Toolboxes: Fleet Wash
“How smart you are is an accident at birth, how educated you are is a choice.” – Lynn Peden
Products to have in your Fleet Wash Toolbox
Hot Stain Remover: Used for cleaning garbage trucks, food and grease, and exhaust residue.
C-Tar Melt: Tar and asphalt remover from paving trucks.
Truck Wash Supreme SC: Cleans polished aluminum and painted surfaces. Can also clean some non-polished aluminum.
HD Degreaser: Extended-dwell carbon and grease remover.
Glory BC: Painted surfaces and non-polished fleet wash. Great for painted metal, cleaning rubber tires and heavy equipment, including farming equipment.
Graf-Ex: Graffiti remover for vehicles. Also removes sticker decal residue left on vehicles and trucks.
Sabre II: Good on sensitive metals, galvalume roofs, diamond plates, and rims. Also good for removing brake dust.
HD Sabre: Non-coated stainless steel brightener.
RS 10 BC: Removes gum, blood stains, nicotine stains.
Dazzle BC: Cleans polished aluminum and removes diesel smoke.
AP Plus BC: Car wash soap, grease and oil remover.
Supreme BC: Great for cleaning painted aluminum and restaurant exhaust fans.
PLUS: Degreaser capable of removing heavy grease from heavy equipment.
CT Wash: Removes concrete residue from concrete trucks and equipment. Great for cleaning concrete slurry.
Fleet Wash 101
Introduction to Fleet Wash Products
C-Tar Melt
C-Tar Melt is a blend of water soluble, easily rinsable and non-hazardous ingredients. C-Tar Melt is safe for wood, metal, and masonry surfaces and will not raise the grain or cause discoloration to the surface. C-Tar Melt will aid in the separation of tar residue from rinse water if runoff is contained and stored for a short period of time.
Advantages of C-Tar Melt
• Powerful penetration and softening action
• Biodegradable
• Will not harm skin if used as directed.
Limitations of C-Tar Melt
• Will cause rubber to swell
• Some softening of paint may occur (ceases upon rinsing). Proper testing advised
Surfaces Safely Used On
wood, metal, brick, and masonry surfaces
How to Apply C-Tar Melt
Dilution
C-Tar is always used undiluted.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates will vary based on dilutions, porosity severity of stain, application method, and other factors. Proper testing will determine actual coverage rate.
Application Instructions
For tar removal from painted vehicles:
1. Apply C-Tar Melt by putting a small amount on a cloth and wiping
2. Follow proper rinsing procedures
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding a wall.. C-Tar Melt can be rinsed using cold water and low pressure. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates.
Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface. Keep rinsed off of glass at all times.
Hot Stain Remover
Hot Stain Remover is a powerful alkaline cleaning solution that allows the user to tackle all kinds of professional cleaning projects. Hot Stain Remover excels at removing oil stains produced by food products or petroleum-based products on porous concrete surfaces. Heavy carbon deposits on masonry can also be easily removed without altering the surface. Hot Stain Remover is also a very effective cleaner for grout and tile floors.
Advantages of Hot Stain Remover
- Removes food and petroleum oil stains
- Removes carbon stains
- Ideal for drive-thru’s and dumpster pads
- Removes smoke residue from masonry
- Cleans up grout
Limitations of Hot Stain Remover
- May cause damage to some metallic surfaces
Surfaces Safely Used On
clay brick, concrete brick, glazed brick, buff brick, red brick, CMU, colored block, smooth block, split face block, burnished block, ground faced block, precast concrete, limestone, natural stone, stone veneer, cast stone, hardscape, clay pavers, concrete pavers, colored mortar
How to Apply Hot Stain Remover
Dilution
Use Hot Stain Remover undiluted for extremely difficult stains up to 10 part water to 1 part solution less difficult applications.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates will vary drastically depending on surface type, porosity, and other variables. The coverage rate will be determined by proper testing.
Application Instructions
ALWAYS PROTECT THE SURROUNDING AREA BY COVERING WITH PLASTIC.
If you are spraying Hot Stain Remover, try to stay away from or above the mist as it can cause irritation or burn to your skin.
- Pre-wet the surface (do not saturate) with water before applying Hot Stain Remover.
