Cladding Cleaning In Wandsworth with Patented Cleaning Systems

Spectrum already had the window cleaning contract on this block and so were the natural choice when the façade required further cleaning. We had been cleaning the windows on the block for over ten years. As a result, we were familiar with the property and the surrounding area.

The Project

The main focus of the project was to remove the staining and discolouration that had appeared on the tiled cladding. Our teams had five days to clean the cladding and restore the property to its original aesthetic condition.

The Site

The residential block was located in the Wandsworth area of London. The outside of the building had been cladded with tiles that had a slightly rough surface. This rough surface made them difficult to clean and meant expert advice was required before cleaning could commence.

If incorrect products and processes are used on this type of cladding, it can leave residue behind on the surface of the tiles. This can result in a smeared appearance and make the building look dirty and in need of maintenance. Using the correct cleaning methods avoids this issue and ensures a fantastic finish. 

The Logistics

There were several access issues at this site that our teams needed to overcome. One of the main challenges was the car park ramp area. The steep slope of the ramp made it difficult to bring heavy machinery on site. In fact, around 90% of cherry pickers would have been unsuitable for the ramp. This meant we were required to use a specialist machine for the job.

Another issue our teams faced involved the design of the building. The block had a wooden slatted roof feature which meant the work would have to be carried out in two halves; one section would be cleaned from the ground up and the other from the roof down to the slatted area.

Our patented cleaning system allowed us to clean the façade and the underside of the slatted roof feature from the safety of the ground. Higher elevations were accessed via a cherry picker, or MEWP. We chose to use heavy machinery on these elevations as the pitched roof of the building would have made abseiling more time consuming and less practical. Around 30% of the work was carried out via cherry picker access.

Teams working on the Wandsworth property had extensive experience and training in a range of specialist areas. Where appropriate, our teams were IPAF category 1a and 3b trained (this allowed them to operate the MEWP) and had work at height experience. They also employed specially printed 3D equipment in order to access all areas of the façade and achieve a deep, thorough clean.

Combining Specialist Cleaning Knowledge and Tools

The slightly rough surface of the tiled cladding meant our operatives had to use the correct products and processes in order to ensure a good result from the clean. Using the wrong cleaning chemicals would have resulted in residue being left on the cladding at the end of the clean, so our expert knowledge was essential to the outcome of the project. 


Our operatives used Spectrum’s own patented cleaning system throughout the project. This modular system uses 50mm diameter poles that do not taper at either end. Using straight poles gives the system exceptional strength and allows operatives to clean up to eight stories high without the need for ropes or heavy machinery.

As a result, we were able to clean around 70% of the cladding from the safety of the ground. Working from ground level allows operatives to work quickly and efficiently. It also saves our clients a considerable amount on access costs. While each pole system costs around £8,000 plus VAT, minimising the need for heavy machinery saves much more than this in the long run.

The remaining 30% of cleaning work was carried out from cherry pickers. This provided our team with a safe, solid base from which to work. Operatives working from cherry pickers also used our patented pole system to increase their reach and properly clean all areas of the façade. Using our cleaning system from cherry pickers meant we did not require access to the balconies on the building and our operatives were able to keep a safe distance from the property at all times.

All areas of the façade were treated with a specially selected cleaning product prior to being cleaned with low pressure steam. Using steam as the last stage in the process is very important as it removes all residue from the façade of the property and ensures a fantastic finish.

By using our specially designed and patented equipment, we were able to minimise disruption to the residents of the block and achieve outstanding results from the clean.

Cladding Restoration

The cladding clean at the Wandsworth site had an excellent result. The façade of the building was totally transformed and now looks cleaner, healthier and brighter. Removing the dirt and grime from the cladding tiles has revealed the true colour of the façade and given the property a fresh new look.

The client was very happy with the look of the building post-clean. They were also pleased that we were able to bring the project in on time and on budget. This was made possible by our specialist knowledge in access solutions and cleaning systems. Selecting the correct combination of each allowed our teams to keep costs to a minimum and work efficiently.

Spectrum figured out solutions

The Spectrum MD said of the Wandsworth clean, “We love projects like this where there has been a huge noticeable difference to the façade of the building. It’s great to see the team think of the best way to tackle this building, not only with the various different cleaning methods available but also the different access options. I believe the operatives in charge of this job chose the best possible cleaning methods and also the safest and most cost effective access methods to deliver the job.”