2-Step Cleaning Procedures and Benefits

Phone 724-282-1885

2-Step Cleaning System Process

Purpose:

   2-Step cleaning aids in washing equipment when hand brushing is difficult or labor-some to be practical.  It also aids in regular washing by penetrating and removing dirt which builds in seams, behind grating, hoses and other hard to reach areas.  It will reduce the amount of brushing required and make needed brushing easier and quicker to perform.

Procedure:

1. Pressure wash the equipment with water to remove any heavy dirt deposits, (i.e. mud, road salt or even ice) This step will also cool the equipment in the summer which is important to avoid flash drying of the first step pre-wash. The time spent on this will vary if heavy deposits need knocked free, or the equipment just needs cooled. Use a quick spray misting the entire surface evenly to cool.
2. Select a section of the equipment that can be cleaned in the amount of time for the next 3 procedures to occur prior to drying. Apply the 1^st step cleaner/pre-wash at the recommended dilution ratio from the lowest point up to the highest to prevent runs. This application should be quick but complete. It should cover all surfaces evenly and be wet enough to penetrate through the dirt layer. At this time you should not be trying to wash the dirt away; it is a waste of product. Heavy dirt should have been handled in procedure 1. The purpose here is to adjust the dirt’s pH in preparation for next 2^nd step. Allow the product time to penetrate but do not allow it to dry on the surface.
3. Beginning at the same point, cover the equipment in the same pattern as the 1^st step. Apply the 2^nd step detergent lowest to highest point in the same rhythm and pace as 1^st step at the recommended dilution ratio. . It should cover all surfaces evenly and be wet enough to penetrate through the dirt layer. At this time you should not be trying to wash the dirt away; it is a waste of product. Washing the dirt away will be in procedure 4.  The purpose here is to allow the 2^nd step detergent to shock the dirt loose from the surface by chemically reacting with the 1^st step. Allow the product time to penetrate the dirt layer but do not allow it to dry. Keeping the surface wet is most important at this time.
4. Return to the point you began and begin to rinse from the top down. At this time your goal is not to flow water on the surface but to use the pressure washer’s spray to impact the surface and scrub the dirt off. Take your time, cover every area of surface evenly, and the fan of your pressure washer’s spray should strike the surface evenly as well. Watch your future rinse area; it must stay wet. Mist it if required.Hand brushing, wheel cleaning, aluminum brightening can be done after procedure 3 if desired, but do not allow drying to occur. Better to come back and do these details than to allow products to dry on the surface.

   2-Step Products available:
   1^st Step:        1C4PW,  1001PW, or 6502PW
   2^nd Step:       1002PW,  2C2PW,  or 3502PW

   For the other products mentioned use:
   Hand Wash: VHW or Wash n Dry. Wheel Cleaner: 9340 Aluminum Brightener: 1C2PW or 3004PW.

   Call us for our recommendation as to which of these products would best match your fleet’s needs.