- Begin applying Hot Stain Remover to the surface using a low-pressure applicator for a strong dilution and a downstream injector at low pressure for a weaker dilution. A nylon brush may be used to apply when necessary.
- Dwell times will vary tremendously depending on surface and severity of staining. Testing will determine actual dwell times.
- Hot Stain Remover has special additives that cause soils to rise to the surface.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding the surface. Hot Stain Remover can be rinsed using cold water and low pressure.
Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates.
Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Truck Wash Supreme SC
Truck Wash Supreme SC is a one-step brushless truck wash that is safe on all painted surfaces and polished aluminum. Truck Wash Supreme SC is extremely quick-rinsing and has the ability to be spot-brushed (if necessary) on heavy stains without leaving brush marks after rinsing.
The product leaves a great shine, and uses no petroleum solvents to achieve the clean. It is also completely biodegradable. Truck Wash Supreme SC is a versatile truck wash detergent that is also safe on polished aluminum (when used as directed).
Advantages of Truck Wash Supreme SC
• Concentrated for super strength cleaning action
• Versatile truck wash detergent
• Safe on polished aluminum
• No petroleum solvents
• One step brushless system
Limitations of Truck Wash Supreme SC
• Not appropriate for most reclaim systems
• Contains D-Limonene (causes rubber to swell)
How to Apply Truck Wash Supreme SC
Dilutions
• 20 parts water to 1 part TWS SC for a quick, one-application cleaning (including de-oxidizing aluminum); or dilute 1 part water to 1 part TWS SC then apply with a pressure washer at a 10 to 1 ratio
• 50 parts water to 1 part TWS SC for routine cleaning; or first dilute 4 parts water to 1 part TWS SC then apply with a pressure washer at a 10 to 1 ratio
Note: Dilutions will vary based on the severity of stain and type of surface.
Application Instruction
1. Pre-wet the surface with water before applying TWS SC.
2. For best brushless results, apply TWS SC with a pressure washer – upstream or downstream or with a low-pressure applicator.
3. TWS SC requires two quick applications, which leads to complete soil release most of the time. Do not rinse between applications. Dwell time should be no longer than 2 to 3 minutes.
Rinsing
For brushless results, rinsing requires pressure washer impact. Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. Water softeners are built into TWS SC; water re-treatment is generally not necessary.
Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface.
HD Degreaser
HD Degreaser will penetrate layers with a combination of aggressive caustics, buffering and stabilizing compounds that keeps the product from drying out. This allows a fast and long-term attack with minimal degradation of surfaces. The product is also used for soaking through very thick layers of clay, grease, foodstuffs, and hydraulic fluid and oil stains in one application.
Advantages of HD Degreaser
• Excellent adhesion and penetrating cleaning ability on vertical and horizontal surfaces.
• Will not damage wires or hoses in engine compartments.
Limitations of HD Degreaser
• May mark paint
• May discolor aluminum
How to Apply HD Degreaser
Dilutions
Use undiluted (straight).
Dilute up to 50:1, if used in a dip tank application
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates will vary from 100 – 250 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the surface porosity, texture and severity of staining.
Application Instructions
Apply undiluted (straight) with a brush or low-pressure sprayer. Allow products to soak until soil is softened. Care should be taken when immersing soft metals such as aluminum into a hot solution. Metal should not be left in the soak for too long, under eight hours. When cleaning badly soiled equipment for repainting, it may be best to apply the product with a sprayer. Repeat the application in areas that look dry. Once the product has been absorbed by the soil and another application will allow complete release in one rinse.
If used in a dip tank application, this product may be diluted up to 50:1.
Rinsing
Pressure washer rinsing is best.
Glory BC
Glory BC (Blender’s Concentrate) utilizes the “Million Mile Shine” system. The paint will look as good at the end of the vehicle’s life as it does in the beginning. The paint will be protected from environmental damage and will clean more easily.
The benefits that regular use of Glory BC provides include brushless vehicle washing, spot free drying, super fast rinsing and safe-on-paint. Glory BC removes virtually any dirt, soil, or stain on painted surfaces. The soap will rinse freely even if it dries on the surface in high-heat environments.
