epoxy flooring

Light-brown stains on the sides of buildings and fences are a common sight across WA. You may not realise that it’s a uniquely Western Australian problem! What causes bore water stains? Being a region rich in iron ore, WA’s groundwater in the Great Artesian Basin contains iron oxide (AKA: rust). Irrigation bores bring this mix to the surface, where the water evaporates leaving the iron residue to build up over time. Here’s a guide on how to effectively remove bore water stains from the outdoor area of your home in Perth. How soon do I need to clean bore stains? Waiting to remove bore water stains can make them more challenging to remove. Iron oxide bonds strongly with surfaces, effectively becoming a part of them. We also have to remember, we’re dealing with a metal substance here - and metal is tough! Stubborn, dark bore stains that have been left for long periods under the harsh WA sun can be nearly impossible to remove using domestic cleaning products. Is there a DIY way to clean bore water stains? Due to the risk of damaging your property and potential for polluting waterways with non-biosafe cleaning chemicals, we do not recommend bore water stain cleaning yourself. Hiring a professional to conduct bore water stain removal in Perth is a cost-effective solution that will work for most rust staining issues. What gets rid of bore water stains? Bore water stain removal will usually consist of using a specially-formulated, biodegradable iron oxide dissolving solution to the affected area. Products need to be spot tested to ensure that it is the correct cleaner for the job. Professionals tend to use cleaners that are known to be safe to use across a wide range of materials from glass to stainless steel to concrete. A Kleenit bore water stain removal service also involves an industry-grade high-pressure clean, which will remove all residue and stubborn stains. Kleenit has methods for removing stains from: Exterior walls Concreted areas Brick paving Signage Fencing Driveways Windows Choosing a professional to conduct your bore water stain removal on your brickwork, driveway, paving or concrete areas, is the easiest way to restore your property to prime condition. How can I prevent bore water stains? Councils and owners of larger properties may want to consider a professional treatment system that uses a non-toxic solution to neutralise and filter the iron oxide. Typical systems cost around $2-3k to install and have an annual running cost of a few hundred dollars. The average homeowner who is plagued by bore stains may need to make the switch away from free bore water. This, of course, comes at a higher cost and with restrictions on reticulation times. The other option is to use nanotech enabled paints, which can create a waterproof barrier on wood, metal, stone, roofing, concrete and more. This allows bore water to bead or sheet off, limiting the amount of rust residue staining that will occur. Bore stain cleaning service for Perth Keeping your outdoor area free from bore water stains can prove to be quite a challenge, so get a professional opinion. Kleenit offers a free, no-obligation quote service, so get in touch with us today to discuss bore water stain removal.

As a homeowner, what are you doing to protect the longevity and appearance of your garage floor? If you’re considering a floor coating, there’s a few things you need to know. A floor coating can extend the life of your flooring and improve the aesthetic of an usually fairly lacklustre room. Garage floors in particular need to be able to withstand a substantial amount of wear and tear, with the frequent traffic in and out from cars and bikes, which can cause stains and marks on unprotected floors. So how to paint your garage floor and what are the best products to protect your floors? Garage floor coatings: what are they and what do they do? As the name suggests, garage floor coatings are applied to a floor in order to protect it from stains and tyre marks. There are several choices when it comes to floor coatings. Two of the most widely-trusted options are garage floor paint and epoxy floor paint. Both come with their pros, cons, costs and applications. What is garage floor paint? And why is it different to the stuff that goes on your walls? Garage floor paint is a latex acrylic paint, a slightly tougher paint to what you would put on your walls, but just like wall paint, it is available in myriad colours. Some manufacturers offer paint products that contain a certain amount of epoxy, and will refer to this as 1-Part epoxy paint. Floor paint that contains some epoxy offers more consistent adhesion and will be more durable than paint without the epoxy. In terms of cost, floor paint can be the cheaper option. However, it will likely require more frequent touch-ups. What is epoxy floor paint? Epoxy floor coating or epoxy floor paint is made up of two-components: epoxy resin and polyamine hardener. Epoxy can be coloured or clear. If you have a coloured epoxy, it’s the epoxy resin that the colour is applied to. The nature of the two components means the final product is a hard, very durable surface coating that provides a protective seal to the concrete floor as well as a stain-resistant barrier (perfect for grease, oil and rubber from the cars). While you can purchase epoxy floor coating at hardware stores, there is value in having a professional supply and apply the epoxy coating for you. One key reason for this is because the higher the epoxy content, the higher the viscosity (read: thicker and stickier). So while DIY epoxy paint kits may sound very appealing and easy to use, if you want a high-quality result, it's best to leave it to an expert epoxy flooring specialist, such as Kleenit. In terms of cost, epoxy requires a higher up-front investment but will usually last at least 3 to 5 years before needing to be touched up. What are the advantages of epoxy paint over normal garage floor paint ? All in all, when comparing epoxy coating to normal floor paint, it’s clear from our experience that the epoxy floor coating provides a superior and longer-lasting finish for your garage floors. The key benefit of using an epoxy floor coating over floor paint is durability. For a garage floor coating that looks better for longer, professionally applied epoxy floor coatings help avoid the trap of ‘buy cheap, buy twice.’ Choosing a professional epoxy floor coating service. Want advice from an expert in epoxy floor coatings in your area? Call Kleenit for the know-how and experience to “get the job done!” Let's give your garage floor some well-deserved upgrade and maybe a new purpose! Oh, and you can get a free quote for epoxy flooring in Australia by getting in touch.      

