Performing upkeep on your commercial properties often feels like a full-time job. Most cleaning methods for commercial buildings are either too slow, ineffective, or outright dangerous.
The lone exception is pressure washing for commercial buildings. Commercial building pressure washing is quick, safe, and easy to implement into your operations.
Organizations worldwide have been pressure washing commercial buildings for nearly 100 years. If you want to achieve jaw-dropping cleaning results while saving time and money, you need to harness power washers for yourself.
This guide will answer all your questions, like how much does it cost to pressure wash a commercial building, which pressure washer settings should you look for, and how often do you need to clean your property?
Our team at RJP Hotsy New Jersey has helped hundreds of local businesses in the Garden State keep their properties pristine. We’ve worked with giant brands like the NJ Transit Authority, Penske, and Stericycle, as well as small mom-and-pop shops.
Whether you want to rent, own, or lease equipment, our experienced and friendly team will help you find the perfect setup for your needs.
Benefits of Pressure Washing Commercial Buildings
Before diving into commercial building pressure washing prices or which type of detergent to get, let’s explain why it is the best method for cleaning your properties.
Pressure washing commercial buildings has several massive benefits, including increased curb appeal, structural upkeep, and safety standard compliance.
Enhancing Curb Appeal and Brand Image
First impressions are everything in your business. If a customer, client, or vendor walks onto your property and instantly notices the grime stuck in between your floor tiles or rust all over your machinery, you’re not putting your best face forward.
Your company may have the best product or service on the market. Still, it will mean nothing to your bottom line if potential customers are continuously turned away by your unprofessional appearance.
Preventing Structural Damage and Extending Building Lifespan
While some business owners may be hesitant about commercial building pressure washing prices at first glance, thinking of long-term savings is essential.
The “dust” and “dirt” on your property may be far more insidious. Your stains could contain mold, algae, rust, and biofilm that seep into the cracks of your structures and machinery.
As these contaminants seep into the pores of your buildings, they create damage that can lead to expensive repairs.
Think of it like this. How much does it cost to pressure wash a commercial building? Often, it is as cheap as a few hundred dollars with a rental. Conversely, how much is replacing an entire floor of industrial machinery? Sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Spending a few extra dollars now to save money in the long run is more than worth it.
Improving Health and Safety for Employees and Customers
Pressure washing for commercial buildings effectively helps avoid lawsuits, worker’s comp claims, and increased insurance premiums.
Slippery walkways from grease, malfunctioning machinery, and grime in high-traffic areas can lead to short- and long-term incidents (e.g., slip-and-falls) and long-term illnesses (e.g., respiratory diseases from mold or bacteria).
Commercial pressure washing lets you sanitize your property, creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
Common Messes Encountered on Commercial Buildings
When you stop and think about all of the stains on your property, it’s enough to overload you with stress:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Algae
- Exhaust
- Rust
- Grime
- Oil
- Grease
- Grafitti
- Hard Water
- Salt
- Biofilm
Many of these stains require unique cleaning methods that are far more complex than manual scrubbing. However, pressure washing commercial buildings allows you to tackle all of these stains, and the most you have to do to tackle them is swap out detergent or a nozzle.
That makes commercial pressure washing prices far more efficient than any other cleaning method; you can just grab a machine out of storage (or rent one) and get the right accessories, and then these stains are dealt with in a few minutes.
How Much Does it Cost to Pressure Wash a Commercial Building?
The benefits of pressure washing for commercial buildings are enticing, which leads to another question.
How much does it cost to pressure wash a commercial building?
While external cleaning companies may have quoted you high costs, pressure washing is surprisingly affordable if you do it yourself.
Factors That Affect the Commercial Building Pressure Washing Cost
Commercial building pressure washing prices are primarily affected by the types of stains you’re dealing with, along with the dimensions of your property.
A small retail shop with dust and dirt will be much cheaper than a massive industrial complex with maritime biofilm, oil, rust, and road film.
Commercial Building Pressure Washing Prices When Outsourcing
External companies typically use one of three pricing models: square footage, hourly rates, or project pricing.
Companies specializing in pressure-washing commercial buildings generally charge at least $.50 per square foot or over $300 per hour.
The costs of specialized projects, such as restoring concrete, removing graffiti, or jobs requiring a trailer, may exceed $1000+.
Renting Equipment and Pressure Washing Commercial Buildings Yourself
On the other hand, renting equipment and doing it yourself can be far more cost-effective. The average pressure washer rental costs $1-$300 daily, even for access to high-powered machines that can handle difficult stains.
Renting your machine also gives you more control over your cleaning operations. You can train your staff to do the job correctly. Learning how to use a power washer is simple, especially when you have experts on your side.
Does it Make Sense to Buy Your Own Equipment and Supplies?
Purchasing a machine gives you and your staff the time to learn how to use a power washer, helping your organization create a solid protocol.
If you want to rent, lease, or buy commercial pressure washers in New Jersey, check out RJP Hotsy. We are the state’s only Hotsy dealership, bringing you the industry-leading brand with over 50 years of history.
Our team of pressure washing experts will help you choose the best equipment, including soap and accessories, for your facilities.
Hundreds of local businesses, including the Phillies, Ryder, and Nestle, have trusted us for commercial pressure washer leasing in NJ. Our inventory includes several commercial hot water pressure washers in New Jersey and cold models to fit your budget.
What You’ll Need for Commercial Building Pressure Washing
When you start shopping for power washing equipment, there is plenty of terminology to consider, so let’s break it down.
Pressure Washer
First, you’ll want to learn how to choose a pressure washer. The best pressure washer for concrete isn’t necessarily ideal for wood surfaces, vehicles, or machinery.
