Rough day, lessons learned

Today was a rough one.  It started with freezing rain and then snow while the temperature raced for the bottom, but it was going to be the warmest day forecasted for the week.  As a result, I tried to move late week jobs up to today....might not have been the best choice.

It didn't start until 2 pm as the van needed to have some fuel issues resolved first by my local mechanic.  He gives me a thumbs up (oxygen sensor...no big deal) and the day gets started.  I had to get 2 houses, 1 store front, and 4 apartments done in 2 cities about 30 minutes apart.  The problem was that it didn't work out so well.

First, the van wasn't fixed and struggled all day.  I kept getting check engine lights and the van would blot out the sun at times as the excessive fuel left the tailpipe.  At on point, I was pulled over by the sheriff to ensure that I wasn't on fire.  Thankfully, it didn't last more than a few minutes and only sporadically, but it was embarassing.

Second, it was too cold to do my normal equipment checks, so I just loaded up and charged the hill.  The very first job was a home belonging to one of the most difficult customers that you could get.  She had the place cleaned 3 times already this month and claimed that they were never "clean enough" for her satisfaction.  I whipped out the Hoss and set to it with a hydroforce sprayer filled with S/O + S/O/E which has become my favorite way to go since it works well and carries no odor.

As the customer watched, I went work the Hoss, but I didn't get any water flow.  Not wanting to look foolish, I just went at cleaning the room without any water flow...just a strong agitation.  She liked the swirls and commented that it looked better already.  I couldn't find any solution to the lack of water, so I wanded the room with my PCQ.  The results were very good...to both of our surprise.

I ended up cleaning all day with that combo as the issue with the Hoss was in the trigger valve and I didn't have a spare.  That would be lesson learned number 2 for the day...carry spares for everything.  It was also lesson number 3, use an encap for your prespray as the agitation will do wonders with it.

Everything was covered in ice and I fell 3 times as well as slid into the ditch at one point.  No damage either time, but I had some prespray dump and my back will be sore tomorrow.  Lesson number 4, wear traction devices when walking on ice while carrying objects.  A bad fall like that could shelve you for weeks.

I finally finished the day cleaning in the dark which was not the way to end the day.  It was 10 degrees and all ice, but the jobs got done and that is what matters.  Now I have to get up at 4 am tomorrow to start the day job for another 13 hour shift.  Just not enough time in the day......

I can't say it enough.  Using a S/O + S/O/E under good agitation will make any one a cleaning hero.  It really is a great combination.  Add some peroxide if needed or S/O/O and you are covering all your bases.

That was one hell of a day Rob. I'm surprised nobody cancelled on you. Get some rest and good luck tomorrow.

Yeah I know how you fee I was pretty deep in it all day today

glad my skis come with a battle switch

I feel your pain, can't wait until spring. It's depressing to have to work in those kind of conditions. Kudos to you for even trying!

I can feel you pain. I had to break out the shorts because it has been in the 60's.     But what are you gonna do. Have to get the job done.

TimM wrote:I can feel you pain. I had to break out the shorts because it has been in the 60's.     But what are you gonna do. Have to get the job done.

  

That's brutal! My question is how did you do on keeping a smile on with your customers.

I'm guilty of not having spare parts too. Speaking of that I really need to call and make an order with Joe.

BTW there is another innovative combo with the Soils and Oils Product Line.