🐷 Our Story
Hogwash Cleaning Solutions was founded in 2009 by Andrew Lewis — backed by his grandfather who believed in the idea before it was anything more than a plan. Andrew discovered soft washing while working in North Carolina. Common in the South, practically unknown in Upstate New York. He brought it home, built it from scratch, and hasn't stopped growing since.
Today Hogwash serves Warren, Washington, Saratoga, and Essex Counties with a reputation built on real results, honest work, and showing up when we say we will. We've cleaned thousands of homes and earned every 5-star review we have.
"To build good relationships with our neighbors by making their life easy, providing cost-saving benefits, and delivering quality service that protects and beautifies their most valuable investment — their property."
Core Values
💪 Excellence Through Leadership
We invest in the best equipment, training, and people. When a Hogwash truck pulls up, the homeowner should feel confident before we even pick up a hose.
🛡️ Safety Above All
Your safety, our customers' safety, and environmental safety are non-negotiable. No job is worth getting hurt over. We have a clean safety record and we protect it every day.
🤝 One-on-One Care
Every customer gets our full attention. We don't rush, we don't cut corners, and we treat every home like it's our own.
📈 Value Over Price
We're not the cheapest — and we don't try to be. We're the best value because we do the job right the first time.
What We Do
🏠 Residential Services
- House washing (soft wash)
- Roof cleaning
- Concrete & driveway cleaning
- Deck & fence cleaning
- Gutter cleaning & brightening
- Window cleaning (water-fed pole)
- Log home restoration & staining
🏢 Commercial Services
- Storefront & sidewalk cleaning
- Dumpster area cleaning
- Fleet vehicle washing
- Drive-thru lane cleaning
- Parking lots & building exteriors
Chain of Command — Who You Call and When
📞 Contact the Right Person Every Time
Andrew runs the operation — but he is the last call, not the first. Following this chain keeps things running and gets problems solved faster.
Scheduling, pricing, upsells, billing, customer issues, job scope questions, general guidance.
Equipment emergencies, injuries, property damage, customer legal threats, decisions office cannot authorize.
📞 Main Office
Phone: 518-746-4119
Email: office@hogwashcleaners.com
Website: hogwashcleaners.com
Address: 136 Broadway, Whitehall, NY 12887
🚨 Emergency Numbers
Emergency Services: 911
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Andrew (Owner): 518-791-5811
Office: 518-746-4119
Dress Code
✅ Approved Uniform
- Hogwash-branded shirt — always on the job. Free advertising and instant customer trust.
- Dark work pants — polyester recommended. Polyester resists sodium hypochlorite and surfactants. It won't bleach out or degrade like cotton. Navy, black, or charcoal.
- Option 1: Closed-toe non-slip work boots. Steel toe preferred.
- Option 2: Full rubber ankle boots (Muck Boot, Tingley). Waterproof, chemical-resistant, slip-proof.
- Safety glasses — on your face. Not your head.
- Chemical-resistant gloves — required during all chemical mixing and application.
❌ Never Wear
- Shorts — chemical splash burns bare skin. Zero exceptions.
- Open-toed shoes — 3,000 PSI water can sever a toe.
- White or light colors — bleach is a daily part of this job.
- Loose jewelry — rings, necklaces, bracelets catch on equipment and ladders.
- Non-Hogwash branded clothing — you are the company in the customer's eyes.
3-Week Training Overview
📅 Week 1 — Foundations
- Safety, PPE, chemical handling
- Equipment startup and identification
- Soft washing fundamentals
- Your first supervised house wash
📅 Week 2 — Hands-On Mastery
- Roof cleaning
- Concrete, driveways, flat surfaces
- Deck and fence cleaning
- Customer service in action
📅 Week 3 — Professional Excellence
- Window cleaning (water-fed pole)
- Troubleshooting real problems
- Leading complete jobs independently
- Final evaluation and certification
📊 What Your Trainer Watches For
- Competency — can you do it correctly and safely?
- Consistency — can you do it right every time?
- Confidence — do you understand WHY?
Job Site Etiquette
✅ Always Do
- Greet customers by name. Use "sir" or "ma'am" when you don't know it.
- Introduce yourself by name on every job.
- Ask permission before entering gates or backyard areas.
- Clean up completely before leaving.
- Return moved items to their exact original spots.
- Communicate issues before the customer has to ask.
- Say thank you when you leave. Every time.
- Keep crew conversations professional and quiet.
❌ Never Do
- Use the customer's restroom without being offered.
- Eat or drink on the property — eat in the truck.
- Smoke anywhere near the job site.
- Play music loud enough for anyone to hear.
- Use profanity on a job site. Ever.
- Leave hoses across walkways where someone could trip.
- Lean equipment against a customer's vehicle or siding.
- Argue with a customer. Escalate instead.
- Use your phone for personal reasons while actively working.
🐕 Pets on Property
Always ask about pets before opening any gate. If an animal approaches, stay calm and ask the owner to secure it. Never spray near an animal — noise and pressure cause severe distress. Pet in the work zone = stop until secured.
👶 Children on Property
Always know where children are before pulling the trigger. If a child approaches, stop spraying immediately. Ask the parent to keep them back. Our equipment is dangerous around anyone who doesn't know what it does.