Advantages of Glory BC
• Concentrated for super strength with ultimate dilutability
• Biodegradable
• Super fast rinsing
• Spot free Drying
• Safe on paint and glass
Limitations of Glory BC
• Polished aluminum could be whitened or browned (use HD Sabre)
• Works equally well in hot or cold temperatures, but should not exceed 120o Fahrenheit
How to Apply Glory BC
Dilutions
First, dilute Glory BC 4 parts water to 1 part Glory BC to make ready to use then follow the dilution ranges listed below.
• 10 parts water to 1 part Glory BC for difficult cleaning
• 20 parts water to 1 part Glory BC for routine cleaning
• 50 parts water to 1 part Glory BC for new car cleaning
• 3 part water to 1 part Glory BC for whitewalls
Note: Dilutions will vary based on the severity of stain and type of surface.
Application Instructions
1. Pre-wet the surface with water before applying Glory BC.
2. For best brushless results, apply Glory BC with a pressure washer – upstream or downstream or with a low-pressure applicator.
3. Glory BC requires two quick applications, which leads to complete soil release most of the time. Do not rinse between applications.
Rinsing
For brushless results, rinsing requires pressure washer impact. Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding the surface. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates.
Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
If Glory BC is used on vehicles that have been washed with certain silicates, a white film may result. If this occurs, a solution of HD Sabre, diluted 4 parts water to 1 part solution is generally effective at remedying the situation.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface.
Graf-Ex
Graf-Ex is an easy-to-use, multipurpose modern day stripper designed to be utilized where safety and performance are of equal importance. It is a non-dilutable product that is outstanding at removing inks and paints from painted surfaces.
Graf-Ex does not harm most substrates, and will not raise the grain of wood, cause flash rusting in metal or damage fiberglass. Graf-Ex is also an excellent adhesive remover, from decals to construction adhesives.
Advantages of Graf-Ex
• Will not harm most substrates
• Mild on skin
• Non-flammable and biodegradable
• Will not raise the grain of wood or cause flash rusting on metal
Limitations of Graf-Ex
• Will not work on epoxy or urethane type coatings
• Do not use on Plexiglas.
How to Apply Graf-Ex
Dilutions
Use undiluted (straight).
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates will vary from 100 – 250 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the surface porosity, texture and severity of staining.
Application Instructions
Apply to a dry surface with a low-pressure spray unit or wipe on using a cloth. Spray product on from the top down in an overlapping, side to side motion. A damp cloth is often all that is necessary to remove paint or ink. The material works better at an ambient temperature of 70° Fahrenheit range.
Occasionally two applications (one following the other after a short soak time) will outperform a single application and mechanical removal. The material penetrates very quickly. Dwell times will vary with the thickness of the coating to be stripped. Graf-Ex can remove most materials in fifteen minutes.
Rinsing
Craftsmanship determines the appropriate pressures for rinsing. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding a wall. Pressures that mark or damage the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrate on which you are working.
Note: Proper ventilation should always be used when working indoors. It is recommended that skin contact be kept to a minimum and at least a water rinse after contact.
Sabre II
Sabre II is a brushless truck wash and brightener for polished aluminum and non-coated stainless steel. It is excellent at removing even the most stubborn brake dust residue, leaving rims looking virtually brand new.
When used as directed, Sabre II will remove some of the industries toughest stains. It can be used as a single-step application or as a two-step application in conjunction with Dazzle BC.
Advantages of Sabre II
• Brushless truck wash and brightener
• Safe on glass when used as directed
• Contains no Hydrofluoric or Hydrochloric acid
• Maintains and restores many surfaces found on tire rims and tankers
Limitations of Sabre II
• May cause damage if allowed to dry on the surface
• Diamond Deck can blush, even when using this product at high dilutions. Adequate testing is required.
How to Apply Sabre II
Dilutions
For use with a pressure washer, first dilute 2 parts water to 1 part Sabre II to make ready to use through a pressure washer which then dilutes Sabre II 10:1; which results in 30 parts water to 1 part Sabre II.
• Undiluted – 2 parts water to 1 part Sabre II for break dust residue
• 30 parts water to 1 part Sabre II for standard cleaning
Note: Dilutions will vary based on the severity of stain and type of surface.
Application Instructions
1. Pre-wet the surface with water before applying Sabre II.
2. For best brushless results, apply Sabre II with a pressure washer – upstream depending on dilution or downstream, or with a low-pressure applicator.
3. Sabre II generally requires only one application; however testing will determine if a second application is needed. If so, do not rinse between applications. Allow Sabre II to dwell 3 to 5 minutes per application.
