Caustic expectations

[Doug Dahlke]

What are the cleaning expectations with caustic? If a property has been neglected will one cleaning with caustic bring it back? I recently did a restaurant that had been maintained with a cold water machine and I assume no chems. Black in front of the entrance from the foot traffic and the dumpster pad was bad. I did use F-18 on these areas mixed one pound to two gallons of water and downstreamed on then hot water. The property definitely was cleaner but I think the manager was expecting something better. I will do this property again in a month and have ordered caustic soda beads to try this time.

Will the property look better after each month's cleaning? Is there a point of neglect where no cleaner can restore the concrete or make it better? Is once a month adequate to see continued improvement if that is possible? How do others set the customers expectations?

[FLORIN]

How did this turn out for you on second cleaning? did it get better? I use caustic on my commercial cleanings... never tried f-18 except for decks.

[Indy Power Wash]

I think F-18 is caustic based. Make sure you read up on caustic beads before you use them. It can cause severe burns, permanent eye damage on contact etc. It can also cause major damage to property. Concrete, plants, asphalt, painted surfaces etc.

[All Pro Powerwashing]

Doug, caustic works great as a degreaser but a little bit goes a long way. I usualy mix enough caustic to cover the bottom of a 5r, fill with water and add a squirt of dawn soap. Caution, bucket will get hot from the chemical reation. Respect the mix. It can burn you! Downstream over concrete and go over with surface cleaner and hot water. Rinse, rinse, rinse. Kemp

[MudDuck]

Doug, caustic works great as a degreaser but a little bit goes a long way. I usualy mix enough caustic to cover the bottom of a 5r, fill with water and add a squirt of dawn soap. Caution, bucket will get hot from the chemical reation. Respect the mix. It can burn you! Downstream over concrete and go over with surface cleaner and hot water. Rinse, rinse, rinse. Kemp

Kemp you talkin about a caustic based like F18 or beads?

[Doug Dahlke]

I have since switched to beads, make the mix hotter and DS on. This has worked out fine at the property mentioned.

[All Pro Powerwashing]

I have since switched to beads, make the mix hotter and DS on. This has worked out fine at the property mentioned.

Caustic soda beads. Once you find your ratio everything else falls in place. Just make sure you rinse plenty and or neutralize with an acid. Don't want any residue to harm anybody or property.