During COVID, working out at home became a necessity. We did yoga in the loungeroom, jumped rope in the backyard, and smashed Ninja workouts on YouTube. We got imaginative because we didn’t have a choice.  Now, as we’re back to normal (relatively), we can all return to group classes and public gyms. But, despite being able to reactivate our memberships, many people are choosing to continue to exercise at home. And why not? There are many benefits, including convenience, time, and privacy.  Benefits of working out at home:  Convenience: You roll out of bed and hit the weights without having to muster up the energy to get in your car and drive.  Financial: Gym memberships are expensive. Working out at home saves you thousands of dollars every year.  Time: Time is a commodity. Quick lunch workout? You’ll be done in 30. We all could use more time, and exercising in your own space will save you a lot.  Privacy: Some people love the camaraderie of working out with others, but others prefer privacy.     As many benefits there are to work outing at home, there are also downfalls, and space is one of them. If you want to lift weights, where do you store them? What about your exercise bike? Will it annoy the family in the lounge room? And forget about a bench press! You need a designated space to work out.  Our clients are installing garage gyms with the help of epoxy flooring. Epoxy will convert any garage into a full-fledged gym that even your mates will want to train in.  Here, we go through the benefits of epoxy floors and give you some installation tips.    Benefits of epoxy flooring in garage gyms    Epoxy floors will motivate you to workout  Some like the grunginess of basement boxing and industrial garages – perhaps because they emulate Fight Club (we love that movie!). But we find most people are more motivated by clean environments. Epoxy flooring will instantly lift the look of your garage by creating a smooth, shiny finish, which looks way more appealing than grotty oil-stained cement. You can even colourise epoxy to complement your equipment and add line marking to zone exercise areas.  Epoxy floors are durable and resilient against impact  If you’re planning on decking out your garage gym with heavy equipment, you’ll need a epoxy concrete floor that will stand up to serious impact. Unfortunately, the concrete floor will likely crack and chip with jerking movement, which will be costly to repair and won’t bode well for your safety (nobody wants to risk doing aerobics on a chipped floor). Epoxy floors protect concrete by coating it with epoxy resin, which hardens and seals. It’s also oil and chemical resistant, so if you can park your car in your garage, you won’t need to worry about oil stains!  Epoxy is easy to clean and maintain  Epoxy flooring is a popular gym option because it’s easy to clean and maintain. Epoxy is non-porous, unlike concrete, which doesn’t absorb spills. So when you do spill your favourite workout drink, you can just wipe it up! How do you thoroughly clean? A quick vacuum and mop will make your gym sparkling again. And the cleaner your gym, the more inspired you will be to work out. We give you more tips for maintaining epoxy floor here.    How do you install epoxy flooring? 1. Prepare concrete  The success of your epoxy flooring has a lot to do with how well you prepare. First, you need to clean and degrease the concrete and chip away any protruding bits to ensure the epoxy will stick to the concrete and leave a smooth finish.  Scrape protruding cement: Scrape hard cement with a shovel and scrub with a hard brush to smooth the floor.  Pressure clean: You will need to concrete clean the floor with a pressure hose or clean it with a power scrubber. Acid wash: Once you have cleaned the floor, we recommend scrubbing with hydraulic acid. Rinse with hose. Don’t forget your safety gear! 2. Apply primer  Tape up the edges of the floor to protect the wall. Before you get into the epoxy, you must ensure it bonds with the concrete. This is where primer comes in. Follow the instructions on your primer.  3. Roll on epoxy paint  Next, mix the epoxy depending on the instructions. You can then apply the epoxy with a paint roller. Again, refer to the instructions for your epoxy.  4. Apply flakes if desired  If you’re after flake flooring, you can sprinkle flakes on the surface as you paint the epoxy on the cement. We recommend sprinkling the flakes once you have painted 1m2 of the floor.  5. Non-slip flooring  If you want non-slip flooring, which may be a good idea if you will be jumping around in your gym, now is the time. Apply the second coat like you did the first.  DIY epoxy flooring can be labour-intensive and take a few days to complete. We recommend hiring a professional to ensure your epoxy is applied correctly and will last as long as possible.    Chat with Kleenit about epoxy for your gym. Get in touch. 

