Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing: What’s the Difference?

by with No Comment Pressure and Power Washing

There are so many types of cleaning out there it can be hard to keep track, especially if you don’t know the first thing about cleaning. Two of the most confusing terms are pressure washing vs. power washing. For real, what’s the difference? They sound so similar, and don’t pressure and power basically mean the same thing? The truth is, they are really similar, but there is an important distinction. Let’s talk it through.

What’s the Difference?

The main distinction between pressure washing vs. power washing is the temperature of the water. Power washing uses hot water, and pressure washing does not. While it may seem minimal, this is actually a very important distinction to make. Both use basically the same amount of pressure to clean your home or building, but the hot water is not safe for all structures. So, it’s important to keep these two terms straight, and work with a cleaning business that knows the difference.

What Surfaces are Safe for Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing?

Pretty much all exterior surfaces are safe for pressure washing. Pressure washing is the easy part, because the temperature is not nearly as hot. So, you can use it on your home, your sidewalk, your parking lot, etc. But, power washing cannot be used for everything. Often, the water is too hot to be safely used on your home or building itself. Instead, it is better to reserve power washing for more concrete structures … literally. Surfaces such as concrete are ideal for power washing because, not only are they sturdy enough to withstand the heat, they also get dirtier. Think about it: your parking lot or driveway is probably much dirtier than your home or office building, right? The heat of the water helps pull the grime up more quickly and efficiently than pressure alone. 

Isn’t That Pressure and Heat Dangerous?

Pressure washing and power washing can sound scary. The water is coming out of the cleaner at a pressure high enough to clean quickly, and then you add heat on top of that. So what happens if something goes wrong?

Hopefully nothing will go wrong, but there is always the possibility for accidents, especially if a team is cleaning an upper level of a building. Should something happen, you don’t want to be held liable for something the cleaning crew did. So, it is always important to work with a cleaning company that carries insurance for its employees. Insurance is not required for cleaning companies, but it is always a good sign that a company takes its job and safety seriously. 

Who Can Do Pressure Washing and Power Washing?

While you can buy pressure washers for home use, it is best to leave these tasks to the professionals. After all, accidents happen. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area or Sacramento, ASF Clean Team has you covered. We provide pressure washing and power washing services for both residential and commercial clients. Plus, we have insurance for all of our employees. Get a free quote today to get a sparkling finish for your home or building’s exterior.

Make Your Business Shine with Pressure Washing

by Pressure and Power Washing

We all know that most people don’t enjoy cleaning. But it’s a part of life. And the reality is, if you don’t like cleaning the inside of your business, you probably haven’t even given a thought to cleaning the outside of your business. That’s okay, because we have. With our years of experience in the cleaning business we know that you can make your business shine with pressure washing.

What is Pressure Washing?

If you’re looking to make your business shine, you’ve probably heard of both pressure washing and power washing. They sound similar, but they’re slightly different. Pressure washing uses normal temperature water at high pressure to clean surfaces, while power washing uses hot water. That’s really the only difference, except for the fact that hot water can help clean dirt and grime a little bit faster. So why do we use pressure washing?

Why Should You Choose Pressure Washing?

Power washing and pressure washing are both great cleaning options, and we offer both at ASF Clean Team. However, if you’re looking to clean the exterior of your business, we recommend pressure washing. Power washing can be faster, but it’s not safe for all surfaces. It’s best used for concrete surfaces, like parking lots. Pressure washing will give you the same results as power washing, but is safer for your building. 

Should You Pressure Wash Your Building Regularly?

The best way to ensure a shining building is with regular pressure washing. Let’s be honest: rain in California is few and far between, so you likely won’t get a natural clean. Plus, when it does rain, there will likely be enough dirt built up that you’ll be left with streaks. When you choose pressure washing from ASF Clean Team, we’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. 

The definition of “regularly scheduled” pressure washing is all up to you. Some businesses like pressure washing services at the change of the seasons, some businesses like monthly services, and others choose to do it once a year or whenever it seems necessary. There are many variables to consider, such as the size and location of your building, and the type of business you have. For example, businesses in industrial areas may need more regular servicing than those off the beaten path. It truly is up to you.

Why Do I Need My Business to Shine?

