Power Wash Blog

​Experience and Expertise
When selecting a power washing service, look for one with extensive experience, especially in handling various home surfaces. In Omaha, where many homes feature vinyl siding, it's crucial to choose a service that specializes in soft washing. Soft washing uses low pressure with cleaning solutions, as recommended by leading siding manufacturers like CertainTeed Siding, to gently clean without damaging delicate materials. Experienced services will also understand local climate effects, such as mold growth from humid summers or salt residue from winters, ensuring effective cleaning.

When evaluating a company's experience, check their website and social media for photos and videos of their work. Be wary if you notice stock images or videos that don't seem to match the local area or the company's branding, as this could indicate they don't have their own portfolio, suggesting limited hands-on experience. Instead, look for companies that showcase real before-and-after photos of their projects in Omaha, as this shows they've been washing long enough to have their own visual evidence.

Additionally, ask how long the company has been in business and if they have experience with homes similar to yours. A reputable company will be transparent about their history and happy to provide references or examples of past work. You can also check if they are members of professional associations like the United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners (UAMCC) or Power Washers of North America (PWNA), which offer training and certification to ensure adherence to industry standards.

Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer feedback is a valuable resource when assessing the quality of a power washing service. Check online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and local directories to see what previous clients have to say. Look for companies with high ratings and positive comments about their professionalism, punctuality, and the quality of their work. Pay attention to how the company responds to any negative reviews, as this can indicate their commitment to customer satisfaction.

In Omaha, you can also ask neighbors or friends for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals from people you trust can be incredibly helpful in finding a reliable service. Be cautious of companies with few reviews or overly generic positive feedback, as these might be less reliable.

Range of Services Offered
Ensure the service provides what you need, like house washing, driveway cleaning, or deck restoration. Some may offer additional home maintenance tasks, such as window cleaning, which can be convenient. Consider if they can handle specific local needs, like cleaning concrete driveways, as per Concrete Network, or restoring decks, aligning with general home maintenance practices.

Eco-Friendly Practices
Choose services using biodegradable detergents to protect your family, pets, and environment, especially important for homes with gardens. This aligns with recommendations from cleaning solution manufacturers for safe, effective cleaning without harming surrounding areas.

Professional Equipment
Inquire about the equipment used; professional-grade tools ensure better results. For delicate surfaces, ensure they can perform soft washing with low pressure, while for tough surfaces like concrete, they should have high-pressure capabilities, as suggested by the concrete industry for stain removal.

Licensing and Insurance
Verify the service is licensed to operate in Omaha and carries insurance, protecting you from liability in case of accidents or damage. Check with the Nebraska Department of Labor for licensing, and ensure they have general liability coverage.

Pricing and Quotes
Expect to pay $250–$600 for a house wash in Omaha, varying by size and condition. Get multiple quotes, but don't choose solely based on cost; ensure value for money by considering experience and equipment. Understand what’s included to avoid hidden fees.

Questions to Ask
Ask about their experience with specific surfaces, cleaning methods, references, and satisfaction guarantees. Inquire if they follow industry best practices, such as those from shingle manufacturers like GAF Shingles for roof cleaning, or siding manufacturers for vinyl care.

Pressure washing is a powerful and efficient way to remove various types of stains, including oil stains, from a variety of surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and decks.
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When it comes to oil stains, pressure washing and specialized detergents can be an effective solution because the combination of high-pressure stream of water and detergents can break down and remove the oil from the surface. It is important to note that the severity of the stain, the type of surface, and the type of oil will all play a role in determining how successful the pressure cleaning will be.

The very first thing that should be done before pressure washing is to use a product called "oil dry." Oil dry is a clay-based absorbent material that is designed to absorb and remove oil and other petroleum-based fluids. To use oil dry, simply sprinkle it over the oil stain and let it sit for about an hour. The oil dry will absorb the oil and turn a dark color, indicating that it has done its job. After the oil dry has been left to sit for a while, it should be stirred up and put back over the stain and repeated as needed until most of the oil has been removed from the surface. Using oil dry as a pre-treatment method can help to minimize the severity of the stain and make the pressure washing process more effective. 

For light to moderate oil stains, a pressure washer with a moderate PSI (pounds per square inch) rating, such as 2000-3000 PSI, should be sufficient. It's also important to use the appropriate nozzle for the job. A 0-degree nozzle, also called a "red nozzle," will produce a very narrow and powerful stream of water, which is ideal for removing tough stains. A wider angle nozzle, such as a 25-degree nozzle, will produce a wider and less powerful stream of water, which is better for cleaning larger areas.

To remove oil stains with a pressure washer, first, wet the area with water second apply a good degreaser and let dwell for 10 to 15 minutes. Next, hold the nozzle about 12-18 inches away from the surface and use a back and forth motion to apply the high-pressure water stream to the stain. Be sure to use caution and start with the nozzle at a distance, as the high-pressure water stream can cause damage to certain surfaces if held too close.

In addition to using a pressure washer, you should also use a detergent specifically designed for oil stain removal. These detergents can be added to the pressure washer's detergent tank, or they can be applied directly to the stain and then pressure washed off. Some common detergents used for oil stain removal include trisodium phosphate (TSP) and degreasers.

For heavy oil stains, it may be necessary to repeat the process several times to fully remove the stain. If the stain is still present after pressure washing, it may be necessary to use a more heavy-duty solution such as a poultice or a specialized oil remover. It's worth noting that even with the best effort, not all oil stains can be completely removed, but pressure washing can significantly reduce their visibility.

In conclusion, pressure washing can be an effective way to remove oil stains from various surfaces. However, the severity of the stain, the type of surface, and the type of oil will all play a role in determining how successful the pressure washing will be. It's important to use the appropriate nozzle and detergent, start with the nozzle at a distance, and repeat the process several times if necessary. Additionally, it's worth noting that some heavy oil stains may not be completely removed but pressure washing can significantly reduce their visibility