How to Clean a Dumpster: Commercial Dumpster Pressure Washing Guide

Are your customers and staff holding their noses and rushing past your dumpster area?

Learning how to clean a dumpster may not be the most exciting task on your agenda as a business owner. But if you neglect it, you’re killing the first impressions of everyone who sets foot on your property.

Dumpster pressure washing is the go-to method for businesses everywhere. Power washing can help you save on commercial dumpster cleaning costs, all while cleaning faster than every other approach.

We’ve helped hundreds of local Houston metro businesses with dumpster power washing over the years. We’ll explain how to clean out a dumpster below so you can reap the benefits yourself.

At Hotsy of Houston, you’ll have access to high-quality products from the best commercial pressure washer brand, Hotsy. Plus, our experienced team will set you up with the best soaps and show you exactly how much to pressure washer a dumpster for the best results.

Why is Commercial Dumpster Cleaning Necessary?

Before we dive into dumpster power washing, why is it important to learn how to clean a dumpster in the first place? Is it worth your business’s time to clean out dumpster rentals?

Preventing Health and Safety Hazards

Neglecting to clean out dumpster rentals on your property is asking for trouble. Bacteria, viruses, and many disgusting bugs will flock to your dirty dumpster in droves.

These nasty creatures often aren’t even visible. Without learning how to clean out a dumpster, you might be sitting on top of a health crisis without knowing about it.

As the sludge accumulates and flows into your parking lot or employee areas, you risk expensive and time-consuming lawsuits.

And this isn’t even mentioning the gut-wrenching smell that occurs when you don’t learn how to clean a dumpster properly.

Maintaining a Clean Environment for Customers and Employees

You can regain control of these areas by pressure washing dumpster pads and the surrounding area. Regular dumpster power washing and cleaning will tidy up the area, remove harmful microorganisms, and finally eliminate that lingering odor.

Think about it this way: Cleaning out dumpster rentals, pads, and other areas will significantly boost your curb appeal.

That’ll create a positive association and encourage people to think highly of your business.

Protecting Your Dumpster From Degradation

Your dumpster constantly fends off the elements and nasty stains like grease, rust, and oil.

Commercial dumpster cleaning is meant to protect your long-term investment. Pressure washing dumpster pads and the surrounding environment will stop the buildup of grime in its tracks, extending the lifespan of your dumpster by years.

While you may be worried about the costs of how much to pressure wash a dumpster, those prices are nothing compared to the hefty fines you may face from local regulations.

By learning how to clean a dumpster, you keep your property hygienic, provide your customers with quality service, and save yourself from hefty expenses.

Why Dumpster Pressure Washing is the Most Popular Approach

Commercial dumpster cleaning costs are well worth it, given the consequences of ignoring it entirely.

But why is dumpster pressure washing considered the best system for cleaning?

Businesses everywhere have been pressure washing commercial buildings for decades. It’s the fastest and most cost-efficient way to clean.

Effortlessly Eliminate Stubborn Grime and Debris

Month-old grime, rust, and bacteria will fester, just waiting to ruin the day of your customers and employees.

Pressure washing dumpster pads and the dumpster itself gives you a fighting chance to eliminate these stains. Rather than sitting there scrubbing manually with a brush (if your nose could even survive that), you can get the job done quickly without the hard labor.

Unparalleled Speed of Cleaning

Dumpster pressure washing is easily the fastest method. The faster you clean your dumpster, the sooner you can return to normal business operations. Most dumpster power washing jobs take an hour or less.

An Environmentally Friendly Approach

It may be a surprise, but dumpster pressure washing doesn’t use as much water as you think.

You’ll save several gallons compared to standard garden hoses and manual scrubbing. Plus, most pressure washing soaps are biodegradable and fume-free, keeping toxic compounds from harming local soil and water systems.

Should You Outsource the Job or Tackle it Yourself?

After getting on the dumpster power washing train, you have another choice. Should you hire a commercial dumpster cleaning company or do it yourself?

The Benefits of Outsourcing Dumpster Cleaning

Leaving your cleaning to the experts can be appealing at first. You don’t have to worry about pressure washer storage, which soap to pick, or how to maintain a pressure washer.

However, commercial dumpster cleaning costs are nothing to sneeze at and must be considered.

Advantages of DIY Dumpster Cleaning

Given how much to pressure wash a dumpster costs, DIY is an excellent cost-saving option. With your own machine, you decide when, where, and how you clean. You won’t have to wait for a superhero team to swoop in and save the day–just get out your trusty machine and blast away those stains (and smells) yourself!

Weighing the Commercial Dumpster Cleaning Cost

Over time, commercial dumpster cleaning costs can become exorbitant. We’re talking hundreds of dollars per job each month, quickly rising into the thousands.

For the same price, you can rent or buy your machine.

The nice thing about doing so is using your power washer in other areas of your business. Warehouse pressure washing, cleaning a cooling tower, pressure washing factory floors, pressure washing parking lots, and vehicle fleet pressure washing are just some of the many options to get the most bang for your buck.

Sourcing Your Equipment for Commercial Dumpster Cleaning

If you’re cleaning your dumpsters, you’ll need the proper tools. There are many types of pressure washers, soaps, and accessories to choose from, so let’s break it all down.

PSI and GPM Range for Dumpster Cleaning

When considering what to look for in a pressure washer, start with sizing. There are two values to factor in, PSI and GPM.

PSI and GPM stand for pounds per square inch and gallons per minute. They note the force and volume behind your water streams.

