Frequently asked questions...       

• Who are Grime-Busters®
   
• What are the stains on my roof?
   
• Where do they come from?
   
• What products do you use?                                         
   
• How do you clean my roof?
   
• Will cleaning my roof harm the shingles?
   
• Will it come back?
   
• Can I do-it-myself?
   
• What else does Grime-Busters® clean?

Who are Grime-Busters®
We are a licensed and insured cleaning company.  Our primary focus is roof cleaning (stains, mold, algae removal) and house washing but we clean anything.  Grime-Busters uses both cold and hot (210 degree) water depending on the situation and climate.  Every home, roof, building is different and what works on one area may not on another.  It may vary even on the different sides of you home or building. We manufacture our own cleaning solutions (Grime-Ox™, Mold Eater™, and Rainwash™Roof Cleaner) and are an environmentally friendly company.

What are the stains on my roof?
They are for the most part an algae...Gloeocapsa Magma.  Once the original spores colonize they become more and more noticeable.  They will not go away by themselves and bleaching will only harm your shingles, plants, and the environment.

Where do they come from?
They are airborne spores and drift on the wind.  They may also be spread by birds, insects, and rodents.  Please see our algae danger map on the home page for the worst areas.  Gloeocapsa magma, like every other living thing, must feed. In this case it feeds on it's favorite source...limestone.  Some years ago manufactures began using limestone to weight and fill asphalt shingles which explains the more recent infestation of algae.

Do I need to be at home?
We must have access to any area that is to be cleaned and to a water supply.  However, it's not necessity for you to be at home when we give an estimate or actually clean your house or roof.  Payment, which is not due until the completion of the job can be pre-arranged an advance. Note:  If you have pets, please secure them in a safe place while we are working. All items should be removed away from the house, deck, or driveway that may damaged by cleaners or water.

What products do you use?
There are several choices depending upon your concerns and budget. All of Grime-Busters® products are available for purchase to homeowners everywhere and to commercial businesses outside of a fifty mile radius of Clarksville, TN. These products are the exclusive trademarks of Grime-Busters®

1. Mold Eater™ Grime-Busters® algae eating enzymes work on any surface.  EPA rated as completely environmental and safe. NO CHEMICALS!  Mold Eater™ can be used on almost any surface that has mold and mildew stains:  tile, wallpaper, wall vinyl, drapes, carpet, ceiling tiles, patios, decks, walkways, stucco, even HVAC coils and filters, crawl spaces– any surface that is washable with water.  Mold Eater™ is non-corrosive and can be safely used on metal surfaces and metal finishes.
   Rated safest for family and environment! (more here)
    

2. Grime-Ox™ -  Grime-Busters® Non-chlorine, non-hydroxide big brother to oxy-cleaning products sold in stores, much more powerful formula and completely non-toxic, earth-friendly, will kill algae, mold and mildew and lighten stains. Requires low pressure rinsing. Will not harm plants, humans, pets or wildlife. Works great on decks, patio furniture, drives, and more.
   Rated most useful product!
    

3. Rainwash™ Roof Cleaner No Rinse Necessary is Grime-Busters® most popular product.  Kills algae and rain will rinse  over a period of several months.  No need to be on your roof at all. May be applied by us or homeowner with garden sprayer. Contains no chlorine, bleach, or hydroxide.
   Rated best for roofs. (more here)
    

4. Econowash -  Low cost solution to mold problems. Requires immediate low pressure rinsing. No warranty offered with this cleaning but as always, satisfaction guarantee applies.  Generally used for commercial areas without  landscaping concerns. Very effective.
   Rated least expensive.

Will cleaning my roof harm the shingles?
NEVER USE BLEACH OR HIGH PRESSURE TO CLEAN YOUR ROOF! The granules on your shingles serve several purposes and are critical to the life function of the shingle.  Extreme caution but be used to prevent loosening these granules.  Grime-Busters uses very low pressure (similar to a hard rain) to rinse your roof.  Although we own and use high pressure equipment for walkways, drives, etc; We never use them for roof cleaning.

Note: Anyone can purchase or rent a pressure washer but it takes time and experience to LEARN the art of using this equipment.  Most damage is done from do-it-yourself individuals and the kid down the street. I've seen holes blown in vinyl siding, paint knocked off, window screens ripped, shingles removed, and once a customer's neighbor bleached his roof (which spotted) and turned his hunter green shutters into a pretty lime-green. The professional folks save you money in the long run and most are insured for any unfortunate accident. Just some food for thought.

