Seasonal Cleaning for Seattle Businesses: What to Schedule and When

ByJames Hebel

By James Hebel, Owner, Seattle Surface Cleaners

Seattle’s seasons create specific cleaning challenges that don’t exist in drier climates. The constant moisture from October through May means algae, moss, mildew, and biological growth on every exterior surface. Summer brings foot traffic, events, and construction dust. And the transitions between seasons are when the worst buildup happens if you’re not ahead of it.

Here’s the seasonal cleaning schedule I recommend for commercial properties in Seattle, based on what we actually see on the buildings we maintain across the city.

Spring (March – May): Post-Winter Recovery

This is the most important seasonal clean of the year. Five months of rain, leaves, and moisture have left their mark.

  • Pressure wash all exterior surfaces: Sidewalks, building entrances, loading docks, parking structures, dumpster pads. The algae and biological growth from winter needs to come off before it stains permanently.
  • Exterior window cleaning: Rain spots and mineral deposits build up all winter. Spring is when you get those windows clear again.
  • Gutter and drain clearing: Leaves and debris from fall/winter clog drains and cause water pooling
  • Graffiti sweep: Walk the entire property and clean any tags that accumulated over winter

Summer (June – August): High Traffic Season

  • Increased janitorial frequency: More foot traffic means more lobby and restroom cleaning. Consider adding a day porter for the busy season.
  • Sidewalk cleaning: Events, outdoor dining, and pedestrian traffic dirty sidewalks fast
  • Construction dust management: Seattle’s construction season peaks in summer. If there’s a project near your building, dust infiltration is constant.

Fall (September – November): Pre-Winter Prep

  • Pressure washing before the rain starts: Get surfaces clean before moisture locks in grime for the entire winter
  • Leaf and debris removal: Especially around entrances, drains, and parking areas
  • Deep interior clean: Carpets, upholstery, and air vents before buildings close up for winter

Winter (December – February): Maintenance Mode

  • Increased entrance mat service: Wet, muddy foot traffic needs capturing before it spreads through the building
  • Slip prevention: Regular mopping of hard floor entrances to prevent slip hazards
  • Regular graffiti checks: Vandalism tends to increase in darker months

What This Costs

A quarterly exterior maintenance program (pressure washing + graffiti + exterior cleaning) typically runs $750-$2,000 per visit depending on property size. Year-round programs with monthly service get better per-visit rates. See our pricing guide for details.

Want a seasonal maintenance plan for your property? Get a free estimate or call (206) 503-3712.

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