FAQs About Drone Cleaning
Everything you need to know about drone cleaning.
Last Updated: January 23, 2026.

Drone window cleaning typically costs $0.10–$0.40 per square foot or $250–$500 per hour, depending on building size, height, glass type, and façade complexity.
Pricing may also be influenced by water quality requirements (spot-free DI or RO water), site access, safety planning, and how often the building is cleaned. Most commercial projects have a minimum service fee to cover mobilization and setup, while recurring maintenance plans can reduce the per-visit cost.
For a full breakdown of pricing, factors, and cost comparisons, read our detailed guide:
https://www.trydronewash.com/post/drone-window-cleaning-cost
DRONEWASH+ provides custom pricing after a site review or test clean to ensure accurate quotes and consistent, professional results.
The cost of our drone cleaning services varies based on the size of the building and the level of dirt. Typically, our rates start at $150 per hour or $2,500 per day.
Yes, our drones safely clean solar panels using purified water, heating systems, and soft-wash techniques to remove dirt and debris, enhancing energy efficiency.
Using industrial-grade filtration to produce pure, demineralized water, drones clean and dry without chemicals, squeegees, or towels.
Yes ,drone window cleaning excels at high dusting including window sills, frames, and ledges while the glass is being cleaned.
This is a key advantage over some traditional methods.
Yes, heated purified water is commonly used for standard window cleaning. Heat improves cleaning performance especially in colder conditions or when removing organic buildup such as bird droppings.
Specialized industrial drones with high-pressure spray systems, such as modified agricultural or inspection drones, are a cost-effective option but may not be as powerful as purpose-built drones designed specifically for commercial cleaning.
Drone window cleaning uses high-pressure water or a cleaning solution delivered through specialized drones. The drone hovers near the window surface, spraying and rinsing away dirt. Some companies use heater water for more cleaning power.
Drone Wash partners with a leading automatic car wash manufacturer to provide proprietary cleaning chemicals designed for drone-based window and building cleaning.
Professional drone window cleaning systems typically operate around 900-1500 PSI at the nozzle, sprayed from approximately ten feet away. The actual pressure impacting the glass is significantly lower and comparable to automatic car wash systems.
When used correctly, this pressure has proven safe across commercial glass applications.
Buildings with mixed surface material types require surface-specific cleaning methods. In most cases, building washing is performed before window cleaning, or both services are coordinated carefully during the same visit.
Chemical selection, dwell time, and thorough rinsing are critical. When a project requires multiple specialties, DRONEWASH+ clearly outlines sequencing and may partner with other crews when appropriate.
Yes, drone window cleaning can be performed in winter (above about 42 degrees fahrenheit) under the right conditions. Temperature, wind, and water system setup all play a role.
In colder climates heated purified water systems are used and jobs are scheduled during safe temperature windows. If freezing conditions make cleaning unsafe or ineffective the service is postponed.
In most cases roof access is not required. Drone cleaning can often be performed entirely from the ground which minimizes disruption to tenants and building operations.
Site conditions are reviewed in advance to determine optimal staging and access needs.
Yes, when needed drone cleaning systems use surface appropriate chemicals combined with purified water. Chemical selection depends on the type of dirt surface material and environmental conditions.
Whenever possible purified water only cleaning is used to minimize environmental impact.
You'll need general liability insurance, aviation insurance, optional drone hull insurance, and potentially workers' compensation if you have employees.
Drone cleaning should not be performed in direct sunlight or when sustained winds exceed approximately ten miles per hour. Drying chemicals on glass or uncontrolled overspray can damage surfaces and must be avoided.
If conditions are unsafe, the job is postponed. This standard is outlined in our operational safety process and discussed in our AMA recap.
Failing seals can allow water intrusion regardless of the cleaning method used. Before work begins, existing conditions are documented, areas below the building are secured, and limitations are clearly disclosed.
In some cases, inspection flights are performed in advance to identify potential risks.