Will it come back?
Yes. Any business that tells you that mold, mildew, and algae won't come back is is selling more than cleaning (if you know what I mean).  As long as algae can form on this earth...it will. However, it can be controlled. Grime-Busters offers a low costs annual maintenance program that's guaranteed. If you use our program and algae returns on your roof...we'll clean it for free!

Can I do-it-myself?
Yes! Rainwash™  may be applied with a garden sprayer and requires NO RINSING.  Rainwash™ contains no chlorine, bleach or hydroxides.

8oz concentrate makes 8 Gallons of Rainwash!
Complete instructions included.

ORDER HERE

What else does Grime-Busters® clean?

• House washing - Our cleanser is non-toxic, environmentally safe, and will not harm plants or landscaping, humans, pets, or wildlife. Reasonable rates and as always, 100% satisfaction guaranteed! (pics here)
   

• Surface Cleaning - Driveways, Commercial Drive-thrus, sidewalks, patio, porch, and brick. (pics here)
   

• Gutters - Inside and out.  We specialize in gutters and offer an annual maintenance program (more info here)
   

• Decks and railing -We offer cleaning and sealing. Most decks restore to a brand new look!
   

• Fences - wooden, brick, stucco, concrete, vinyl, or metal.  We clean them all. (pics here)
   

• Have something with heavy grime? We use 210 degree hot water @3000 psi equipment for tough jobs.  Great for gum and graffiti removal.

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Mold Eater™

What Are Enzymes?

Enzymes are proteins. Like other proteins, enzymes consist of long chains of amino acids held together by peptide bonds. They are present in all living cells, where they perform a vital function by controlling the metabolic processes whereby nutrients are converted into energy and fresh cell material. Furthermore, enzymes take part in the breakdown of food materials into simpler compounds. You'll find enzymes at work in our bodies.  Just eat something. One enzyme is already at work in your mouth while you chew. Grime-Busters product, MOLD EATER™ accomplishes the same process with mold, mildew, & algae. It breaks it down, dissolves it, and ingests it.  Goodbye ugly mold!

1.  What is Mold Eater™?

Mold Eater™ is a proprietary enzyme blend scientifically engineered for the cleaning, removal and prevention of mold and mildew stain and the eliminating of the related musty and other unwanted odors.

2.  What is in it?

Mold Eater™ is made completely of enzymes which are proteins functioning as biochemical catalysts that initiate, maintain and/or accelerate specific chemical reactions.  Mold Eater™ is a pre-formed enzyme and is non-bacterial, so no foreign bacteria, which can mutate into harmful bacteria, is introduced into the environment.  The pre-formed enzymes in Mold Eater™ are ideal for health care and food handling areas where bacteria-generated enzymes are unwelcome.

3.  How does Mold Eater™ work?

Mold Eater™ solves mold and mildew stain problems by penetrating and removing tough bio-films to thoroughly clean the contaminated surface.  Bio-films are extra-cellular polymers that anchor and protect bacteria when attacked by cleaners.  Germicidal cleaners such as bleach or ammonia do not penetrate or remove the protective bio-films, allowing new mold and mildew stains to reproduce soon after the germicidal cleaner has been applied.  As a result, the enzymes in Mold Eater™ outperform germicidal cleaners.

With a second application, Mold Eater™ works to control mold and mildew stain on a clean surface.  When a surface is dry, the enzymes in Mold Eater™ remain dormant.  When moisture and mold/mildew become present again, Mold Eater™ goes back to work to help prevent reoccurrence.

4.  Is Mold Eater™ easy to use?

Mold Eater™ is very easy and safe to use.  For existing mold and mildew stain, apply Mold Eater™ to the surface and scrub away mold and mildew stains using a sponge, cloth or brush.  For severe stains, apply Mold Eater™ and let stand before scrubbing.

Mold Eater™ is not a bleach, so do not expect to see stains immediately disappear just by pouring it onto a surface.  When properly applied, Mold Eater™ Mold & Mildew is the most thorough and effective cleaner of mold and mildew stain available.

To prevent the occurrence/reoccurrence of mold and mildew stain, wipe or spray Mold Eater™ onto the surface and allow to dry.  For hard to reach or large areas, Mold Eater™  is more effectively applied with a fogging device.  Exterior walls, especially where condensation from room air conditioning units causes mold and mildew stain, can be effectively cleaned using Mold Eater™ and a pressure washer without harming paint or exterior finish.

