Opinions on Bleach... - Page 4 - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Tim Smith · #31 (**permalink**) 03-02-04

Never on wood.

I do use it on house washing and roofs.

albertrapier · #32 (**permalink**) 03-11-04

I have just started in the Pressure Cleaning Service in my area. I will NOT use bleach on ANYTHING. What I use is biodegradable materials that I can get locally, cost is between 6 & 8 dollars a gallon. Sure, more expensive than a dollar gallon of bleach, but in my opinion, bleach will do more harm than good. It will, after time, destroy the wood, vinyl, etc. Some potential customers are wondering why other PWers are using bleach and only charging $50 on a Look, you guys that use bleach can continue if you desire. I am going to take the HIGH road and use what I feel that most customers would prefer . . . a REAL cleaning job . . . not just a blast and give me the cash! Integrity people, Integrity!! We have to answer for what we do.

Tim Smith · #33 (**permalink**) 03-12-04

albertyrapier

How does bleach harm vinyl? Please educate me. Thanks

What do you use to kill & remove mold off vinyl?

albertrapier · #34 (**permalink**) 03-12-04

After a period of time the texture & gloss is worn away. Bleach does this faster then just regular "wear". Vinyl is designed to last many years.

I use whatever is available that is biodegradable for the job at hand.

Tim Smith · #35 (**permalink**) 03-12-04

I don't agree. What substance in bleach wears the texture and gloss away? Bleach does not harm vinyl no more than any biodegradable soap. If you making the statement, you must have proof. What is it? Where did you learn this information. I would like to read it - I don't want to cause harm to the vinyl homes that I clean.

squirtgun · #36 (**permalink**) 03-12-04

albertrapier,
If you are not using Chlorine to kill moldthen what chemical is out there that will replace chlorine.
As for biodegradable,you are aware that these are not completely harmless,they may be harmless to plant life,and maybe pets and humans but, not to the soil.Biodegradables also do not break down after rinsed,they take anywhere from days to months to fully break down.
In another post you said you are buying chems at Hd or Lowes,if you aren't using professional chemicals,What sets you apart from the weekend DIYer?
With the exception of chlorine(not household bleach),nothing we use can be bought over the counter by a homeowner.We use this as a selling point to customers,they seem to like that the products we use are professional grade and not available to them.
I to would like to see the info that chlorine breaks down vinyl prematurely.

Michael T · #37 (**permalink**) 03-12-04

Albertrapier,
It great you want to take the high road and be friendly to the environment but don't be duped by slick marketing.

Of all the environmental buzzwords, "biodegradable" has perhaps been the most misused and is perhaps the most difficult to understand. Because in the past there have been no guidelines or regulations, many products have called themselves biodegradable without any real justification.

A "biodegradable" product has the ability to break down, safely and relatively quickly, by biological means, into the raw materials of nature and disappear into the environment. These products can be solids biodegrading into the soil (which we also refer to as compost-able), or liquids biodegrading into water. Biodegradable plastic is intended to break up when exposed to microorganisms (a natural ingredient such as cornstarch or vegetable oil is added to achieve this result).

Every resource made by nature returns to nature-plants and animals biodegrade, even raw crude oil will degrade when exposed to water, air, and the necessary salts. Nature has perfected this system-we just need to learn how to participate in it.

By the time many resources are turned into products, however, they have been altered by industry in such a way that they are unrecognizable to the microorganisms and enzymes that return natural materials to their basic building blocks. Crude oil, for example, will biodegrade in its natural state, but once it is turned into plastic, it becomes an unsustainable pollution problem. Instead of returning to the cycle of life, these products simply pollute and litter our land, air, and water.

In conclusion "Bleach " is Biodegradable. Used in a conscientious manner and properly diluted it turns into salt. I hope this clears a few things up. No pun intended. Save yourself some money, try some bleach, it is as safe as the other product you are using.

albertrapier · #38 (**permalink**) 03-13-04

Michael T,
You said that bleach turns to salt. Put salt on your plants and lawn and see what happens. Put salt on your house and see what happens over time.

Michael T · #39 (**permalink**) 03-13-04

Albertrapier,
You are missing the point. Go back and read the rest of this thread.
Any responsible house washer uses copious amounts of water to pretreat the foliage and surrounding plant life and final rinse. And using bleach in a diluted form further dilutes the product. As it breaks down in the earth it turns to organic salts, one of natures building blocks. Yes using pure undiluted sodium chloride IE salt is damaging. I am saying be responsible and conscientious how you apply your chemicals. Anything undiluted can be damaging, use a little common sense.
Take your body for an example, a little salt is good for seasoning your food and your body requires a small amount to survive, but a large dose is damaging and dangerous.

Try this test. Get you a PH meter. Test your soil before you wash. Use your biodegradable product rinse and test afterwards. Use bleach, rinse and test afterwards. I bet you will not see any difference. The reason is, you are not putting enough product on to make any difference.of change in the PH scale.

Just my .02

Tim Smith · #40 (**permalink**) 03-15-04

albert

There are a lot of very experience people on this board. Just a friendly piece of advice: If your going to make a statement - be ready to back it up. Thats how we all learn.