Flagstaff Power Washing at Aspen Place – Our Biggest Job Yet

Tackling a multi‑day challenge in the heart of Flagstaff

When I think about Flagstaff power washing, Aspen Place at the Sawmill is now the job that comes to mind. Flagstaff locals know this complex as a mix of shops, restaurants and apartments, and this summer I took on the massive job of cleaning every exterior surface of this multi‑story property. Aspen Place has more than 90,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, plus a second phase with a 23,550‑square‑foot REI store and over 30,000 square feet of new retail space and 222 luxury apartments. Sitting just steps from Northern Arizona University at 7,000 feet, the complex collects dust, pollen and winter grime in every nook and cranny. This was my biggest Flagstaff power washing project to date, and it put my new equipment to the test.

Bringing in the right equipment

Because the buildings tower five stories above Butler Avenue and Lone Tree Road, I knew my regular setup wasn’t enough. I’d just invested in a new flatbed diesel rig that carries tanks, detergents and two pressure‑washers on one truck—no trailer needed. This job would test it. I also rented a boom lift so I could reach balconies and apartment windows safely. To protect the stucco and stone cladding, I used soft washing instead of blasting with high pressure. Soft washing uses low‑pressure water mixed with biodegradable detergents to break down algae and grime without damaging surfaces. After letting the solution dwell, I rinsed everything off gently.

Making windows sparkle without ladders

There are more than two hundred apartment windows plus ground‑floor storefronts at Aspen Place, so window cleaning alone took a full day. I relied on water‑fed poles, which pump purified water through a telescoping pole with a soft brush at the end. The mineral‑free water lifts dirt and dries spot‑free, so there’s no need for squeegees. These poles can reach up to 70 feet, letting us clean upper‑story windows from the ground while the lift operator focused on balconies. It’s safer and eco‑friendly because we don’t need detergents or ladders.

Courtyards and pool decks

Once the siding and windows looked sharp, I turned my attention to the courtyards and pool decks. Years of dust and pine needles had filled the expansion joints. Using surface cleaners—spinning nozzles in a flat disc—I blasted away embedded dirt, rinsed the concrete and treated tough stains. Clearing those expansion joints took a mix of high‑pressure nozzles and hand tools, but the result was a courtyard ready for summer foot traffic.

The real grind: Flagstaff power washing a 22,000‑square‑foot parking garage

The most challenging part of this Flagstaff power washing job was the parking garage. It covers roughly 22,000 square feet over multiple levels. Rubber tire marks, oil drips and winter grime don’t come off easily. Hot‑water pressure washing is the key: heated water dissolves rubber and oil much faster than cold water. Here’s the process I followed:

1. Pre‑treat the concrete with a degreaser to loosen oil and rubber.
   

2. Apply detergent and let it dwell, then hit it with a surface cleaner running at about 160–170 °F.
   

3. Rinse thoroughly and repeat on each level.
   

My two work trucks couldn’t fit under the garage’s clearance bars, so I transferred my equipment onto a small trailer and borrowed a friend’s Tacoma to get inside. It was a hassle, but I cleaned every corner.

Lessons learned

• Equipment matters – the flatbed rig saved time by carrying everything in one vehicle, and the boom lift made working five stories up safer.

• Soft washing protects surfaces – low‑pressure water and detergents remove algae and mildew without harming stucco or stone.

• Water‑fed poles make window cleaning efficient – purified water gives a streak‑free finish and eliminates the need for ladders.

• Hot water is essential for garage cleaning – heated pressure washing and pre‑treatment break down rubber and oil.

• Adaptability is key – when my trucks wouldn’t fit, I improvised with a trailer and a smaller pickup.

Why this job matters for Flagstaff

Aspen Place is more than just another property; it’s a hub for shopping, dining and living in downtown Flagstaff. A clean exterior and garage protect the building’s value and create a welcoming environment for residents and shoppers. Our mountain climate makes regular maintenance essential to prevent staining and deterioration. Tackling this multi‑day Flagstaff power washing project showed what a local, family‑owned business can do with the right equipment, team and determination. If your commercial property needs a facelift or your parking garage is looking rough, give me a call at Flagstaff Surface Solutions. I’m proud to help keep our town’s spaces looking their best.

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