🏘️ Nosy Neighbors
Be warm and friendly: "We're Hogwash Cleaning Solutions!" If they ask for pricing: "Call us at 518-746-4119 or visit hogwashcleaners.com." Every neighbor is a potential customer.
🗣️ Unhappy Customers
Never argue or get defensive. Listen fully. Say: "I hear you — let me look at that right now." If it needs escalation: "Let me get the office involved so we can make this right." Then call immediately.
Personal Protective Equipment
Chemical Safety — The Three Rules
🧪 Non-Negotiable Rules
- Read the label. Every chemical has an SDS sheet. Know what you're working with before you touch it.
- Follow mixing instructions exactly. More chemical ≠ better results. It means damage and danger.
- Always add chemical TO water. Never water to chemical — concentrated bleach reacts violently.
🔬 Our Chemicals
- Sodium Hypochlorite (SH): Primary soft wash agent. Kills mold, algae, mildew. Always diluted.
- Surfactants: Help solution stick and penetrate. Always added to soft wash mixes.
- Degreasers: For oil and grease on concrete. Wear full PPE.
- Neutralizers: Restore soil pH near sensitive plants after heavy application.
Chemical Exposure Response
👁️ Eyes
Flush with clean water 15 full minutes, hold eyelids open. Remove contacts. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. Seek medical attention.
🖐️ Skin
Flush with water 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Notify trainer. Medical care if burning persists.
🫁 Inhalation
Move to fresh air immediately. If breathing difficulty, call 911. Never re-enter without a respirator.
👄 Ingestion
Do NOT induce vomiting. Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Have the chemical label ready.
Ladder Safety
🪜 No Shortcuts. No Exceptions.
- ✅ Inspect before every use — rungs, rails, feet, locks
- ✅ 4-to-1 rule: 1 foot out from wall per 4 feet of height
- ✅ Extend 3 feet above roofline when climbing onto a roof
- ✅ Three points of contact at all times while climbing
- ❌ NEVER stand on the top two rungs
- ❌ NEVER carry equipment with both hands while climbing
- ❌ NEVER lean sideways — move the ladder
- ❌ NEVER walk on a wet roof
Upstate NY Seasonal Hazards
🌱 Spring
Don't start until surfaces are above freezing. Mud season = unstable ladder ground. Peak season — customer eagerness never overrides your safety call.
☀️ Summer
Drink water every 30 minutes. Stop at first thunder — 30-30 rule. Adirondack afternoon storms roll in fast. Watch the sky.
🍂 Fall
Early morning frost on decks and walkways = extreme slip hazard. Plan jobs to finish before dark. Shorter days require earlier starts.
❄️ Winter
Drain ALL water from all systems before storage — burst damage is expensive. Ice creates extreme ladder and slip hazards on all surfaces.
1. When mixing chemicals, you always:
2. The 4-to-1 ladder rule means:
3. Chemical splashes in your eye. Your FIRST action is:
The Honda GX390 — Know This Engine
🔴 Honda GX390 Specs & Operation
Every Hogwash rig runs on the Honda GX390 — a 389cc, 13 HP commercial-grade engine. One of the most reliable small engines ever built, but only when treated right.
📋 Engine Specs
- Displacement: 389cc
- Power: 13.0 HP @ 3,600 RPM
- Oil Capacity: 1.1 quarts
- Oil Type: SAE 10W-30 above 32°F / 5W-30 below 32°F
- Fuel: Regular unleaded — max 10% ethanol
- Spark Plug: NGK BPR6ES (gap: 0.028–0.031")
- Air Filter: Inspect every 25 hrs, replace every 100 hrs
🚀 Cold Start Procedure
- Check oil dipstick — between MIN and MAX
- Check fuel — fill if under half
- Connect water supply and turn ON fully
- Fuel valve → ON
- Choke → CLOSED (cold start only)
- Throttle → FAST
- Pull recoil cord firmly
- Once running → choke to OPEN after 30 sec
- Warm up 2 full minutes before applying load
🛑 Shutdown Procedure
- Release trigger, engage trigger lock
- Let idle 1–2 minutes to cool down
- Throttle → SLOW
- Fuel valve → OFF
- Let engine stall on its own (clears carb)
- Switch → OFF
- Turn off water, relieve hose pressure
📅 Maintenance Schedule
- Every day: Check oil and fuel, inspect air filter
- Every 25 hrs: Change oil, clean air filter, check plug gap
- Every 100 hrs: Replace air filter, replace spark plug, full pump inspection
Watch before running this machine alone:
▶️ GX390 Startup Procedure ▶️ GX390 Oil Change ▶️ GX390 Won't StartPSI vs GPM — Understand the Difference
⚡ PSI — Force
Pounds Per Square Inch. Measures cutting power. House washing uses under 500 PSI. Driveways use 2,500–3,500 PSI. The 0° red nozzle at 3,000+ PSI can cut through skin. Treat it like a power tool.
💧 GPM — Volume
Gallons Per Minute. Measures water flow. Higher GPM = faster, more thorough rinsing. Cleaning Power = PSI × GPM. A 3,000 PSI / 4 GPM machine (12,000 cleaning units) far outperforms a 2,000 PSI / 2 GPM unit (4,000 CU).
