Two-Stepping: The Best Method for Power Washing Your Fleet

Due to perceived costs, labor, and time, one-step products became the favorite of fleet washers instead of the original two-stepping method.

However, with an increase in wastewater issues, two-step washing is becoming popular again.

Companies are always looking for ways to be more efficient when washing their own fleets by cutting labor costs and time and two-step cleaning is cost-effective – more so than any other fleet wash method!

Keep reading to learn more about the two-step washing process and how it can benefit your fleet:

What is Two-Step Washing?

Two-step washing involves applying a positively charged (low pH) detergent onto the truck to saturate the surface debris and allowing it to sit for a short time.

Next, a negatively charged (high pH) detergent is applied to re-wet the positively charged surface debris.

This allows the molecules to become neutral and the surface is then rinsed of dirt and debris. High pressure and brushes are not needed – just good flow volume to remove both detergents.

There are also other forms of two-stepping that can save you some time such as using a one-step alkaline wash product – but these may white-out or streak high polished aluminum areas such as your fuel tank, trim, or steps.

Instead, these areas can be pump sprayed with an acid cleaner just prior to washing, leaving them clean but avoiding any white-outs from the alkaline product.

So, yes, it’s still a two-step process but the steps are shorter and ensures a quicker and sustainable cleaning of your truck.

The Overall Benefits of Two-Step Cleaning

It may seem counterintuitive that a two-step cleaning process is easier and less labor-intensive than the one-step counterparts but two-stepping does require less physical action as well as the use of equipment.

Two-stepping is also more environmentally friendly. Yes, it still produces wastewater and water run-off, but the wastewater becomes almost neutral as the high pH product and low pH product balance each other out.

This method of truck cleaning also has more predictable results and can be used in more climates. Because the pH reaction does not fluctuate with temperature changes, regular cleaning can be effectively scheduled – making it easier to keep your trucks clean and meet contract timelines.

Two-stepping also cleans irregular vehicle surfaces such as slotted livestock haulers, curved tankers, frames, and wheel hubs. Again, this saves tremendously on labor and time since detail brushing and cleaning are not required.

Here are some other advantages to consider:

• One individual, if trained properly, can wash a tractor-trailer in around 20 minutes with the two-step method!
• The first step of this system (the low pH formula) neutralizes salt and halts corrosion. This is perfect for areas where road salt can be detrimental to truck frames and bodies during the wintertime.
• The chemical products used in two-stepping are diluted, making them safe for professional cleaning personnel.

The Disadvantages of a One-Step Washing Process

Still not convinced that two-stepping is the way to go? Here are some of the disadvantages that come with one-step washing processes:

• Applying a one-step soap requires high pressure and high temperature, which can damage your truck.
• One-step soaps are usually highly caustic in order to remove road film, which can also damage your truck.
• One-step soaps must be customized to specific dirt and weather conditions. If you drive a truck between different locations, you may have to use a variety of soaps.
• In order to completely remove road film and dirt with a one-step soap, you’ll have to brush the surface as well. This takes more time, increases labor costs, and could cause micro-abrasions on your truck’s painted surface.
• One-step processes are notoriously useless for cleaning aluminum surfaces well.
• After a one-step wash, your truck will still have a charged surface and attract film more quickly – which requires more frequent washes.

Are You Ready to Two-Step?

Over the years, the two-step method of truck washing has been improved to meet environmental regulations. Companies like Canadian Mobile Wash have mastered this process. The process reduces water use and requires only a small amount of chemicals.

Two-step fleet cleaning systems also allow companies to wash their private fleets in-house or save money when they take advantage of commercial truck washes.

Overall, two-stepping enables truck owners to clean more pieces of equipment each day while keeping their vehicles safe and their image shining. A clean truck also involves fewer maintenance costs and less risk of being pulled over by transportation officials.