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.
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.
Carpark cleaning isn’t just running a blower over the concrete and calling it a day. A proper clean includes:
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.
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).
Graffiti in a carpark can quickly escalate into an ongoing issue. Professional graffiti removal ensures walls and signage are cleaned without damage.
Fast food wrappers, cigarette butts, broken glass... gross. Regular rubbish removal helps deter pests and makes the space safer for everyone.
Blocked drains = standing water = safety hazard. Regular carpark cleaning includes checking and clearing drains to prevent flooding and odours.
Yep, people even leave gum in carparks, and it sticks around unless you remove it with specialised tools.
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.
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) |
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.
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.
We get this question a lot. Is it really worth it?
Here’s what happens when businesses take their carpark cleaning seriously:
Cleanliness impacts perception. Perception drives behaviour. And behaviour? That drives business.
Here’s why clients across Australia trust us:
Plus, we send before-and-after reports with photos, so you can show your board, tenants, or clients exactly what’s been done.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Brisbane — Cleancorp has your carpark covered.