You may be wondering, “My building seems clean enough, why do I need it to shine?” Think of yourself as a consumer: Are you more likely to enter a business that is sparkling clean, or one that is just clean-ish? A sparkling clean building is going to attract more foot traffic, and that’s why we strive to leave every client with a sparkling finish.

At ASF Clean Team, we understand how important a shining building is, but also how important your job is. That’s why we only ask that you’re present for the first pressure washing service; after that, we just need access to your building’s exterior. We’ll take before and after pictures so you can see the shine yourself. Request a bid today to get started.

Prep Your Business for Re-Opening with a Deep Clean

by with No Comment Window Cleaning

With the announcement from the CDC that it is safe for vaccinated individuals to resume normal life without a mask, you may be feeling more comfortable about re-opening your business soon. But, what is this going to look like? Your business space has been sitting unoccupied for over a year now, with dust and grime everywhere. Where do you even start to clean? Don’t stress; we can help you prep your business for re-opening with a deep clean.

Put on the Pressure

Before you re-open your business, you’re going to want to have a cleaning team come through and do a deep clean. Our power and pressure washing services can help get that job done. We’ll clean your space while wearing suits and masks to make sure that everything stays safe and sanitary, and that you and your employees do too. Once we’re done, we’ll walk through the building with you to make sure everything looks as good as new. 

Not only will we clean your space with this service, but we’ll also disinfect and sanitize it. You can feel confident in returning to a safe work space.

Wash the Windows

Windows may be last on your list of things to clean when re-opening your business, but we promise it will be worth it. Your windows have been getting dirty for over a year now, with no one to clean them. You’re going to get back to the office and your natural light will be dimmed by all of the dust and grime. So, be sure to incorporate window washing into your deep clean to keep your serotonin levels up all summer.

Sparkling Solar Panels

Does your business run on solar energy? If so, you’ll also want your solar panels deep cleaned before you re-open. Dirty solar panels produce less energy, and ruin any savings you had on your utilities bill. But, with just a quick clean, they’ll be sparkling and working as good as new. 

It’s important to have a professional perform this service, not just for safety, but because the wrong supplies can make your solar panels dirtier. Our state of the art equipment leaves your solar panels sparkling and our filtered water dries clear, so there is no residue to block your energy.

Prep with ASF Clean Team

Are you looking for a clean way to prep your business for re-opening with a deep clean? At ASF Clean Team, we only use the best equipment and really hot water to get the job done. We don’t use any chemicals because the water, at the temperature we use, gets all three jobs (cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting) done without them.

If that hasn’t sold you, we are also insured and will take before and after photos so you can be confident in the work. And you don’t even have to remember when we’re coming — we’ll text you reminders! Contact ASF Clean Team today to learn more about what we do and how we can serve your business. Don’t waste your time with a subpar clean; ASF Clean Team only provides the best.

Our Ultimate Guide to Caring for Solar Panels

by Solar Panel Cleaning

Whether you already have solar panels or are looking to get some, you know that it’s a wonderful investment. And, it’s an investment you need to care for. If you want to get maximum use out of your solar panels, you have to take care of them. But, do you know how? At ASF Clean Team, we have a lot of experience caring for solar panels. So, we put together this guide to help you take care of yours.

Keep Your Solar Panels Clean

The most important part in caring for solar panels is just keeping your solar panels clean. You may have heard that you don’t need to clean your solar panels because Mother Nature does the work for you. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this just isn’t true. Sure, it seems like rain will clean your solar panels for you, but it really just moves the dirt around.

Think about your car. If your car is dirty, you take it to a car wash. But wait, it’s supposed to rain tomorrow. So do you still take your car to the car wash today? No, you don’t, and it’s not because the rain will clean your car. The rain itself is dirty, and if you wash your car, it’ll get all dirty again. But you still have to take your car to the car wash because the rain doesn’t actually clean it. 

You can apply this same logic to your solar panels. If it rains, the dirt will just be rearranged on your solar panels. Instead, you need to actually clean your solar panels, like taking your car to a car wash. The only difference is that cleaning your car only impacts aesthetics, while cleaning solar panels impacts functionality. With dirt built up, the sun isn’t directly hitting your solar panels, and you’re not getting the energy you need. But if you clean your solar panels, you will boost your energy.