Have you invested in epoxy floor coating? Good move. Epoxy is the ultimate protection. It shields against liquid spills and stays strong under heavy weights – precisely what you want on a busy industrial floor. And if you've opted for non-slip flooring, you're also prioritising safety, which we can certainly get behind! We know maintenance can be a headache. Some people take the 'ignorance is bliss' approach and avoid action unless confronted with a problem. Unfortunately, ignorance only gets you so far. Sooner or later, a crisis will occur and will probably be costly. It pays (literally) to keep your warehouse in good knick.  As durable as epoxy flooring is – and it's heavy-duty – like most things in the warehouse, it requires maintenance. If you invest in proper maintenance, it will last up to 20 or more years, so you won't have to find money in the budget to re-do it later.  Here are some tips for caring for your epoxy floors and flake flooring.   How to care for epoxy flooring    Keep floors grit, sand and dirt free Think because epoxy floors are easy to maintain you can get a little lax with cleaning? Warehouse floor coating is strong, but it’s not magical! Dirt can scratch over time, which can worsen with machinery moving it around. We recommend spot cleaning by sweeping or vacuuming dirt off the floor as soon as it spills or keeping up a schedule to avoid build-up.  Protect warehouse floor coating with mats Epoxy floor paint is designed to withstand the weight of heavy-duty equipment, such as as forklifts, high-density shelving and conveyors. But cracks, scuffs and pits do happen, especially in action-packed industrial settings. Once cracked, epoxy concrete floors can begin to flake, and this may result in it needing to be replaced. Protect your warehouse floor coating with rubber mats or pads where heavy equipment is used and stored.  Clean chemical spills immediately  Yes, epoxy flooring is chemical-resistant, but if you leave spills for too long, they can break down the gloss. Chemicals can include anything from all-purpose cleaners and paint to battery acid. When a spill occurs, soak up the chemical with a cloth or paper towel and then a wet cloth to wipe the floor. You may also need to neutralise the chemical with an acid or alkali-neutralising powder. Once the powder is absorbed, sweep or vacuum it up then mop the area.  Schedule regular and deep cleans  Remember when we mentioned maintenance? Cleaning is a big part of it. It's best if you clean epoxy concrete floors regularly. The frequency will depend on your warehouse. At least once a week is recommended. If you work as a mechanic, you may need to clean daily to ensure all oil, grease and chemicals aren't left on the floor. We recommend scheduling deep cleans at least once every three months, where you move machinery, shelving and tools to clean under them. High pressure cleaning works well for deep cleaning epoxy flooring.     How to clean warehouse floor coating   Clear debris  As we mentioned earlier, all debris must be cleared off the floor, especially before washing it, to avoid scratching. You can use a broom to sweep up dirt or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to prevent damage.    Wash with ammonia  You must avoid harsh chemicals, citrus and vinegar when cleaning. These liquids will break down the polish of the epoxy floor painting. Instead, we recommend mixing ammonia with hot water (refer to instructions) and mopping with a flat mop to avoid unsightly streaks.  Scrub tough stains   Have you noticed tough stains? You can use a soft deck brush to scrub these out. Avoid scourers or hard bristles, as these will scratch the epoxy. If stains don't lift with water and ammonia, you can try a degreaser for grease marks or a concentrated cleaner (ensure it's okay for epoxy).  Rinse and dry the floor  Now's time to wash the cleaning solution off the epoxy flooring or flake flooring. You can hose the floor down or mop the solution with hot water. We recommend drying the floor with a towel.    Epoxy flooring and epoxy flake floor coating stand up to harsh conditions, but maintenance will help to minimise damage and make it last for years.    Is it time to give your warehouse floor coating a deep clean? Get in touch with Kleenit. We get the job done!   

