Drones are transforming the exterior cleaning industry by bringing efficiency, safety and convenience to challenging tasks. Already widely used for surveying roofs and elevated building sections ahead of traditional cleaning, new advances have opened up the cleaning of windows and other exterior surfaces to specialised drones.
Remarkable to watch, online videos of drone cleaning in action are capturing increased attention. The demand for drone-powered cleaning is set to take off as the advantages and eco- friendly nature of the method are increasingly recognised. You may be starting to wonder whether drone cleaning would benefit your property, and how to get started. As with the adoption of any new technology, there are key factors to consider to ensure that your drone cleaning project is safe, effective, and fully compliant. Before partnering with SkyWash Drones or any drone cleaning company, here are five important things to check.

1. Verify Licensing and Compliance with Regulations
   One of the first steps when considering working with a drone cleaning company is to confirmthat it holds the necessary licences and adheres to drone cleaning regulations. In the UK, all commercial drone operators must have a specific authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority
   (CAA) to fly the required class of drone and to carry out the tasks in the way that is needed to complete the job. The authorisation covers aspects such as flying close to buildings, carrying and spraying water and cleaning agents, and will also include specifications of the drone itself.
   Beyond this, drone pilots must also each hold their own licence to operate and fly the drone in the form of a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) or equivalent certification. This certification ensures that the pilot has completed the required training to fly drones in a variety of conditions and environments safely.
2. Evaluate the Drone Technology and Capabilities
   Not all cleaning drones are created equal. Some are adapted to bolt on cleaning capabilities, while others, like the Apellix Power Wash Drone used by SkyWash Drones, are specifically engineered for commercial cleaning in challenging environments. These specialised drones are robustly engineered with heavy-lift functionality and are capable of safely delivering precise, high-pressure washing suitable for large commercial buildings.
   When choosing a drone cleaning provider, make sure they use advanced, purpose-built drones with robust capabilities to handle your building’s exterior cleaning needs. Knowing that your provider uses high-quality, state-of-the-art equipment gives you the peace of mind of stringent safety standards while ensuring that your property receives a thorough, professional-grade clean.
3. Assess the Company’s Level of Training
   Drone cleaning is a relatively new service, so a provider is not yet likely to have an extensive portfolio to present. Level of drone pilot training can instead serve as a key differentiator when comparing operators. Only deal with drone cleaning companies who mandate advanced training
   for their pilots. The standard regulatory level of drone pilot training is a minimum level which should be expanded upon due to the critical nature of the task required. The level of training required to bring pilots up to the proficiency to be able to safely navigate valuable property for precise cleaning is significant. SkyWash Drones is an award-winning drone cleaning services company whose pilots have all undergone extensive advanced training to ensure the high level of
   proficiency required for safe and precise cleaning of all types of exterior surfaces. Question a provider to understand the level of drone training that its pilots have undergone as many players are beginning to enter the market with understandably limited experience. Don’t forget that you are employing someone to purposely fly drones close to buildings which is the opposite of what drones have usually done, so the level of proficiency required of pilots is next- level.
4. Consider Safety Protocols and Insurance Coverage
   Safety is a top priority when it comes to drone cleaning operations, especially in areas where people may be present. A reputable drone cleaning company will have comprehensive safety protocols, including risk assessments, clear operational guidelines, and emergency plans.
   Additionally, they should be fully insured to cover any potential accidents or property damage during the cleaning process.
   SkyWash Drones emphasises stringent safety protocols in its operations and conducts regular internal auditing to ensure compliance with best practices. Its strict operating procedures allow potential hazards to be mitigated and the maintenance of a safe environment. Before moving forward, ask the drone cleaning provider for details about their safety measures and verify that they have sufficient insurance to cover all potential risks.
5. Look for Added Support Services and Ongoing Maintenance

It often requires ongoing care and maintenance to keep buildings looking their best. Drone cleaning shines when it comes to maintaining buildings in optimal condition in a cost-effective manner over the long term. Keeping up a regular maintenance programme allows gentle yet effective soft washing methods to deliver satisfying results without the need to resort to one-off harsh, abrasive cleans that are detrimental to the fabric of the building. SkyWash Drones offers
flexible ongoing maintenance plans to keep your commercial building in optimal condition year round. With decades of experience in commercial and industrial exterior building maintenance, our team is expertly placed to advise on effective and cost-effective solutions for all your exterior building cleaning and maintenance needs.
When choosing a drone cleaning company, consider whether it offers support services such as maintenance plans or long-term contracts for regular cleanings. Additionally, if you’re interested in eventually managing drone cleaning operations in-house, look for a provider that offers training and business support.

Conclusion
Transitioning from using traditional cleaning methods that require heavy access equipment such as scaffolding and boom lifts to the ease and efficiency of drone cleaning offers numerous benefits for commercial properties. From improved safety, reducing risk and liability, to reduced disruption and intrusion due to high efficiency and removing workers from outside windows, drone cleaning offers a convenient alternative to traditional cleaning methods. Nevertheless, the decision to work with a drone cleaning provider should be a considered one. Ensuring that the company is compliant with licensing regulations, uses specialist technology fit for the job, has suitable training and proficiency, follows stringent safety protocols, and provides added support and maintenance services can make all the difference in ensuring a successful project.
SkyWash Drones, as the exclusive distributor of the Apellix Power Wash Drone in the UK, is at the forefront of this industry, offering not only high-quality cleaning services but also a range of support options for those interested in drone operations. By keeping these five factors in mind, you can feel confident that your partnership with a drone cleaning company will lead to exceptional results, bringing your property’s exterior to its best condition while keeping safety and compliance front and centre.