The Importance of Climate Control in Mobile Grooming
The benefits of mobile grooming far surpass the struggles. There are struggles in any occupation. Learning how to tackle them and taking precautions to prevent any mishaps is the key to a smooth ride!
There are struggles for mobile groomers during extreme weather temperatures, whether it be cold or hot. After living in various states of the country I have experienced all degrees of weather. Here are some tips for mobile groomers that I hope will help your grooming business run smoothly.
Mobile Grooming During Winter Months
During the winter months when temperatures drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, you must plug your shore line into your home in order to run your mobile grooming van space heaters when you are not working. This will prevent the plumbing in the vehicle from freezing.
“If possible, installing a dedicated breaker to your electrical box in your home, just for your vehicle, is the best advice I can give you.”
This will prevent an overload during the night which can flip the breaker. Of course, if this happens, you will wake up to a frozen vehicle which is no fun. If this is not a possibility just be sure that your breaker can handle the amps that your heaters are pulling. You can also purchase wireless digital thermometers which allows you to check the temperature inside the vehicle from inside your home, just in case of severe weather.
Which are the best space heaters to use in a mobile pet grooming van?
CERAMIC HEATERS vs OIL-FILLED SPACE HEATERS
Well, over the years I have used a ceramic heater in the back of the grooming van where the plumbing is located and also in the grooming area to regulate the proper temperature. I found that I was replacing ceramic heaters at least twice throughout the winter. This is because ceramic heaters run with a fan and heating coil. The fan pulls in dog hair, so these heaters quickly burn out. Let’s face it, as clean as your van may be, there will be dog hair somewhere that finds it’s way into your heater.
I started using an oil-filled heater in my mobile grooming van many years ago. There are no fans or electric coils to burn out. This type of heater will keep your van nice and warm throughout the night. Oil-filled space heaters run on a thermostat which you can set to whatever temperature you choose. I will use this heater during the day when it is extremely cold out while I am grooming. It does pull a lot of amps, so you must remember to turn it off when using dryers. This heater projects a nice natural, even heat that really warms you to the bone. The great thing about this heater is when you turn it off to dry the dogs it stays warm. They are available in a low-profile model which I prefer, as it stays put behind my grooming table without having to secure it in place.
Another Winter Mobile Grooming Tip:
You should always keep hot water heaters on during freezing temperatures. This will prevent them from freezing, which can cause extensive damage.
Weather can be a challenge for mobile groomers. Being prepared and taking precautions will help make things run smoothly and will prevent down time.
Mobile Pet Grooming During Summer Months
The summer months can be challenging to keep things running smoothly in your mobile grooming van. There are several things that I would like to share with you to help get you through the heat of the summer.
Stay Cool In Your Grooming Truck
Keeping windshield sun screens in the front cab of your vehicle will help keep the heat down inside your mobile grooming truck. If you have a pass-through door from your cab to your grooming area, your A/C will be compromised by the cab heating up. You should always crack the windows in the cab area so the heat will not build up.
If you have a generator that is mounted in a box, you may want to open the box door during hot summer days to let fresh air into the generator to prevent overheating. Just don’t forget to close it before you leave your appointment.
Many vehicles have a passage door from the cab to the grooming area. It is next to impossible for dog hair not to get into the cab area. When using your vehicles air conditioning when driving, never turn it on the re-circulate setting. This feature allows the cool air in the cab to be re-circulated throughout the vehicle. This will draw dog hair through your a/c system, which can cause damage over time.
How Can Groomers Manage Grey Water Tanks in the Summer?
Grey tanks can develop a sour odor if they are not deodorized, especially during the hot summer months. You can use bleach to deodorize the grey tank for grooming waste water. After emptying the tank, add a couple of gallons of fresh water and a cup of bleach, and let it sit for about 30 minutes, then drain. Taking a quick drive around the block will swoosh the water around. Vinegar is another form of deodorizer that you can use that is noncorrosive. I have also heard that some groomers use bromine, which is the same chemical that is used in hot tubs.
Jodi Murphy, Master Pet Stylist
Summer Tips for Groomer’s High Velocity Dryers
Vehicles that have the HV dryer located in the back may tend to blow at a higher temperature during the summer. The back of these vehicles will heat up due to the high temperature outside. In most vehicles the A/C has no way of reaching that area. The HV dryer is pulling hot air from the van and re-circulating it through the motor. It heats up very quickly and can become very uncomfortable for the dog. Opening the back door to the vehicle while working to allow fresh air in will keep the HV dryer running at the proper temperature.
Every mobile grooming vehicle is set up differently. Keep these tips in mind and try to modify them based on your set-up!
