How to Make a Schedule for Exterior Building Cleaning
- Gretchen Vollmer
- May 30
- 5 min read
Creating and maintaining a comprehensive exterior cleaning schedule for your building is essential for preserving curb appeal, protecting property value, and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for tenants, customers, and visitors. A well-planned schedule not only keeps your property looking its best but also helps you avoid costly repairs caused by neglect and deterioration.
Table of Contents
This guide will walk you through every step of building an effective exterior cleaning schedule, from initial assessment to choosing the best cleaning methods
Why Have a Schedule?
A well-maintained exterior helps protect your building from the damaging effects of weather, pollution, and biological growth such as mold, mildew, and algae. These contaminants can cause long-term damage to surfaces, leading to costly repairs and reduced property value if left unchecked.
An exterior cleaning schedule ensures that every part of your building - from windows and facades to sidewalks, gutters, and roofs - receives the attention it needs at the right time.
Beyond protection, a clean exterior enhances your building’s curb appeal, making a positive impression on tenants, clients, and visitors. For commercial properties, this can translate to higher occupancy rates and increased customer satisfaction. Moreover, a proactive approach to exterior cleaning can help you identify minor issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.
A structured cleaning schedule also streamlines operations for your maintenance team or cleaning contractors. By clearly outlining tasks, frequency, and responsibilities, you can ensure that nothing is overlooked and that your property always looks its best. This is especially important for facilities with high traffic or stringent safety and hygiene standards, such as hospitals, schools, and office buildings.
Creating Your Exterior Cleaning Checklist
The first step in building an effective exterior cleaning schedule is to create a detailed checklist of all the areas and tasks that require regular attention. Start by conducting a thorough walkthrough around your property, noting surfaces, surface types, and difficult to reach areas.
Once you have identified all the surfaces and relevant areas, break down the cleaning tasks into categories based on frequency. For example, some tasks - such as sidewalk sweeping - may need to be performed monthly, while others - like window cleaning or facade cleaning - may be best scheduled seasonally or annually. Consider the specific needs of your building and its environment. Buildings in urban areas or near busy roads may require more frequent cleaning due to increased exposure to dirt and pollutants, while those in cleaner environments may be able to extend the interval between cleanings.
When creating your checklist, consult manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices to ensure you are meeting all requirements and protecting your warranty coverage. Be sure to include both routine maintenance tasks - such as inspecting for cracks, stains, or damage - and deep cleaning tasks - such as pressure washing or soft washing - to keep your property in optimal condition.
Setting the Right Frequency for Each Task
Determining the appropriate frequency for each cleaning task is crucial for maintaining your building’s exterior without overburdening your maintenance team or budget. Different surfaces and features require different levels of attention, and understanding these needs will help you create a balanced and efficient schedule.
For example, windows and glass surfaces often need monthly cleaning, especially during spring and summer when pollen and dust are prevalent. Gutters should be inspected and cleaned monthly to prevent clogs and water damage. Sidewalks and patios may only need pressure washing once or twice a year, depending on their exposure to dirt and stains. Roofs and facades typically benefit from a deep clean every 1–2 years, but buildings in harsh environments or with heavy vegetation may require more frequent attention.
Seasonal considerations are also important. Spring is an ideal time for a thorough cleaning to remove winter grime and prepare for the warmer months. Fall is the best time for gutter cleaning and preparing your property for winter weather. Avoid scheduling exterior cleaning during freezing conditions, as this can be ineffective and potentially dangerous.
To help you stay organized, consider using a digital calendar or maintenance management software to schedule recurring tasks and send reminders to your team. This will ensure that nothing is overlooked and that your property always looks its best.
In-House or Outsource?
With your checklist and frequency schedule in place, the next step is to allocate the necessary resources and assign responsibilities for each task. Determine whether you will handle cleaning in-house or outsource to professional cleaning companies. For larger or more complex properties, outsourcing may be the most efficient and cost-effective option, as professional cleaners have the expertise, equipment, and insurance to handle a wide range of tasks.
If you choose to manage cleaning in-house, identify the personnel, tools, and materials needed for each task. Ensure that your team is properly trained and equipped to handle all aspects of exterior cleaning, including safety protocols for working at heights or with power equipment. Budget for ongoing and future expenses, and plan for contingencies such as unexpected weather events or urgent repairs.
Clearly communicate the cleaning schedule and responsibilities to all team members, and provide regular updates as needed. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that tasks are completed on time and to the required standard. Consider using a shared digital platform or maintenance management system to track progress, log completed tasks, and address any issues that arise.
Using a Drone Building Cleaning Service
One of the most innovative and efficient ways to maintain your building’s exterior is by incorporating a drone building cleaning service into your schedule. Drone technology has revolutionized the cleaning industry, offering a safer, faster, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional only methods for maintaining windows, facades, roofs, and other hard-to-reach surfaces.
Drone cleaning services use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-pressure nozzles, water tanks, and eco-friendly cleaning options to deliver a thorough clean without the need for scaffolding, lifts, or manual labor at dangerous heights. This approach enhances safety by eliminating fall risks for workers and reduces operational disruptions, as drones can clean large areas quickly and quietly without obstructing access points or disturbing tenants.
Drone cleaning is especially beneficial for high-rise buildings, complex architectural features, and hard-to-reach areas such as overhangs, clock towers, and recessed windows. Drones can access these areas with precision and consistency. In addition, drone operators can provide real-time monitoring and high-resolution images, allowing facility managers to inspect the results and identify any maintenance issues that may need further attention.
Cost savings are another significant advantage of drone building cleaning. By eliminating the need for expensive equipment and large labor crews, drone cleaning can reduce overall cleaning costs while delivering faster results.This is particularly appealing for facility managers overseeing multiple properties or large buildings, as drones can handle routine maintenance and deep cleaning with minimal disruption to daily operations.
To incorporate drone cleaning into your exterior cleaning schedule, identify the areas of your building that would benefit most from this technology - such as high windows, facades, or architectural features. Work with a reputable drone cleaning service provider to develop a customized cleaning plan that fits your property’s needs and budget.
Conclusion
Implementing a comprehensive exterior cleaning schedule is a proactive investment in your building’s longevity, aesthetic appeal, and operational efficiency. By systematically addressing tasks such as window cleaning, gutter maintenance, and facade upkeep, you can protect your property from environmental damage, enhance its curb appeal, and avoid costly repairs. The integration of innovative solutions like drone building cleaning further elevates this process, offering a safe, cost-effective, and efficient way to maintain hard-to-reach areas while minimizing disruptions.
Whether managed in-house or outsourced to professionals, a well-executed cleaning schedule ensures your building remains a welcoming, valuable asset for tenants, customers, and visitors. By staying organized, leveraging technology, and adhering to a tailored maintenance plan, you can keep your property in pristine condition year-round, reinforcing its value and appeal in an increasingly competitive market.
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