You’ll want around 2500 to 3500 PSI for dumpsters and 4 to 8 GPM. This will cut through tough grease and grime without damaging the structure itself. For pressure washing dumpster pads, stick to the higher end of those ranges to clear that concrete.

Hot Water vs Cold Water Pressure Washers

Next you need to choose between hot water vs cold water pressure washers. Power washers reach over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, packing a serious punch to tough stains like oil, grease, and rust. Hot water models also quickly eliminate bacteria and germs with proper detergent.

If you need help finding industrial cold water pressure washers in Houston or industrial hot water pressure washers in Houston, contact our team at Hotsy of Houston for more info!

Electric vs Gas Models

The choice between gas vs electric pressure washers will depend on your needs.

Gas models are more powerful and mobile since they don’t require an outlet. But they are loud and emit fumes if your dumpster is indoors.

Electric models are a better fit if you don’t want to worry about storing fuel and have a nearby power outlet to use.

Recommended Detergents

Your choice of soap is equally essential to your results. Degreasers are the best soaps for pressure washers when cleaning dumpsters. Hotsy’s Ripper line is best, as it is safe for most metals and will eradicate grease from your dumpsters.

If you’re wondering what kind of soap to use in a pressure washer to maximize environmental friendliness, you can also opt for Hotsy’s Verde All-Purpose. While the Ripper line is also biodegradable, Verde All-Purpose goes the extra mile with all-natural ingredients.

Accessories and Attachments

While your standard nozzle can clean well, the best pressure washer accessories will further streamline the process.

We recommend Hotsy’s Turbo Nozzle. This will let your water stream spin in a cone, boosting your cleaning power and coverage area.

Hotsy’s Surface Cleaner is a fantastic choice for the flat areas of your dumpster. It’ll save you plenty of time and effort. For similar results, you can use Hotsy’s Water Broom or Foam Cannon, ensuring complete coverage of your dumpster.

Trust Hotsy of Houston to Deliver World Class Equipment and Service!

Dumpster pressure washing requires an extensive shopping list. If your business is in Southeast Texas, why not let our team assist you?

Hotsy of Houston is the #1 home for industrial pressure washers in Houston. We’re the region’s only authorized Hotsy dealer, bringing premium models and pressure washer detergent from the industry leader.

We offer sales, leases, and industrial pressure washer rentals in Houston. Our team will work with you as a strategic partner, assessing your needs to get you set up with the perfect equipment. We’ll guide you through renting a power washer, showing you how to use your machine, and even teaching you how to dilute your soap.

Our relationship doesn’t end there. We offer comprehensive industrial pressure washer repair in Houston, including non-Hotsy models. With our proactive maintenance programs and affordable pressure washer repair costs, we’ll keep your machine as good as new without causing excessive downtime.

How to Clean a Dumpster: Step-by-Step Guide to Commercial Dumpster Pressure Washing

With your trusty equipment, you’re ready to learn how to use a pressure washer to clean dumpsters. Strap on your protective equipment, and let’s get started.

Clearing and Emptying the Dumpster

Clear your entire dumpster of trash. Ideally, you schedule your cleaning for your waste management pickup day.

Then, check for any loose pieces—paper scraps, bags, the half-eaten burrito one of your employees tossed in there on their lunch break—and remove them so they don’t become projectiles when you start cleaning.

Covering Surrounding Areas

The surrounding area around your dumpster will become a splash zone, so cover anything delicate within the radius.

We also recommend placing non-slip mats or caution signs in the area to avoid issues during or after cleaning.

Applying Detergent

Now it’s time to add soap to your pressure washer. You’ll fill the detergent tank, which will either be located on your machine or as an attachment like the Hotsy Foam Cannon.

Apply your degreaser to the entire surface. Let it soak on the dumpster for around 5 to 15 minutes to allow it time to break down the grease. But don’t let it dry, or you’ll be left with residue.

Pressure Washing the Interior and Exterior

We recommend starting the pressure washing process with the interior. The dirty water will run onto the exterior anyway, which will help you avoid dirtying the exterior after cleaning it.

Start at the highest point of each, working your way horizontally with sweeping motions. Pay extra attention to any crevices, as this is where grime can hide.

Rinsing and Disinfecting

Once your dumpster is clean and you don’t see any stains, rinse your dumpster with water to remove the loosened stains. Then, apply a disinfectant, like Hotsy’s Vital Oxide, to ensure everything is sanitary.

Draining and Drying

At this point, your dumpster will be full of water. To avoid water runoff, drain it out in a designated area.

Then, open the lids fully and let them dry. , We recommend using cloths or fans to prevent rust buildup.

How Often Should This Be Done?

The frequency will depend on your needs. Busy restaurants may need cleaning biweekly for sanitation, while an office building might be able to extend that to monthly cleaning.

If your dumpster is in a humid or moist environment or is in a high-traffic area, err on the side of caution and clean it more frequently. This will keep your customers and employees safe from any bacteria.

Final Thoughts on How to Clean Out a Dumpster

Cleaning your dumpster isn’t just for style points. It’s a must for any business.

Regularly removing bacteria and grime from your dumpster with a pressure washer will ensure everyone is safe from germs and foul odors.

And the best part is that it doesn’t cost much to start.

Hotsy of Houston has everything you need. We’ve helped businesses across Southeast Texas streamline their cleaning, from pressure washing business start-up costs and how to quote pressure washing jobs to finding pressure washer trailers in Houston with our homemade pressure washer trailer setup services.

If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help you clean, contact us or stop by our Pasadena location!