How Often Should a Parkade Be Cleaned? (And Why It Matters)
Parkades are one of the fastest places to get dirty—and one of the easiest places for small problems to turn into expensive ones.
Between vehicles, foot traffic, winter grit, oil leaks, and salt, a parkade becomes a collection point for grime that doesn’t leave on its own. Cleaning isn’t just about appearance. It affects safety, drainage, concrete condition, and tenant experience.
Here’s how to think about frequency and what a real clean should include.
What makes parkades get dirty so fast?
Parkades take a beating from:
road grit and sand
de-icing salt and slush in winter
tire marks and rubber buildup
oil, grease, and fluid leaks
garbage and spill residue
standing water and drain issues
Unlike outdoor surfaces, parkades don’t get “naturally rinsed” by rain. So buildup accumulates and hardens over time.
How often should a parkade be cleaned?
The honest answer: it depends on traffic and conditions. But here are common guidelines that work well:
Light traffic / smaller buildings
1–2 times per year (often spring + fall)
Moderate traffic / multi-family
2–4 times per year
Spring cleanup is especially important after winter
High traffic / retail or mixed-use
Quarterly cleaning is common
Monthly spot cleaning (entries, ramps, drain zones) can be worth it
Winter reality in Alberta-style conditions
Winter introduces salt, slush, and grit that accelerate buildup
Even if you don’t do full cleans in winter, planning a post-winter deep clean is key
If a parkade is starting to smell, look dark, feel slippery, or show persistent puddles—cleaning is overdue.
Why cleaning matters (beyond “it looks nicer”)
A good parkade clean helps prevent:
1) Slip hazards
Sand + water + oil = the perfect recipe for slippery zones. This becomes a liability issue fast.
2) Drain backups
Buildup collects around drains, causing pooling water and staining. Drain zones need attention.
3) Concrete staining
Oil and grime can permanently stain concrete when left too long, especially in high-use areas.
4) Tenant and customer complaints
People notice dirty parkades. It affects perception of the entire building.
5) Long-term maintenance costs
Regular cleaning helps you spot cracks, leaks, drainage issues, and traffic wear earlier.
What does a proper parkade cleaning include?
A “real” clean isn’t just spraying water around. It typically includes:
pre-treatment/degreasing in high-oil areas
pressure washing of traffic lanes, ramps, and corners
cleaning entrances/exits where grit accumulates
drain zone cleanup and rinse management
spot treatment for heavy staining where possible
optional line/curb detail work depending on scope
A good contractor will also coordinate:
access and scheduling (after-hours if needed)
safety cones/signage
phased cleaning if the parkade must stay partially open
Common signs you need cleaning now
dark traffic lanes and heavy tire marks
gritty corners and ramps
slippery-looking zones near entrances
persistent odor (especially in enclosed areas)
tenants complaining about mess
drains surrounded by sludge or buildup
If you see these, you’ll usually get better results by cleaning sooner—before buildup hardens.
How to make parkade cleaning easier year-round
If you want less disruption and better results, consider:
a scheduled routine (even if it’s only 2x/year)
smaller “focus cleans” for ramps and entrances
consistent degreasing for known leak zones
getting ahead of spring cleanup before bookings fill up
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a big drama event. It can be a normal maintenance item.
Final thought
Parkades don’t stay clean on their own, and waiting too long increases cost and reduces results. A planned schedule keeps your building safer, cleaner, and easier to manage.