Nozzle Guide — Know Every Tip
| Nozzle | Angle | Use For | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red — 0° | Pinpoint jet | Toughest concrete stains only. Graffiti removal. | EXTREME — Can cut skin |
| Yellow — 15° | Narrow fan | Stripping paint, heavy rust on concrete. | HIGH — Never on siding or wood |
| Green — 25° | Medium fan | General concrete cleaning. Most common for driveways. | MEDIUM — Test first |
| White — 40° | Wide fan | Rinsing, decks, fences, light surfaces. Safest tip. | LOW — Generally safe |
| Black — Downstream | Very low | Chemical application only. Pulls from downstream injector. | SAFE — Chem only |
| 🔴 Turbo (Rotating) | Spinning 0° | Heavy stains on concrete. Combines 0° power with movement. | HIGH — Concrete only |
| ⭕ Surface Cleaner | Dual rotating | Flat surface cleaning. Streak-free and professional. | MEDIUM — Correct PSI required |
GX390 Troubleshooting Quick Reference
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Your Fix | Call Andrew If... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Won't start | Fuel valve off, wrong choke, bad plug, stale fuel | Fuel valve ON. Choke CLOSED for cold. Fresh fuel. Inspect NGK BPR6ES plug. | Still no fire after 10 pulls with all basics correct. |
| Hard to pull | Hydraulic lock — water in cylinder | Remove plug, pull slowly. If water comes out, dry and retry. | Engine feels seized — do NOT force it. |
| Starts then dies | Choke left closed, stale fuel, dirty carb | Open choke fully. Drain and refill with fresh fuel. | Still stalls with fresh fuel and correct choke position. |
| Surging / rough | Dirty air filter, bad fuel, clogged carb jet | Clean or replace air filter. Replace fuel. | Clean filter, fresh fuel — still surging. |
| Overheats / shuts off | Low oil (auto-shutoff), blocked cooling fins | Let cool 15 min. Check oil. Clear fins of debris. | Oil correct, fins clear — still shutting off. |
| Milky / white oil | Water in crankcase — pump seal failure | Tag OUT OF SERVICE immediately. Do not run. | Always — call immediately. |
| Low / no pressure | Clogged nozzle, kinked hose, weak supply | Clean nozzle. Straighten hose. Check inlet filter and water supply flow. | Pump making grinding or knocking sounds. |
Daily Pre-Job Checklist
✅ Complete Every Morning Before Leaving the Yard
- ☐ Engine oil — check dipstick, add if below MIN
- ☐ Fuel level — fill if under half
- ☐ Water inlet filter — remove and rinse
- ☐ High-pressure hose — inspect full length
- ☐ Spray gun trigger — pulls freely, lock engages
- ☐ Nozzle tips — inspect and clear any clogs
- ☐ Surface cleaner — spinning heads, hose connections
- ☐ Soft wash pump battery — charge and connections
- ☐ Chemical tank — level and correct mix ratio
- ☐ Ladder — rungs, feet, locking mechanisms
- ☐ Water-fed pole — filter condition, DI resin TDS
- ☐ PPE — glasses, gloves, boots. Backups in truck.
1. Which nozzle do you use to apply chemical solution?
2. You see milky white oil on the dipstick. You:
3. For a COLD start, the choke position is:
🧬 What You're Actually Cleaning
Most "dirt" on homes isn't traditional dirt. Understanding what it actually is changes how you approach every job.
🦠 Biological Growth
Algae, mold, mildew, and lichen are living organisms. Blasting them with high pressure removes their appearance but leaves roots embedded in the surface — they grow back within weeks. Sodium hypochlorite kills them at the cellular level through oxidation. Results last 4–6x longer.
🌫️ Atmospheric Deposits
Pollen, dust, pollution, and mineral deposits bond to surfaces through electrostatic attraction and surface tension. Surfactants break that bond by reducing surface tension, lifting deposits so they rinse away completely.
☀️ UV Oxidation
UV radiation breaks down paint and vinyl, creating chalky powder on the surface. High-pressure washing accelerates this damage. Soft washing is gentler and preserves the protective coating, extending the life of the surface.
🧂 Mineral Deposits
Hard water from irrigation leaves calcium and magnesium deposits on glass and masonry. These require specific chemical treatment — often acidic — to dissolve the mineral bond before rinsing. Pressure alone won't remove them.
How Sodium Hypochlorite Works
⚗️ The Chemistry Behind the Clean
SH works through oxidation — it releases free chlorine that destroys the cell walls of biological organisms. It also breaks apart the pigment molecules that give growth its black, green, or brown color. Results appear quickly.
Why Dwell Time Matters
The chemical needs time to penetrate and fully oxidize organic matter. Rinse too soon and you remove the visual staining but leave active organisms that regrow fast. Standard dwell time: 5–15 minutes. If the surface starts to dry, re-wet it — never let solution dry on the surface.
Why More Concentration Is Not Better
Too-high SH concentration kills plants, strips protective coatings, corrodes metal, and creates dangerous fumes. The right concentration gets the job done safely. More is riskier — not more effective.
How Surfaces React — Know Before You Spray
Porous microscopically. High pressure forces water behind panels causing hidden rot. Soft wash only. High pressure also degrades vinyl's UV-protective plasticizers over time.
Dense but porous. Handles high pressure but improper angle creates tiger-striping. Always overlap passes 50% and maintain consistent speed and height.
Wood has grain. Pressure must follow the grain — never against it. Going against the grain raises fibers (furring), creating splinters and a rough surface that traps moisture.
