Our Story
Our President, Doug — a former CFL player and investment advisor — and his wife, Angela Kelman, a Juno Award-winning singer, started Wash Safe Canada in 2010.
How It All Began
It all started when we noticed moss growing on the roof of our country home just outside Courtenay, on Vancouver Island. Our property fronts 1,000 feet along the Brown’s River. We draw our water from a well, and with kids and dogs running around, we were extremely reluctant to use any of the chemical roof and algae cleaners on the market.
The instructions on those products warned about wearing protective clothing, covering nearby plants, and avoiding use near rivers, streams, or ponds — all things that applied directly to our situation.
Finding a Better Way
After much research, we came across a company in Cape Cod, MA, called Wash Safe Industries. They offered an environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaner that seemed like a perfect fit.
We had recently sold our previous company, and as Angela put it, Doug needed something “to keep him out of the pool hall.” The cleaner worked so well that we acquired the Canadian distribution rights and launched Wash Safe Canada.
Listening and Evolving
After eight years in business, we decided to take a hard look at our model, our products, and our website to make sure we were still delivering what our customers needed.
In late 2017, we began reaching out to retail store owners, salespeople, and consumers to get honest feedback. Here’s what we learned:
- We had too many similar products with overlapping functions — it was confusing for both salespeople and customers.
- Our U.S. packaging didn’t meet Canadian regulations, which raised concerns for some retailers.
- Sales showed that our Roof, Deck, Cedar, and Household lines were clear favourites.
- Our liquid products — Rust Off and Spray and Clean Composite Deck Cleaner — were also customer favourites.
Simplifying and Strengthening
With this input, we simplified and improved. We combined the best ingredients from our line into three powerful new cleaners:
We also partnered with a local manufacturer, proudly making our products 100% Made in Canada, and rebranded our distribution under the name Pacific Northwest Green Cleaning Products.
We kept distribution of the two original liquid products — just as our customers asked.
Whew — busy times, eh?!
And we wouldn’t have it any other way.