Written and reviewed by power washing professionals from across the nation*, The Power Washer’s Guidebook, acknowledges both the ‘science’ and ‘art’ of pressure washing. Covering over twenty five (25) different applications, it is a very comprehensive, as well as practical look at the more technical aspects of the profession. Each application is covered by a core of fundamental topics, including equipment needs, cleaning procedures, marketing techniques, and environmental concerns, naming a few. Together, this publication contains a wealth of information invaluable to the power washing professional.

“Power Washing entails much more than simply renting or purchasing a machine then finding something to clean. Power Washing is a science, incorporating physics, hydraulics and chemistry. It requires ample training to clean correctly and efficiently…one goal of the Power Washer’s Guidebook is to educate end users on proper cleaning methods as well as areas that require extra caution.”
–Allison L. McGraw -Editor

* Each chapter of this book was written by or with the help or pressure washing manufactures, distributors, and contract cleaners from around the nation. Many chapters were then reviewed and revised by other industry professionals in order to help give a well-rounded view of the market.

Table of Contents

The Pressure Washer Industry, An Introduction

Introduction to Detergents, Environmental Concerns, A Powerwasher’s Safety Checklist, Estimating ABCs

The Business of Being in Business

Small Business Basics, Liability Insurance for Contractors, The Internet

Abrasive Waterjetting

Understanding the Market, Finding Customers, Choosing the Abrasive, Water Soluble Abrasives, Blasting Techniques, Using Rust Inhibitors, Environmental Concerns

Agricultural Applications

Choosing Equipment, Chemical or Specialty Items, Finding Customers, Understanding the Market, General Cleaning Techniques, Environmental Issues

Airport Applications

Choosing Your Equipment, Applications, Marketing Your Services, General Cleaning Techniques, Environmental Concerns

Auto Detailing

Understanding the Market, Marketing Your Services, Direct Mail and Flyers, Your Choices, Equipment & Setup, Chemicals, How to Detail, Extra Services, Summary

Awning Cleaning

Understanding Your Market, Marketing Your Services, Choosing Your Equipment, Cleaning Procedures, Environmental Concerns

Blind Cleaning

Understanding Your Market, Cleaning Procedures, Pressure Washing vs. Ultrasonics, Environmental Concerns

Brick Cleaning

Understanding Your Market, Equipment & Setup

Exhaust Cleaning

Understanding Your Market, Finding Customers, Equipment & Setup, General Cleaning Procedures, Environmental Concerns

Flat Surface Cleaning

Understanding Your Market, Some General Specifications, General Cleaning Techniques, More Basic Techniques, Environmental Concerns

Graffiti Removal

Understanding Your Market, Removing Graffiti, Graffiti Abatement

Grain Elevators

Understanding Your Market, Getting Started, Cleaning Techniques, Environmental Concerns

High Rise Rigging

Understanding High Rise Access, High Rise Building Applications, Choosing the Right Staging

Historic Restoration

To Clean or Not to Clean?, What is Being Cleaned?, Choosing Cleaning Products, Pressure and Test Patches, Cleaning Techniques, Publications and Sources, Statewide Historic Preservation Organizations

House Washing

Marketing Your Services, Answering the Homeowner’s Questions, Job Estimating, Understanding the Painted Surface, Washing Procedures, Some Common Problems and Solutions, Environmental Concerns

Hydrodemolition

Understanding the Problem, The Hydrodemolition Solution, The Hydrodemolition System

Manufacturing Facilities

Understanding the Market, Getting Started, General Applications, Safety, Environmental Concerns

Marine Trade Industry Applications

Understanding Your Market, Military Applications, Civilian Craft, Selecting Equipment, Marketing Your Services, Peripheral Industries, Environmental Concerns, Summary

Paint and Coatings Removal

Understanding the Market, Getting Started, Setting Up the Job, Choosing the Right Removal Method

Sewer Jetting

Understanding Your Market, Marketing Your Services, Equipment, Cleaning Procedures, Pricing the Jobs, Cleaning Techniques, Cleaning Septic Tanks

Shopping Malls

Understanding Your Market, Quality vs. Price, Selecting Equipment, Some General Techniques, Environmental Concerns

Tank Cleaning

Understanding Your Market, Cleaning Methods, Fixed Tank Cleaning, Automated Tank Cleaning Systems, Tank Cleaning System Categories, Applying Automated Tank Cleaning Systems, Appendix A

Truck Washing

Understanding Your Market, Equipment and Setup, Cleaning Techniques, Some General Procedures, Environmental Concerns

Window Cleaning

Understanding Your Market, Route Work, Marketing Your Services, Squeegee Tips, Cleaning Procedures, Hard to Reach Windows, Safety Concerns

Wooden Decks and Roofs

Understanding Your Market, Wood vs. the Elements, Marketing Your Services, Selecting Your Equipment, Wood Discoloration Factors, Cleaning Procedures, Tips for Working on Siding, Pricing the Job, Environmental Concerns