If you want to transform your lifestyle or your work processes, first you need to look at the way you organise the spaces you use. A messy home denotes a messy mind, so when you’re repurposing your garage, the rooms in your home, or your workspace, it’s easier to start with a clean slate. With a blank canvas, it’s easier to see what works where. And starting from scratch with a clear room is the perfect time to consider epoxy floor coating for a fresh new look.  The garage seems to be the forgotten room of many homes. Filled with archive boxes, motor oil bottles, tools and half-finished DIY projects, it’s often the default place to store the stuff that doesn’t really fit anywhere else. But what if you could repurpose your garage into a place of pride you’d actually like to spend time in? It doesn’t have to cost a lot, but it will add a lot to your lifestyle and your home’s value, especially when you add epoxy flooring or garage floor paint.   1. Take stock of what you want to keep, cull the rest Get your Marie Kondo on and work out what sparks joy. Also, what will be useful to keep to use in the life of your biggest project? Write up your three main DIY projects and whatever doesn’t fit on there can go to Gumtree or ‘go to God.’ You might benefit from a skip bin or a trailer to visit the tip at this point, rather than waiting for the next council hard rubbish collection. Another option is to advertise a literal garage sale and mark what you’re keen to sell. Spring cleaning, or even summer cleaning, means you don’t have to worry as much about leaving some items in a secure space outdoors during the process. With a relatively clear floor, we can get started on what garage improvements you want to make.   2. Plan out your shed or garage improvements Think bigger. Your repurposed garage could become a man cave. Or a workshop, Or an artist's studio, Or simple a well-designed garage to greet you coming home.  Once you’ve decided how you will better use your repurposed garage, let’s design for your goals.   3. From garage floor to ceiling, make the space work. The thing about land is that they’re not making any more of it. Well, aside from a few nations building new islands. So, getting furniture and tools off the floor is imperative. Industrial shelving or stylish, hardwearing furniture — including practical storage solutions — are an excellent investment. Measure your space and draw up a rough plan to see how everything is going to fit. Remember, once something is on the ground, how can you utilise the space above it, even all the way to the ceiling for tools or things that are used infrequently? A step ladder can be your best friend to maximise your new garage floor space. Take a look at your electrical outlets. Extension cables are a hassle and a hazard. Getting additional outlets where you need them, such as next to the bandsaw, drill press or tool charging station is going to make your life so much easier, without needing to plug and unplug every time you switch tools. Say goodbye to the dusty fluorescent tube in the middle of the roof. Light over your common work stations with energy efficient globes like adjustable LED fixtures. As for the dust? Think about your long-term health of your lungs by investing in a ventilation system or ceiling exhaust fan. Your floor also needs to be ready to take a beating, especially if you’re going to park your car in the space, or do any kind of DIY project like furniture recovering, carpentry, painting or finally building that kit car. An epoxy resin floor coating offers practical and aesthetic benefits for a garage refurbishment. An epoxy floor finish is also easy to clean and can provide extra grip.   4. Garage floor cleaning: removing oil stains Hiring a professional pressure washing service to remove motor oil stains and unsightly marks from your garage floor is a safe bet that the job will get done well. You can learn about that process here. To get your floors looking even closer to new, it’s time to book an epoxy resin application. Choose from a multitude of colours and effects, including glitter and matte looks. The pouring process takes around 24-48 hours to cure, after which you’ll have a hard surface that’s easy to look after.   Safety first: non-slip flooring for your garage One of the many benefits of epoxy flooring is that it can be installed as slip-resistant flooring. The process involves mixing a fine aggregate into the epoxy flooring at installation time, which offers more grip in wet or oily workshops. That said, having a non-slip pressure mat in your most common work areas is a low-cost luxury that few people regret.   Should I DIY my garage epoxy floor coating or call in the professionals? You’ll find a lot of videos online that make epoxy installation look easy. That’s because they are professionals. There’s a few things that can go wrong when trying to lay an epoxy floor DIY style, and hiring an epoxy floor professional won’t set you back much more (but it will save you hassle). To get a quote for your epoxy floor project, or oil stain removal head to the ‘get a quote’ page or give us a call.          