Rinsing
For brushless results, rinsing requires using a pressure washer. Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. Use best proper rinsing techniques.
Do not use a zero degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface.
HD Sabre
HD Sabre is a non-hydrofluoric acid and biodegradable general purpose cleaner. HD Sabre is used to clean aluminum, stainless steel truck bodies (non-coated), and the floors of food trailers. The product is safe around glass at used dilutions.
When HD Sabre is used properly, cleaning leaves a nice shine. This product will remove many kinds of mineral, metal, and food stains and buildups. It is an excellent cleaner on fiberglass, tile, and porcelain, and the metal finishes commonly found in wash areas. Over time, HD Sabre improves safety and efficiency when cleaning the floors of food trailers.
Advantages of HD Sabre
• Will not etch glass when used as directed
• Contains no hydrofluoric acid
• Brushless cleaning on aluminum
• Removes oxidation
• Safe on most painted surfaces
• Biodegradable and reclaim friendly
Limitations of HD Sabre
• Should not be used on chrome
• Diamond Deck can blush, even when using this product at high dilutions. Adequate testing is required.
How to Apply HD Sabre
Dilutions
First dilute 2 parts water to 1 part HD Sabre to make ready to use Sabre. Then follow the dilution ranges below:
• 1-20 parts water to 1 part Sabre for aluminum
• 10-20 parts water to 1 part Sabre for non-coated stainless steel
Note: Dilutions will vary based on the severity of stain and type of surface.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates will vary based on dilutions, porosity severity of stain, application method, and other factors. Proper testing will determine actual coverage rate.
Application Instructions
1. Sabre is best applied using a pressure washer – up or down stream; or, a low-pressure spray applicator
2. Apply Sabre to the surface twice with a two-minute dwell time between applications (do not rinse)
3. Exceptionally dirty surfaces that have not been washed for extended periods of time may require multiple applications.
4. Allow product to soak for several minutes then follow rinsing procedures.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended. Sabre can be rinsed using cold water and low pressure. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates.
Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface.
RS 10 BC
Currently operating in all major brands of systems, RS10 BC is specifically designed to fulfill the stringent needs of a total reclaim system. It will accomplish brushless removal of bugs, road film removal, and degrease engines.
RS10 BC is even more interesting in what it doesn’t include: non-ionics, sulfonates, high pH, harmful solvents, phosphates, or emulsifiers. These substances are long-term trouble in a reclaim system.
You will get good splitting of oils and water, no emulsification of the oils, virtually no foam on rinsing, and long life for those expensive filters.
Advantages of RS 10 BC
- Does not contain non-ionics, sulfonates, harmful solvents, phosphates, or emulsifiers.
- Operates in all major system brands.
- Good splitting of oils and water, no emulsification of oils, virtually no foam on rinsing, and long filter life.
- Does not emulsify oil in oil water separators.
Limitations of RS 10 BC
- Not a brushless cleaner for truck washing
How to Apply RS 10 BC
Dilutions
First cut at (4:1), then follow the dilution range listed below. Apply using a pressure washer up or down stream or a low-pressure spray applicator.
– Use undiluted (straight) for very heavy deposits of grease, oil, etc.
– 10:1 for machinery, bug removal or infrequently cleaned trucks
– 20:1 for floor cleaning. Presoak or (with automatics) cut in half again
– 30:1 for regular fleet washing of trucks, cars, or buses
Note: Dilutions will vary base on the severity of the stain an type of surface.
Application Instructions
Spray on surface with low-pressure sprayer or pressure washer. Allow five to ten minute dwell time or brush for removing film and bug removal.
Rinsing
Rinse with a pressure washer or garden hose.
Dazzle BC
Dazzle BC is a one-step truck wash that is safe for polished aluminum and can be brushless in some applications. One application of the product cuts film and loosens diesel smoke. Because there are no caustic or butyls in this soap, it is safe for indoor use and generally does not harm high quality waxes.
Advantages of Dazzle BC
• Safe for polished aluminum
• Foam rinses quickly and clean
• No skin burn or unpleasant odor
Limitations of Dazzle BC
• Not appropriate for most reclaim systems
How to Apply Dazzle BC
Dilutions
First, dilute Dazzle BC 4 parts water to 1 part Dazzle BC to make ready to use then follow the dilution ranges listed below.
