Spring is here, and for many of you, that means firing up your pressure washing business for the season. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, knowing how to handle potential challenges on the job is critical to protecting your business and your customers' property.
In this post, Aaron Parker breaks down the four biggest "P’s"—Pets, Power, Ponds, and Paint—that can cause major issues during a wash. By following these tips, you can avoid expensive mistakes, keep customers happy, and maintain your reputation as a pro in the industry.
Before we dive in—don't forget to sign up for the Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp on March 21-22, 2025! This event is designed to help you start and scale your softwash business the right way. Spots are filling fast, so reserve yours today!
1. Pets – Protecting Customers' Beloved Animals
Customers love their pets like family. That means any harm—real or perceived—to their animals can quickly turn into a nightmare for your business.
Here are a few key pet-related precautions to take when washing:
✅ Move water and food bowls away from the cleaning area. Bleach overspray can contaminate their drinking water.
✅ Ask customers to bring pets inside while you work. Dogs and cats tend to wander near you, creating distractions and potential safety hazards.
✅ Check for outdoor pet enclosures and ensure they're covered or rinsed down afterward to remove chemical residue.
The last thing you want is a customer blaming you for making their pet sick or damaging their property. A little caution goes a long way!
2. Power – Bleach + Electricity = Disaster
Electricity and bleach don’t mix well. One wrong move, and you could cause a fire, short-circuit, or power outage.
When working near electrical components, follow these best practices:
⚠️ Avoid spraying directly at outlets, meter boxes, or floodlights. Even sealed components can have small gaps where water can seep in.
⚠️ Tape off outlets and electrical boxes to minimize risk. A little painter's tape can prevent a major problem.
⚠️ Watch for visible sparks or crackling sounds if bleach makes contact with electrical components. If this happens, stop immediately and assess the situation.
Many pressure washers have experienced fires due to bleach hitting live wires. Don’t be one of them—take power seriously.
3. Ponds – A $10,000 Mistake Waiting to Happen
If your customer has a koi pond, fountain, or any kind of fish habitat, extreme caution is required. Many customers invest thousands in their outdoor water features, and one mistake can kill their fish—leading to a very expensive problem.
Here’s how to protect ponds during a wash:
🐟 Cover the pond with tarps to prevent overspray.
🐟 Use an aquarium or pond dechlorinator from a pet store before and after washing. This helps neutralize chemicals in case of accidental exposure.
🐟 Direct rinse water away from ponds to avoid runoff contamination.
Even a small amount of bleach or surfactant can be lethal to fish. Take extra precautions when working near water features.
4. Paint – Know What You’re Working With
Paint issues are one of the most common complaints in the pressure washing industry. Homeowners may claim, “You bleached my paint!” when in reality, the issue was oxidation or poor-quality paint.
To avoid disputes, follow these best practices:
🎨 Always do a test spot on a hidden area before washing. This helps you gauge how the paint will react to your mix.
🎨 Know your paints. Some, like Sherwin-Williams organic-based paints, are prone to oxidation and color fading.
🎨 Be aware of oxidation on painted surfaces. If paint looks chalky, be cautious—it may appear that your wash “changed” the color when you simply removed the oxidized layer.
If a customer claims you damaged their paint, being able to explain oxidation and show proof from your test spot can save you from unnecessary liability.
Ready to Take Your Softwash Business to the Next Level?
If you're serious about growing your softwash business and avoiding rookie mistakes, then you don’t want to miss the Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp with Aaron Parker on March 21-22, 2025.
🔥 What You’ll Learn:
✅ The best chemicals and batch mixing strategies for softwashing
✅ How to price jobs for maximum profit
✅ Avoiding costly mistakes that could wreck your business
✅ Hands-on training from industry experts
📢 Spots are filling up fast—secure your seat today!
Final Thoughts
The four big P’s—Pets, Power, Ponds, and Paint—are crucial to keeping your business running smoothly. By taking simple precautions, you can avoid costly damages, unhappy customers, and negative reviews.
Now it’s time to get out there, apply these tips, and have a record-breaking pressure washing season! And don’t forget—join us at the Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp to sharpen your skills and dominate the competition.
See you there! 🚀💦
