Maybe look into masking the odor with Green Apple Fragrance from Pressure Washer Products.  Shipping is fast.  Got mine 3 days later.  Its a little high though.  75 a gallon. But if it keeps you working its worth it.  And a little goes a long way.  Good luck.

Legal Action on what grounds. The smell?

Ive read that a lot of guys use green apple here at RCIA.  It does a good job and I think it would keep the homeowner happy not having to smell the sh. 

Phil we can take that job if you need us too, just send us your price and your referal fee.
Accuwash1@gmail.com

Phil Rogers wrote:

---

Anyone ever been hassled out of a job? I had to move my business to part time and go back to work full time during the week. So, this leaves my power washing and roof cleaning as weekend only gig. I went out to a job on Saturday and got to work and within the hour, I had 2 neighbors and a county worker bugging me. I asked them to stand back so I could finish my work, but they kept harrassing me and my wife (my helper). They said the odor of my cleaning solution is making one of their neighbors sick and that I needed to do this work on the weekday. I did inform them that I would be out of there in 2 hours and the smell would dissipate pretty quickly. I continued to work and they started to threaten with legal action and I basically just wrapped it up and left. The homeowner was gone for the weekend, but I am sure he is going to be angry when he sees that the work was not completed, especially since I had to put him on hold until I got my Fatboy Pump issues resolved.

If anyone wants me to refer their company to this customer and can do this work during the week, please let me know. We can't work on the weekday, at this time, and we certainly can't risk legal action just because we choose to work on Saturday and Sunday.

---

I washed some teak furniture for a lady that badly needed a roof and house wash. She told me she was alergic to bleach so I just stripped and brightened the wood. Call PWP and ask for Lori. Get the Apple fragrance. 

 Me, Bill, and Chris Gunther are the only certified in Maryland. I'll take the work, kick back, and so should Bill or Chris. Hoping things turn around for ya.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your problems Phil.  I've only ever had one customer that was severely concerned with the smell.  I just can't imagine it being that bad next door or down the street. 
I didn't know that you were no longer operating full time.  I had actually refered a couple customers to you about a month ago.  One a house wash and one a deck wash.  If you get jammed up with work, don't hesitate to give me a call or email.  We also pay for referrals, and as Mike said,  Bill, Mike, or myself would be happy to help you out. 

-- Edited by Chesapeake on Monday 20th of September 2010 10:38:51 PM

Remove

-- Edited by Phil Rogers on Monday 24th of January 2011 12:50:20 PM

It happens to us in Sun City all the freaking time.
It really is just another day in the life around here.

These people will threaten to sue if it smells, if the overspray looks like it might get in their yard, if the wind blows in their direction, if you spit on the ground, etc.

Ignore them.

If they are not the homeowner than tell them that you are contracted to do the work at that location, it is private property, and you cannot be responsible for them if the do not leave the "cleaning area/ work area".

You can say that you are no different than the pest control companies or the yard companies that spray fertilizer. Did they sue them?

You can tell them that if they try to actually prevent you from finishing the work you will be forced to call the sheriff's department so that you can finish the contract.

I hate being the hard-baller but sometimes you just have to take the stand and not back down. People like this are like sharks and when the smell fear they will hunt you down for the kill.

As far as the smell...

You can try to mask it, but even the green apple fragrance, which is expensive, isn't full proof. I use it from time to time and people still complain... (oh, that smells like chlorine, I can't believe you're spraying that on the roof) As they stand their next to their swimming pool.

Do you use tap water? well sometimes.
Do you use chlorine in your pool? well, yes.

I use ultra pure sodium hypoclorite just like the treatment plant that cleans the water you drink. It's approved for use in drinking water. And it's about the same ratio as a newly shocked pool. The smell will be gone in a few minute. You may want to go inside until then.


Hope that helps.