Power Washing and Roof Cleaning Forum

Maverick Contracting · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Hotel cleaning

Admin · Head Quarters

John Aloisio wrote:
We have done ten story Marriott and a bunch of jobs that were between 5-8 stories. We just did a six story Hilton Garden Inn a month ago. 6-8 employees can easily get the job done, just need to pick it apart logistically. Safety is key and all your guys should have he proper PPE, but also should have a minimum of OSHA 10 and lift operator certs. A job that size in a downtown setting, OSHA WILL pay you a visit. Have a written safety plan and sc on site and it will make life easier for you. Insurance...if you have Joe Walters, you are most likely not covered properly above 3 stories high. THe reclaim is an animal in itself and will double the cost of the job. Chems are easy if there is a place onsite where you can store safely, just have Univar deliver there and fill up when needed. pumps, we clean everything with 12 volt and have no issues. The biggest issues on these jobs is the water sources, the Windows and most important... Dealing with the safety and chem misting of people and cars. You will most likely need to shut down sidewalks and possibly a street, and permits are needed and sometimes you have to provide police assistance, which you should put in the bid as well. Use red Danger tape, not yellow caution tape. People are conditioned to the yellow tape and just walk right through it. The red danger tape seems to work better. Include an option in your price to clean the Windows after you wash the building, and sub it to the window guy you spoke to. also, when you reclaim or vac up the chems, you can dump them in any sanitary sewer by law. every building has them in parking garages and other areas, you just need to find them and set up a pumping systems.DO NOT dump into the river. The Federal Clean Water is in affect and more policed now more than ever. You will incur fines.

Thanks John, There's a little more to this then some members think

Fred W · Guru

John Aloisio wrote:
Have a written safety plan and sc on site.
Use red Danger tape, not yellow caution tape.
Good stuff!

Include an option in your price to clean the Windows after you wash the building
I really like this because it also lets them know the windows are not included. If they opt out they kinda have a harder time arguing any window streaks you miss as well.

when you reclaim or vac up the chems, you can dump them in any sanitary sewer by law.
John, I've always been under the impression that you can't dump into the drains......Where in the "law" do we have permission? This alone could save me a ton of grief.....:}

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Baton Rouge Roof Cleaner wrote:
John Aloisio wrote:
Have a written safety plan and sc on site.
Use red Danger tape, not yellow caution tape.
Good stuff!
Include an option in your price to clean the Windows after you wash the building
I really like this because it also lets them know the windows are not included. If they opt out they kinda have a harder time arguing any window streaks you miss as well.

when you reclaim or vac up the chems, you can dump them in any sanitary sewer by law.
John, I've always been under the impression that you can't dump into the drains......Where in the "law" do we have permission? This alone could save me a ton of grief.....:}

The way it was for me and explained by the state is anything that comes off the building when cleaning with water only can be redirected to grass, gravel and dirt. Cleaning with ANY chemical must capture 100% and put into the sanitary sewer so that it goes into the treatment plant.

Fred W · Guru

BlueRidge wrote:
The way it was for me and explained by the state is anything that comes off the building when cleaning with water only can be redirected to grass, gravel and dirt. Cleaning with ANY chemical must capture 100% and put into the sanitary sewer so that it goes into the treatment plant.

Well....that would put us all out of business....:}

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I actually decided not to bid the hotel, but I am bidding another downtown project that requires reclaim, but it is all cleanable from the ground. I think that'll be a good way to get my feet wet (or not...depending on how well the vacuum works).

John Aloisio · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Doug,

you can always dump into sanitary drain that go to the treatment plant like Brett said. Anything that drains into a body of water is in violation of the clean water act, unless it is a retention basin on private property and no fiah or wildlife habitate in it.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Bryan P wrote:
I actually decided not to bid the hotel, but I am bidding another downtown project that requires reclaim, but it is all cleanable from the ground. I think that'll be a good way to get my feet wet (or not...depending on how well the vacuum works).

That's a good idea Bryan. It won't we as overwhelming the first time with a smaller project.

SprayWash · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I think the LARGEST mistake people make with hotels is not having enough staff on hand to deal with the public!