Revolutionizing Cleaning Services: Drones for Washing Buildings, Windows, and Solar Panels

Updated - December 1, 2025

In today's fast-paced world, innovation is the key to efficiency. This holds true even in the cleaning industry, where traditional methods are giving way to cutting-edge technology. Drones are now being engineered specifically for exterior cleaning, with purpose-built systems for window washing, soft washing, and solar panel cleaning—far beyond simple photography platforms.

In this blog post, we'll explore how drones are transforming the cleaning industry, specifically in the washing of buildings, windows, and solar panels

The Rise of Cleaning Drones

Cleaning is a necessary but often labor-intensive and time-consuming task. Traditional methods for cleaning large surfaces such as buildings, windows, and solar panels involve scaffolding, ropes, and manpower. Not only do these methods pose safety risks, but they also require significant time and resources.

Enter cleaning drones - a fast-growing solution adopted by hospitals, hotels, universities, solar farms, and property managers nationwide.

How Cleaning Drones Work

Cleaning drones are equipped with specialized tools and technologies that make them effective at their task. Here's a brief overview of how they work:

1. High-Pressure Water Jets:

Most commercial cleaning drones now operate between 150–300 PSI for window washing and up to 1000+ PSI for soft-wash pre-rinse, delivered through lightweight hoses from the ground rather than onboard tanks.

2. Brushes and Scrubbers:

While early prototypes used brushes or scrubbers, most modern systems rely on controlled water pressure and chemical application to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.

3. Sensors and Cameras:

Newer models also include altitude-hold sensors, LiDAR-based positioning, and gyroscopic stabilization to maintain perfect distance from vertical surfaces.

4. Remote Control or Autonomous:

Most cleaning drones in the U.S. must be operated manually or with assisted flight modes due to FAA regulations, though semi-autonomous systems are increasing in availability.

Benefits of Cleaning Drones

The adoption of cleaning drones is gaining momentum, and for good reason. Here are some of the notable benefits they offer:

1. Enhanced Safety:

Traditional cleaning methods often involve putting workers at risk, especially when working at great heights. Cleaning drones eliminate this risk by performing the task remotely.

2. Time Efficiency:

Cleaning drones can complete jobs up to 4–6x faster than traditional crews, especially on buildings under 25 stories.

3. Cost Savings:

Drone cleaning reduces labor needs, eliminates scaffolding or lift rentals, cuts insurance exposure, and reduces downtime for facility operations.

4. Environmental Friendliness:

Drones use up to 70% less water compared to traditional washing, thanks to targeted spray patterns and reduced overspray.

5. Versatility:

These drones can be used for a wide range of applications, from washing skyscraper windows to cleaning vast solar panel farms.

Applications of Cleaning Drones

Let's delve into the specific applications of cleaning drones in the following sectors:

1. Commercial and Residential Buildings

Property managers now use drones for routine façade maintenance, pollen-season window cleaning, and post-construction washdowns.

Cleaning skyscraper windows and maintaining the facades of high-rise buildings have always been challenging tasks. Cleaning drones offer a safe and efficient solution. They can navigate complex building structures and clean windows and surfaces at various heights with ease.

2. Industrial Facilities

Factories and industrial facilities often have extensive surfaces that require regular cleaning. Cleaning drones can access hard-to-reach areas and ensure that machinery and equipment remain free from dust and debris.

3. Solar Panel Farms

Solar panels are becoming increasingly common for renewable energy generation. However, their efficiency can be compromised by dust and dirt buildup. Cleaning drones can quickly and effectively clean solar panels, optimizing their energy output.

Cleaning drones can clean solar arrays up to 50–70% faster and reduce worker heat exposure - an increasingly important issue in large solar farms.

4. Historical and Architectural Preservation

Preserving historical buildings and architectural landmarks is essential. Cleaning drones provide a gentle yet effective way to remove dirt and pollution without causing damage to delicate surfaces.

Low-pressure drone washing is now preferred to avoid abrasive contact with stone, brick, and decorative elements.

5. Agriculture

In agriculture, drones are used primarily for washing greenhouse exteriors or clearing dust from high-mounted ventilation systems.

Regulations and Challenges

As with any emerging technology, the use of cleaning drones comes with its own set of challenges and regulations. Safety, privacy, and airspace regulations are some of the key considerations that both operators and authorities need to address.

1. Safety

Safety is paramount, especially when working with drones in populated areas. Proper training for operators, regular maintenance of the equipment, and adherence to safety protocols are crucial.

Operators must follow FAA Part 107 regulations, maintain visual line of sight, and use dedicated spotters for urban operations.

2. Privacy

Cleaning operations often require notification of residents or tenants to comply with local privacy and nuisance guidelines.

3. Airspace Regulations

Drones share airspace with other aircraft, including manned aircraft. Regulations must be in place to ensure safe coexistence in the skies.

Conclusion

As drone cleaning technology becomes more advanced - with better stability systems, higher efficiency pumps, and lower environmental impact - the industry is shifting rapidly from traditional methods to aerial cleaning as the preferred solution.

The future of cleaning is in the skies, and cleaning drones are leading the way. Say goodbye to the days of precarious scaffolding and hello to the era of safe, efficient, and aerial cleaning solutions.