Never Use Hose Water

So, you need to clean your solar panels. But how do you clean them? Do you clean them with a hose like your car? Absolutely not. You should never use hose water on your solar panels.

Why? Well, it’s the same concept as the rain. Hose water isn’t pure, filtered water. It is water that also has minerals and other deposits in it. So when you clean your solar panels with hose water, you’re getting them somewhat cleaner than the rain. But there will still be streaks left behind along with mineral deposits, that will affect your solar panels’ efficiency. So, skip the hose and opt for a cleaning method that leaves your solar panels sparkling.

Use the Best Tools for the Best Clean

We now know that you can’t use hose water to clean your solar panels. So how can you get the best clean? Should you just get a couple of gallons of filtered water, get up there, and clean them by hand? While we’re sure that would be entertaining, it’s not really efficient nor effective.

To truly get the best clean, you need the best tools. Otherwise, you just won’t get a sparkling finish on your solar panels and have them working like they’re brand new. If you go to your local hardware store, though, you won’t find anything on their shelves that will do the job right.

But, at ASF Clean Team, we have the tools needed for solar panel cleaning. We took your idea of getting some filtered water to clean and made it 1000x easier. Our tools filter the water as they go, so no mineral deposits are left behind. They’re designed specifically to clean solar panels—something you won’t find at the hardware store. There won’t be any streaks left behind. Our tools are longer than tools you may be looking at to clean those hard-to-reach places, like on top of your roof. And to top it all off, they’re operated by a professional, meaning you don’t have to worry about accidentally damaging your solar panels while cleaning them.

Take Advantage of the Daylight

As the seasons change, days get shorter and nights get longer. When you got your solar panels, you were probably thinking about how sunny it is outside and not about the nighttime. So now that fall and winter have come around, you’re starting to realize your solar panels aren’t as efficient as they could be. 

We’ve discussed that the cleanliness of your solar panels is directly related to how well they function. If there is a layer of dirt and debris on your solar panels, they’re not going to absorb energy from the sun as well. You may not have noticed it during the spring and summer since the days were longer, but now that they’re shorter, you’re starting to notice the effect on your energy.

It is especially important to get a professional solar panel cleaning in fall and winter. There are fewer hours of sunlight each day, which means your solar panels have less time to absorb the energy your home needs. A professional clean is the best clean, and the best way to ensure your solar panels are working efficiently. 

Start Caring for Solar Panels 

Whether you haven’t bought your solar panels yet or have owned them for years, it’s never too late to learn how to care for them properly. We offer both residential solar panel cleaning services and commercial solar panel cleaning services to meet all of your needs.

Clean energy is important to solar panel owners, and we understand that. We actually have a similar value: we only use environmentally-friendly cleaning products for our services, and often we only use water to get the job done. So, there’s no making excuses! If you truly want your solar panels to produce clean energy efficiently, we have you covered.

Contact ASF Clean Team online today to get a free quote. We’ll be happy to discuss the best ways we can help you in caring for solar panels.

Protect Your Solar Panel Investments with a Quality Cleaning Service

by with No Comment Window Cleaning

You invested in solar panels, and you should be proud of yourself. Regardless of the reason, you are cutting down on energy costs and having an energy backup that you can tap into whenever required. You are also contributing to a sustainable and greener future. However, while there are many benefits to be gained from using solar panels, they do require a bit of upkeep. It is vital that you protect your solar panel investments with a quality cleaning service.

If you live somewhere near a pollution source, cleaning is even more essential. With time, pollution, dirt, sand, and bird droppings can reduce your panels’ efficiency. 

How often should you clean your solar panels?

Solar experts recommend that you have your solar panels cleaned every six months to a year. You can improve your energy output by around 10-12 percent with a thorough annual cleaning. Some solar panel owners assume that rain will wash away any debris that accumulates, but rain can actually leave behind residue. The only way to get your solar panels completely clean and back to efficiently absorbing rays is with a thorough cleaning. 

However, don’t rush off and grab your cleaning brush and soapy water. Here’s why you should invest in a quality cleaning service like ASF Clean Team instead:

Solar panel cleaning done right. 

Instead of scrubbing away at your solar panels, scratching them, and leaving them worse for wear, you can take the easy route. ASF Clean Team will help protect your solar panels and get all of the build-up off. 

