What Makes a Power Washing Company Green?

Today's consumers often seek out earth-friendly products, only to be fooled by "greenwashing" companies that claim to be beneficial for the earth, but who are actually overstating their eco-friendliness through marketing.
To help you avoid being "green-washed" by a power washing company, we have gathered the following traits of a truly green power washing service.

1. Reusing or Processing Wastewater

Regardless of whether you're hiring someone for exterior work or rail car cleaning, you probably notice the final cleaning outcome first and foremost. However, a glance in the other direction might reveal a stream of dirty water, another all-too-common outcome of pressure washing service. That dirty water is tainted with toxins that were blasted free during the pressure washing process.

As an example, it's not unusual for trucking companies to hire a power washing service for fleet cleaning. Semi-trucks pick up heavy metals and other pollutants while on the road. Even microscopic amounts of these toxins can be fatal for wildlife. During power washing, these poisons are sent down storm drains and into nearby streams and rivers. Similar toxins are released in nearly every power washing procedure.

To prevent this pollution, eco-friendly power washing companies collect their wastewater. Ideally, this wastewater will be reused in later projects, or it may be taken to a disposal facility. As you vet each pressure washing company, be sure to research their disposal process; some disposal plants are also engaged in "greenwashing."

2. Dedication to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

A truly green power washing service will conscientious about its cleaning mixtures. Consider, for instance, that cleaning boxcar exteriors is a widespread pressure washing service. Those who have done rail car cleaning can report that it's a filthy project. Many power washing services use harsh chemicals to remove the oily stains that often collect on boxcars. As explained above, these toxic chemicals are dangerous for nearby ecosystems.

However, an eco-friendly power washing company will find a way to eradicate oil without hurting the earth. As an example, some progressive power washing firms use microbes to naturally eat away oil. Overall, eco-friendly washing mixtures should be phosphate-free and biodegradable. That way they won't kill downstream wildlife or offset the natural balance of surrounding ecosystems.

It's also a good idea to inquire whether each potential power washing service uses hot water. Hot water is a powerful tool in eco-friendly cleaning; it's often enough to remove mold, mildew, and grime. A mixture of biodegradable cleaning solutions and hot water can clean nearly any surface while discharging water that's safe for nearby pet, plants, and family members.

3. Green Technician Training

"Green is as green does," as Forrest Gump might say. A glossy brochure or slick webpage may boast about a certain firm's environmentally friendly approach, but their actual work record could reveal a very different pattern. An inconsistency among technicians is often to blame for this gap. Some pressure washing service representatives may be vigilant about protecting the earth, while others are sloppy and uninformed.

Avoid this pitfall by inquiring after company-wide green trainings and certifications. One good standard is Water Reclaimer Certification through the PWNA; this is an industry-wide criterion for environmentally friendly pressure washing performance.

By reviewing runoff procedures, certifications, and cleaning mixtures, you can separate the greenwashing fakers from the eco-friendly real thing as far as pressure washing is concerned.

What Makes a Power Washing Company Green?

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