Mortar joints are soft — high pressure erodes them. Brick is hardy but absorbs chemical deeply. Rinse thoroughly to prevent efflorescence from surfacing after the job.
Extremely delicate. Soft washing only. High pressure frays, cracks, and splits shakes. Use lower SH concentration (0.5%) to preserve the natural wood color.
Never pressure wash a roof. Shingles have UV-protective granules — high pressure strips them, shortens roof life, and voids manufacturer warranties.
Glass scratches from debris under pressure. Purified water in a water-fed pole system dries spot-free — zero streaks, zero minerals left behind.
Sodium hypochlorite is corrosive to uncoated metal. Never let SH solution sit on aluminum gutters — rinse immediately and thoroughly after any chemical contact.
Protecting Plants — The Science
🌿 Why Plants Are at Risk and How to Protect Them
SH harms plants for the same reason it kills algae — it oxidizes organic matter. But plants are resilient when protected properly.
Before You Spray
- Pre-wet all plants within 10 feet of the wash zone. Saturated plants absorb far less chemical than dry ones.
- Move potted plants away from the work area when possible.
During
- Use the lowest effective SH concentration. Never over-apply.
- Never let chemical pool at the base of trees or shrubs.
After
- Rinse all plants and surrounding soil thoroughly with clean water after every wash.
- A dilute neutralizing rinse (baking soda solution) can be applied to soil after heavy chemical runoff.
Chemical Dilution Reference
| Application | SH % | Per 50 Gal Tank | Use For |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Wash — Standard | 1–2% | ~5–10 gal SH | Vinyl siding, soffit, fascia |
| House Wash — Heavy Growth | 3–4% | ~15–20 gal SH | Severe mold, heavy green staining |
| Roof Cleaning | 3–6% | ~15–30 gal SH | Asphalt shingles, algae removal |
| Concrete (Light) | 0.5–1% | ~3–5 gal SH | Maintenance cleaning |
| Wood Deck / Fence | 0.5–1% | ~3–5 gal SH | Gentle wood cleaning |
| Cedar / Delicate | 0.5% | ~2–3 gal SH | Very sensitive wood surfaces |
| Metal / Gutters | 0.25–0.5% | ~1–2 gal SH | Rinse metal immediately after |
Step-by-Step Arrival Procedure
- 1Park Smart
Park on the street or edge of the property — never block the homeowner in. Back the truck in for easier equipment access. Never park on landscaped areas or flower beds.
- 2Greet the Customer
Walk to the front door, knock, introduce yourself by name. Confirm today's services. Ask if there are areas of concern or anything to avoid. Write it down. Repeat it back to confirm. (Full script in Chapter 13.)
- 3Complete the Photo Walk-Through — BEFORE ANY WORK
Walk the entire property and photograph everything: all four sides of the structure, any pre-existing damage, all landscaping near the wash zone, any vehicles in the driveway, and all outdoor furniture and pots. If you find significant damage, show the customer before starting.
- 4Upload Before Photos to Jobber
Open the job in Jobber, upload all before photos with clear labels: "Before — Front of House," "Before — Cracked Gutter N. Side." Mark the job as In Progress.
- 5Locate and Connect Water Source
Find the outdoor spigot and test flow. Connect your supply hose with the inline filter in place. Never bypass the inlet filter.
- 6Protect the Property
Pre-wet all plants within 10 feet. Move or cover outdoor furniture, grills, and decorative items. Confirm all windows and doors are closed. Cover electrical outlets and exterior light fixtures if needed.
- 7Set Up Equipment
Pull hoses out and position them clear of all walkways. Set up based on today's service. Start on the downwind side of the structure when applying chemicals so overspray blows away from the home.
💰 The Upsell Walk
During your property walk-through you'll often see services beyond what's scheduled — a mossy roof, stained driveway, dirty gutters. Never miss these.
Customer Is Present
"Hey [Name], I noticed while walking the property that your [roof has algae / driveway has oil stains]. We can take care of that today or schedule it — want me to get you a quick price from the office?"
Customer Is NOT Present
Call the office immediately: "I'm at [name]'s house. I noticed [description] — can you follow up with them?" Every upsell identified helps the customer and grows the business.
The Complete House Wash Process
- 1Pre-Wet All Plants
Using the garden hose, saturate all plants, flowers, shrubs, and grass within 10 feet of the house. Wet soil and leaves absorb far less chemical than dry ones. Don't rush this step.
- 2Apply Soft Wash Solution — Bottom to Top
Apply SH solution starting at the BOTTOM of the wall and working UP. This prevents chemical "runs" — streaks from solution dripping down dry siding above. Work one section at a time. Overlap at least 50%.
- 3Allow Dwell Time
5–15 minutes depending on severity. You'll watch staining lighten as SH oxidizes the organic matter. In heavy contamination, reapply before the first coat dries. Never let solution dry on the surface.
- 4Rinse — Top to Bottom
Always rinse from the TOP down. Use 40° white tip or a garden hose on high. Work from eaves to foundation. Thorough rinsing removes chemical residue and dead organic matter.
- 5Post-Rinse Plant Flush
Flush all nearby plants and soil with clean water again. Walk the full perimeter. This is the last line of defense against plant damage claims.
- 6Detail Work
Go back and detail gutters (exterior face), soffit panels, window frames, and trim. These hold more grime and may need a second targeted application.