5.  Is Mold Eater™ harmful to the user?

Mold Eater™ is completely non-toxic and contains no harsh chemicals. No special clothing is necessary for application.  Unlike chlorine, ammonia or other harsh chemicals that produce strong, toxic fumes, Mold Eater™  is not harmful to the user and does not require special ventilation.  However, due to the potential risk of exposure to mold and mildew, it is a good policy to wear respiratory protection while working in areas where mold and mildew are present.

6.  Can Mold Eater™ be used with pressurized cleaning systems?

Yes.  Mold Eater™ is compatible with most commercial cleaning systems:  pressurized, mechanical, and manual.  However Mold Eater™ cannot be used with steam, thermal foggers or in temperatures in excess of 130 °F (54.5 °C).

7.  Where can Mold Eater™ be used?

Mold Eater™ can be used on almost any surface that has mold and mildew stains:  tile, wallpaper, wall vinyl, drapes, carpet, ceiling tiles, patios, decks, walkways, stucco, even HVAC coils and filters – any surface that is washable with water.  Mold Eater™ is non-corrosive and can be safely used on metal surfaces and metal finishes.

8.  Will Mold Eater™ stain or damage carpet or fabrics?

Unlike chlorine-based products that can cause damage, Mold Eater™ is not harmful to carpet, furniture, fabrics or any other surface that is washable with water.  We do not recommend using it on sensitive fabrics like:  silk, linen, velvet, etc.  It is always a good policy to test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area if you are unsure.

9.  Is Mold Eater™ environmentally safe?

Mold Eater™ is 100% environmentally safe.  It is USDA accepted and Generally Regarded as Safe according to CFR21 Sections 174-184.

10.  Is Mold Eater™ biodegradable?

Yes, all Mold Eater™ products are biodegradable.  Further, all Mold Eater™ products are non-toxic and contain absolutely no hazardous chemicals, caustics or irritants.

14.  Will it harm plants or animals?

Unlike other commercial cleaners, Mold Eater™ is safe for humans, animals and plant and marine life.  Exterior walls can be effectively cleaned and treated with Mold Eater™ and a pressure washer without concern for harming landscaping or the environment.

15.  What is its DOT Hazard Category?

Because Mold Eater™ contains no hazardous chemicals, it can be shipped and handled without special HAZMAT procedures or tariffs.

16.  Will Mold Eater™ cause chemical sensitivities or reactions?

Mold Eater™ is completely hypoallergenic.  There have been no reported cases where any Mold Eater™ product has caused any allergic reactions.

17.  Does Mold Eater™ need special disposal?

No, all Mold Eater™ products can be safely washed into the sewage system.  

18.  Should I clean the area with a chlorine bleach solution before using Mold Eater™?

No, do not use chlorine bleach in conjunction with Mold Eater™.  Mold Eater™ is used in place of a chlorine bleach solution.

19.  Should I mix Mold Eater™ with other chemicals?

No, do not mix Mold Eater™ with any other chemicals.  Caustic chemicals will destroy the enzymes.

20.  How save are enzymes?

1. Non-Hazardous     

2. Bio-Degradable

3. Non-Bacterial       

4. Non-Toxic

5. Non-Corrosive       

6. Non-Flammable

• FDA ( Food & Drug Administration) GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe)

• List, parts 184 and 186.

• USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) FSIS (Food Safety & Inspection Service): Regulated components have been authorized for use in federally inspected meat and poultry plants.

• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Biodegradability test 40 CFR, Parts 796-3100 to 796-3360 confirms all regulated components are “Readily Biodegradable”.

• Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater demonstrates a “Low Level Of Aquatic Toxicity” due to the regulated components classification for biodegradability.

• Acute Mammalian Toxicity Studies on regulated components shows “Low To No Toxicity” levels. Please refer to MSDS

• OSHA (Occupational Safety Hazard Association): Hazard Communication Standard CFR Title 29 1910.1200 “Non Hazardous”

• FDA 21 CFR (176.170&.180) (178.340 & .3910) (180.1001 c&e) (181.30) (182.99) (582.99) Regulated components may be used in the manufacture or articles or components of articles intended for us in producing or manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, or holding food.  

• CWA (Clean Water Act) regulations define the regulated components as “Non Hazardous”.

• SARA (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 Title III) Regulated components are under levels that require reporting or do not contain toxic chemicals.

• CAAA (Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990) Pursuant to Section 611 per 40 CFR Part 82, These regulated components do not contain or were not directly manufactured with any Class I or Class II ozone depleting substances.

• RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) per 40CFR 261, should a regulated component become waste, it would be “Non Hazardous”

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Mold Eater™, Grime-Ox™, and Rainwash™ Roof Cleaner are trademark products of Grime-Busters®. All rights reserved.