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Even in California, RVs and travel trailers are not used much in winter months. When they sit around, gathering dust and debris, they are often in need of detailing. The good news is that a pressure washer can help get RVs and travel trailers clean. For minor cleaning, follow the directions below. For true deep cleaning, invest in a pressure washer and a water recycle system.

Standard cleaning: Everything you need

First of all, just grab any soap you would use to wash a car. You will want to use a high-quality soap that is non-toxic. Then grab a scrub brush. You need something that is firm and will provide plenty of cleaning pressure without risking damaging the paint on the RV or travel. The best way to ensure that the paint is not damaged is to skip the brush and use a pressure washer. Just be sure it is set to the right temperature and pressure.

If you want your travel trailer or RV to look brand new, then you may want to find a soap that has a high gloss finish. You can even add wax or other finishing products to make it look even better. We also recommend polishing the tires and the metal rims. Once they are polished up, they will shine like new and help the travel trailer or RV look brand new.

Finally, you need a garden hose. This will not provide much pressure at all, which means you will need to do quite a bit of work. For those with mobility, who are worried they lack the strength to properly clean the TV, or those who want to save time and hassle, clean the RV or travel trailer with a pressure washer.

The cleaning process for standard or pressure washing cleaning

No matter what type of cleaning you are using, you should start by cleaning off the roof. You may need to walk on the roof if using standard cleaning procedures. Remember that you could potentially damage the roof by doing so, so be sure to walk only on the ribs.

Once the roof is clean, move to the sides and tires. You should make sure to avoid getting water into the fridge access panels, as this can actually destroy the fridge. After you have rinsed your vehicle or travel trailer, it’s time to add any high-gloss soap you want.

Putting aside the appropriate amount of time

If you are cleaning with a hose then you can expect this process to take an average of eight hours for a full-sized RV. On the other hand, if you invest in a pressure washer then the entire process can be completed as quickly as an hour. Reach out to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 if you are interested in learning more about pressure washers.

Keeping your gutters maintained is essential. If you don’t, then over time the downspouts can become lose and you could potentially lose your gutters due to rotting back boards. If you do not regularly clean your gutters, then you could end up with issues that extend beyond damage to your gutters. You could find that black streaks appear on your property – and they may not come out without pressure washing or repainting.

At Hydro Tek, we recommend that homeowners or business owners look into pressure washing equipment and accessories for a number of needs, including cleaning out your gutters. A small investment today could result in saving cash in a number of ways in the future. Today we will discuss the ways in which you can clean your gutters – both without and without pressure washing.

What you need to check your gutters

Before you head up there and start cleaning, it is a good idea to get a close look at what you are dealing with. You’ll need a ladder, preferably with a stabilizer bar, a pair of heavy work gloves, a bucket with dish soap and water, and a sponge or brush. Climb up there and visually inspect your gutters. If there is minor debris, then you can remove it with your gloves. If you want to see how well the gutters are working, pour the water into them and see how effectively the water is moved.

You will also want to ensure that your gutters secure to your home or commercial property. to check them, simply give them a light tug. Look at the back wood boards to see if they have rotted. If you can see that your gutters are in good order then it is time to get a deep cleaning via pressure washing.

What type of gutters do you have?

In order to properly handle gutter maintenance and cleaning on your own, you will need to know what type of gutters you are dealing with. For example, open gutters are gutters that are (as the name implies) entirely open and can be easily scooped out by hand. Gutter guards prevent debris from getting into the gutter, much like a guard over a bathtub drain keeps debris from going down the pipes. Rain gutters have ribs and are destined to get filled with debris at some point. They are also almost impossible to properly clean without a pressure washer.

How to prevent future clogs

It is easy enough to clean out gutters with the right pressure washing equipment but of course most homeowners do not want to deal with this issue. If you want to keep your gutters are clear of debris as possible, install gutter baskets. They allow the water to flow through the gutters but do not allow leaves and other debris to go through.

If you are in need of the proper pressure washing equipment then you are in luck – we have you covered. Let Hydro Tek guide you through the process of finding the right option by calling us at 800-274-9376 or sending us an email at sales@hydrotek.us.

