Landscape Architect Articles

2007 July LSMP PMBR: Flat Out Clean07-03-07 | News

Flat Out Clean

By Randy Weil, President of Unique Industries.

(Before) This cleaning unit maximizes efficiency in chemical application through its patented technology that mixes precisely controlled amounts of chemical into the high pressure water stream. This avoids burning, provides consistency and speed.

(After) With respect to the cleaning process, generally speaking, hot is better. Heat activates chemical action, it loosens petroleum based stains and pollution better, and just like washing your hands, heat weakens the surface bond dirt and other materials have. With respect to the material being cleaned, avoid cleaning when freezing is a possibility before the surface can dry thoroughly.

There are two different philosophies on cleaning. One school of thought is oriented toward ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Philosphy

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In turn, this can trap moisture, which can accelerate freeze damage, growth of organic matter, and a variety of other problems.

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General Rules

Some consistent themes/wisdom in articles about cleaning which is worth repeating:

Work on stains sooner rather than later.
Start with less aggressive methods and escalate if they don?EUR??,,????'?????<
Test the method on a sample area (2?EUR??,,????'?????<
Think about the area surrounding the surface being cleaned, be sure water run off, chemicals, dust are not a problem
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For graffiti removal, use a Putzmeister Dynajet 500, generating 7,250 psi, with a Dynabox water heater, which brings the water temperature up to 200 F.

Cleaning Variables

Cleaning is an interesting interplay of five principle variables: temperature, turbulence, chemical, time and equipment. The mix and specifics of these variables are governed in part by the specifics of the stain, in part by the material being cleaned, and in part by the property manager?EUR??,,????'?????<

Considering that most people have more to do than time to do it, there is a bias in this article toward minimizing time by flexing the other three variables toward that end. Let?EUR??,,????'?????<

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Equipment – Chemicals can be applied with a brush or sprayer. A Kem-O-Kleen maximizes efficiency in chemical application through its patented technology that mixes precisely controlled amounts of chemical into the high pressure water stream. This avoids burning, provides consistency and speed.

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Obviously, water jetting can also accelerate cleaning on hard surfaces, such as granite, or concrete, when chemicals are not required. These higher pressure units have the flexibility to operate at lower psi when required.

(Before) Water jets can clean concrete effectively at pressures of 5,000 to 10,000 psi. Obviously, water jetting can also accelerate cleaning on hard surfaces, such as granite, or concrete, when chemicals are not required. These higher pressure units have the flexibility to operate at lower psi when required.

(After) For discoloration from mold, mildew, or moss on hard surfaces, high pressure washing (5,000 psi) should be sufficient. On softer surfaces, chemical treatments are available from garden supply houses.