, chalky residue often found on brick or block walls caused by salt leaching out of the mortar. This type of stain requires a specialty product like E-Flo Go, which dissolves the salts and restores the surface.
Efflorescence removal can be a lucrative add-on service, especially for restoring older buildings or retaining walls.
4. Graffiti Removal
Graffiti removal is a high-demand service in urban areas. Because graffiti is often urgent (think businesses needing vulgar tags removed immediately), you can charge a premium for quick turnaround.
Be cautious when working on surfaces like stucco to avoid removing oxidation along with the graffiti. Using the right chemicals and techniques is critical.
5. Gutter Stripe Removal
Those black streaks on gutters, also known as "tiger stripes," result from a chemical reaction between the roof’s asphalt and the aluminum gutters. They require a product like Gutter Guard to safely remove the oxidation without damaging the paint.
Since this service requires precision and chemical knowledge, it’s a great upsell to your standard house wash package.
6. Oil Removal from Concrete
Oil stains on driveways or parking lots are a common restoration request. A heavy-duty degreaser like Dynamite Degreaser paired with hot water equipment is essential for tackling these stains.
Always manage customer expectations—while you can lighten oil stains significantly, it’s rare to remove them 100% if they’ve set for a long time.
Why Restoration Commands Higher Prices
Restoration isn’t just about using stronger chemicals—it’s about having the expertise to use them safely and effectively. Here’s why you should charge more:
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Chemical Costs: Restoration products are more expensive than standard cleaning solutions.
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Expertise: Proper training is essential to avoid damaging surfaces or causing costly mistakes.
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Time and Effort: Restoration jobs are often more labor-intensive than standard cleaning.
Avoiding Common Restoration Pitfalls
Restoration mistakes can be costly. Here are a few tips to protect yourself and your business:
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Understand Dwell Times: Leaving chemicals on too long can damage surfaces.
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Know Your Substrates: Some chemicals react poorly with certain materials, like aluminum.
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Educate Your Customers: Set realistic expectations about the results of restoration work.
Learn the Ropes: SESW Softwash 101 Class
If you’re serious about growing your pressure washing business, there’s no better investment than education. The SESW Softwash 101 Class is a comprehensive resource that covers everything from chemical mixing to advanced restoration techniques. It’s perfect for new and experienced professionals looking to take their skills to the next level.
Final Thoughts: Cleaning vs. Restoration
Understanding the difference between cleaning and restoration is key to maximizing your profits and delivering exceptional results. Cleaning is about removing organic matter, while restoration involves specialized techniques to tackle inorganic stains and restore surfaces.
By offering restoration services like rust removal, efflorescence treatment, and oil stain removal, you can significantly increase your revenue while setting yourself apart from the competition.
For more tips, tutorials, and resources, be sure to check out our YouTube channel, Leaning Academy, and explore the How to Wash Course for in-depth training.
Comment Below: If you’ve read this far, drop a comment with “Bleach Won’t Cut It!” and let’s get your restoration game to the next level.
Let’s go, baby!
