How We Clean High-Rise Hotels & Commercial Buildings Safely in Tight Spaces

Keeping Commercial Properties Clean, Compliant, and Curb-Ready in Williamsport, PA

Maintaining the exterior of a commercial building, especially hotels and multi-story structures, is no small task. When space is limited, surfaces are delicate, and operations can't be interrupted, it takes a skilled, experienced team to get the job done right.

At United Restoration and Exterior Cleaning, we specialize in commercial pressure washing in Williamsport, PA, with a focus on hotel building washing and tight access exterior cleaning. In this post, we’ll walk you through how we approach challenging projects, the safety protocols we follow, and why our methods produce long-lasting, professional results for every type of commercial property.

Why Commercial Exterior Cleaning Matters More Than You Think

First impressions matter, especially in hospitality and commercial industries. Stained, weathered, or mold-covered building exteriors send the wrong message to guests and clients before they ever walk through your doors.

Here’s why regular exterior building cleaning is critical:

• Protects Your Investment: Algae, mold, mildew, and pollution can eat away at paint, stucco, and brick over time.
• Meets Safety & Health Standards: Slippery walkways and mold-covered walls are a safety hazard.
• Enhances Curb Appeal: A clean façade attracts guests, tenants, and foot traffic.
• Prevents Costly Repairs: Regular maintenance avoids long-term damage and material breakdown.

But when your building is four or more stories high, or wedged between tight alleyways, the cleaning process gets trickier.

A Real-World Example: Pressure Washing the TownePlace Suites in Williamsport

One of our recent projects involved cleaning the exterior of the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Williamsport, PA. This job presented several common, and complex, challenges:

• Very limited access: Only 7 feet of space between two buildings
• Stains at 50 feet high: Mold, mildew, and pollution buildup across multiple stories
• Delicate materials: Painted stucco and brick, both highly porous surfaces
• Active hotel: Cleaning couldn’t disrupt daily operations or guest experience

Let’s break down how we approached each challenge with safe, effective, and industry-compliant solutions.

Step 1: Safety Comes First

When it comes to OSHA-compliant exterior cleaning, planning is everything.

Before any detergent or equipment touches the building, we establish a full safety perimeter, complete with:

• Signage and barriers to control foot traffic
• Equipment inspection and setup zones
• Compliance with OSHA height and safety regulations
• Team communication protocols and gear checks

In this project, we used a JLG Compact Crawler Boom Lift, which allowed us to access tight vertical areas without damaging landscaping or neighboring structures.

Step 2: Surface Prep with Soft Detergents and Prewetting

Not all pressure washing involves high PSI. For porous materials like painted stucco and brick, we use low-pressure methods and industry-safe cleaning solutions.

Here’s how we prepared the surface:

• Pre-wet the area: Keeps detergents from soaking in too deep
• Apply detergents from bottom to top: Prevents streaking and spotting
• Use EacoChem solutions: Industry-grade but environmentally friendly
• Work in sections: Prevents soap drying and maximizes contact time

This process is especially important when dealing with organic and inorganic stains, such as black streaks (algae, mold), rust spots, and general urban grime.

Step 3: Gentle Yet Effective Pressure Washing

After dwell time, we begin our controlled pressure washing process:

• Agitate the surface gently: Using low to medium PSI for porous materials
• Rinse from top down: Prevents runoff streaks and ensures even results
• Use hot water (up to 200°F): Melts away grease, mold, and stains faster

We maintain up to 15 gallons per minute flow, which allows us to clean large surfaces efficiently without sacrificing quality.

The result? A beautifully restored hotel exterior, free from staining, compliant with safety standards, and ready to welcome guests with confidence.

Tight Access? No Problem.

Many downtown commercial buildings have limited space between structures. That’s where tight access cleaning becomes essential. In this project, we:

• Used compact equipment with narrow footprints
• Coordinated with adjacent property owners for clearance
• Employed spotters and ground personnel for constant monitoring
• Chose detergents that are safe for nearby vegetation and surfaces

These details make all the difference when working in dense urban areas or older properties.

Materials We Commonly Clean (Safely)

We tailor our process based on the building materials, ensuring safe results for:

• Painted stucco
• Brick & mortar
• EIFS siding
• Concrete walkways & pavers
• Metal canopies & signage
• Glass curtain walls

No two surfaces require the same approach. That’s why we always assess and test before we clean.

Why Businesses Across Central PA Trust United Restoration and Exterior Cleaning

We’re more than just another power washing company. We bring:

• Experience: Years of commercial and residential projects across Central PA
• Equipment: High-capacity hot water machines and aerial lifts
• Compliance: Fully trained in OSHA and EPA-safe practices
• Professionalism: Clear communication, safety-first mindset, and no cut corners

From restaurants and hotels to office buildings and multi-tenant properties, we handle commercial exterior cleaning jobs of all sizes with unmatched care and consistency.

Ready for Results You Can See?

At United Restoration and Exterior Cleaning, we’re proud to provide reliable, safe, and high-quality commercial pressure washing in Williamsport, PA. Whether you manage a hotel, office park, or commercial facility, we have the tools, team, and techniques to keep your property looking its best — even in the most challenging spaces.

Contact us today for a free estimate and let us show you the difference professional exterior cleaning can make.