When you’ve used soap and water you’ve probably noticed that the soap leaves behind a film. This is definitely something you don’t want to have build-up on your solar panels. If you use the wrong equipment or chemicals, it can leave a residue behind that prevents your solar panels from working efficiently. If you protect your solar panel investments with a quality cleaning service, it can help prevent damage to them in the long run.

Instead of using harmful chemicals, ASF Clean Team utilizes very hot water. They also use state of the art equipment designed specifically for cleaning solar panels. The team uses a water purification filter, and a bristle brush to remove any muck, bird droppings, or dust that might have collected on them.

Get a company you can trust.

ASF Clean Team has been around since 2012, promotes safety, is licensed and insured, and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We offer professional cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area for residential and professional clients.

We can clean your home and document the process, even if you’re not there, so that you don’t miss anything. All you need to do is let us in, and we will get the job done! You can even stick around for the first cleaning to make sure that everything is up to your standards. 

We also send reminder texts before we arrive, so you’ll never forget an appointment. We have our very own blue suits and masks, so, you can expect us to be on top of our sanitation game.

Get A Quality Solar Panel Cleaning 

Once ASF Clean Team finishes, you can expect your solar panels to get back to efficiently absorbing the sun’s rays! We also offer package deals for regular maintenance at lower prices, along with a free cobweb cleaning! So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to start protecting your solar panel investments!

Make Your Business Shine with Pressure Washing

by with No Comment Uncategorized

We all know that most people don’t enjoy cleaning. But it’s a part of life. And the reality is, if you don’t like cleaning the inside of your business, you probably haven’t even given a thought to cleaning the outside of your business. That’s okay, because we have. With our years of experience in the cleaning business we know that you can make your business shine with pressure washing.

What is Pressure Washing?

If you’re looking to make your business shine, you’ve probably heard of both pressure washing and power washing. They sound similar, but they’re slightly different. Pressure washing uses normal temperature water at high pressure to clean surfaces, while power washing uses hot water. That’s really the only difference, except for the fact that hot water can help clean dirt and grime a little bit faster. So why do we use pressure washing?

Why Should You Choose Pressure Washing?

Power washing and pressure washing are both great cleaning options, and we offer both at ASF Clean Team. However, if you’re looking to clean the exterior of your business, we recommend pressure washing. Power washing can be faster, but it’s not safe for all surfaces. It’s best used for concrete surfaces, like parking lots. Pressure washing will give you the same results as power washing, but is safer for your building. 

Should You Pressure Wash Your Building Regularly?

The best way to ensure a shining building is with regular pressure washing. Let’s be honest: rain in California is few and far between, so you likely won’t get a natural clean. Plus, when it does rain, there will likely be enough dirt built up that you’ll be left with streaks. When you choose pressure washing from ASF Clean Team, we’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. 

The definition of “regularly scheduled” pressure washing is all up to you. Some businesses like pressure washing services at the change of the seasons, some businesses like monthly services, and others choose to do it once a year or whenever it seems necessary. There are many variables to consider, such as the size and location of your building, and the type of business you have. For example, businesses in industrial areas may need more regular servicing than those off the beaten path. It truly is up to you.

Why Do I Need My Business to Shine?

You may be wondering, “My building seems clean enough, why do I need it to shine?” Think of yourself as a consumer: Are you more likely to enter a business that is sparkling clean, or one that is just clean-ish? A sparkling clean building is going to attract more foot traffic, and that’s why we strive to leave every client with a sparkling finish.

At ASF Clean Team, we understand how important a shining building is, but also how important your job is. That’s why we only ask that you’re present for the first pressure washing service; after that, we just need access to your building’s exterior. We’ll take before and after pictures so you can see the shine yourself. Request a bid today to get started.

Rain is Not Enough to Wash Your Windows or Sidewalk

by with No Comment Window Cleaning

Have you ever hoped that a good rainfall might clean your dirty windows and paved surfaces? The truth is, rain is not enough to wash your windows or sidewalk. It turns out that after a rainfall your dirty windows may look even dirtier! How can that be? What happens is that the rain disturbs the dirt, dust, pollen, and fingerprints that are adhering to the windows.  

