Opinions on Bleach... - Page 8 - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

CaroliProWash · #71 (**permalink**) 03-27-05

The main ingredient in Drano is Sodium Hydroxide - which is what we use to strip old finishes from decks....so I guess in theory, it might work, however, I wouldn't think that it would be very cost effective. Drano also contains sodium hypochlorite (bleach).

Just in case anyone may be remotely interested in how I know this off the top of my head - we had the drain clog from hell a couple of weeks ago and busted it up with Steve Rowlett's RM2X (sodium hydroxide). I recall a thread somewhere where someone also said that sodium hydroxide was the same as lye - which is in drano

As far as why the guy isn't is business? How would you like to see somebody putting drano on your deck????? LOL Perception matters!

Celeste

TheHoodGuy · #72 (**permalink**) 05-27-05

I saw a picture once of wood samples placed under a microscope. One was cleaned with bleach the other with sodium percarbonate. The sample of the bleach cleaned wood looked like a tangled mess and the author of this particular page concluded that this method (bleach cleaning) resulted in serious penetration issues for any type of sealer. This guy made a convincing arguement and he was some tree hugger with nine hundred initials like Phd, etc so I guess he knew his stuff. Take from this what you will.

Dan S · #73 (**permalink**) 05-28-05

Bleach is only for the newbies and the wife to wash clothes with

It's funny>> But I got a call one day last year from this Lady. She said she called "Mo-Jo's Pressure washing" to do her deck, When they started slapping Bleach on it she stopped them and asked if they had anything else to clean with >>>> "OH said the dude this is the only thing that works". She replied>> Your bid was for 700.00 to clean it and your using .o59 cent a gallon Bleach. She said she told them to pack up and take their bleach home and give it to their wife. I thought it was funny!!

Not only does Bleach do damage But it stinks,kills plants,and is not very professional to use, as a mobile washer. You need to be 3 steps ahead of your competition. Any body can buy a pump - up sprayer 10 gals of bleach and a Wal-mart pressure washer. If you want to be on top stay away from the chem. that your wife use's to wash your whity tightys.

Olly · #74 (**permalink**) 06-28-05

been useing bleach for 15 years on the same decks still looks great tried the deck wash same results waste of my clients money

Mark · #75 (**permalink**) 06-28-05

http://wolman.com/faqs.asp?faq_id=4

www.wolman.com
http://www.wolman.com/contractor.asp

Quote:

Frequently Asked Questions

Surface Preparation

Q: Can I use household bleach to clean a deck?

A: No, we do not recommend using household bleach, because it is not effective in removing two of the three culprits in producing a weathered gray deck: ground-in dirt and UV degraded surface fibers. When you use chlorine bleach-based solutions (sodium hypochlorite) to clean a wood surface, all you are doing is removing the mildew stains. While using a bleach-based commercial product can show a dramatic change in color as the mildew is removed, dirt, debris and degraded surface fibers remain. Left behind on the surface, this white-washed residue will contribute to coating failures. In fact, in our laboratory tests comparing the performance of chlorine bleach solutions against our formulated Deck & Fence Brightener products, coating failures have appeared 60% faster over chlorine-bleach prepared surfaces.

Remember, you would never do laundry with bleach only and expect to have clean clothes!

jdmartin · #76 (**permalink**) 07-12-05

Personally I like using Wolman product line for all my wood needs, fences, decks. I use the briteners then the sealers or stains. Also if you have a heated pressure washer to remove the striper or briteners once you let them set and dwell for 10 to 15 mins that makes a difference. Heat does wonders but that is my opinion. Set the temp to 120 deg and clean away. I do use sodium hypocholite with a degreaser cleaner mix for vinyl siding and works good for me. I know everyone has some excellent thoughts and ideas. Its funny because with me being in the military and working part time for myself you see alot of experience in these message forums. Some good and maybe some bad but just take it for what things are people trying to help and educate each other.

Henry Bockman · #77 (**permalink**) 07-19-05

Hey Squid!...

Try using 90 degree water, it will work just as good and it's less harsh on the wood surface. Using hot water really isn't recommended but if your going to do it, use as little as possible. Good luck in the tidewater area! I used to be stationed at Oceana with the starfighters on the USS America.

(A0)
(Population Control Technician!)

jdmartin · #78 (**permalink**) 07-20-05

Stationed at oceana? I am guessing that is NAS Oceana Master Jet Base in Virginia Beach, VA. I retire next year, just wondering.

Henry Bockman · #79 (**permalink**) 07-20-05

Yep, NAS Oceana, I don't know about the Master Jet Base thing... There were a lot of squadrons based there but I don't remember it being listed as a master base.

What's your rate and who are you attached to?

jdmartin · #80 (**permalink**) 07-25-05

I am with VFA-103, jolly rogers, skull and bones logo on the tails. The sign out front of the base does say NAS Oceana, Master Jet Base. I retire next year so I have been doing pressure washing now for a few years plus wood cleaning, sealing and staining. Just trying to have something rolling once I retire. Also AM is my rating, Airframer.