In past months, we have given you advice on how to clean a tile roof and how to clean a shingle roof with a pressure washer. Today we are going to cover how to clean a metal roof with a pressure washer. While some of the steps will be the same, others are unique to a metal roof. If you are in the process of considering your pressure washer options, we highly recommend that you contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 before making a final decision.

Understanding the type of metal roof

Before we explain how to use a pressure washer to clean your metal roof, it is important to know what type of metal roof you have. There are two main options for the purposes of this tutorial. First there is the flat metal roof with a slight slope. This does not necessarily mean it is entirely flat but it is flat enough that it can be walked on. Just be sure that you are using extreme caution because this type of roof can be very slippery.

The second option is the moderate to high pitch metal roof. These are not at all safe to walk on. Instead, you will need accessories that allow you to spray the roof from a ladder. You can get said pressure washer accessories from Hydro Tek and we are happy to help you find the right choice.

You need the right safety equipment

Before you can get on a roof and clean it, you must be sure that you have the appropriate safety equipment. First, you need a hardness and fall safe. These should be used when getting on any roof but are especially important on metal roofs due to how slippery they are. Make sure that the ladder you have has padded stabilizers because metal roofs have coatings to protect them. You do not want to scratch or damage this coating, which is why the padded stabilizers are need.

You need the right equipment

Once you have the safety equipment you need, then it is time to make sure that you have the pressure washing equipment you need. Start off with a hot water pressure with a 40-degree tip. This is very effective at getting rid of algae and mildew, both of which often grow on metal roofs. You only need low pressure on metal roofs, as it is enough to disturb and clean them. We recommend hot water because metal roofs can handle it and hot water is more effective.

Then get a 12 volt or gas-powered detergent sprayer. This makes it easy for you to coat your metal roof with detergent while you are on the ladder. As mentioned above, even if you have a flat metal roof, it is still slippery when wet so the best option is a sprayer that can work from the ladder. If you need help finding the right equipment then we hope you will reach out to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 .

Investing in a commercial grade water pressure washer is a great way to start or build a business. At Hydro Tek we are proud to offer a wide range of machines, accessories, and other equipment. Read on to find out more about the many uses of these washers and then contact us to find out more about how to choose the right one for your needs.

1. Rust removal

Rust stains are unsightly and can make a surface look older than it is. If you have stains from irrigation, rust, fertilizer, or even orange battery acid burn, then a water pressure washer may be just what you need to get rid of it without damaging what’s underneath.

2. Restaurant cleaning

First impressions are important in any business but cleanliness is especially important in the restaurant industry. If a restaurant is not clean enough, then people may assume the food is not clean. If the sidewalk in front of the building is dirty, then it may give people the impression that the kitchen is dirty too.

3. Gum removal

Many people may consider gum removal to be one of the most disgusting jobs they can imagine. The good news is that it is actually fairly easy with the right equipment. It may be tempting to blast it with high pressure, but actually using hot water and low pressure gently melts the gum and assures you don’t have to put a hand on it.

4. Graffiti removal

Graffiti has been around since cavepeople were drawing on rock walls. While the urge to leave a mark may be understandable on one level, no one wants their private property being vandalized. It can seem impossible to get rid of graffiti but really all you need is the right equipment.

5. Cleaning off concrete

Anyone who owns a business owns a property that they should keep clean. One of the most important aspects of ensuring that their property looks cleaning and inviting is ensuring that the concrete is cleaned off. While anyone can take a hose to concrete, only pressure washing is going to make it look like new again.

6. Cleaning parking garages

Parking garages may not be the first place you think of when you think of clean public areas but there’s no reason they can’t be. In areas with plenty of parking garages, there are only two things that will encourage a customer: The price and the cleanliness. Work with local facilities to get their parking garage cleaner than they’ve seen it in years.

These are just some of the ways in which a person or company could make great use of a pressure washer. If you are ready to invest in your future then reach out to Hydro Tek to find the right equipment. We offer brand new units, accessories, water treatment systems, and much more.

