Well, this is the second time this happened to me, getting called back after softwashing a house. It seems that some siding has a white or residue on the siding and no matter how soft the wash…it leaves lines like grafitti. I use the x-jet, and apply solution and rinse. Its not noticeable until after all is completely dry and in certain light…so we are long gone and dont see it the day we do it. I dont know if its defective siding or old oxidized siding. but the only way to correct is is now use the pressure of the washer and do it old school and re do the siding with just the power of the water. Anyone come across this and how do you handle it
What kind of siding? Aluminum?
No matter what the vendor told you, the x-jet is high pressure. Down-stream with less than 100 psi, and you’ll not disturb the oxidation. Oxidation removal is an upsell for me as it takes more time and specialty cleaners.
Pictures? Would be more help if there were pictures
any chance you could explain the process and what kind of specialty cleaners you use?
Vinyl siding
OK, I’m stumped. I’ve never had a problem with vinyl siding. I’m looking forward to hearing more about the problem, and hopefully the solution.
the vendor didnt tell me anything. I have only come across this twice in 2 years. I will take some pics this week when i go back to fix it.
one more thing to add that may lead me to believe its a defect. the customer is a funeral home…and they added extensions. they used the same color vinyl from original part of house, but its the older siding thats the problem …not the newer part… ill try to get pics up asap
Look very closely at the lines. I ran into something like this a few months ago, and it was a manufacturing defect.
If its the same thing I had a problem with, you will see an ever so slight difference in the direction and deepness of the grain where the lines are. They’re hard to see up close, but as soon as you step back they’re pretty obvious.
Its oxidation. Like Mike K said, the xjet is too much pressure. Switch to downstreaming and some wide angle soap and rinse tips and you wont have that issue.
+1
Oxidation needs to be emulsified, then it can be removed with slight pressure (300psi) or by brushing then rinsed away. Potasium Hydroxide or any Butyl based cleaner works well for freeing the oxidation. Because this takes extra cleaners, steps and more time, we charge a higher rate. This is considerd vinyl restoration versus simple cleaning away the mold/dirt. Oxidation isn’t a CLEANING problem but a CONDITION problem. Customers need to be aware of the difference upfront. This is the main but not ONLY reason we use 100psi or less to clean vinyl. The other methods will disturb that oxidation and leave you with having to try and blend it all together all while only collecting a check for simple cleaning.
Hore that helps with the issue of oxidized vinyl. Aluminum is a bit of a case by case story.
Ok, I jumped to the conclusion. But someone has told you the x-jet is “soft”. They are wrong. It is a high pressure down stream injector that happens to be place at the end of your gun instead of inline on your hose somewhere. Switch to Down streaming and you will wanna name your first kid after me. I promise.
what tip is best used for down streaming…?
Depends on the specs of your machine. My tips are 0060 for shooting distance and xx40 for my variety of Wide angles. I use a 8 gpm pressure washer.