When those raindrops splash on the window’s surface, the grime is moved around and looks worse than before. What about your dirty driveway? The kids had a great time with their sidewalk chalk and now your sidewalks and driveway look like a rainbow unicorn forest. Will the rain wash that mess off? Unfortunately, it will barely touch it. All is not lost, however, when you hire ASF Clean Team to clean those dirty windows or sidewalks. 

We Will Get the Job Done

Once you accept the fact that the windows and sidewalks will not clean themselves and that the rain isn’t going to do the job either, give ASF Clean Team a call.  Rainfall doesn’t provide enough “muscle” to get rid of the streaks and grime that have built up on your windows.  Rain also isn’t up to scrubbing that chalk away completely. We have the right tools and the experience to get your windows and paved surfaces sparkling clean again.

No Harsh Chemicals on Windows

AFS Clean Team has discovered that we can accomplish a thorough cleaning without using harsh chemicals. We use only eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products and state-of-the-art window cleaning equipment. When we clean your windows, we don’t just give the glass a going over. We take it further and clean the sills, the tracks, the frames and the screens.  Do you have mineral deposits? Our products do the job to remove them effectively. 

What About the Sidewalks?

When it comes to the dirty paved surfaces around your property, we have superior methods to tackle those as well. We use a technique called Power Washing. Our special equipment employs ultra-hot water that is sprayed on the paved surfaces at very high pressure. It will take care of that chalky sidewalk “artwork” with ease. As a matter of fact, you may be so impressed with the results that you will want us to clean other paved surfaces on your property such as walkways and patios. We can get rid of mold, built-up dirt, algae, and other substances that have made those surfaces look dingy. 

Rain is not enough to wash your windows or sidewalk. When you need an exceptional clean, you need to call in an experienced company to do the job. ASF Clean Team is not your average window cleaning company. When you call us, you are getting a company that will go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. And our team is well trained and fully insured too, so you can have complete confidence in us. Get in touch with us to discuss your office and home window washing and sidewalk cleaning needs.

Professional Pressure Washing VS. DIY

by Pressure and Power Washing

You want your house to look nice, to have that curb appeal, and to be a place that coming home to is a joyful experience. But, when your roof, siding, porch, and driveway are coated with dirt, grime, or even ash, it can start to lose that aesthetic. However, there’s a quick and easy way to combat the dirt that naturally accumulates over time by pressure washing. When it comes to cleaning your home and property’s exterior, you can choose to DIY the job, or contact a professional pressure washing company.

What Does Pressure Washing Mean?

Pressure washing is a cleaning method that uses high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, and other build-up from surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, decks, and houses. It’s an efficient and effective way to keep your property looking its best and extend its lifespan.

Doing it Yourself

While it’s possible to pressure wash your home yourself, it’s not usually a wise decision. Pressure washers are expensive and can often cause damage to your home and furniture if not used properly. It’s also very time-consuming and could potentially cause an injury for homeowners with little experience in handling pressure washing equipment. 

Plus there are aspects to pressure washing that the average homeowner simply doesn’t know. For instance, there is a difference between soft washing and pressure washing, which allows for an effective clean on more delicate surfaces. There are also instances in which hot water is more useful. So, while you can rent or even buy a pressure washer to clean your home DIY-style, it’s not something everyone should do.

Why Hire a Professional Pressure Washing Company?

While DIY pressure washing is an option, there are many benefits to hiring a professional pressure washing service. Experience and expertise can go a long way toward a job well done. While you can pressure wash your home’s exterior, a professional understands the different techniques needed to properly clean a variety of surfaces, including knowing when to soft wash and when to power wash with hot water.

Professional cleaning companies also have access to commercial-grade equipment that is much more powerful than a consumer-grade pressure washer you might rent or buy. This means they can clean more effectively and in less time and will have the correct nozzles or accessories for cleaning efficiently.

It’s also a safer option. The professional will have the training and safety equipment necessary to get the job done safely and efficiently. They know how to handle the equipment and can avoid accidents or damage to your property.

And of course, it’s time-saving to hire a company to handle your home’s exterior cleaning. Instead of spending hours pressure washing by yourself on a Saturday, you can relax and enjoy a clean home all weekend long.

At ASF Clean Team, you’ll find the best of the best when it comes to residential or commercial pressure washing. Our technicians are insured, highly experienced, and professional, ensuring you’ll get that sprinkling finish, every time. Contact us today and get a quote for pressure washing or one of our other fantastic services.