💦 What Are Pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning Services?
These are professional cleaning services that use high-pressure water or superheated steam to clean and sanitize surfaces. They’re commonly used in commercial, industrial, and residential environments where traditional cleaning methods aren’t effective.
🔹 Pressure Washing
Uses cold or hot high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, mold, algae, grease, and graffiti from hard surfaces.
🔹 Steam Cleaning
Uses superheated steam (up to 300°F / 149°C) at high pressure to disinfect, degrease, and sanitize surfaces — often without chemicals.
🧱 Key Differences
| Feature | Pressure Washing | Steam Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Water Temperature | Cold or hot | Superheated steam |
| Primary Use | Surface cleaning & heavy debris removal | Disinfection, degreasing, sanitizing |
| Ideal Surfaces | Outdoor surfaces, concrete, siding | Kitchens, restrooms, tile, equipment |
| Chemicals Needed | Often yes (detergents, degreasers) | Often no (chemical-free option) |
| Surface Safety | Can damage soft surfaces | Safer for delicate or indoor areas |
🧼 Typical Services Offered
✅ Pressure Washing Services
Building exteriors (walls, facades, stucco, siding)
Concrete cleaning (sidewalks, parking lots, driveways)
Deck and patio cleaning
Fence washing
Roof washing (low-pressure “soft washing”)
Graffiti removal
Gutter cleaning
Equipment and machinery cleaning (industrial)
✅ Steam Cleaning Services
Commercial kitchens (degreasing ovens, grills, hoods)
Tile and grout cleaning
Restroom sanitization
Medical or food service equipment
Commercial vehicles and fleet cleaning
Mold and mildew remediation
Interior floors and upholstery (delicate cleaning)
🏭 Industries That Use These Services
Restaurants and food production facilities
Property management and real estate
Hotels and hospitality
Warehouses and factories
Automotive and fleet management
Retail and shopping centers
Schools, universities, and gyms
Hospitals and medical centers
Gas stations and convenience stores
💲 Pricing (Estimates)
Pricing varies based on:
Surface type and condition
Area size (sq. ft.)
Access difficulty
Water source availability
Chemical use (if required)
📌 Sample Price Ranges:
| Service Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pressure washing driveway (1,000 sq ft) | $150 – $300 |
| Steam cleaning commercial kitchen | $300 – $800 |
| Graffiti removal | $5 – $15 per sq ft |
| Building façade washing | $0.30 – $0.80 per sq ft |
| Fleet vehicle steam cleaning | $30 – $100 per vehicle |
⚠️ Safety & Compliance Considerations
EPA stormwater runoff laws (especially for exterior washing)
Use of biodegradable detergents (if chemicals are used)
Protective gear (PPE) for technicians
Proper water containment and disposal
Compliance with OSHA standards in industrial settings
🛠️ Equipment Used
Pressure Washing:
Gas or electric pressure washers
Hot water pressure washers
Surface cleaners
Extension wands and rotating nozzles
Detergent injectors
Steam Cleaning:
Commercial-grade steam generators
Attachments for degreasing, tile, and grout
Vacuum recovery systems (optional)
Steam mops for indoor surfaces
📋 Sample Pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning Checklist
| Task | Method Used | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Building exterior cleaning | Pressure wash | Monthly/Quarterly |
| Sidewalk/gutter cleaning | Pressure wash | Weekly/Monthly |
| Kitchen hood degreasing | Steam cleaning | Monthly/Quarterly |
| Tile/grout disinfecting | Steam cleaning | Weekly/As needed |
| Oil stain removal (parking lot) | Pressure wash + degreaser | As needed |
| Restroom deep clean | Steam cleaning | Weekly |
📎 Are You Starting or Offering These Services?
If you’re running or launching a cleaning business, here’s what you may need:
📌 Essentials:
Pressure washers and/or steam machines
Water source or water tanks
Chemical supplies (biodegradable cleaners)
Van or trailer for equipment transport
PPE and safety training
Business license & insurance
📌 Services to Bundle:
Parking lot striping
Window cleaning
Commercial floor scrubbing
Graffiti prevention coatings
✅ I Can Help You With:
Would you like any of the following for your business?
A marketing flyer or brochure
A quote/invoice template
A cleaning checklist (PDF or editable)
A service contract or terms of service
A business plan or equipment list
Let me know what you’re working on, and I’ll tailor the right tools or templates for you.