We told you last month how to clean your tile roof but of course it is not the only type of roof out there. Each type of roof and its material will require unique cleaning. Today at Hydro Tek we are going to go over the basics of cleaning your shingle roof with a pressure washer.

Is it time to clean your shingle roof?

First of all, it is important to know how to tell when it is time to clean your shingle roof. It may be clear, depending on the situation. For example, do you see moss growing on your roof? Then you likely know right away that it is time to clean it. However, other signs may not be as obvious, such as black or dark streaks on your roof, or organic debris on your roof. These are all examples that should lead to cleaning your shingle roof.

What happens if you don’t clean your shingle roof?

Those black and dark streaks you see on your shingles are what’s known as Gloeocapsa Magma. It’s spread by spores that are spread throughout the air and they can contribute to mold and mildew. They don’t have a huge impact on the roof itself but it doesn’t look good. If you have moss on your roof then you should act right away. It can lift and crack the shingles, and it can even slowly eat them. You don’t always have to remove the moss but it does need to be treated so that it will stop growing.

Finally, if you have organic debris on your roof then this not only doesn’t look good but it can actually lock moisture into your roof, which can shorten its lifespan significantly. Note that no matter what is on your roof, the first step is to get off the growth and things that are visibly unsightly. However, this is just the first step – you still need to actually clean the roof. That’s where a water pressure washer comes in.

Get the right tools and accessories to clean your shingle roof

The first step is cleaning your shingle roof is to make sure you have the right equipment. Get a cold water pressure washer that can blast away the dirt and grime in no time at all. Then get the right detergent. You can make our own out of bleach and water. If you need accessories, you can turn to Hydro Tek for those to too.

The bottom line is that if you have the right equipment, you know what you’re doing, and you’re willing to invest a little bit of time, you can clean off your roof just as well as the professionals could. If you get the right water pressure washer, you can even do it from the ground. If you are wondering about the best accessories and other options, please reach out to us for assistance.

The way something is washed makes a big difference in how well it is washed. At power washing companies who clean exteriors for a living, there are two main option: Pressure washing and soft washing. If you are going to take control of the project yourself, then you should know what the difference is between these two options and when to do one over the other.

The main thing to look at is what is being cleaned. Then you should look at what is being cleaned off of it. Those two answers will essentially make up your mind about how to clean it. Keep reading to learn more and then reach out to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 if you need more information about non-commercial or commercial pressure washers.

What is soft washing?

Soft washing, which is sometimes referred to as detergent cleaning, is generally used when trying to loosen blemishes that are hard to get rid of, when cleaning up stubborn stains, or when cleaning sensitive materials. One example is corrosion on cement. It is often also used to get rid of mildew off of vinyl siding, or to freshen up a dirty roof.

The disadvantages of soft washing

Soft washing is very fast and it is effective but there are disadvantages. First, it can hurt the organic matter around the area. As a result, it is not a good option for anything that’s in the middle of landscaping. Second, it can dull paint. If you are considering soft washing for the side of a painted house, then it may not be the best option. Finally, it can etch glass, which means it is not a good choice for cleaning windows and other glass surfaces.

What is pressure washing?

As the name implies, pressure washing involves using high pressured water to clean up materials and surfaces. Note that only durable materials and surfaces can be cleaned with pressure washing. It is great at cleaning up dirt, muck, and other difficult materials but it can damage certain surfaces. For example, a hot water pressure washer is great for washing a patio or stripping a metal surface before painting. On the other hand, it would not be a good choice to clean your front door.

What type of pressure washer do you need?

If you are considering investing in a pressure washer then you are likely wondering what type you need. The answer is simple: Reach out to Hydro Tek and we can help you determine what will work best. With our decades of experience in this field, we know how to understand your needs, consider the options, and give expert advice.

Are you ready now? Are you interested in knowing what your options are and what they may cost? If you answered yes to any of these questions then we urge you to contact us at 800-274-9376 right away.

Rust is more than an ugly addition to a surface – it can be a sign that what’s under the surface is damaged. At Hydro Tek we offer a wide range of water pressure washing equipment and accessories that can make it easy to remove and prevent rust. Keep reading to learn more about it and then reach out to us at 800-274-9376 if you have questions about rust removal.

