Commercial Pressure Washing: Ask First

Newly built building exterior with a clean driveway and walkway

Cleaning a business is not the same as cleaning a driveway. The surfaces are bigger and greasier, the schedule matters, and what runs off the property is something you can be responsible for. Here is what we would ask any contractor before signing.

What usually needs washing

Entrances and sidewalks. They get the most foot traffic, gum and grime, and they are the first thing a customer sees.
Parking areas and drive lanes. Tire marks, oil drips and general dirt build up over time.
Dumpster pads. Food grease and liquids soak in and cause the smell.
Building fronts, block walls and canopies, which collect dust and mildew.

Ask where the wash water goes

Wash water can carry oil, grease, detergent and dirt. Storm drains do not go to a treatment plant. They empty into creeks and lakes, and Texas and federal rules generally do not allow that kind of runoff into them. Rules differ from city to city, and some allow wash water to go to the sanitary sewer with approval. A good contractor can tell you how they will handle it on your property. If the answer is a shrug, keep looking.

Ask about timing

The best time to wash is when the property is quietest: early morning, a closed day or after hours. Wet pavement is slippery and customers do not enjoy walking around hoses. Agree on a window up front, and on what happens if rain or a delivery gets in the way.

Ask for proof of insurance

Pressure can damage glass, signs, seals and landscaping if something goes wrong. A contractor should be able to send a certificate of insurance on request, and you should ask for it before the work starts.

Ask how often it should happen

High-traffic entrances and sidewalks: often the first thing to fade, so plan on more frequent visits.
Dumpster pads: as often as the smell and staining say, because grease builds fast.
Parking areas and building exteriors: usually once or twice a year, depending on traffic and trees.

We quote commercial work from a written scope after a walk-through or a set of photos, with the surfaces, method and schedule spelled out. Send the address and we will take a look.

Common questions

Where does the wash water go when a business is pressure washed?

It matters, because wash water can carry oil, grease, detergent and dirt, and storm drains empty into creeks and lakes rather than a treatment plant. Texas and federal rules generally do not allow that kind of runoff, and rules differ from city to city, so a good contractor can tell you how they will handle it on your property.

When is the best time to schedule commercial pressure washing?

When the property is quietest: early morning, a closed day or after hours. Wet pavement is slippery and customers do not enjoy walking around hoses, so agree on a window up front and on what happens if rain or a delivery gets in the way.

How often should a commercial property be pressure washed?

High traffic entrances and sidewalks are usually the first thing to fade and need the most frequent visits. Dumpster pads are a matter of how fast grease builds, and parking areas and building exteriors are usually once or twice a year depending on traffic and trees.

Want it done right the first time? We clean, protect and finish driveways, patios and concrete across Central Texas.

Commercial pressure washing: what to ask before you hire