While innovations are developing at a remarkable pace, drone cleaning is no longer experimental when performed by experienced operators. DRONEWASH+ performs active commercial drone cleaning across office buildings, healthcare facilities, mixed-use developments, and solar installations.
Our methods are based on real-world experience, not demonstrations.
Yes, when operated correctly drone window cleaning is safe around occupied commercial buildings. DRONEWASH+ uses controlled flight paths secured ground zones and strict safety measures to protect pedestrians tenants and staff.
All flights are conducted by licensed pilots using commercial grade equipment and predefined and site specific safety plans. In many cases drone cleaning is safer than lifts scaffolding or rope access because fewer people are working at height.
For an overview of commercial drone safety requirements we follow FAA Part 107 regulations as outlined by the FAA.
Drone cleaning is weather dependent. If wind rain or temperature conditions change during a job and safety or quality could be affected the work is paused or rescheduled.
We closely monitor wind speed sunlight and drying conditions. Drone cleaning is never performed in sustained winds above safe thresholds or when chemicals could dry on glass.
This approach protects the building the windows and everyone on site.
All operations are conducted within controlled safety zones and all operators should have appropriate insurance coverage. In the unlikely event of a malfunction pilots follow emergency procedures designed to protect people and property.
This is one reason commercial drone cleaning should only be performed by insured professional operators.
Yes controlled safety zones from 1.5x to 2x the height of operations should be established under active cleaning areas. This is standard practice and ensures pedestrian safety during operations.
Blocking areas is typically faster and less disruptive than closing sidewalks or staging heavy lifts.
You must follow FAA regulations, including airspace restrictions, height limits, and commercial drone licensing requirements.
Drone Wash is a leader in innovative window, building, and solar cleaning. Using advanced technology, expert teams, and eco-friendly methods, we deliver fast, cost-effective, and insured services. Trusted by media and industry leaders, we set the standard in drone cleaning.
DRONEWASH+ is the number one drone window cleaning company in the country, trusted by commercial property managers and facility teams nationwide.
Our leadership is built on standardized safety systems, purpose-built equipment, trained operators, and repeatable processes designed for multi-site and portfolio-level deployments. We are not experimenting. We are operating at national scale.
DRONEWASH+ continuously advances drone cleaning through custom payload development, improved water purification systems, safer flight planning, and standardized training protocols.
Our focus is not just flying drones. It is building a professional, scalable exterior cleaning platform that evolves with technology and laws or regulation.
Yes. DRONEWASH+ is built to support multi-building and multi-city portfolios with consistent pricing, standardized service quality, and centralized coordination.
This makes our services well suited for property managers, REITs, and national facility teams.
DRONEWASH+ is the number one drone window cleaning company in the country trusted by commercial property managers, healthcare facilities, and multi building portfolios.
Our approach is built on real world experience standardized safety systems and transparent communication about what drone cleaning can and cannot do.
Startup costs vary, but expect to invest between $15,000 and $80,000 for just the equipment. Training, insurance, and marketing costs vary between $10,000 a year or more.
Yes, drone cleaning is a booming industry with high-demand services and potential for recurring revenue in commercial and industrial applications.
Attract clients by using online marketing, networking with property managers, reaching out to solar panel owners, and leveraging search engine and social media advertising.
Create a website optimized for local SEO, launch Google Ads, hire a marketing agency, run social media ads, and showcase before-and-after results through video content.
At a minimum, operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. However, for commercial-grade results and insurance compliance, DRONEWASH+ provides specialized certifications including Drone Building Cleaning, Roof & Solar Cleaning, and Aerial Safety Operations.
These industry-specific credentials prove an operator’s ability to handle high-pressure equipment, specialized chemicals like FoamStream™, and complex urban flight paths.
Our certification programs cover six core areas of professional aerial maintenance:
Drone Window Cleaning: Achieving streak-free results on high-rise glass.
Drone Building Cleaning: Managing facades and chemical dwell times.
Roof & Solar Cleaning: Safe navigation around fragile surfaces.
Trailer & Rig Operations: Field setup, lead generation, and equipment maintenance.
