Drones aren’t just used for surveillance, or filming, a wider range of applications depending on your needs. In some cases, drones can be optimised to help with cleaning!
That’s why, in this blog, we will share the surprising places drone cleaning is now being used.
Sentrex Services stands as a leading provider of comprehensive cleaning and hygiene solutions, serving a vast region from the Northwest to the Southeast of England. With a dedicated team of over 600 professionals, we deliver bespoke cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of each commercial client.
Will drone cleaning overtake human-operated cleaning?
As technology advances, it may be possible that in some instances, drone cleaning may become the preferred method rather than using a person. However, this would generally be the case when cleaning areas that are hard to reach and present a significant safety risk.
That being said, human cleaning operations aren’t stopping anytime soon, most places still require a human touch. Cleaning appropriately requires more than precision, it’s about discernment. Being able to observe when a surface is actually clean. It also requires expertise relevant to the surface being cleaned (using specific cleaning products and equipment).
Can human cleaners work alongside drone cleaning?
Of course, drones are operated by a person, known as a drone pilot. They require specific training in order to fly the drone safely, know how to deal with weather and environmental challenges, and operating the cleaning equipment whilst flying the drone.
In some cases, cleaning companies can use drones without using them for cleaning, they would come in handy in large or industrial spaces with high ceilings and multiple levels. They can be used to view hard-to-see areas that may need cleaning, without having to physically move to that area, ensuring safety.
Is it just office cleaning that drone cleaning can be used for?
Not at all, the scope of drone cleaning has moved further than simple office buildings. Due to the manoeuvrability of drone equipment, it gives them the capability to clean places such as:
Renewable energy sites
- Drones have the capability to clean wind turbine blades, which is crucial for maximising energy efficiency. Drones provide a safer and faster alternative to rope access technicians or large cranes, which can be very expensive and lead to prolonged turbine downtime.
- While cleaning solar panels isn’t new, drones are used for massive solar farms where manual cleaning is impractical and solar cleaning robots may not be suitable for all terrain/installations. Drones use non-contact methods, often with deionized water, to clean the panels without risk of micro scratches, ensuring peak energy output is maintained.
Stadiums and arenas
- The sheer scale, complex geometries, and high roofs of modern sports venues make them a nightmare for traditional cleaning. Drones can quickly clean large roofing structures, high facades, and seating canopies without disrupting operations or requiring extensive heavy equipment setup.
Complicated infrastructure
- Cleaning and treating large transportation structures like bridges, tunnels, and elevated highways is extremely difficult. Drones can be used for pressure washing, soft washing, or even applying anti-corrosion treatments to previously inaccessible structural elements.
- Buildings with intricate architecture or historical significance often cannot support heavy scaffolding or have unique features that are hard to reach. Drones offer a method that is less invasive and can navigate complex carvings, ledges, and irregular facades.
Are there any drawbacks to drone cleaning?
Drone cleaning is an innovative and helpful tool, although it is not without its limitations, these include:
Weather issues
Drones that are used outside, especially at higher altitudes, are subject to be affected by difficult weather. Harsh winds, rain, and snow has the potential to damage the drone, and severely reduce its effectiveness
Environmental issues
Depending on the local environment, there can be issues with drone cleaning. If outside, shrubbery or trees can potentially get in the way. Unfortunately, people may disturb the drone by throwing things at it, or pointing lasers at it. Although the latter two issues are certainly rarer.
Further to this point, certain indoor environments may be difficult to operate a drone in, this could be due to the space holding certain chemicals that are a fire hazard. One wrong move or malfunction can spell serious consequences in the space when operating a drone.
Battery life
Although easily offset by carrying a spare battery, the battery life of a drone can affect the cleaning process. Potentially, the cleaning process can be extended due to having to recharge or replace the battery of the drone. Although robust, certain environments or damage can significantly disrupt the battery.
Malfunction
Although rare, malfunctions are a possibility. If this happens during operation, it can result in serious damage to the drone. In other cases, malfunctions can sometimes rectify themselves or require the help of a technician, which can delay cleaning operations significantly.
Payload management
Drones must carry the weight of the water and cleaning solution, which limits their flight duration and the amount of pressure they can stably apply. While high-pressure washing systems are possible, they require managing a heavy tethered hose connected to a ground-based pump, which adds complexity and demands skilled pilot control to manage the reactionary force.
Cleaning precision and detail
Drones are excellent for covering large, flat, unobstructed areas quickly. However, they often struggle with fine detail work, like cleaning corners, deep recesses, window frames, or heavily caked-on grime that requires manual scrubbing or closer, hands-on attention. The result is often described as 70-80% as clean as a hands-on crew.
When not to use drone cleaning
Heavily soiled or stained surfaces:
Drones typically rely on a ‘no-touch’ method, using pressure washing (or soft washing with chemicals) and water. They cannot carry the specialised scrub brushes, scrapers, or squeegees needed to physically agitate and break down stubborn materials like:
- Thick, set-in algae, mildew, or heavy moss growth.
- Hard water stains or mineral deposits on glass that require acid-based chemicals and manual scrubbing.
- Paint, tar, or graffiti removal that demands intense focused pressure or manual tools.
Interior surfaces:
Interior cleaning (like high rafters or light fixtures) often requires controlled, fine-mist application and wiping, which is better handled by human crews using specialised access equipment.
Residential homes or small commercial buildings
The setup cost and complexity of drone operation (which can involve multiple crew members, power generation, and specialised equipment) are not justified for small jobs. A simple water-fed pole or a standard ladder and pressure washer is much faster and cheaper.
Cleaning a small cluster of windows, a single awning, or a limited ground-level area is an overuse of drone technology.
Explore drone cleaning options with Sentrex
At Sentrex, we prioritise commercial, industrial, and specialist cleaning services. Our services aren’t just a standard once-over, we ensure a comprehensive and individually tailored approach perfect for any site.
Our services are tailored to you, that means you will know everything that you are paying for beforehand.
Here is a list of some of the many services we provide:
- Chemical degreasing
- Steam cleaning
- Pressure washing
- Commercial carpet cleaning
- Trash clean-up
- Window cleaning
- Exterior cleaning
- Deep cleaning
In this blog, we hope to have provided valuable information by highlighting the surprising places drone cleaning is now being used.
Our commitment to fair pricing, environmental sustainability, and personalised service sets us apart. We prioritise quality through rigorous control measures, including monthly audits with advanced software, real-time management via iPads, and an automated time and attendance system.
As members of esteemed trade bodies, we adhere to the highest industry standards. Beyond core cleaning, we offer a full suite of soft and hard FM services, ensuring comprehensive building maintenance. Want to know if our services apply to your business or site? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to secure a superior clean.
