Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Be Gentle

When you come across a new cleaning problem that you haven't encountered before, it's always best to start with the LEAST aggressive method for handling it and move into the more aggressive method if needed.This includes chemical,cleaning pads, etc.
Obviously that is so you don't ruin or damage anything in the process of cleaning it.Also, check with cleaning reps about chemical interaction so as to make sure you don't create a volatile situation.
Or just do what I do - ASK SOMEONE! Your janitorial supply houses have probably run into a similar situation and can help you solve your problem a lot quicker and with a lot less headache.
Hope this helps!

2 comments:

Don, the Window Cleaner said...

I almost wiped us out from a botched cleaning job back when I was in my 20s. I was trying to clean chimney grout with a bucket of bleach and water and a scrub brush. It was not going well. I called a friend and he told me that muriatic acid would to the trick, but that it had to be diluted.

Lucky me! I had some muriatic acid, and poured it into my bucket. Well, it looked like Nagasaki, complete with mushroom cloud. I gas knocked me over. When I could get a breath, I yelled for everyone to get out of the house. My wife grabbed our son and went out a side door, and I had the presence of mind to flick the switch on the whole house attic fan as I ran gasping out the door.

Muriatic acid and chlorine are a no-no! Write that down!

Chad said...

Excellent example Don and thanks for sharing. That is a textbook case of chemical interaction. What your friend failed to tell you was make sure and don't mix it with bleach!
Again, everyone - take it from those in the business. Be careful mixing chemicals and if you're not sure or don't know - DON'T DO IT!