Washing by Material Type
🏠 Vinyl Siding
Method: Soft wash only. Never exceed 500 PSI direct contact.
Solution: 1–2% SH with surfactant
Notes: Check for loose panels first. Spray parallel to seams, not into them.
🪵 Wood / Clapboard
Method: Soft wash + very low pressure rinse (max 800 PSI, 40° tip)
Solution: 0.5–1% SH
Notes: Always spray WITH the grain. Keep nozzle 18"+ away.
🏚️ Cedar Shake
Method: Gentle soft wash only
Solution: 0.5% SH max
Notes: Never direct pressure at shakes. Wide fan tip 24"+ away. Report severely deteriorated shakes before proceeding.
🧱 Brick
Method: Soft wash first, low-moderate pressure rinse (1,000–1,500 PSI)
Solution: 1–2% SH
Notes: White efflorescence may appear post-clean — normal, fades with time.
🏗️ Stucco
Method: Soft wash only
Solution: 1% SH
Notes: Keep rinse under 800 PSI. Look for cracks before washing — flag any for the customer.
🔩 Aluminum / Steel Siding
Method: Soft wash, low-pressure rinse
Solution: 0.5–1% SH — rinse IMMEDIATELY
Notes: Bleach corrodes uncoated metal. Never let SH sit on aluminum gutters or trim.
1. When applying soft wash solution, you apply:
2. Dwell time matters because:
Roof Cleaning Process
- 1Assess from the Ground First
Use binoculars if needed. Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or structurally compromised areas. Photograph any pre-existing damage and notify Andrew before proceeding.
- 2Pre-Wet Everything Below
Heavily soak all landscaping, surrounding ground, and anything roof runoff will contact. Solution will run down the entire structure — every surface below needs protection.
- 3Apply Soft Wash Solution
Apply 3–6% SH solution with surfactant from a ladder at the eave. We do not walk on roofs when avoidable. If walking is necessary: dry conditions only, non-slip footwear only, never on wet shingles.
- 4Dwell 10–15 Minutes
The black algae staining will visibly fade as SH works. Heavy growth may need a second application. Gloeocapsa Magma (black algae) can take 10–20 minutes to fully respond.
- 5Gentle Rinse Only
Rinse lightly from ground using garden hose or soft wash gun on minimum. Always ridge to eave — with the direction shingles lay. Flush gutters and downspouts. Post-rinse all landscaping again.
Roof Types
🏠 Asphalt Shingles
Most common in Upstate NY. Standard process. 3–6% SH. Black streaks are Gloeocapsa Magma — SH kills it completely at proper concentration.
🏛️ Slate
Extremely delicate and expensive. 0.5% SH only. Never walk on slate — it cracks and breaks. Work entirely from ladders.
🌲 Cedar Shake Roof
0.5–1% SH. Very careful rinse. Check for severely deteriorated shakes before starting. Natural color may vary post-clean.
🔩 Metal Roofing
0.5% SH only. Rinse immediately and thoroughly. No pressure washing. Watch for corrosion at seams and fasteners.
Gutter Service
🌊 Interior Gutter Flush
Use a gutter cleaning wand or hose at full pressure to flush debris toward the downspout. Always flush away from corners. Check downspouts are clear by flushing directly in.
✨ Exterior Gutter Brightening
The black tiger stripes on gutter exteriors are oxidation — not dirt. Apply gutter brightener, dwell 3–5 minutes, scrub with soft-bristle brush, rinse. The result is dramatic and impresses customers every time.
Concrete Cleaning Process
- 1Identify and Pre-Treat Stains
Before running the surface cleaner, identify oil, rust, tire marks, and other stains. Apply appropriate pre-treatment. Dwell 5–10 minutes. Agitate with a stiff brush on stubborn stains. Pre-treatment is what separates professional results from amateur ones.
- 2Apply Concrete Cleaner (Optional)
For severely dirty concrete, apply 1–2% SH or concrete-specific cleaner via downstream injector. Let dwell while preparing surface cleaner.
- 3Surface Cleaner Technique
Set pressure washer to 2,500–3,500 PSI. Work in straight, overlapping passes — overlap each pass by at least 50%. Consistent speed. Consistent height (2–4 inches off surface). Keep passes parallel. Never work in circles on concrete.
- 4Edge Work
The surface cleaner can't reach edges. Use a 25° or 40° wand tip along curbs, garage door gaps, expansion joints, and borders. Hold at a shallow angle (15–30°) to avoid etching.
- 5Final Rinse and Inspection
Rinse high point toward the street. Walk the completed surface. If tiger striping is visible, you moved inconsistently — go back over those sections.
Stain Reference Guide
Oil / Grease Hard
Fresh oil: absorb with cat litter first. Aged oil may have penetrated too deep to fully remove — set expectations upfront.
Rust Hard
Bleach makes rust WORSE — it oxidizes iron further and can permanently set the stain. Never use SH on rust.
Mold / Algae Easy
Green or black biological growth in shaded areas. Responds well to chemical treatment.
Paint / Striping Hard
Old road paint or parking markings. Full removal may not be possible without sandblasting.
Tire Marks Medium
Rubber from hot tires near garages. More superficial than oil stains.
Efflorescence Medium
White chalky salt deposits near drains. Often reappears after cleaning as water movement continues.
