An Interview With Richard Woods: Growing Clean Plus Exterior Services
In the ever-evolving landscape of exterior cleaning, Richard Woods’ journey has been one of growth and learning. In this interview, we dive into his experiences, insights gained from specialised training courses, the impact of innovative skyVac products on his business, and his strategies for forging connections within the industry. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of Richard’s thriving exterior cleaning business.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your business?
I’m Richard Woods from Clean Plus Exterior Services. I’ve been a general builder and site manager for over 20 years, and I’ve been doing exterior cleaning on the side for about five years.
Which of our courses did you attend, and how have they helped your business?
In July of 2025, I attended the skyVac Exterior Cleaning Course. After that, I immediately decided to attend the Roof Cleaning Course, which I found really beneficial. Getting accredited has really helped me gain work.
What was really beneficial to me was seeing all the different equipment and how to set it up and use it. Another good insight was seeing all the different chemicals that exterior cleaners use and being trained on how to use the chemicals correctly, with PPE and how to apply them.
How has your workload changed since starting this journey?
When I first started, I was getting jobs booked day-to-day. But now it’s more often that I am booked up for the next couple of months, which is really positive. It’s been really good since starting this journey with skyVac; a lot of hard work is starting to pay off!
Which skyVac products have been most useful for you?
My favourite product so far is the skyVac Interceptor, which really came into play over winter. You don’t have to plug it in, use people’s power, or carry a generator around with you- It’s all contained in one unit! It’s easy to use, easy to wheel around, and has amazing power.
Recently, I’ve also been using the skyScraper for roof cleans and moss removals. It’s a brilliant tool, especially the skyScraper double head, set up with a blade on one side and a brush on the other. Plus, the skyWash System from skyVac has been really good for roof cleaning.
I bought a package deal, and I’ve been using all of it; they are really good products. Plus, if there are any problems, everyone’s available at the end of the phone to help and guide me through any issues.
Have you made any mistakes along the way?
I made a schoolboy error when doing a driveway clean. I had my wheelie bin buffer tank set up, and my jet wash exhaust was pointing the wrong way. It burnt a hole straight through the bin, so my buffer tank would only fill up halfway; it was a bit of a nightmare for the rest of that job!
Do you have any advice for others starting in the industry?
If I haven’t got any work scheduled in, I visit potential job locations like pubs, restaurants, industrial units, houses and building sites. This way, I can introduce myself and drop off leaflets, because people do like to put a face to a name.
What’s next for you and your business?
Moving forward, it’s just getting through the jobs; I’m booked up for the next few months now. Maybe I’ll focus on a few more roof cleans; I have a few in the bag coming up soon, and a lot of patio and driveway cleans.
With a growing client base and a steadfast commitment to quality, Richard’s future looks bright as he tackles new projects and ventures ahead. His experiences prove the importance of proper training and product knowledge when working in the exterior cleaning industry. For those just getting started, Richard’s advice to connect personally with customers reflects an age-old truth: building relationships is key to long-term success. As we conclude this interview, it’s clear that with hard work and the right support, the possibilities for growth in this industry are limitless.