Ground-Based Cleaning: Hybrid cleaning for drone-restricted or obstructed zones.
Safety & Risk Mitigation: Documenting jobs and maintaining FAA-ready safety protocols.
Hiring a certified professional ensures the job is performed with validated safety protocols and risk-mitigation tools that protect the building's surfaces and the public.
DRONEWASH+ certified pilots are trained to prevent surface damage from chemical mishandling and are equipped with field-tested protocols that reduce human risk by 100% compared to traditional lifts or scaffolding.
Yes, Drone Wash is in the process of offering franchise opportunities with incentives for multi-franchise ownership. Launched in 2025, the program aims to provide cutting-edge technology, training, and support, making it ideal for entrepreneurs aiming to expand into multiple markets. Learn more on our blog post.
Drone Wash franchises include hands-on training, ongoing phone support, marketing tools, a proven business model, scheduling software, industry leading drones and custom payloads, and ongoing education. With all resources provided, entrepreneurs can confidently start and grow a successful drone wash business.
Drone Wash partners with trusted financiers to provide low-interest financing options, helping you launch your drone cleaning business with ease.
We provide all essential equipment and training needed to launch a successful drone cleaning business, ensuring you're ready to start from day one. Learn more on our benefits page.
A Drone Wash franchise can earn $440,000 to $1,000,000 annually, depending on location, market size, and strategy. With the drone cleaning market projected to exceed $2 billion by 2028, it’s a profitable time to invest in this growing industry.
Drone Wash offers live phone support for franchisees and drone operators, providing assistance with cleaning operations and business growth to ensure your success.
To start a Drone Wash franchise, complete the inquiry form and application at trydronewash.com/get-started. A franchise specialist will guide you through the process, including qualifying questions to ensure the franchise fits your financial situation and business goals.
Drone window cleaning can deliver results equal to traditional methods when used in the right situations. It performs best on buildings that are cleaned regularly and is highly effective at removing dust, bird droppings, cobwebs, and light mineral residue.
Drone cleaning is considered a maintenance cleaning method, not a restoration service. For a deeper explanation based on real job sites, see our expert AMA answers in The Most Common Questions About Drone Window Cleaning on our blog.
Quality control is performed using high-resolution live video monitoring during cleaning and post-clean inspection. On some projects, interior cleaning teams or spot checks are used to verify results and identify any areas needing touch-up.
Drone window cleaning is designed to remove dust, pollen, bird droppings, spiderwebs, and light mineral buildup. It also excels at high dusting and cleaning window sills while the glass is being cleaned.
It cannot fully remove etched mineral stains, construction adhesives, paint overspray, or years of untreated buildup. Those conditions require restoration before drone cleaning is used for ongoing maintenance.
Drone window cleaning is not ideal for final construction cleans where stickers, caulk, or adhesive residue must be scraped by hand.
It is extremely effective for removing construction dust and for maintaining buildings after construction is complete and occupied.
If windows have heavy mineral staining or long-term neglect, drone cleaning alone will not fully restore them. In these cases, restoration using rope access or traditional methods is recommended first.
Once restored, drone window cleaning becomes a highly efficient long-term maintenance solution. We explain this process in more detail in our drone cleaning cost and maintenance planning guide.
Drone window cleaning does not replace rope access in all situations. Rope access is still required for restoration work, scraping, and severe mineral damage.
Drone cleaning significantly reduces the frequency of rope access once windows are restored, improving safety and lowering long-term costs.
DRONEWASH+ typically operates below 150 feet to maintain optimal visibility, control, and safety. In ideal conditions, flights may extend up to approximately 200 feet depending on site conditions and regulatory requirements.
Consistency is achieved through standardized operating procedures, standard quality control standards, trained operators, centralized oversight, and uniform safety and insurance requirements.
This structured approach is a key difference between DRONEWASH+ and independent or general cleaning service providers.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.If you are a resident of, or wish to acquire a franchise to be operated in one of these states, we will offer you a franchise only after we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction. We are accepting applications from all states.
