If you are looking for a sure-fire way to earn some extra money you’ve stumbled on the right article.  High pressure cleaning is a simple business to start with a minimum amount of money.  I began my business in the mid nineties for less than $300.  The business practically grew by itself and the need to increase the quality and dependability of my equipment as the jobs rolled in was constant.  It is very easy to make $50.00 an hour power washing.   My very first job washing mobile homes totaled $2,200.00.  I completed this work in a little over 3 days.  Minus the initial investment I netted $1900.00.  I turned most of this back into the business by purchasing a larger machine and some minor accessories.  The business was growing so fast by word of mouth that I was breathless in my attempts to stay up with it.

In this series of articles, I will show you how I proceeded to a full time business with an initial investment of only $300.00. I will cover applications that I have personally worked and point you in the right direction to learn about those I chose not to do for one reason or another. Power washing is an easy business to learn and most jobs can be done quickly. When I have needed an extra 50 bucks I could always find a quick job to make some money.

In the commercial market, there are literally 100’s of applications. A big money maker in the commercial sector is concrete cleaning. Parking garages, warehouse floors, sidewalks for businesses and dumpster areas just to name a few. Commercial also includes fleet cleaning of vehicles. Many that jump into this market find it a very profitable one. Cleaning new cars on dealer lots is a booming business as well as cleaning vehicles for trucking companies. Although I have done some fleet cleaning I never seriously pursued it. I enjoyed my area of work and had plenty to do. Fleet cleaning isn’t for everyone, but some large power washing businesses have been founded strictly on this application alone.

In the series of articles ahead, I will cover everything from start up to safety, equipment to proper technique.  I will show you the differences between residential, commercial, and industrial applications.  We will look at different kinds of equipment that will make your life as a professional power washer easier and more profitable.  We will talk about business plans if you decide to borrow money for rapid expansion.  We will cover the best vehicles to use, how to hire employees and the best way to structure your business.  We will also talk about whether or not you really want to expand into a larger than part time business.  For example, I made $14,000 my first year part time with substandard equipment and working on a learning curve.  I did this in my spare time while working a full time job and raising four small children.  We will talk about targeting specific markets and what that means to your business. Commercial and industrial applications require more insurance and higher pricing to cover larger investments in specialized equipment.  We will also talk about various chemicals, when to use them, when not to.  Hot versus cold water applications will also fall into this category.

I have done work for Frito Lay, Applebees, and the Peoria Housing Authority just to name 3 of my commercial clients. But the residential field is where I most enjoyed power washing. Meeting clients and getting to know some great people was an added benefit to the money side of the business. In the residential cleaning business are several great applications. Cleaning and sealing decks is probably at the top of that list along with cleaning vinyl siding. Mobile home cleaning made a lot of fast money for me and the result was always impressive. In fact, Mobil home cleaning can actually make over $100.00 an hour if properly set up. But there is more, shingles, whether they be asphalt or shake cedar, are a good market if properly farmed. Concrete cleaning and sealing is another biggie, whether it’s a garage floor or a driveway. Brick and stone restoration is a big market. How about those log cabins? High pressure cleaning can make wood look new again.

Power washing is not for everyone, but most will find it extremely rewarding work when done properly. I will help you through these start up steps in the next few articles. You will be amazed at how easy it is to start making $50.00 an hour as soon as you start that engine. Until the next article.