If you've invested in a concrete or exposed decorative aggregate driveway, it makes sense to maintain it with regular professional concrete cleaning. After all, it's the first thing you see when arriving home or stepping out your door in the morning. Concrete is a miracle substance for its strength and longevity. Almost two thousand years after the Pantheon was built in Rome, its unreinforced concrete dome is still standing (and is still the largest of its type in the world.) However durable concrete is, professional cleaning and maintenance will help your home or business look its best, free from grime, oil and stains.   The top five benefits of professional concrete cleaning Save time which you can better use elsewhere. High-pressure concrete cleaning by a professional means you're guaranteed of a job done well, so you can focus on what you do well - or just relax for a moment. Deep clean without the hassle of scrubbing. A professional concrete cleaning service can work to remove those annoying oil stains from the car or the barbecue. Fast service. While it may seem a straightforward DIY job, Kleenit has perfected the concrete cleaning process to maximise efficiency and a sparkling final result. Environmentally friendly. Kleenit uses biodegradable cleaning products and brings water to your place. Our commercial-grade hot-water pressure washing is also more efficient than garden-hose-type cold water models. Protect your surfaces. Professional concrete cleaning eliminates the need for abrasive cleaners, while restoring surfaces to their natural good looks. Pressure cleaning is unlikely to damage polished or coloured concrete. Added property value, especially for home sellers. Those looking to sell know that a well-maintained driveway can improve the street appeal and make the right impression. Having well-maintained driveways and walkways are a great selling point. It tells prospective homeowners that the home has been well cared for. Cost parity or even savings compared to DIY. After you buy the cleaning chemicals and PPE, hire or buy the washer, then give up your Saturday, the hours wasted on DIY pressure washing add up. Compare that time against your hourly wage - a professional will usually come out cheaper.   How to clean the most common types of concrete stains Concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, and walkways that are neglected will inevitably wear down, with stains soaking deeper into the porous surface. Don’t put concrete cleaning off for even one more day!   Cleaning an oil concrete stain Small spills or recent spots can sometimes be removed with nothing more than a strong detergent and light scrub. For more substantial stains, you may be able to apply a degreaser. Be sure to trial any chemicals in an inconspicuous place to ensure it doesn't react with the surface. Try an oil-removing poultice, made by mixing an absorbent material (such as kitty litter) with a solvent (like acetone). Smear this on a stain, cover the poultice with plastic… then wait. It takes time, but the solvent will break down the oil, and the absorbent medium will pull much of it from the concrete. Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is available at most hardware stores and can be suitable for removing oil stains. Those applying need to be careful with runoff into drains as it can contribute to algal blooms in rivers and lakes. Professional hot-water high-pressure cleaning is recommended to complement any of the above. Another oil-stain removal method, if you have the time, is TERMINATOR-HSD eco-friendly oil stain remover for concrete and driveways. These bacteria eat the oil and release a small amount of CO2 as they reproduce. Once all the oil is gone, the bacteria die, leaving sparkling concrete. Patience is required though; reapplying weekly it will take around 4-6 weeks to thoroughly clean some stains.   Red wine concrete stain If your patio's taken a few drinks for itself, there's a simple cleaning solution. You'll need a few drops of tea tree oil, a few drops of glycerin into a litre or so of water. Use this to moisten the stain, then try scrubbing with a non-metal scourer after 30 minutes.   Crayon concrete cleaning solution Removing crayon from concrete is simple. Usually, a spray of WD-40 followed by high-pressure hot water spray will do the trick.   Concrete cleaning for cigarette stains A mix of washing soda (not baking soda) and water with a light scrub will lift out the yellowing that a cigarette ember can leave behind on light-coloured concrete.   Mildew stain on a concrete driveway? Plants overhanging a driveway or patio can lead to mildew. This mildewcide recipe may help get rid of mildew on concrete. Be sure to wear adequate personal protection and old clothes when using, and avoid getting any on your plants or soil. Mix 1 litre of chlorine bleach with 3 litres of water. Add 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent. Apply liberally to mildew. Don't let it dry; let it sit until stains turn white. Rinse off.   General concrete cleaning care A pH-neutral cleaner is best for decorative concrete flooring. Avoid harsh cleaning products such as ammonia, citrus, bleach or pine cleaners because they can react with and etch the surface.   Find concrete cleaning services in Australia Who has time for DIY concrete cleaning, when professional cleaning gets a better job without the hassle? Kleenit offers concrete cleaning in every capital city in Australia. Your local Kleenit representative can visit you for a safety-assured inspection and estimate. Or, contact our head office with a photo and measurements of the area needing attention and we'll provide a quote online.        