There are many places rust can come up and not all of them are great choices for pressure washing

If you have rust on your sidewalk, on the side of a building, or another hard surface then water pressure is likely the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to remove it. However, we do not recommend pressure washing for softer surfaces. This would include new cement, wood, or vinyl siding. If you use high pressure on any of these surfaces then it’s likely to do more than just get rid of the rust – it can cause serious damage.

You may have ingredients in your home right now that will remove rust

You may be surprised to discover how many ingredients you may have in your home that can get rid of rust. For example, a paste made out of water, baking soda, and vinegar can get rid of rust. However, this is just a solution for a small item you may have in your home, such as a tool or a frying pan, but it is not a solution for a building or larger area.

Removing rust from larger projects

If you have something larger than your own personal tools or a frying pan to clean, then we recommend that you get professional cleaning agents. Remember that these agents are for industrial use and can be hazardous if not used correctly. We recommend closely following the directions to ensure that you’re safe and that you’re keeping the area safe.

Most of the chemicals used to remove rust are made of acid. They basically work by eating away at the rust, but can do a lot of harm to a person’s skin or eyes if they come into contact with them. That’s why safety gear, including goggles and gloves, is a must. It’s also why only those who are confident with these types of jobs should handle them.

We can help you find the right pressure washer for your needs

The good news about working with Hydro Tek is that we have extensive experience in all types of pressure washer projects. Whether you need an industrial washer to remove rust from a building, or you need a pressure washer for cleaning a residential driveway, we can help. While not every job is right for a pressure washer, many are. If you’re ready to learn more about the equipment, accessories, and more then give us a call at 800-274-9376 .

If you have a tile roof and don’t want to pay someone else to clean it, then there’s good news for you: There is another option. At Hydro Tek we offer a wide range of pressure washers, many of which are up to the task of cleaning a tile roof. Read on to learn more and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to learn more about our products or get expert advice on what will work best for your needs.

The tools and equipment needed for cleaning a tile roof

We recommend using a pressure washer to clean off your tile roof. It’s the best way to get rid of debris, mud, and other issues. That said, we also recommend not using a high pressure as it can eventually erode the roof and its protective layer. In additional to a pressure washer, some of the tools and equipment you’ll need include:

• Chemical roof sprayer. If you’re going to use chemicals to clean your roof then you should have a chemical pump that can spray the roof from the ground. You never want to transport the chemicals up to the roof as the weight can be an issue and any accidents could lead to chemical burns.
• Cleaning chemicals. You have options. Some of the most popular choices are sodium hypochlorite and sodium peroxide. The right solution depends on what you need and the type of tile roof you have.
• A pressure washer. We suggest setting it to 1200 – 1500 psi to get rid of any visual debris and twigs.
• Respirator. If you’re spraying chemicals then you should have a respirator to avoid breathing said chemicals in.
• The right clothing. Remember that you’re likely to be out in the sun for hours. Bring clothing that protects you from chemicals and the sun.
• Ladder with ladder legs. This is the most stable option and we also recommend tying it to the gutter for added protection.
• Eye protection. You need eye protection both to protect your eyes from chemicals and also to protect them from debris.
• Fall safe protection. If you’re spending time on a roof then you should have a harness and fall safe protection. A fall, even from a short distance, can be devastating and life-changing.

These are the tools you’ll need to clean the average tile roof. Note that your roof may require more or fewer tools and resources based on the type it is and the type of damage that has been done to it.

We can help you get the tools you need

We know that you may have questions about what equipment you need. That’s why we’re happy to take your call at 800-274-9376 . Hydro Tek is proud of the products we offer and the experience and expertise of our employees. If you have questions about pressure washing then we are here with the answers.

Both your driveway and your sidewalk are high-traffic areas. They get abuse not just from people and cars, but from weather and other elements. As a result, pressure washing is a great way to keep them clean. This is important not just to make them look nice but to keep them safe. Read on to learn all about it and then contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 if you need help selecting the right pressure washer.

