I've been asked to do the impossible!

[UKBoy]

Let me start by saying Im 42 and I’ve never power washed anything.

My boss in all his wisdom has decided that I’m the man to wash the stables, about the size of 5 small houses. I’ve been given 2 pictures showing the same stone and discoloration as the stables and the desired result, and been told to hire the kit and get started! (I hate my job)

Anyway as usual I’ve turned to the internet and found this fantastic site and was wondering if anyone can help me.

Ive got to hire the kit to start next week on monday, theres a big area on the back of the building i can use to practice but theres no power near the stables.

Will I need chemicalls, cold / hot water, what pressure unit do I hire, any speacil nozels?

Thanks in advance.

--UK BOY--

 

[Splat]

Greetings from Tucson, AZ. I dont know if they have this in the UK or not but to keep it as simple as possible I would suggest using a mix of "simple green" and bleach just because the simple green is non-toxic and bio-degradeable which will help take care of the "dirt" and the bleach will kill any of the "nasties" hanging around in the stalls from the manure and such and it won' be harmful to the horses when rinsed and in my opinion HOT water would be a must. Hope this helps even a little. As for nozzles I would recommed a "rotary" nozzle Just my 2¢.

 

[PressurePros]

Butyl cellusolve or potassium hydroxide. Don't be surprised if you need to use an acid afterward.

 

[Splat]

As I am not sure of Ken's intentions to help you or hurt you let me just say that, the simple green that I mentioned contains a dilute butyl cellusolve which works wonders on all types of grime,However if you check potassium hydroxide that he recommends it is basically one of the most volatile substances on the planet.It can cause severe burns on the skin , fry your lungs if inhaled,and generate enough heat when mixed with water to cause a fire when sprayed on a combustible material. As you have stated you have no experience pressure washing, and I just don't want to see you hurt yourself or others by using a chemical you know nothing about. I'm sure I'll take some flak for this but I prefer to error on the side of caution.

 

[Larry L.]

5gpm 3000psi hotwater unit with gas engine,you want need power around the stables.

If I remember right I heard horse piss and bleach do not mix well,deadly fume?

 

[Doug Rucker]

Look like a great before and after