Other Flat Surfaces
🧱 Paver Patios
1,500–2,000 PSI. Pavers have sand-filled joints — high pressure can erode them. Communicate this to the customer upfront. Polymeric sand can be reapplied after.
🪨 Natural Stone / Bluestone
Max 1,500 PSI. Avoid SH on polished natural stone. Rinse from high point down.
🏊 Pool Decks
Max 1,500 PSI, wide fan. Low SH (0.5%). Rinse thoroughly — runoff affects pool water chemistry. Advise customer to test pool after service.
🏗️ Commercial Concrete
Same technique, higher demand for consistency. Work with crew lead on sequencing to avoid double-wetting large areas unnecessarily.
Deck Cleaning Process
- 1Clear and Inspect
Remove all furniture, grills, planters, and mats. Inspect for rot, soft spots, loose boards, and popped nails. Photograph any pre-existing damage. Probe suspect areas — rotted wood compresses under light pressure. Flag these for the homeowner before any work begins.
- 2Apply Wood Cleaner
Standard pressure-treated pine: 0.5–1% SH with surfactant. Cedar, teak, or redwood: sodium percarbonate-based cleaner or SH at 0.5%. Apply from one end to the other keeping a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
- 3Dwell and Agitate
5–10 minutes. For heavily soiled decks, agitate with a soft-bristle brush. Never use a wire brush — it leaves metal fragments that rust and stain the wood. Keep the solution wet throughout.
- 4Low-Pressure Rinse — WITH the Grain
40° white tip, 500–1,200 PSI, held 12–18 inches from the surface. Move parallel to the wood grain in smooth, consistent strokes. Never stop mid-stroke — it leaves blast marks. Keep moving at a steady pace.
- 5Wood Brightener (If Included)
Oxalic acid-based brightener restores natural pH, reopens the grain for staining, and brings back the warm color that weathering grays out. Apply evenly, dwell 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly.
Wood Species Notes
Pressure-Treated Pine
Most common in Upstate NY. Handles moderate pressure well. Tends to gray quickly without sealer. Responds very well to brightener.
Cedar
Soft — max 800 PSI. Responds beautifully to proper cleaning, golden color returns with brightener. Low SH concentration only.
Composite (Trex, etc.)
Low pressure only (500 PSI). Test in a hidden area first. Most composites need only water and a gentle scrub — no chemicals.
Ipe / Hardwoods
Very dense, handles moderate pressure. Premium decks — work with extra care and note the quality for the customer.
Fence Cleaning
🌲 Wood Fencing
Same process as decks. Work top rail to bottom rail in horizontal passes. Stagger starting points at panel joints to prevent lap marks.
🏗️ Vinyl Fencing
Soft wash only — vinyl cracks under pressure. 0.5–1% SH. Check for brittle joints and cracked posts especially in cold weather.
🔩 Chain Link / Metal
Moderate pressure rinse, minimal chemical. Rinse off chemical immediately. Watch for rust at welds and post bases.
🪟 How the Water-Fed Pole Works
Pure deionized water has no dissolved minerals. When it dries on glass it leaves nothing behind — zero spots, zero streaks. Tap water reads 100–400 PPM of dissolved minerals. Purified water reads 0–5 PPM. When it dries on glass, there's nothing to see.
TDS — The Most Important Number
Before every window job, test your water with a TDS meter. Must read below 10 PPM — ideally 0–5 PPM. If it reads above 10, change or recharge the DI resin before touching any glass. High TDS water = spotted windows = redo the job.
Window Cleaning Process
- 1Test TDS First
Dip the meter. Below 10 PPM — good to go. Above 10 — change the DI resin before starting. Non-negotiable.
- 2Scrub Every Pane Completely
Start at the top of the house, work left-right then down. Scrub each pane with firm strokes covering the entire surface including all corners and edges. Spend extra time on buildup areas. The scrub loosens everything — the rinse just flushes it.
- 3Rinse Top to Bottom of Each Pane
Pull brush 2–3 inches from glass. Slow downward sweep from top to bottom. Pure water floods away all loosened dirt. Do this slowly — it determines the final result.
- 4Clean Frame and Sill
Brush the window frame to prevent re-contamination of the freshly cleaned glass. Rinse the sill. Move to next window systematically.
Common Issues
💧 Hard Water Deposits
White mineral spots from sprinkler systems. Cannot be removed by the pole alone — requires hard water stain remover applied first. Identify before quoting the job — it changes time and approach.
🏗️ Fogged Double-Pane Glass
Condensation between panes = failed internal seal. Cannot be cleaned from outside. Always point this out to the customer before starting — if you don't mention it, you may get blamed for it.