Reasons to deep clean your driveway and sidewalk

First of all, you’ll find that many people don’t realize just how important it can be to deep clean sidewalks and driveways. As time goes on, your driveway and sidewalk can end up slippery and dangerous due to car tire marks that darken and slicken the surface, foot traffic that tracks dirt and causes wear and tear, organic materials from plants that can turn into moss, which is extremely slippery when wet.

The most important steps involved in pressure washing

Though the specific steps you’ll follow will depend on your particular driveway and the type of machine you’re using, here are the basic steps to follow:

• Get rid of large debris. If there are sticks, pine cones, grass, etc. on the driveway or the sidewalk then we encourage you to get rid of it. Depending on what it is, you may need a leaf blower or a broom or shovel could do.
• Pre-clean the surface. To pre-clean the surface, use your pressure washer with a 40-degree tip. If you want a faster result and have access to a turbo nozzle, then you can use that just make sure you’re staying back an appropriate distance. Remember that these turbo nozzles are very strong and should be used with caution – and only on driveways or sidewalks that are extremely dirty.
• Apply a fungicide. This will prevent fungus, mold, and mildew from growing. There are products on the market to do this, but you can also just mix 2/3rds household bleach with 1/3 water. Then add a little dish soap to help it stick to the surface. Make sure to avoid getting any of the mixture on plants or garden beds as it can damage them. Leave the bleach and water solution on your driveway and / or sidewalk for half an hour.
• Do a final pressure wash. Once the fungicide has had half an hour to work, get out your hot water pressure washer and do a final wash. When you’re done, your sidewalk and / or driveway should look incredible and the results will last for much longer than if you’d simply swept and hosed it down.

Remember that this technique is not just for your sidewalk and driveway. You can also use it on your patio, pool, and anywhere you have concrete. If you’re ready to get the equipment you need to get this job done, reach out to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 today.

There are many potential applications for pressure washers, both hot and cold. The addition of accessories for these machines adds even more applications. Today at Hydro Tek we’re going to go over industrial water vacuums and their potential applications.

What do industrial vacuums do?

Put simply, an industrial water vacuum allows you total control of where the waste water goes after you use your pressure washing equipment. This is very important if you’re cleaning hazardous materials or oil, or if you’re using cleaning chemicals that have the potential to harm the environment. These industrial water vacuums are capable of both vacuuming up waste water and pumping it into a bulk tank, sewer, or landscape at the same time. That’s right – there are no frustrating delays in the cleanup process.

We offer two models of gas-powered vacuum recovery systems

One of our top sellers is the RGV Gas Vac. It’s powered by an engine and has a water recovery system with pump out. You can use it with one or two separate pickup devices, whichever works best for you. It’s a top choice by facilities maintenance contractors who want to collect their wash water, and it’s a top choice for restoration contractors too, when they need to pick up water after a flood, fire, or other disaster.

Our unique options offer all the services you need

Our vacuum recovery systems feature special polyethylene separation tanks. This is a huge advantage because they aren’t corrosive, they weigh much less than the typical 50-gallon steel drums, and they offer easy access so you can clean and maintain them by simply lifting off the lid. You can also open the large 1.5-inch valve in order to purge all sludge and solids that may settle at the bottom of the tank.

Each of the separation tanks also has its own automatic transfer system. This pumps water out to your bulk tank, your sanitary sewer (if permitted), or your landscape. Why deal with heavy tipping to dump your tanks when we’ve made it so easy for you?

Features of our products

The list of features is long and if you really want to know which options are best for you, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 . We can answer your questions, send spec sheets, and offer whatever type of assistance you need. In the meantime, check out the fantastic features:

• These vacuum recovery systems are entirely self-contained, which means you don’t need a generator or even a 110v plug for your transfer pumps. Instead, your transfer pumps connect directly to an on-board 12v battery.
• A lift-out strainer basket gets rid of large debris before its emptied into a separation tank that protects transfer pumps.
• Quick-plug connectors work for high-water shutdown and transfer pumps.
• An air throttle valve on the vacuum tank, which allows for precise control of air flowing even when using different pickup devices or hoses of different lengths.

If you’re ready to get started, reach out to Hydro Tek today!