Skip to content

When was the last time you looked, really looked, at your carpark?

If you’re like most business owners or facilities managers, your focus is on what’s happening inside the building. But here’s the truth: your carpark is the very first thing visitors, tenants, and employees see. If it's covered in oil stains, rubbish, graffiti, or gum? That’s not just an eyesore, it’s a reputation risk.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about commercial carpark cleaning: why it matters, how often to do it, and what services actually move the needle.

carpark cleaning

First Impressions Start in the Carpark

Your carpark says more than you think.

  • Clients see it when they arrive.

  • Employees walk through it every day.

  • Potential tenants or investors scan it before they even enter the building.

If it’s dirty, dark, or unsafe, people notice. And whether you’re managing an office, a shopping centre, a hospital or a high-rise residential building, that first impression can impact everything from brand perception to occupancy rates.

What Does Carpark Cleaning Actually Involve?

Carpark cleaning isn’t just running a blower over the concrete and calling it a day. A proper clean includes:

1. High-Pressure Washing

To remove:

  • Oil stains

  • Tyre marks

  • Grease spills

  • Built-up grime

High-pressure washing is essential in both open-air and underground carparks. It’s especially important for removing pollutants that build up over time from vehicles, weather, and foot traffic.

2. Line Marking Clean-up

Over time, markings can become faded or obscured by dirt. Prepping surfaces before repainting is key to safety and compliance (and keeps it looking sharp).

3. Graffiti Removal

Graffiti in a carpark can quickly escalate into an ongoing issue. Professional graffiti removal ensures walls and signage are cleaned without damage.

4. Rubbish and Debris Removal

Fast food wrappers, cigarette butts, broken glass... gross. Regular rubbish removal helps deter pests and makes the space safer for everyone.

5. Drain Cleaning

Blocked drains = standing water = safety hazard. Regular carpark cleaning includes checking and clearing drains to prevent flooding and odours.

6. Gum Removal

Yep, people even leave gum in carparks, and it sticks around unless you remove it with specialised tools.

Indoor vs Outdoor Carpark Cleaning

The type of carpark you have will affect what kind of cleaning it needs.

Type Challenges Recommended Cleaning
Outdoor Carparks Weather exposure, leaves, litter, dust, oil stains High-pressure washing, debris removal, drain checks
Underground Carparks Poor ventilation, water pooling, lighting issues Deep degreasing, graffiti removal, odour control, drain cleaning
Multi-level Carparks Heavy foot and vehicle traffic, tyre marks Regular sweeping, pressure cleaning, signage polishing

 

Bonus tip: don’t forget pedestrian walkways, lifts, stairwells and ramps — these are often neglected but critical for a good user experience.

 

How Often Should You Clean a Commercial Carpark?

It depends on the volume of traffic, the environment, and your type of facility. Here's a basic guide:

Cleaning Task Frequency
Rubbish and debris removal Weekly or Fortnightly
Pressure washing of surfaces Quarterly
Deep clean with degreasing Bi-annually
Drain inspection and cleaning Every 3-6 months
Graffiti removal As needed (urgent response = best deterrent)
We recommend a tailored schedule that factors in your carpark’s specific needs. Cleancorp offers flexible cleaning plans so you’re never under or over-servicing.
 

Compliance and Safety: More Than Just Clean

In Australia, commercial carparks must comply with a range of health, safety, and environmental standards, including:

  • Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations: Clean, dry, and well-lit walkways reduce slip and trip hazards.

  • Environmental standards: Wastewater runoff from carpark cleaning must be disposed of safely — especially when using degreasers or chemicals.

  • Fire safety protocols: In underground carparks, blocked drains or excessive dust buildup can increase fire risk.

  • Strata or Council guidelines: For residential or shared facilities, body corporate or council maintenance schedules often require evidence of regular cleaning.

Cutting corners can cost more than just reputation. Think legal liability, fines, and insurance headaches.

What About Multi-Site Carpark Cleaning?

If you manage multiple facilities across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or anywhere in Australia, you need a partner who can deliver consistent results at scale.

At Cleancorp, we clean carparks for:

  • Shopping centres

  • Hospitals and medical precincts

  • Corporate office buildings

  • Logistics depots and industrial zones

  • Government and council buildings

  • Residential strata complexes

We centralise your scheduling, reporting, and invoicing so it’s one less thing for your team to juggle. Just clean, safe carparks — everywhere.

commercial carpark cleaning

Before and After: What Difference Can It Really Make?

We get this question a lot. Is it really worth it?

Here’s what happens when businesses take their carpark cleaning seriously:

  • A retail centre in Western Sydney saw a 40% drop in complaints after switching to fortnightly cleans. The customer experience started before shoppers even got to the door, and it showed in the reviews.
  • A property manager in Melbourne used Cleancorp for their monthly carpark pressure cleaning to prep for an investor tour. The investor actually commented on how “polished and professional” the property felt.
  • An industrial client in Brisbane reduced pest sightings after routine rubbish removal from their loading dock and underground carpark.

Cleanliness impacts perception. Perception drives behaviour. And behaviour? That drives business.

Why Choose Cleancorp for Carpark Cleaning?

Here’s why clients across Australia trust us:

  • Commercial-grade pressure washing equipment
  • Eco-friendly products and water-safe runoff processes
  • Trained, insured, and certified technicians
  • Customised cleaning plans by location, volume, and risk
  • Fast response for graffiti and emergency clean-ups

Plus, we send before-and-after reports with photos, so you can show your board, tenants, or clients exactly what’s been done.

FAQs About Commercial Carpark Cleaning

1. How much does professional carpark cleaning cost in Australia?

Costs vary depending on size, location, and condition of the carpark. On average, prices start from $0.60 to $2.00 per square metre for pressure washing, with additional fees for graffiti removal or drain cleaning. For a tailored quote, it’s best to speak directly with a commercial cleaning provider like Cleancorp.

2. Is pressure washing safe for all carpark surfaces?

Yes, when done correctly. At Cleancorp, we use commercial-grade pressure washers with adjustable settings to suit different surfaces — from concrete to pavers — without causing damage. We also use eco-friendly degreasers to remove oil stains safely.

3. How often should a commercial carpark be cleaned?

It depends on traffic levels and the type of facility. For most businesses, a quarterly deep clean and monthly rubbish and debris removal is recommended. High-traffic sites like shopping centres may need more frequent servicing.

4. Can carpark cleaning happen after hours or on weekends?

Absolutely. Cleancorp offers flexible scheduling to avoid disruptions to your tenants, staff, or customers. We can clean during quiet periods — even overnight — so your carpark is fresh and ready for the next business day.

5. What if my carpark has graffiti or oil stains that won’t budge?

We’ve got specialised tools and products for that. Graffiti is removed with non-abrasive methods that won’t damage walls or signage. For stubborn oil or tyre marks, we use industrial-strength degreasers and hot water pressure washing to lift stains and restore your surface.

Ready to Give Your Carpark a Makeover?

If it’s been a while since your carpark had a proper clean, or you’re not sure what’s hiding in the corners — it’s probably time to book in.

Let’s be real: no one ever complimented a business on a filthy carpark. But when it’s clean? Safe? Smells fine? People notice. And they come back.

Get a Free Carpark Cleaning Quote

From Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Brisbane — Cleancorp has your carpark covered.

👉 Get a Fast Quote Now