Module 4 — House Wash: Diagnose Before You Spray (Lesson)

This trade is hard work, but it’s not complicated forever. We’re going to keep it simple: protect first, run a repeatable process, and document everything. You don’t need perfect gear on Day 1 — you need good habits and a clear next step. If you’re unsure, you stop, test, and reset expectations before you touch the surface.

What you’re doing today

Before you spray anything, you’re going to identify what you’re actually looking at.

A clean house wash is simple. A bad diagnosis is expensive.

Why this matters

The biggest money-loser in house washing is treating oxidation like mildew.

Soft wash is about results with control: low pressure + the right chemistry + dwell + a gentle rinse. Pressure is a tool — but on the wrong surface it’s a damage multiplier.

That mistake creates:

• disappointed customers
• “it didn’t work” reviews
• callbacks that eat your week

Tools & materials (minimum viable)

• Phone camera (Proof Pack)
• Gloves + eye protection (minimum)
• Water source + hose
• Soft wash application method (DS / 12V / whatever you run)

Optional but recommended:

• microfiber rag (for oxidation test)

Quick diagnosis (3 buckets)

A) Organic growth (algae/mildew)

Usually looks like:

• green/black film
• patchy growth in shaded or damp areas

This is a standard soft wash workflow.

B) Oxidation (chalky paint)

Usually looks like:

• chalky residue
• color transfer when rubbed
• the surface looks "dirty" but it’s actually the coating failing

This is not a normal wash problem.

You must set expectations and decide whether you offer restoration.

C) Specialty stains / damage

Examples:

• rust stains
• hard-water staining
• irrigation stains
• pre-existing damage

These may require specialty treatment or a scope exclusion.

Step-by-step: the 2-minute diagnosis routine

1. Walk the home once. Don’t touch chemicals yet.
2. Pick 2–3 test spots: front + shaded side + worst area.
3. Photo everything (Proof Pack pre-condition).
4. Oxidation check (inconspicuous): wipe/rub lightly.
   • If color/chalk transfers → oxidation risk.
5. Decide your lane:
   • organic → proceed with wash
   • oxidation → expectation script + separate work (or exclude)
   • specialty stain → spot plan (or exclude)

Decision points (foreman rules)

• If you suspect oxidation and you’re not selling oxidation removal today:

  • Do not promise restoration.
  • Sell “clean and improved” with clear exceptions.

• If you can’t confidently identify the stain:

  • Stop. Test. Or exclude.

Common mistakes + fixes

• Mistake: "It’s all mildew." → Fix: do the wipe test.
• Mistake: promise results before testing → Fix: set expectations first.

What good looks like

• You can explain to the customer what you found in one sentence.
• You have before photos of the worst areas.
• You know whether it’s wash / restore / exclude.

How to prove it (Proof Pack)

Minimum photos:

• front elevation wide
• worst wall close-up
• test spot close-up

Add a note:

• "Organic vs oxidation: ____"

Do this next (assignment)

• Walk a home (real or mock) and classify each side: organic / oxidation / specialty.
• Write 2 sentences of expectation language for oxidation risk.

References (SOPs + checklists)

• Operator SOP:
• QA checklist:
• Homeowner explainer:
• Proof Pack SOP:
• Final Walk checklist:

Printables

• Operator Checklist Pack (truck copy):

Gear Box (Amazon)

(Insert the relevant Gear Box module for this lesson here.)

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