Consider the types of stains you’ll deal with and the layout of your property.
For example, if you’re primarily indoors, you don’t want a gas-powered model–the fumes will be uncomfortable without proper ventilation. Conversely, if you’re cleaning a large outdoor property, you’ll want to skip the electric model and use a gas engine, possibly mounted to a trailer, for extra mobility.
Similarly, consider your machine’s water temperature. Cold-water machines are less expensive, but hot water provides extra cleaning power.
Feel free to contact our team at RJP Hotsy for specifics on choosing the right machine, whether you’re renting or buying. We even create custom commercial pressure washer trailers in NJ if needed.
Detergents
Even the best power washer will only get you so far without detergent. These specially formulated blends attack stains at the molecular level, helping you easily lift them from your surfaces.
We highly recommend Hotsy’s line of biodegradable soaps. These recommendations are a strong starting point:
- All-Purpose: Hotsy Breakthrough
- Vehicles: Hotsy Carbon-Ate
- Road Film: Hotsy Blue Thunder
- Grease: Hotsy Ripper I & II
- Restaurant Equipment: Hotsy Duct Boss
- Eco-Friendly: Hotsy Citrus Clean or Hotsy Verde All-Purpose
Accessories
Power washing accessories will make your job easier. Hotsy’s accessories are tailor-made to access those hard-to-reach areas on your property.
Hotsy’s Surface Cleaner can quickly clear large floors or lots, which is especially helpful for parking lots and walkways.
We recommend Hotsy’s Extension Wand for high areas, which can reach up to 24 feet high. If you’re cleaning vehicles, Hotsy’s Foam Cannon will help you distribute the detergent safely without damaging the underlying paint.
Tips For Pressure Washing Commercial Buildings
Learning how to use a power washer doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s all about choosing the right equipment and following expert advice.
Choosing the Right PSI and GPM For the Job
Two crucial attributes to consider before starting a job are PSI and GPM. These stand for pounds per square inch and gallons per minute, respectively, and indicate the force and volume of the water stream.
Our blog has a detailed pressure washer PSI guide, but here are the quick basics. Use 1000-2000 for light-duty jobs like decks, vehicles, or wood surfaces. 2000-3000 PSI is suitable for concrete and dirt stains. PSI over 3000+ is your best bet for embedded tough stains like grease, biofilm, and rust.
Do not exceed the recommended amount, as excessively high PSI could damage delicate surfaces.
GPM is equally important. We recommend a minimum of 2 GPM for light-duty jobs, while tougher stains require 4 to 8 GPM.
Picking the Right Detergent for Better Results
Power washing detergent helps your water stream lift the stains. Choose a biodegradable soap with safe ingredients suited for the debris you’re dealing with.
As with PSI, it is vital to do your research. For example, Hotsy’s Advanced Formula Aluminum Brightener is a must-have when cleaning metal surfaces, but it will stain and damage glass.
Adjusting Pressure and Nozzles for Different Surfaces
You should invest in several different nozzles with varied angles. The cardinal rule is that narrow-angle nozzles are better at focusing on one specific area, while wide ones can quickly clear more extensive areas.
Best Practices for Safety and Efficiency
Safety is paramount when pressure washing. Wear personal protective equipment, including non-slip shoes, hearing protection, and goggles. Before you begin, clear the area of any large debris that can fly around while you’re cleaning.
One of our favorite pressure washer techniques is creating sectioned areas for efficiency. Working top-to-bottom, using gravity as an aid, with overlapping motions for complete coverage, is a great way to achieve this.
Caring for Equipment Post-Cleaning
After cleaning, flush your machine with clear water to remove soap residue. Then, store it in a cool, dry place. You’ll also want to use a fuel stabilizer if you own a gas-powered model.
Now is a good time to inspect your equipment. Checking your hoses and connection points for wear and tear will help you identify problems before they become more significant issues.
How Often Should You Pressure Wash a Commercial Building?
You almost have everything you need to start pressure washing commercial buildings, but there’s one more thing to cover–cleaning frequency.
Recommended Cleaning Frequency by Industry
The rate at which you clean your property depends on your industry and the stains you encounter.
Retail storefronts, office buildings, and shopping centers should be cleaned quarterly to boost curb appeal.
Hospitality businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, should consider cleaning problem areas monthly and quick spot cleaning of high-traffic locations weekly.
Industrial facilities will generally require cleaning every month, but there also may be specific safety standards that require weekly or biweekly upkeep to consider.
Seasonal Considerations
You’ll want to focus extra on cleaning your property during specific times of the year.
First, if you have ‘busy seasons,’ whether on a retail or manufacturing property, clean before, during, and after.
Fall and winter cleaning are also crucial. Pressure washing can be difficult in winter, so perform a deep cleaning before the temperatures drop below freezing.
Invest in a detergent that effectively removes salt residue and mold in the spring. This will help you combat the effects of melted snow and avoid mildew.
Signs Your Building Needs Immediate Pressure Washing
Most visible stains indicate that your property is dirty enough to require pressure washing. Look for biological growth, such as mold or algae, dark stains, oil spots, and chalky residue.
All of these issues should be dealt with ASAP to avoid further complications.
Closing Thoughts on Pressure Washing for Commercial Buildings
Power washing is the most effective way to clean commercial buildings. It’s fast, safe, and cost-efficient if you rent or buy equipment.
If you want to learn more about how your organization can streamline cleaning processes, visit RJP Hotsy! We’re the #1 home for commercial cold water pressure washers in New Jersey, with reliable products from the industry leader.
We also have the state’s best repair shop, which can help keep your equipment in peak condition. Contact us today for expert recommendations on how to clean your property effectively!