Driveway sealing involves adding a protective coating to concrete or brickwork to protect it from the elements, tyre marks and oil stains. Laying concrete or block paving can be expensive, so it's worth looking after your investment with regular maintenance. Driveway sealing costs can vary depending on the size and substance being sealed.   When do I need to seal a driveway? The end of autumn and early summer is a good time of year for driveway sealing; the weather is dry, and not a lot of leaves and seeds are falling. How often you need to seal a driveway depends entirely on the type of product you're protecting. Concrete driveways should be sealed every four to five years to protect them from water penetration. As a homeowner, you may opt for more frequent driveway cleaning, something that will be included in your Kleenit driveway sealing quote. Asphalt driveways should be resealed, at most, every two to three years. More frequent resealing to maintain that jet black finish can actually lead to more hairline cracks and peeling. Brick paving or block paving may come with a recommended maintenance schedule at the time of purchase. If you're not aware of the type of brick, depending on the material, every two to three years should be sufficient for brick driveway sealing.   What are the benefits of driveway sealing? Many people believe that concrete driveways don't need maintenance, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Regular driveway sealing reduces the amount of water that can soak into the surface. What's so bad about water? In warm climates, it can lead to mould and algae. In cold climates, the freeze-thaw cycle will crack concrete over time, eventually requiring a complete replacement of the driveway. Driveway sealing adds to the street appeal of a home, as it reduces permanent staining from tyres, oil and tree-fall.   Do I need to clean before my driveway sealing? To ensure the longest-lasting driveway sealing, the area being sealed will need to be professionally cleaned with a pressure washer. With Kleenit, the cost of doing so will be included in your quote. We recommend moving furniture and other bulky items out from the driveway/garage/patio to ensure an even and complete coat. Driveway maintenance may also include the repair of cracks and holes in concrete and/or oil stain removal. Patching cracks in concrete will most likely be noticeable, and in these cases, the Kleenit crew may recommend a tinted driveway sealant.   How much does it cost to clean and seal a driveway? There is no set square metre rate for sealing a driveway, as jobs vary based on scope and difficulty, staining or driveway repair costs. You may find it more cost-effective to have larger areas taken care of at the same time, such as resealing the patio or pool surrounds.   What does driveway sealing entail? To begin, driveway sealing will involve a high pressure washer clean to remove weeds, soil particulate, algae and old stains. In some cases, oil stain removal from driveways and carports will require hot water pressure washing and chemical treatment. The concrete or brickwork will then require time to dry. Your Kleenit professional will then swap out their water tank for a suitable driveway sealer. Sealing concrete needs to be done in smooth, even passes, and all in one session, to ensure an even coat. Using gloves and a mask is essential to prevent excessive inhalation of the product — so watching the process from nearby is not recommended. Where driveway sealing is next to a garden, your Kleenit professional will use a protection board to ensure excess spray drift doesn't end up on plants or lawns. The sealed surface then needs to be left to fully cure for 24 hours (though it will be touch-dry in considerably less time on a warm day). During this time, we recommend homeowners keep their young children and pets indoors to prevent accidental damage to the surface.   How do I treat oil stains on my driveway? For fresh oil stains, you may be able to apply a degreaser to remove the stains. Be sure to trial the degreaser in an inconspicuous place to ensure it doesn't react with the surface. Older stains have usually soaked into the substrate of the driveway, in which case, professional hot-water high-pressure cleaning is recommended. Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is available at most hardware stores and can be suitable for removing oil stains. Those applying need to be careful with runoff into drains as it can contribute to algal blooms in rivers and lakes.   Find driveway sealing services in Australia Kleenit offers driveway sealing in most capital cities in Australia. Your local Kleenit representative can visit you for a safety-assured inspection and estimate. Or contact our head office with a photo and measurements of the area needing attention and we'll provide a quote online.

Graffiti can appear to be a random act of vandalism. However, there are a few things to know, and actions you can take, to reduce the likelihood of further tagging of your home, business or community.   Who’s behind graffiti vandalism? According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, in general, vandalism may be motivated by malicious greed, the wish to draw attention to a particular condition, by a political ideology, by the desire for revenge on a particular person, by frustration, or by misguided playfulness. It could also be a territory-marking exercise by a criminal element, or simply juvenile boredom. A factor in graffiti vandalism and many other crimes may indicate a lack of community connection, belonging, or sense of place. Those who are marginalised and perpetually moved along can begin to harbor resentment towards institutions and symbols of what they feel they are being denied.  ‘Tagging’ is also a game to some younger people, albeit a destructive and irritating one. Participants are usually on a quest to ‘bomb up’ as many places with their scribbled mark, the more prominent or risky the better. Despite the cost to the public, private property owner or business, they continue for the thrill of rebelling, the adrenaline rush, and the sense of belonging — at least until they are caught and fined, or the novelty wears off. It’s no surprise that damage (from vandalism such as graffiti) is more likely to occur in inner-city areas where individuals can act somewhat anonymously.   How do I prevent graffiti vandalism? Taking into account the many reasons why a person may vandalise your property with graffiti, some steps can be taken to prevent it in the first place. The following uses the concept of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, or CPTED: Ensure lighting is operating correctly, ideally with unbreakable fixtures, and consider installing sensor lighting. Apply anti-graffiti coatings to protect walls, fences and buildings. Choose darker colours of paint to lessen the chance that a moniker will stand out. Install CCTV systems and related signage Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to reduce places to hide. Use fences, locks or gates to make access more challenging. Fill the ‘canvas’ — consider commissioning a mural artist for large, flat or out-of-sight areas. Even most taggers hold respect for others’ artworks and are less likely to damage a legitimate artwork (that you get to choose). There are also community actions that can have a positive impact on reducing graffiti in the area: Support programs for adolescents such as skateparks, mentoring initiatives and sports organisations. Start or join a neighbourhood watch organisation. Discuss with your strata manager or partner with other businesses in the community to develop and spread the investment cost of a CPTED plan.    