For the past 34 years, Robert Perez, owner of A-1 Spotless in Bridgewater has been keeping homes, buildings and hardscaping in Somerset, Union, Hunterdon, Morris and Middlesex counties brilliantly clean.
Perez shares some insight into the power washing business—and what he wants homeowners to know. Although homeowners often rent or buy power washing machines, there are nuances that can impact their effectiveness.
How did you get into the business?
Early on as a child, I had an inventive and entrepreneurial spirit. I was 24 years old when I bought my first power washer and ventured out as a new business owner. I started out washing trucks and soon moved on to house washing after washing my mother’s house—and loved it. Over the years, I have improved upon and developed long-trusted methods as well as equipment. We’ve steadily grown from one truck to a fleet and a fantastic crew.
What do you want people to know about DIY power washing?
Not all power washers are created equal. Homeowners are generally unaware of the differences between the numerous power washers available at big retail stores. They are buying and renting power washers that are not strong enough for the tasks they hope to accomplish, which usually is washing their home.
It’s not all about the pressure. The most important factor involves the machine’s gallons-per-minute [gpm]. The small machines that people often rent or buy only use 3.9 gpm. Professional power washers are typically 10 to 12 gpm. Stronger machines are more efficient and do a much better job.
What is the importance of power washing your home?
Home exteriors are susceptible to mildew growth. Over time, it worsens and is more difficult to remove. It becomes increasingly unsightly and frustrating for homeowners.
What is the scope of the work you do?
We clean the exteriors of residences and businesses, including all forms of siding, roofs, patios, decks, pavers, concrete and more. In addition, we provide interior and exterior painting services, stain and repair wood decks, and clean and repair gutters and install gutter guards.
How do you clean surfaces?
We soft wash various types of siding, roofs and exteriors and pressure wash hard and porous surfaces like concrete and pavers. The difference between the two methods is water pressure. Pressure or power washing is ideal for harder surfaces like concrete. Soft washing involves the application of a detergent which is allowed to dwell and penetrate mildew, dirt and other types of soiling loosening it. The surfaces are then rinsed with water at a lighter pressure stream. Soft washing is ideal for softer surfaces and it also eradicates mildew at the root and inhibits regrowth for a much longer period than just power washing alone. Both pressure or power washing and soft washing involve cleaners, depending on the task at hand.
We offer a two-year guarantee on home soft wash and a four-year guarantee on roof soft wash. We can offer these guarantees based on the quality of our work and our long-standing customer history. We are proud of our return-customer rate. Many returning customers call us every few years to have their homes and decks soft washed—a testament to the efficacy of the soft wash method.
What is your work philosophy?
My parents and grandparents instilled in me the importance of approaching every project with integrity and honesty and to never to cut corners. This philosophy continues to be at the heart and core of how we operate.
What do you love the most about your chosen career?
It remains deeply satisfying for me to strive to exceed our customer’s expectations. We absolutely love making our customers happy time and time again. We recently had a customer who had tried to wash her home herself unsuccessfully. She entrusted us with the task. Once we were done, her tears of joy said it all. It fills me with great satisfaction to know I can help homeowners and businesses owners.
Learn more about A-1 Spotless’ services at A-1Spotless.com.