Equipment Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause | Your Fix | Call Andrew If... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low / no pressure | Clogged nozzle, kinked hose, weak water supply | Clean nozzle. Straighten hose. Check inlet filter. Verify water supply flow. | Pump making grinding or knocking sounds. |
| Pressure chatters / surges | Cavitation — blocked inlet filter, insufficient supply | Clean inlet filter. Check supply hose kinks. Ask about well pressure. | Persists after filter cleaning. |
| Chemical not pulling through injector | Wrong nozzle, clogged injector screen, empty tank | Switch to black downstream nozzle. Check tank level. Clean injector screen. | Injector visibly cracked or damaged. |
| Soft wash pump not spraying | Dead battery, clogged tip, closed valve, air lock | Check battery and connections. Clear tip. Verify valves are open. Prime into a bucket. | Motor runs but no flow after all steps. |
| GX390 — milky white oil | Water in crankcase — pump seal failure | Tag OUT OF SERVICE immediately. Do not run. | Always. Call immediately. |
| Hose coupling leaking | Worn O-ring, loose connection, cracked coupling | Tighten. Replace O-ring from truck kit. | Coupling is cracked — never use a cracked high-pressure coupling. |
On-Site Situation Handling
⚠️ Chemical on Plants
Act immediately. Flush with heavy clean water flow for 5+ minutes. Report to the office and document in Jobber. Do not minimize or hide it — transparency protects everyone.
⚠️ Pre-Existing Damage Found
Stop work in that area. Photograph clearly. If customer is home, show them immediately. Call the office if they're not home. Never attempt to fix damage that isn't yours.
⚠️ Stain Won't Come Out
Be honest. Try a second application. If still not removing: "That stain may be permanent — some are etched too deep to fully remove. Let me make one more pass and show you exactly what we're dealing with."
⚠️ Customer Is Unhappy
Never argue. Listen fully. Say: "I hear you — let me look at that right now." Fix what you can. For the rest: "Let me get the office involved so we can make this right together." Then call immediately.
"Our number one priority is to ensure each and every client gets the one-on-one attention they deserve." — Hogwash Mission
The Arrival Script
🗣️ What to Say When You Knock
"Hi [Name]! I'm [Your Name] from Hogwash Cleaning Solutions — we're here for your [service] today. Before we get started, do you have a quick minute to walk around with me? I want to make note of any areas of concern and anything you'd like me to be careful around."
Then listen. Write it down. Repeat it back to confirm. If no one is home: proceed as scheduled, document everything thoroughly, and call the office if anything unusual comes up.
Answering Common Questions
| They Ask | You Say |
|---|---|
| "Will this hurt my plants?" | "We pre-wet all plants before applying anything and rinse them thoroughly after. Protecting landscaping is always a priority for us." |
| "How long will this take?" | "For a home this size, typically [estimate]. I'll keep you posted if anything changes." |
| "Can you also clean [unlisted service]?" | "Absolutely — let me get a price from the office before committing to anything." Then call. |
| "Will this damage my [surface]?" | "That's exactly why we use the soft wash method on this surface — chemistry instead of force, no damage risk, and results that last longer." |
| "Why is there still a spot?" | "Let me look at that." If fixable — fix it. If not: "That stain may be permanent — I want to be honest with you. Let me make one more pass." |
| "How much for [add-on]?" | "Let me call the office for that right now." Never guess at pricing. |
Asking for Google Reviews
⭐ The Most Important Thing You Do at the End of Every Job
Google reviews are how we get new customers. Every review leads to more jobs and more job security for the crew. Ask at the end of the final walkthrough — the moment the customer is standing there seeing the transformation. That's peak satisfaction.
"I'm really glad you're happy with how it turned out! If you have a quick minute, a Google review means the world to a small family business like ours. If you search 'Hogwash Cleaning Solutions' on Google, the review button is right there. Would you be willing to do that?"
If they say yes — wait while they do it or help them get to the page. The best time to act is right now. If later: "You'll get a follow-up email with a direct link."
Payment
💳 Payment Rules
- Customer present: Open Jobber → job → "Collect Payment." Credit/debit via Stripe integration.
- No one home: Mark complete in Jobber — auto-sends invoice. Office follows up on unpaid.
- Cash: Never accept without calling the office first.
- Price dispute: "Let me connect you with our office — they handle all billing questions." Call immediately.
1. A customer asks for an add-on price. You:
2. The best time to ask for a Google review is:
🍎 iOS App Store 🤖 Google Play 🌐 Jobber Web Login
Your Daily Jobber Workflow
- 1Review Schedule Every Morning
Jobber → Schedule → Today. Read every job note the office has added — they often contain critical customer preferences or access instructions. Know what's ahead before you leave the yard.
- 2Mark Job Started on Arrival
Open job → "Start Job." This timestamps your arrival and notifies the office. Do this before any work begins — not after.
- 3Upload Before Photos
Camera icon → upload with clear labels: "Before — Front of House," "Before — Cracked Gutter N. Side." These photos are permanently attached to the customer's account.
- 4Add Notes Throughout
Products used, customer requests, issues found, anything unusual. These notes protect you if there's ever a dispute and help future crews on repeat visits.
- 5Upload After Photos
From the same angles as before shots. The before/after comparison is visible to the office and customer immediately. This is how we demonstrate value.
- 6Mark Job Complete
Tap "Complete" — triggers automatic invoice and notifies the office. Only mark complete after your final walkthrough and all cleanup is done.
- 7Collect Payment If Needed
Completed job → "Collect Payment" → Stripe credit/debit. Receipt goes to customer automatically. Never accept cash without office authorization.
Quick Reference
| What You Need | Where in Jobber |
|---|---|
| Today's jobs | Schedule → Today |
| Start a job | Open job → "Start Job" |
| Add photos | Open job → Camera icon |
| Add notes | Open job → Notes → Add note |
| Mark complete | Open job → "Complete" |
| Collect payment | Completed job → "Collect Payment" |
| Customer history | Clients → Search name |
| Office notes on a job | Job details → scroll to Notes |
⚡ PSI — Pounds Per Square Inch
Measures the force of water. House washing uses under 500 PSI. Driveways use 2,500–3,500 PSI. The 0° red nozzle at 3,000+ PSI can cut through skin — treat it like a power tool.