Can I DIY graffiti removal? Graffiti removal often requires specialised tools to ensure that the surface below remains undamaged. Before attempting to remove any graffiti, be sure to document it by taking a photo for reporting it to Crimestoppers.  If the surface has been ‘tagged’ recently, it may be possible to remove it with a cloth and detergent; for example, Sugar Soap, taking necessary precautions to avoid further damage to the surface. If that doesn’t work, it may be tempting to try to remove the graffiti oneself with specialty tools. However, professional graffiti removal offers a more reliable service with experts who have the time and experience to take care of the marks properly.  Kleenit uses commercial-grade high-pressure cleaning tools to remove graffiti efficiently and offers rapid response times. Our team also offers graffiti prevention painting to reduce the likelihood of further attacks.   Where is graffiti vandalism most common? A prominent location with low potential for witnesses at night is at higher risk of graffiti, but it can happen anywhere. Alleys and alcoves also provide cover for vandals to do even more damage. Such low visibility areas present a strong case for CCTV systems and other deterrents. Is leaving graffiti vandalism really that bad? Rapid removal of graffiti helps in a few ways. According to Goodbye Graffiti, “rapid removal can counteract motivation for graffiti vandalism by limiting exposure time of the work and consequently, recognition from peers.” Yes, graffiti often begets more graffiti. The longer one leaves the results of graffiti in place, the more likely it is that it will attract others to behave in similar vandalism. It suggests that the owner isn’t likely to act, that there is no security in place, and that graffiti will be likely to stay there long term. Other ‘writers’ may mark up the graffiti with different mediums such as permanent marker, paint or scratching, which can be challenging to remedy. While paint can seem permanent, the sooner it is removed, the less likely it is that the colour will penetrate and stain the substrate. The same goes for stick-up glue & paper graffiti; act quickly by booking professional graffiti removal services.  Graffiti also has the effect of making an area look less than cared for, changing the perception of an area as one that may not be safe for residents, customers or staff. Negative messages may also reflect poorly on the business itself if they are not removed quickly. It’s also worth reporting graffiti vandalism in your area to the relevant authorities, such as CrimeStoppers 1800 333 000, as well as to your local council. Some states have dedicated graffiti hotlines for reporting damage to public property. Western Australia Graffiti Reporting: 1800 44 22 55 NSW Graffiti Hotline on 1800 707 125 

Despite being told countless times not to judge a book by its cover, most people still do. Especially new customers. For your business, the cover is your storefront and signage. So, does your building look like a fairytale or a horror story? If it’s the latter, you may want to consider a commercial building pressure wash</a.   Do I need a commercial building pressure wash? You likely wash your clothes every other day. Your car, maybe once a fortnight. You shower daily. But how often do you wash your building? When unattended to the stains, dust, marks and mildew seem to become part of the furniture. But looking at it through a new customer’s eyes, an untidy appearance doesn’t do much to instil confidence. Regular building pressure cleaning makes the job easier. It can reduce maintenance to keep your home or business looking great for years to come. Dirt, mould, algae and mildew left for a prolonged period can stain surfaces, meaning more costly repainting or rendering. Mould also presents a health risk in areas frequented by the public, such as courtyards and thoroughfares. A simple commercial pressure wash can leave your building looking as good as new. Pressure washing also helps to increase curb appeal and potentially increase property values. The minimal outlay in professional power washing before taking your space to market is sure to be a good investment.   What does a commercial building pressure wash involve? Commercial pressure washing is a very straightforward process. When you contact Kleenit for a quote, you’ll be connected to a Kleenit professional in your area. They’ll offer an estimate based on information provided, or arrange a site visit to ensure the job is accurately scoped. Most building washing is carried out in a few hours, but the time taken will depend on the square meters to be cleaned, the accumulation of dirt and complexity of the job (such as working at heights). We use a commercial hot-water pressure washing machine and biodegradable detergents to clean most surfaces, as well as manual techniques for tougher grime such as bird poo removal.   How often should I get the walls of my building cleaned? At a minimum, owners usually find it’s worth having an external commercial building clean every 6-12 months. However, some factors can make it worthwhile getting building pressure cleaning more frequently. Buildings on main roads tend to get more dust particulate on their outsides. Those close to desert areas and mining, such as the Pilbara region in WA, will be familiar with the ever-present dust that calls for frequent cleaning.   Pressure cleaning a building: how the professionals do it. Before pressure cleaning a building, we recommend checking windows, roof, and exterior moulding to note any repairs necessary. Any repairs to bricks, mortar or masonry should be made and allowed to dry for at least one week before washing.  You or a gardener may need to trim back any branches or shrubs that lean against the walls. Where required, we will cover potential hazards such as light fixtures, electric meters, and any other exterior electrical components. Kleenit will carry out a spot test on an inconspicuous part of your wall first. We make sure the force of the washer is unlikely to remove loose paint or damaged timber. We’ll usually pre-soak the surface with a low-pressure spray to loosen dirt before pressure washing. Mildew spots can be attended to by scrubbing with a diluted solution of bleach and commercial mildewcide. However, the destination of runoff will be a factor in the kind of chemicals suitable for any job.  When washing, we work in sections, spraying the water at an angle to the wall surface to get the most water and time-efficient removal of grime. Some substances, like spider webs, are nearly impossible to remove with a power washer spray, so these will be manually removed.   What other pressure cleaning services do you offer? Professional pressure washing systems use hot water, which is more effective and efficient than cold water for pressure washing and requires less detergent. It also means we’re able to use our pressure washing equipment to remove oil and grease stains from driveways.  Kleenit offers a full range of services that can help you improve your company’s first impressions, including graffiti removal, brick cleaning, line marking and commercial asset management.