• 10 parts water to 1 part Dazzle BC for difficult cleaning
• 20 parts water to 1 part Dazzle BC for routine cleaning
Note: Dilutions will vary based on the severity of stain and type of surface.
Application Instructions
1. Pre-wet the surface with water before applying Dazzle BC.
2. Dazzle BC can be applied downstream or upstream through a pressure washer, a low-pressure applicator, or by brushing.
3. Follow proper rinsing procedures.
Rinsing
For brushless results, rinsing requires pressure washer impact. Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding the surface. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates.
Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface.
AP Plus BC
AP Plus BC will remove heavy grease, oil buildup, and stains from heavy equipment, rolling stock and
concrete. AP Plus BC is designed to remove most soils from the paint without brushing. It can be applied
at high dilutions through a pressure washer. The solution works well with hot or cold water. When used
with hot water, it cleans the pressure washer coils as it works. With a good rinse, AP Plus BC leaves no film
or water spots on glass.
Advantages of AP Plus BC
• Safe on paint
• High dilutions leave a spotless rinse
• No hazardous ingredients
Limitations of AP Plus BC
• Not safe for polished aluminum at normal strength
• Product effectiveness limited if frozen
How to Apply AP Plus BC
Dilutions
Apply using a pressure washer up or down stream or a low-pressure spray applicator.
-15:1 to 30:1 for degreasing trucks and heavy equipment
-20:1 to 50:1 for brushless truck washing
-100:1 for cleaning with brush
Note: Dilutions will vary base on he severity of the stain and type of surface.
Optional oil stain removal from concrete:
– Undiluted (straight) applied to the worst areas
– 4:1 for removing shadows
Application Instructions
Dilute for the situation.
The product can be applied with high or low pressure, between 60 – 3000 P.S.I.. Let the material dwell for five minutes. Do not let dry. Always rinse while wet. High pressure rinsing between 500 – 2000 P.S.I..
Supreme BC
Supreme BC is a brushless, spot-free drying fleet and vehicle wash that is safe on painted surfaces, including polished aluminum. It leaves a great shine after removing virtually any dirt, soil or stain. It also works hot or cold, but should not exceed 120° F.
Advantages of Supreme BC
- Safe on polished aluminum
- Brushless with a spot-free rinse
- Concentrated cleaner
- Biodegradable
Limitations of Supreme BC
- Not appropriate for most reclaim systems
How to Apply Supreme BC
Dilutions
First cut at 4:1 to make product ready to use then follow the dilution range listed below. Apply using pressure washer – up or down stream or low-pressure spray applicator.
– 10:1 for fleet washing
– 20:1 for general or vehicle washing
– 50:1 Brush and new car cleanup…
– Below 10:1 is a brushing dilution or low pressure for spraying (extreme cases or for degreasing frames).
– 8:1 Whitewall with brushes.
– 3:1 Whitewall without brushes.
Note: Dilutions will vary based on the severity of the stain and type of surface.
Application Instructions
Supreme BC is designed for use with a pressure washer, high or low pressure application, using hot or cold water. The product must be laid on the surface using two quick applications which leads to soil release. Craftsmanship determines the appropriate pressure for rinsing.
A thorough rinse is always recommended. Pressures that mark or damage the surface should be avoided. Water re-treatment is generally not necessary; water softeners are built into the product.
PLUS
PLUS is a degreaser made to be used with a pressure washer. It will remove heavy grease, shipping cosmoline, fuel stains and ordinary soils without any caustic damage to the paint.
PLUS can be applied with low or high pressure at 10-1 with cold or hot water. Rinsing is best done with cold water. The reason for this is that PLUS has built-in soil encapsulation qualities. This means the grease will not restick on rinsing. This is quite a benefit in closed-in areas like engine compartments or articulates. The cold water enhances this ability and helps dramatically reduce cleaning times.
Advantages of PLUS
• Safe on paint
• Cleans pressure washers coils when used with hot water
• High dilutions
• No hazardous ingredients
Limitations of PLUS
• Not safe for polished aluminum at normal strength
• Product effectiveness limited if frozen
How to Apply PLUS
Dilutions
– 15:1 to 30:1 for degreasing trucks and heavy equipment.
