When you need a spotless front for your company, commercial pressure washing is the way to go. This is due to the fact that it not only revitalizes structures but also eliminates any stubborn stains, grit, and grime from all the right areas.
Pressure cleaning, also known as power washing, removes harmful elements from houses, masonry, fences, and structures by spraying water at high pressure. Although the terms are interchangeable, hot water is used in industrial washing circumstances to remove difficult oil stains, grease buildup, and other contaminants.
The procedure dissolves the bond between the surface and the dirt. For cleaning, power washing uses a temperature range of 250-320 degrees Fahrenheit. A blast of hot water is released at a rate of 5 or so gallons per minute at around 3000 psi in this high-pressure washing technique.
First and foremost, power washing is essential for the maintenance of exterior surfaces. Commercial power washing, when done properly, improves the longevity of your asset. Through eliminating contaminants from surfaces, it eliminates rotting, decaying, and premature dropping of loose material.
Benefits of Power Washing for Commercial Buildings:
Removes mold, mildew, and algae - Mold and mildew can not only damage surfaces but also pose health risks if allowed to grow. Power washing kills and removes these hazardous organisms.
Lifts stains and dirt - Over time, dirt, grime, and stains can build up on surfaces. Power washing lifts these away, restoring the original color and appearance.
Prevents erosion and decay - By removing contaminants, power washing helps prevent erosion, cracking, peeling, and other types of decay.
Improves curb appeal - Clean, bright building exteriors give a professional, well-maintained impression to customers and clients.
Prepares surfaces for painting/sealing - Washing removes chalkiness, oxidation, and other issues that could interfere with proper paint or sealant adhesion.
Sanitizes surfaces - The high heat kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present.
Most commercial buildings can benefit from power washing once or twice a year. It's a good idea to schedule it in the spring to wash away salt, dirt, and grime from the winter months. Fall is another ideal time to clean a building before the cold weather sets in again.
However, the optimal frequency depends on factors like your location, climate, amount of traffic, and more. Coastal regions may need more frequent washings to counteract saltwater damage. High foot traffic means quicker buildup of dirt and stains. Talk to your contractor about an appropriate schedule.
Commercial power washing can be used on almost any hard, nonporous exterior surface, including:
Storefronts
Sidewalks
Parking lots
Loading docks
Dumpster areas
Building walls
Awnings and roofs
Statues, monuments, and decorative elements
Outdoor furniture and fixtures
It's also highly effective for cleaning fleet vehicles like delivery trucks to give your business an overall tidy appearance.
Look for an insured and licensed company that specializes in commercial jobs. They should have experience with buildings similar to yours and be able to provide before-and-after photos. Ask about their specific process, equipment, and cleaning solutions.
Make sure they follow safe practices, like blocking off work areas and containing wash runoff. Verify they have proper licenses for handling hazardous waste if you have concerns about lead paint or other regulated materials.
Discuss frequency recommendations based on your facility's needs. Get an estimate of costs per service. Establishing a regular schedule can often come with discounted bulk rates.
A typical commercial job follows this general order of operations:
Initial walkthrough and planning - The contractor will evaluate surfaces and discuss problem areas, specialized needs, or safety concerns.
Equipment setup – The team will bring all necessary equipment and supplies to the site and protect nearby property.
Pre-rinsing – A light spray prep helps avoid streaking.
Washing – Workers methodically power wash from top to bottom focusing on stubborn areas as needed. They will take care to contain and redirect runoff.
Final rinse – A finishing rinse removes any last traces of cleaning solutions.
Inspection and cleanup – You can walk the site together for final approval and workers will pack up all their gear.
Optional sealing or sanitizing – Many contractors offer additional services like applying protective sealants or sanitizing disinfectants.
Prices depend on factors like:
Square footage - Larger spaces take more time.
Height/number of stories - Reaching upper levels requires specialized equipment.
Surface type - More delicate or porous materials may need gentler methods.
Severity of buildup - Heavily soiled areas take longer to restore.
Location logistics - Difficult access can drive up costs.
Typical price ranges:
Basic exterior wash: $0.10-$0.30 per sq. ft.
Dumpster area: $100-$300 per dumpster
Sidewalk cleaning: $0.20-$0.40 per sq. ft.
Parking lot cleaning: $0.15-$0.30 per sq. ft.
Fleet vehicle washing: $50-$100 per vehicle
Get quotes from at least 2 or 3 contractors to find the best value. Establishing an ongoing service contract can help lower individual service costs.
While extremely effective, power washing does come with certain hazards if proper precautions aren’t taken:
Electric shock – Never spray near power lines or other live electrical sources.
Fall risks – Workers should use harnesses and anchoring when operating at heights.
Overspray damage – Plants or delicate materials nearby should be shielded.
Flying debris – Loose contaminants dislodged at high pressure can cause injury, so the area around the work site should be blocked off.
Chemical hazards – Harsh cleaning agents may require protective gear to avoid skin/eye irritation. Proper ventilation is a must.
Water damage – Controlling runoff and drying any standing water prevents mold and mildew issues.
Surfaces may be slippery after cleaning until they are completely dry. Post caution signs or block access until dry.
A reputable commercial pressure washer will have training in all necessary safety protocols and carry insurance in case of damages or accidents.
Standard power washing relies heavily on chemicals and fossil fuels. For businesses concerned about their environmental impact, eco-friendly alternatives include:
Using green cleaning solutions - Look for non-toxic, biodegradable soaps.
Recycling wash water - Contain and filter runoff for reuse.
Solar-heated power washers - Solar thermal panels provide a renewable energy source.
Electric power washers - These avoid gas emissions but may be less powerful.
Dry ice blasting - Pellets of dry ice melt upon impact, eliminating the need for any cleaning solutions.
Though sometimes pricier, green power washing achieves the same sparkling clean results while reducing your business’s carbon footprint.
Keeping up exterior appearances with regular commercial pressure washing provides higher perceived value and demonstrates your commitment to quality. Schedule a consultation with a contractor to discuss an ongoing service plan tailored to your business’s unique needs and facilities. Consistent professional cleaning optimizes your organization's image and protects your investments.