💧 GPM — Gallons Per Minute
Measures water volume flow. Higher GPM = faster, more thorough rinsing. Cleaning Power = PSI × GPM. A 3,000 PSI / 4 GPM machine has 12,000 cleaning units vs 4,000 for a cheap 2,000/2 GPM unit.
🧴 Soft Washing
Low pressure (under 500 PSI) combined with professional cleaning chemistry. The chemical does the work, not the force. Results last 4–6x longer than straight pressure washing.
⚗️ Sodium Hypochlorite (SH)
Our primary soft wash agent. Kills mold, algae, and mildew at the cellular level through oxidation. Supplied at 10–12.5% concentration. Always diluted before use. Never mix with ammonia or acids.
🫧 Surfactant
A chemical additive that reduces surface tension so cleaning solutions stick longer, penetrate deeper, and rinse away more completely. Always added to soft wash mixes.
⏱️ Dwell Time
How long a cleaning solution sits on a surface before rinsing. SH needs 5–15 minutes to fully oxidize and kill organic growth. Rinse too soon = organisms survive and regrow within weeks.
💉 Downstream Injector
Pulls chemical into the water stream after the pump, protecting pump seals from bleach contact. Only works with the black downstream nozzle — high-pressure nozzles prevent the siphon effect.
🌊 Cavitation
When a pump gets insufficient water supply, it pulls air. The collapsing air bubbles create micro-explosions that destroy pump valves and seals. Fix: improve water supply, clean inlet filter.
🦓 Tiger Striping
Uneven parallel lines on concrete from inconsistent technique — wrong speed, height, or pass overlap. Prevention: consistent speed, height (2–4"), and 50% pass overlap at all times.
🧂 Efflorescence
White chalky salt deposits that leach out of concrete or brick through water movement. Water evaporates, leaving mineral salts on the surface. Common near drains. Often reappears after cleaning.
🌡️ TDS — Total Dissolved Solids
Measured in Parts Per Million (PPM). For window cleaning, water must read below 10 PPM — ideally 0–5 PPM. Tap water reads 100–400 PPM. High TDS water leaves mineral spots on glass when it dries.
🪵 Furring
Wood grain raised by excessive pressure or pressure applied against the grain. Creates a rough, splintery surface that traps moisture. Always spray with the grain using a 40° tip at 12"+ distance.
🦠 Gloeocapsa Magma
The cyanobacteria species responsible for black streaks on asphalt roofs. Develops dark pigment to protect itself from UV radiation — that's the black color. SH kills it completely at proper concentration.
🔄 Unloader Valve
A pressure relief valve in the pump. When you release the trigger, it diverts water back as a bypass loop, preventing dangerous pressure buildup. Never bypass or tamper with an unloader valve.
🧪 DI Resin
Deionized resin — ion-exchange beads that remove dissolved minerals from tap water for window cleaning. The resin exhausts over time. When TDS climbs above 10 PPM, it needs replacement or regeneration.
📊 SDS — Safety Data Sheet
A required safety document for every chemical. Contains hazards, handling, PPE requirements, storage, and emergency procedures. Hogwash maintains SDS sheets for all chemicals used — ask the office for the binder.
📋 15-Day Training Plan
| Week | Day | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 Foundations | 1 | Orientation, values, chain of command, PPE, safety, chemical SDS review, Jobber setup |
| 2 | Honda GX390 startup/shutdown, equipment identification, nozzle guide, daily checklist | |
| 3 | Soft wash system setup, chemical mixing ratios, first supervised house wash application | |
| 4 | Independent arrival procedure, photo walk-through, lead house wash with trainer observing | |
| 5 | Complete house wash start to finish, Google review ask practice, full Jobber workflow | |
| Week 2 Mastery | 6 | Roof cleaning theory, ladder safety, chemical mixing for roofs, plant protection |
| 7 | Supervised roof wash, gutter flush, gutter brightening, roof documentation in Jobber | |
| 8 | Concrete — surface cleaner technique, nozzle selection, consistent passes, stain pre-treatment | |
| 9 | Lead complete concrete job, degreaser on oil stains, customer walkthrough and satisfaction check | |
| 10 | Deck and fence — wood type identification, grain direction, brightener application, vinyl fencing | |
| Week 3 Excellence | 11 | Window cleaning — TDS testing, water-fed pole scrub and rinse technique |
| 12 | Troubleshooting scenarios, complex multi-surface property, difficult customer practice | |
| 13 | Lead multiple jobs in one day, maintain quality and speed, Jobber documentation audit | |
| 14 | Final skills assessments — house, roof, concrete, deck, windows, customer service scenarios | |
| 15 | FINAL EVALUATION — complete independent job with trainer observing only |
This certifies that
has successfully completed the Hogwash Cleaning Solutions 15-Day New Hire Training Program and demonstrated competency in safety, soft washing, pressure washing, equipment operation, customer service excellence, and Jobber field operations.
IF IT'S DIRTY, WE CLEAN IT.
Welcome to the Hogwash family.
You earned it. Now go do great work.