– 20:1 to 50:1 for brushless truck washing.
– 100:1 for cleaning with brush (1 gallon water to 4oz of PLUS)
Note: Dilutions will vary based on the severity of the stain and type of surface.
Application Instructions
Apply using a pressure washer up or down stream or a low-pressure spray applicator. Craftsmanship determines the appropriate pressures for rinsing. A thorough rinse job is always recommended, however, our chemistry never requires flooding a wall. Pressures that mark or damage the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrate on which you are working.
Rinsing
If high pressure is not available, rinse with a garden hose. Always rinse while wet.
CT Wash
CT Wash is designed to remove light to medium build-up of excess concrete from concrete mixer trucks and construction equipment. CT Wash is great for maintaining concrete trucks or equipment, and is highly dilutable when regular maintenance is performed. For heavy build-up removal, use two or three applications spaced five minutes apart. This method is used to extended the dwell times depending on the severity of the build-up.
Advantages of CT Wash
• Powerful penetration and softening action
• Safe for paint and glass when used as directed
• Spray on/rinse off application, no brushing required when rinsing with a pressure washer
Limitations of CT Wash
• May burn if used repeatedly undiluted
• Use caution or high dilutions if there is chrome
How to Apply CT Wash
Dilutions
• Undiluted: 4 parts water to 1 part CT Wash for excessive build-up
• 10-20 parts water to 1 part CT Wash for regular concrete truck maintenance
Application Instructions
1. Apply CT Wash with a low-pressure sprayer, foamer, pressure washer, or conventional brushing.
2. Allow a five-to-ten minute dwell time, then re-apply CT Wash without rinsing between applications.
3. Allow another five-to-ten minute dwell time.
4. In areas of heavier build-up, three applications spaced five to ten minutes apart may be necessary.
5. Follow proper rinsing procedures
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface.
Rinsing
For brushless results, rinsing requires pressure washer impact. Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding the surface. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates.
Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface.
President of EaCo Chem, Inc. Lynn Peden’s Experience in Fleet Washing
For years I had a contract to wash the garbage trucks for the city of Pittsburgh, PA. The lessons from that experience I want to explain here deal with the benefits of better chemistry and the need for constant refinement during the washing process.
When we first started the annual contract, the city was washing the garbage trucks only once a month and the fleet looked neglected. The city had over a hundred garbage trucks involved and due to a problem with verifying how many trucks were washed by the contractor, the bid requested that all the trucks be washed over the same weekend. To accommodate this request, we would start the washing process on a Friday afternoon and were still working on Monday and Tuesday.
It took almost 40 hours to remove all the clay (from landfills) and grease. Paint damage from the prior use of heavily caustic soaps also made the trucks harder to clean. After washing the garbage trucks approximately 20 times, we increased our speed by 10% to 15% but still had not found a system that made us profitable and fast even though we had tried several different approaches.
Unsolved problem washing issues included:
- Truck Access:
How do you easily get in between the parked trucks to clean them? Spraying soap and dirt on clean trucks, soap drying before rinsing. - Travel Time:
Ten hours if 4-day wash, 7.5 hours if 3-day wash. Double this number if two trucks were used. - Water Supply:
Tried two trucks with tanks to distribute water over four machines. (Too little volume and garden hoses everywhere) - Customer Satisfaction:
No complaints but residual suspicion meant no recognition of excellence. - Inefficiency:
Process wasn’t perfected. Hoses would get tangled, dragged, kinked and broken. Trucks if pulled out, would block lanes. - Clay Removal:
Needed an acid to remove clay and this meant more labor and more time. - Man Hour Cost:
Hourly rate plus overhead plus travel time against limited production.
What this partial list above shows are the everyday problems of the truck washer. Struggling to do a good job and make a living in the world of the low bidder. These issues and others made meeting this challenge and achieving both excellence and profit very difficult.
Any excellent system appears elegantly simple after it has been perfected, but innovations require change and often continual experimentation to arrive at simplicity.
The first change that was initiated was driving the trucks to the fuel island and parking them three abreast with ten feet in-between. This solved a host of problems including the water supply, truck access, and equipment movement problems. We had one man drive and brush degreaser, another one strictly applied soap and the third rinsed. We were able to now repeat this sequence readily.
