Commercial Cleaning Services in University District

We started working with the University District Partnership in 2020, right when the neighborhood needed it most. The Ave — University Way NE — was dealing with persistent litter, graffiti, and general wear that accelerated during a tough couple of years. Our crews provided regular sidewalk cleaning, litter abatement, and graffiti removal along the commercial corridor, helping the UDP maintain a welcoming environment for the businesses and students who depend on it.

That partnership ran through 2024 and gave us deep familiarity with the U-District’s commercial landscape. We continue to serve individual businesses and property managers throughout the neighborhood.

Our Services in University District

Janitorial Services

Our janitorial teams provide scheduled cleaning for University District’s commercial spaces — offices, retail stores, restaurants, and mixed-use buildings. We assign dedicated employees to your account so you see the same familiar faces delivering consistent results. Service includes floor care, restroom sanitation, trash removal, surface wiping, and detailed cleaning of high-touch areas. We build cleaning plans around your hours and your needs.

Janitorial rates start at $60 to $85 per hour, depending on scope, crew size, and equipment.

Pressure Washing

Sidewalks, building fronts, parking areas, loading docks, dumpster pads — every commercial property in University District has surfaces that accumulate grime from foot traffic, vehicle traffic, and weather. Our pressure washing crews restore these surfaces to clean condition using commercial-grade equipment calibrated for each surface type. We handle concrete, brick, stone, and composite materials without causing damage.

Pressure washing runs approximately $1,000 per day, with final pricing based on the scope of work.

Graffiti Removal

Graffiti left in place invites more graffiti. Our removal service operates on a rapid-response basis — the faster a tag comes down, the less likely it is to attract copycats. We work on painted surfaces, bare masonry, metal, glass, and composite materials, matching our removal methods to the substrate so we eliminate the graffiti without damaging your building.

Day Porter Services

For University District properties that need ongoing attention throughout the business day, our day porter service provides a dedicated cleaning professional on-site during your operating hours. Day porters handle lobby maintenance, restroom checks, spill cleanup, trash management, and any other tasks that keep your space looking professional between regular janitorial visits.

Local Knowledge: University District

The University District revolves around the University of Washington campus, but the commercial core runs along University Way NE — “The Ave” — from NE 41st Street up to NE 50th. This stretch includes restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops, and small retail that serve students, faculty, and residents year-round.

The neighborhood has a rhythm tied to the academic calendar. Move-in weeks in September and late-season finals in June bring spikes in foot traffic and litter. Summer sees lower pedestrian counts but different maintenance needs — pressure washing season for sidewalks that took a beating all year.

We also serve businesses along Roosevelt Way NE and NE 45th Street, where newer mixed-use developments are changing the neighborhood’s commercial profile. Property managers in these buildings need reliable janitorial and day porter service to match the quality of their new construction.

Why University District Businesses Choose Seattle Surface Cleaners

Our four-year partnership with the University District Partnership gave us block-by-block knowledge of this neighborhood. We understand the seasonal patterns, the high-traffic zones, and the specific surfaces that need attention. Even as that formal partnership concluded, our crews continue working in the U-District for private clients who value that familiarity.

Every crew member is a W-2 employee earning competitive wages with benefits. No subcontractors, no gig workers. You get trained, accountable professionals who take pride in their work and show up consistently.

Each client gets a dedicated Slack channel for real-time communication with our team. Report an issue, request extra service, check on completed work — all without phone tag or email chains. We respond fast because we believe communication should be as reliable as our cleaning.

We carry full General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Commercial Auto insurance. Property managers and business owners can rely on complete coverage.

Founded in 2017. 41 five-star Google reviews. Our clients stay because we deliver — week after week, month after month.

Straightforward Pricing

We don’t hide fees or pad invoices. Here’s what our services cost:

  • Janitorial services: $60–$85 per hour
  • Day porter services: $60–$85 per hour
  • Pressure washing: approximately $1,000 per day
  • Graffiti removal: quoted per project based on surface type and size

We provide free estimates so you know the cost before we start. No surprises.

Get a Free Quote for the University District

Ready to talk about commercial cleaning for your University District property? Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll assess your space, understand your needs, and build a service plan that fits your schedule and budget.

Call us today: (206) 503-3712

Request a Free Estimate Online →

James Hebel, owner of Seattle Surface Cleaners

James Hebel
Owner, Seattle Surface Cleaners
Founded Seattle Surface Cleaners in 2017. James leads operations and client relationships across King County, bringing hands-on experience in commercial janitorial services, pressure washing, and graffiti removal. He works directly with BIA administrators, property managers, and business owners to deliver reliable maintenance services.