Industrial facilities are filled with tanks, machinery, factory floors, silos, and more that become dirty and require cleaning. Typically, it’s not just dirt that accumulates. Instead, it is a combination of grime, sludge, oil, grease, and other contaminants that can impede operational functionality, efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations, which means it’s not just something to do for appearances. There are many cleaning methods used to clean an industrial environment, and pressure washing is one of the most effective and trusted methods for doing so.
What is Pressure Washing?
Many industrial facilities use pressure washing to clean their equipment and storage systems of debris, sludge, and grime. Pressure washing is a method of cleaning that utilizes either cold water, hot water, or steam, delivered through a small nozzle at high speeds to cut through built-up contaminants. The nozzle can come in various shapes to produce different jets, ranging from a fan shape to a single jet, and it can also inject detergents as needed to assist with cleaning.
High-pressure water or steam jets can easily remove loose debris, break down grease, and cut through sludge-like buildup to reach the clean base. Additionally, pressure washing, when used with water or steam at sanitizing temperatures, can be used in food processing plants to sanitize equipment and maintain regulatory compliance. Contaminated water that is washed off is then treated or taken off-site for further treatment.
When is Pressure Washing Needed in Industrial Settings?
Most industrial facilities use pressure washing as part of a regular maintenance program. Using pressure washing keeps surfaces, equipment, and storage systems clean and free of harmful debris. When buildup can cause disruptions and reduced capacity, particularly in the case of silos, a regular cleaning schedule is essential. Regular cleaning can prevent buildup that would otherwise impact operational efficiency and functionality.
Additionally, pressure washing is often a method of cleaning utilized in post-construction cleanup as it can easily wash away dirt, tracks, and dust to leave a pristine surface. It can also effectively clean the equipment of debris and prevent the buildup that occurs during construction work. Additionally, pressure washing can be done before equipment or surfaces are painted or coated with a specialized coating.
Pressure washing machines can clean HVAC systems, the facility’s operational equipment, flooring, storage systems, and so much more. It is truly a versatile method of cleaning.
Pressure washing is also necessary when a facility needs to maintain compliance concerning cleanliness, safety, and hygiene, which is especially common in food processing plants for human consumption.
Why Pressure Washing is Effective
Pressure washing is often preferred over manual methods of cleaning because it offers several benefits, including the most significant: time and labor efficiency. Significantly reduce manual cleaning by using a pressure washer to blast away contaminants. It’s also less physically labor-intensive than having individuals scrub the massive spaces of industrial facilities.
Additionally, the power of pressure washing and the temperatures that it can reach to sanitize far exceed what a person can do. This means the pressurized water can get into small spaces that would otherwise be inaccessible to a person. Ultimately, pressure washing is an extraordinarily effective deep cleaning method.
Key Areas in Industrial Facilities That Benefit
Pressure washing isn’t just for concrete, though it’s a great application and satisfying to see the surface come clean. Industrial facilities can benefit from pressure washing in various areas of their operation.
Exterior surfaces, including concrete, tank and silo exteriors, floors, loading docks, and even walls, can be made to look brand new with the help of a pressure washing system. Interior floors, walls, and even ceilings can be cleaned with pressure washing, depending on the surface type, of course. Additionally, equipment and machinery that can get caked with dirt and other debris can benefit from pressure washing.
Safety and Precautions
While pressure washing may seem like a harmless, easy-to-use cleaning method, it does not come without risk, and safety precautions must be taken to minimize the risk of harm.
Personnel must be trained on how to use the equipment, as it can be hazardous to operate. Machine failures, flying debris, slips, trips, and falls can become a major problem without the proper protective PPE. Eye protection, raincoats, boots, and gloves are all commonplace in industrial cleaning.
Furthermore, personnel need to be trained not only to keep themselves and coworkers safe, but also to ensure they do not damage any surfaces or equipment during cleaning. Best practices with the equipment must be followed to ensure a safe working environment for everyone and a clean, undamaged result for the facility.
Choosing a Professional Service vs. In-House Cleaning
Many facilities may consider conducting pressure washing in-house. While this is a viable option for some companies or industrial facilities, there are some risks involved that may result in undesirable results or unnecessary safety hazards.
Pressure washing is performed at high speeds and with sufficient power to cut through layers of baked-on grime, grease, and debris. That also means it’s strong enough to cut through flesh, creating a potentially dangerous situation for untrained operators.
By utilizing a professional industrial pressure washing service, you’re eliminating the liability of injuring your skilled professionals by entrusting trained providers who know what they’re doing. They’ll be able to effectively clean surfaces, including small cavities, without damaging equipment. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about renting or purchasing pressure washing equipment or hauling away contaminated wastewater for treatment.
Schedule Expert Industrial Pressure Washing Today!
Utilizing pressure washing to clean your industrial equipment and facility will enhance operational efficiency, equipment functionality, and longevity, allowing for the best possible output in terms of productivity. Our team at Environmental Remedies is trained in pressure washing to ensure a comprehensive, safe, and effective cleaning of your facility. Contact us today for a quote for your pressure washing needs!