Concreted warehouses and garages are high-traffic areas, synonymous with dirt, grease and dust. But that doesn’t have to be the case for your residential or commercial space, with flakes for epoxy coating offering the perfect mix of durability from the epoxy coating and decoration from the flakes. In this blog, we cover flake flooring: what it is, benefits, cost, application and how to care for it. What is flake flooring? Flake flooring is a decorative and durable type of epoxy floor coating that can be used to protect and decorate new - or breathe life into old - concrete surfaces. The flakes are available in a multitude of different colours and sizes and are scattered (often known as broadcasting) on top of an epoxy base coat, before being covered in a clear topcoat.  What are the benefits of flake flooring and when should it be used? Flake flooring offers a visually appealing and durable coating for high-traffic, concreted areas such as warehouses, garages and driveways. The range of colours and chip sizes and textures also means that this type of floor coating can be altered to suit your desired purpose or aesthetic. Flake flooring is a great option when concrete surfaces need a much-needed boost. Stained, old, tired-looking concrete will benefit from the application of flake floor coating, improving its appearance and durability. What’s more, it offers a stain, scratch and chemical resistant surface, as it can be applied with no joins, resulting in a seamless application. What does it cost to apply flake flooring? The cost of applying flake flooring will depend on the size of the surface you want to be coated, and the current condition of the concrete. So when getting quotes from reputable floor coating companies, ensure you let them know if there are cracks, stains or bumps in the concrete, as this will need to be factored into the time required to prep, before the coating is applied. How do you apply flake flooring? An experienced epoxy and flake flooring specialist will ensure that the surface is prepped and finished correctly. The tried and tested process includes the following steps: 1. Preparation of Concrete This step is essential and must not be missed. Preparing the concrete before coating will ensure the epoxy paints penetrate the concrete and will ensure all coatings applied afterwards are long-lasting and of a high-quality. 2. Application of Primer or Sealer The next step is to apply an epoxy primer or sealer. This ensures a sufficient bond is created between the concrete and the epoxy paint. 3. Application of Epoxy Coat A coat of two-pack tinted epoxy paint is then applied on top of the primer coat. The two products bond together. 4. Flake Broadcasting Coloured flakes are broadcast onto the epoxy layer to create the decorative flake effect. Depending on the effect you are after, the flakes can be applied sparsely or in a denser pattern. 5. Application of Clear Top Coat Two coats of a clear, polyurethane paint are applied to create a scratch-resistant, durable finish. This finish can be matte or polish, depending on the desired look and feel. Caring for your flake flooring: simple tips Due to the durability and hard-wearing nature of flake and epoxy floor coatings, caring for it is quite simple. However, there are some key ways to ensure your floor coating lasts for years to come. Once installed, do not allow people to walk on the newly coated surface for at least 24 hours. It takes up to 7 days to reach optimal hardness. Remove any spills immediately. The flake floor coating is stain and water-resistant, but cleaning regularly will help to minimise wear over time. Use gentle cleaning products and mops to clean the coated floors. If your flake floor incurs any damage, get it fixed straight away to avoid additional damage. Choose an expert flake flooring specialist. Kleenit installs flake flooring in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth. Reinvigorate and extend the life of your concrete floors - get in touch with Kleenit today for a free flake flooring quote.