You’ve heard the expression, “First impressions count.” The exterior of your commercial property shapes company perception, so it’s bad for business if it doesn’t look its best.
Perhaps you’ve noticed exterior surfaces like the pavers have accumulated dirt or concrete driveways are stained and think it’s time to get around to exterior cleaning.
It’s tempting to do the high-pressure cleaning yourself, believing it will save you money, but we’ve seen firsthand the risks and costly pitfalls of DIY jobs. From expensive hire prices to inconsistent cleaning jobs, all the way to severe property damage, the hidden costs of DIY outweigh the perceived savings. So, before forging ahead with DIY, consider these 6 hidden costs.
6 hidden costs of DIY high-pressure cleaning
1. Equipment and rental costs
Let’s start with the equipment. High-quality pressure washers required for commercial-scale cleaning can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. While cheaper options are available, they are often underpowered and end up being poor investments.
What about renting? Rental fees for commercial-grade pressure washers often exceed $100 per day. Most commercial cleaning projects take several days so renting ends up costly. When you consider transport, set-up, and returning the equipment, a cost-effective option can become time-consuming and expensive.
Why not make it easier? Outsourcing pressure cleaning to professional services gives you access to industrial-grade equipment without the upfront cost. You’re paying for efficiency and effectiveness, rather than trying to cut corners with less powerful equipment.
2. Maintenance and repair costs
Okay, so you bought cleaning equipment. Now there is the issue of maintenance.
Pressure washers require regular maintenance. Failure to maintain the machine can lead to costly repairs or even premature replacement. Servicing can be expensive.
You must also account for wear and tear on accessories, such as hoses, nozzles, and brushes. Over time, these components degrade and need replacing, adding to your overall costs.
When you hire a professional pressure cleaning service, you avoid the headaches of breakdowns, repairs, and replacements. Commercial pressure cleaning companies maintain their tools to ensure peak performance – so you don’t have to worry!
3. The risk of property damage
So maybe you’re happy to invest in high-pressure cleaning equipment or to hire it. As handy as you think you are, DIY has costly risks.
Pressure washers are powerful tools. Too much pressure while building washing can strip paint, crack tiles, or shatter windows. Certain surfaces, such as wood, stucco, or vinyl, require specific pressure settings and cleaning techniques. It’s easy to make a mistake, resulting in expensive repairs.
Replacing damaged siding, repainting walls, or fixing cracked pavement can quickly inflate costs beyond what you initially budgeted. In the worst cases, property damage could even affect business operations, leading to loss of revenue.
Trained professionals who understand how to clean different surfaces safely mitigate the risk of making a costly mistake. They check the material and condition of your property and use the right settings and cleaning agents so expensive damage doesn’t occur.
4. Time and labour costs
DIY power washing is time-consuming. Beyond the actual cleaning, time is spent sourcing the equipment, learning how to use it properly, setting it up, and managing the clean-up afterwards. Pressure washing can take multiple hours or even days for larger properties.
If you assign this task to one of your employees, you’re diverting them from their primary responsibilities. You may also need to invest time in training your staff to operate the equipment safely and effectively.
Professional pressure cleaning services are trained to complete the job in a fraction of the time it would take an inexperienced user, freeing up your time and resources to focus on running your business.
5. Liability and safety risks
Pressure cleaning may just look like a strong hose, but high-pressure water streams can cause severe injuries if mishandled. Operating heavy equipment on wet surfaces presents slip-and-fall risks as well.
DIY pressure washing also exposes you to liabilities if an employee is injured while performing the task – not something you want to risk!
Commercial pressure cleaning services carry the appropriate insurance and liability coverage, ensuring that you’re not financially responsible in the unlikely event of an accident. Professionals also follow strict safety protocols, reducing the risk of injury and property damage.
6. Inconsistent results and rework
Want high-level results? It’s difficult to achieve the same level of cleanliness as a commercial service, which is a shame, especially when you or your staff have taken time away from your primary job to clean.
The lower the quality of cleaning, the sooner you will need to repeat the task, resulting in even more time and money wasted—not to mention all the added stress.
Professional pressure washing services like Kleenit use the latest equipment to achieve high-quality results. They also use solutions and water-efficient techniques to minimise environmental impact.
Their expertise ensures that every surface is cleaned thoroughly and evenly, reducing the need for frequent re-cleaning and helping maintain your property’s value over time.
High-pressure washing services
While DIY pressure cleaning may seem cheaper in the short term, the hidden costs quickly add up. From equipment purchases and maintenance to the risk of property damage and safety concerns, there are numerous factors to consider.
By opting for professional high-pressure cleaning, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your property is cleaned efficiently, safely, and with long-lasting results. Investing in a commercial pressure cleaning service is about more than avoiding the hassle. It’s about protecting your property, your employees, and your bottom line.
Learn more about our pressure cleaning services or get a free quote today.