First job done, need some newbie advice

CCC

CCC

New member
My first restaurant flatwork job was done a couple days ago, and I'm less than thrilled with the results. The work hadn't been done for at least the last ten years. A grease pit coffee shop type of place too. LOTS of old gum on the walks. It was bad.

I turned down the pressure and melted off the gum first. Followed with downstreaming a mix I made (1 gallon 12.5% SH, 1 gallon water, added in about a cup of Simple Green and a tablespoon or so of Dawn) and let it dwell about 5 minutes. Proceeded to wash off with the pressure nearly topped out and a 25degree tip. My machine is 4000 psi and 7 gpm.

The owner was happy, but I want better before I really start pushing my services. All gum spots melted off the bulk of the gum, but left behind a black spot under it. The more recent gum didn't pose a problem, but the real old stuff did. I don't want to ruin the cream, but can't get the rest of the shadow off. The heavy traffic areas (front door and side kitchen service door) still have fair amounts of black traffic marks left behind.

I wish I took pictures but I didn't. I see all these "miracle" before and after pics on here (especially the dumpster areas) and fell short of duplicating it. Any ideas? Do I need to up the strength of my chem since it's mixing with 7 gpm? Can I get more heat out of the burner to deal with the gum better?

Thanks,

Brandon
 
Would I add the sodium hydroxide in with the rest of the mix or replace the chlorine? Time to go find out where I can get some.
 
Sodium Hydroxide can be found in most heavy degresers like purple power ETC... As far as the gum shadows, hit those with a light spray of fresh 12.5 sh and they should dissapear. No need to flood the area- Just a light coating. :)
 
Ive done it both ways and Ive noticed that waiting to hit it when it is dry always works better. :)
 
Chris, You can get degreasers just about anywhere. Wally world, auto parts, HD, Lowes etc... Just make sure you check the label to make sure that it contains Sodium Hydroxide. I get mine locally from a chem company that is real strong. Not sure what % I can check tomorrow. It WILL burn your skin though I can tell ya that much. :eek:
 
Alright guys, I'm going to sheepishly admit something then go sit in the corner and give myself 20 lashes :)

I've been researching so much on this board, and jumbled some items. I kept seeing sh referenced everywhere, so I knew it was key to cleaning bliss. One thread I saw sh listed as sodium hypochlorite. Another thread I saw caustic referred to as sh, so I concluded sodium hypochlorite was what I needed. All learning I guess.

After I can find some sodium hydroxide, I'll go re-do this property.
 
Larry Millette said:
Sodium Hydroxide can be found in most heavy degresers like purple power ETC... As far as the gum shadows, hit those with a light spray of fresh 12.5 sh and they should dissapear. No need to flood the area- Just a light coating. :)
Click to expand...


Purple Power is a butyl based degreaser not sodium hydroxide based.:D
 
pb4ugo said:
Alright guys, I'm going to sheepishly admit something then go sit in the corner and give myself 20 lashes :)

I've been researching so much on this board, and jumbled some items. I kept seeing sh referenced everywhere, so I knew it was key to cleaning bliss. One thread I saw sh listed as sodium hypochlorite. Another thread I saw caustic referred to as sh, so I concluded sodium hypochlorite was what I needed. All learning I guess.

After I can find some sodium hydroxide, I'll go re-do this property.
Click to expand...

When you start calling around ask for caustic soda beads = (sodium hydroxide).



You can expect results like these with the right mix.
 

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Scott
Nice work. I've admired it in the dumpster thread too. I don't remember how you're applying it though. Downstreaming?
 
Mix caustic bead with hot water in a pump up sprayer , wet the area first then spray it on.. I wil get you some video.. Next week I have olive garden concrete to clean.. Also buy a 5 degree gumbuster nozzle...


Harcros Chemical

50lb bag of caustic bead $32.50
You have to buy at least 6 bags
Check online for a chemical place in your area..
And mix away..

Also Do Not Upsream caustic it will eat your pump alive..
 
pb4ugo said:
Scott
Nice work. I've admired it in the dumpster thread too. I don't remember how you're applying it though. Downstreaming?
Click to expand...


Yes we DS.

I did 3 restaurants this morning and have 4 tomorrow that will all look basically the same when done.If I remember I will take some new pics.
I tend to get into "grind" mode and cleaning is the only thing I think about and remember the pics after the fact.I see no sense in taking after shots if I don't have the before pics to go with them.
 
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