How Often Should You Clean a Parking Garage? | Power Washing Tips for Garages, Decks, and Parkades

douthatjustin
6 days ago
2 min read

Parking garages—whether above ground, underground, or multi-level—take a beating. Oil leaks, tire marks, salt, dirt, and trash all build up quickly. Regular cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics—it extends the life of the surface, improves safety, and protects your property investment. But how often should you schedule professional power washing for your parking garage or parkade? Let’s break it down.

1. The Importance of Routine Parking Garage Cleaning

Routine maintenance helps:

Prevent long-term staining from oil and grease
Remove corrosive deicing salts (especially in Colorado winters)
Improve slip resistance and pedestrian safety
Enhance curb appeal for tenants, customers, and inspectors
Avoid costly damage to coatings and concrete

2. How Often Should a Parking Garage Be Cleaned?

When it comes to power washing, frequency depends on traffic volume, location, and exposure to elements. Here’s a realistic guide:

Light-use garages: Every 1–3 years
High-traffic garages (downtown, hospitals, universities): Once to twice per year
Underground or enclosed garages: At least once per year, ideally after snow season

Sweeping, on the other hand, should be done more frequently—monthly or quarterly, depending on traffic and debris. Routine sweeping removes surface dirt, trash, and salt before it can become embedded in the concrete. This helps extend the time between power washes and reduce wear on your facility.

3. Surface Sweeping Before Power Washing

Before washing, we often recommend mechanical sweeping to remove surface-level debris. This makes the pressure washing more effective and greatly reduces water consumption. A clean start leads to a better finish.

4. Choosing the Right Contractor

Not all pressure washing is the same. Make sure your contractor:

Has experience with large concrete surfaces
Uses hot water and appropriate detergents
Can handle water reclamation where required
Is fully insured and compliant with local regulations

At Colorado Springs Pressure Washing, we specialize in commercial garage cleaning—including parking decks and underground garages. From sweeping to deep cleaning, we handle it all.

5. Signs Your Garage Is Due for Cleaning

Visible oil stains or tire marks
Dusty or gritty feel underfoot
Musty odor in enclosed decks
Increased slips, skids, or complaints
Deicing salt residue in spring

If you see any of these, it's time to call in the pros.

Whether you manage a shopping center, office building, or apartment complex, your parking structure deserves routine care. Our team at Colorado Springs Pressure Washing, LLC is ready to help you clean, protect, and maintain your garage—on your schedule and to your standard.

📞 Contact us today for a free quote on commercial sweeping and power washing services.

719-256-0266