The second change occurred through the use of a new cleaner that was a safe truckwash/degreaser. Originally the cleaner being used was a strong hydroxide-butyl soap. The problems associated with this type of cleaner are slow rinsing, film on the glass and paint, stain setting it if dried, and the soap really didn’t clean well overall.
The new cleaner “Plus,” which cost $100 per drum more, was not a high caustic-butyl cleaner. Applied strong through a 3 g.p.m. machine it cleaned the surface brushlessly which saved time and labor. The final results produced a win-win situation for us and the city. We were able to produce excellent results at a reduced cost by cutting wash time down to 12 hours. Using one truck and three people over two days meant that a lot more time was free to do other jobs. The customer noticed the excellent appearance of the trucks and authorized the trucks to be washed twice a month.
The changes that were made cut production time and labor costs by 66% and enabled us to provide excellence to the customer at a reduced cost and a much greater profit. We had spent more for soap but what went up was customer satisfaction and profits, what went down were time and expenses.
The conclusion drawn from this experience is that the search for excellence includes questioning and examining all of the possibilities. Do not set arbitrary roadblocks that keep you from success in attaining your goals.
Good quality soap properly applied is not only expensive but may be the cheapest and easiest investment you can make in excellence and profitability in the truck washing challenge.
We don’t advocate leaving the brush at home.
The brush is useful for glass, mirror backs, chrome or heavy grease in spots. Do not use the brush to achieve the bulk of your clean; use the brush to dress the finished product.
Chemical Release Cleaning vs. Agitation Release Cleaners:
Agitation release cleaners use some chemistry, enough to lubricate the brush to reduce friction or to produce suds. Suds do not clean anything, and they cost you money by increasing your rinse
and the likelihood of a soap film.
There are four general types of chemical release brushless cleaners:
1. Single Step (safe for paint and polished aluminum) Dazzle BC, Showboat and Truck Wash Supreme SC.
2. Two Application (Alkaline, safe for paint) Glory BC is the best.
3. Two Step (Acid/Alkali) Any acid and one of the products listed above.
1. Single Step (safe for paint and polished aluminum):
Single step is the most difficult clean to achieve. We recommend Dazzle (rtu)*, Showboat (rtu), and Truck Wash Supreme SC 20:1 dilution are recommended. Dazzle and Truck Wash Supreme
provide safety and shine on polished aluminum. A thorough rinse is very important on heavily filmed vehicles. Soap this powerful requires a critical balance of surfactants to break bonds without
being overly aggressive on sensitive surfaces (such as polished aluminum). Film will not release if casually rinsed.
2. Two Applications (Alkaline, safe for paint):
A two-application alkaline is a process of laying one application of soap on top of another one. The right product allows for impressive stain and release. For many people the right product is Glory
BC (rtu) at 10:1 – 20:1 dilution. The product called Showboat is best applied using the following procedure:
Surface Drying
Dilutions (rtu) are between 10:1 to 20:1. Any soap can benefit from double application, but only Glory BC can do it with complete safety on every surface except polished aluminum. This product enables you to go brushless. Glory BC is the only product that allows you to brush remove bugs or a stain without brush marks showing up afterwards. Glory BC can dry on the surface and not set stains. The surfactants allow Glory BC to dry on the surface and rinse right off cannot take high heat; water temperature must be kept below 125 degrees F.
Any soaping process should proceed from the worst area to the least affected. This allows for adequate dwell time while applying the second application of the pre-softened areas. Allow the worst areas to soak then rinse last, unless it was the buggy air dam on top a tractor, then the rinse would begin there. Rinsing is quick and easy. The products will always rinse off and leave a shine.
3. Two Step (Acid/Alkali) Any acid and an alkaline product:
Two step acid/alkali is a very popular system in fixed site applications. A safe for polished aluminum system uses HD Sabre*, Dazzle BC* or Truck Wash Supreme SC* at 70:1 dilution from the blenders concentrate. Stainless steel tankers positively glow when using HD Sabre and Glory BC at 50:1 dilution, each from the blenders concentrate.
*Note: (rtu) indicates “Ready To Use”, product diluted from “blenders concentrate”
**Note:(HD, BC & SC) indicates “blenders concentrate”
The information given is a summary. Product Data and Specification sheets are available for detailed information.
The application steps listed above are a short outline. Always read the product data and specification sheets prior to using any professional grade products.