Founded in 2004 by Marty Osborn, O&S Cleaning Solutions is a Manhattan-based company. While the company offers power washing, its primary focus is soft-washing, which is a specialized deep-cleaning technique for driveways, roofs, gutters, windows, and siding. Unlike traditional pressure washing. Soft-washing utilizes a carefully formulated blend of eco-friendly cleaning solutions that effectively washes away bacteria at the source.
O&S also specializes in cleaning limestone buildings, like those at Kansas State University, with a powerful solution designed to remove mold and mildew while preserving the integrity of the stone. This process returns the stone to a pristine, bacteria-free state!
What led you to start O&S Cleaning Solutions?
I want to say I started in 2003 or 2004 honestly. I was a musician and I wanted to do just window cleaning, thinking that would kind of support me in playing in bands. But when my daughter was born in 2011, that kind of changed everything. Then I’m like, this is not a little business I could just do by myself. It was something I needed to turn into an actual established business and make a career out of it.
So what do you offer?
I like to say we offer a roof-to-curb clean. We can come out if it’s a commercial property or residential property. We can wash the roof safely and effectively get the bacteria gone and extend the life of your roof and then your siding—everything.
What’s the difference between a soft wash and a power wash?
Pressure washing bacteria doesn’t actually get rid of the bacteria, it just mows it off the surface. Whereas soft washing, you’re coming in, you’re actually treating the area. You’re not going to damage the area and you’re killing the bacteria, so it’s not gonna come back.
Why would you recommend soft washing and how does it work?
You know, a lot of times a homeowner will deal with a driveway that’s dirty and older. There are already chips and dings in that driveway. So, if you run a pressure washer over that, or even a surface cleaner, you run the risk of damaging that concrete more. Whereas soft washing has basically garden hose pressure. We apply our chemical and we let maybe two or three coats of the chemical dwell while we’re there, and it’s gonna kill or treat whatever is the issue. Not to mention it lasts four to six times longer than traditional pressure washing.
Does soft washing work with limestone?
Yes. That bacteria is called Gloeocapsa magma, and that’s actually eating and eroding the limestone. It is the same bacteria that is found on asphalt aggregate and shingles, and it’s eating away at the limestone and that shingle as well. We apply our treatment several coats on limestone and it kills off that bacteria and it’s not going to damage the stone, whereas if you go in with a pressure washer, you’re just attacking the stone. Given the limestone in Kansas is going to stay cleaner longer than the limestone in Florida with the humidity and all that, soft washing lasts four to six times longer than pressure washing with one-third of the water. I cleaned the limestone statue at the Sunset Zoo, in I want to say '01 or '02, but it still looks brand new.
Where did SoftWash Systems come from?
SoftWash Systems came from AC Lockyer in 2010 and it grew to a little over 220 companies using this business to help clean. He helps train us and makes it super easy to use. We use a proprietary blend of chemicals called Blend 6x. All of our chemicals are color-coded on the trucks so everyone, even people who can’t read English very well, knows what chemical they are using. If anyone ever has any questions on how much of a certain chemical to apply, they can look it up on the SoftWash Systems guide they give us so that there is no guesswork in what we do.
What’s next for O&S Cleaning Solutions?
I’d like to add a branch in Lawrence. So that’s the next big move. But, if I add any other features, it would be adding the ability to start using drones in our cleaning. We actually have a soft wash system on their skid and they added this feature that they can use to help clean.
Do you do free estimates and how can people get a hold of you?
Yes! We do free estimates and you can get a hold of me by emailing us at info@watchtheflointhills.com or give us a call at 752-266-119.
Marty Osborn is a proud native of the Little Apple and a graduate of Kansas State University. While he started off window cleaning as a side gig while he played in his band, it eventually became a career for him. In 2020 O&S became the first and only Softwash Systems Authorized company in the state of Kansas. This focus aims at not only cleaning areas, but ensuring problems don't return. Marty focuses on building strong client relationships and providing exceptional work. What matters most to Marty are his two daughters, Zorreya and Zephaniah. He involves them with his business as much as possible to teach them hard work and outstanding customer service. With vision and a plan in place, he hopes that they will continue to carry on and build his legacy. From homes to businesses, O&S Cleaning Solutions is committed to quality care, ensuring spotless spaces, reliability, and customer satisfaction every time.