Curb appeal is important to a shopping center. No matter how nice a store looks inside, it’s the exterior that makes the first impression. A tired, dingy center will make customers want to go elsewhere for their business.
The best solution is to hire a shopping center pressure washing service like Power Washing Genie. You’ll be surprised at how much better your property will look with a thorough exterior cleaning.
Why Do You Need Shopping Center Pressure Washing?
Landlords are often responsible for the exterior of the building and other common areas to make it attractive. If a customer sees a dirty, unkempt property, they will assume the inside of the store looks the same.
If you want to present a positive image of your shopping center, it’s important to keep the entire exterior looking good. Our shopping center pressure washing service involves cleaning the following areas:
- Exterior walls
- Parking lots
- Sidewalks
- Loading areas
- Signages
- Dumpster pad
Safety and Sanitation
Customers are more likely to fall if there’s grease, oil, or other substances in the parking lot or on sidewalks. We make sure that spilled food, unpleasant smells, and other sanitation hazards are washed away from your property.
Easier Damage Inspection
Pressure washing makes it easier to see any repairs that need to be made in your shopping center. You can prevent rotten boards and other expensive repairs on your property.
Increased Store Foot Traffic
A clean and well-maintained shopping center will attract more customers. Pressure washing is a small investment that can have big payoffs, including increased sales.
No Water Intrusion
Pressure washing will thoroughly clean your shopping center exterior without any water leaking into your stores. Power Washing Genie can get the job done with minimal interference with your business.
Common Cleaning Issues in Shopping Center
Shopping centers are some of the most diverse commercial properties. They consist of different establishments, from food and beverage to retail. Over time, various contaminants can age and degrade these centers, resulting in reduced appeal and fewer customers. As such, it’s essential to know how to deal with the common cleaning issues shopping centers face.
It’s equally imperative to know how to pressure wash different surface materials. Concrete surfaces can take a pressure level of 2,500 to 3,000 PSI, but more fragile materials like wood, tile, and vinyl will require a lower intensity (500 to 1,400 PSI).
A 25-degree nozzle is typically used for a variety of surfaces, but switching to a 40- or even 60-degree nozzle may be necessary for older and more delicate materials. Prior to the cleaning process, make sure to prepare the area by sweeping away any loose dirt or dust.
Dirt, Dust, and Debris
As shopping centers experience a lot of foot traffic, visitors can bring in all sorts of dirt and debris into the premises. Areas that don’t receive a lot of attention, on the other hand, can quickly gather dust.
Normally, the use of a broom or duster can easily sweep dirt, dust, and debris off the premises. But, for caked-on or more stubborn filth, the use of a soft washing technique works best. For concrete, pressure washing can be used.
Oil, Grease, and Brake Fluid
With its food courts and parking lots, shopping centers are no stranger to the buildup of oil, grease, and brake fluid. To remove these stains, apply a degreaser to the surface then spray a detergent solution. Let the detergent sit for a few minutes before washing it down with hot water. Remember that hot water is more effective than cold water, as a higher temperature can melt away oil and grease.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can also grow in various spaces of a shopping center. When allowed to fester, these growths can pose a risk to the health of customers. Get rid of mold and mildew using a special detergent specifically designed for such growths. Use a brush to scrub the cleaning solution onto the surface to allow for maximum effectiveness. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Soft washing techniques are the most effective.
Rust
Any areas made with aluminum, iron, or steel may experience corrosion and rusting, giving shopping centers an unattractive look. To remove minor rust stains, apply lemon juice on the affected area and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. To remove major rust stains, use a rust remover that contains oxalic acid for a stronger solution. Take a brush and scrub the solution before washing the area down with water. Power Washing Genie uses five different rust removers for maximum effectiveness.
Tire Marks
Tire and skid marks can make any parking lot look old and weary. To remove these marks, apply a degreaser and allow it to soak for 30 minutes without letting it dry out. With a stiff brush, scrub the area to help loosen the marks. Then, use a pressure washer to effectively remove the tire marks for good. For a better outcome, consider re-striping the parking lot as well.
Bird Droppings
Bird droppings may seem harmless at first, but they can actually damage various materials in addition to being downright unappealing. Dried droppings can easily be scraped off. If there are any remnants or stains, take a soft cloth soaked in a mixture of water and dish soap and use it to blot the area. Switch to a dry cloth to dab the same area, letting it absorb the cleaning solution. Repeat the process until the stain disappears.
Graffiti or Vandalism
To remove graffiti, it’s important to tailor the cleaning method according to the surface material. Some materials, like brick and concrete, don’t require any special cleaning products, needing only the sheer force of a pressure washer (at 2,500 to 3,000 PSI and a 25-degree nozzle). Other materials need more help.
For painted or stained wood, mineral spirits will typically work. Older wood is more fragile and can suffer from discoloration. In that case, it’s best to paint over the graffiti instead.
Metal surfaces, on the other hand, require paint thinners or a chemical graffiti remover. Masonry is more porous, so a chemical solvent works best. Finally, to remove graffiti from vinyl surfaces, acetone is usually effective.
It is important to remember, though, that many factors can influence what type of technique and detergent to use. This includes the age of the surface material along with the type of paint used.
Why Choose Power washing Genie?
Power Washing Genie offers pressure washing services in Southern New Jersey, and surrounding areas. So, why hire us?
- Power Washing Genie has years of experience with commercial and community facilities.
- You’ll work with at least two expert technicians dressed in personal protective equipment.
- We understand the specific needs of a shopping center.
- Power Washing Genie is armed with the best equipment and cleaning methods.
- We use eco-friendly products and more effective proprietary cleaning solutions.
- We’re fully insured for your peace of mind.
- A completed Job Hazard Analysis form comes with every job.
Power Washing Genie works with your budget and schedule to design a cleaning regimen that suits your needs. In addition to one-time cleaning jobs, we also offer regularly scheduled services so you don’t have to call for cleaning every month.
