Industrial Pressure Washing in South Bend: What Facility Managers Should Know

Industrial pressure washing uses high-pressure, often heated water and detergents to remove grease, oil, dirt and buildup from plant equipment, floors, parking structures and building exteriors. T. George Podell & Co has provided industrial pressure washing in South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart and southwest Michigan since 1975. We're family owned and operated, and our industrial service clients include AM General, the City of South Bend and the University of Notre Dame.

What does industrial pressure washing include?

Most industrial and commercial cleaning jobs fall into a few groups:

• Production equipment and machinery: degreasing presses, conveyors, tanks and machine bases.

• Plant floors and loading docks: oil, hydraulic fluid, tire marks and ground-in dirt.

• Parking garages and ramps: salt, oil drips and grime that break down concrete over time.

• Storefronts, sidewalks and building exteriors: dirt, mildew, gum and staining.

• Fleet vehicles and heavy equipment: road film, mud and grease before service or inspection.

• Surface prep: cleaning before painting, coating or inspection.

Hot water or cold water: which does the job need?

Cold water works for loose dirt, mud and light soil. Oil, grease and petroleum residue need heat. Hot water breaks grease down the same way hot dishwater does, so the job goes faster and uses less detergent. Industrial hot water units typically run at 180°F to 200°F, which is why most manufacturing floors, engine areas and fleet work call for them.

For heavy buildup such as scale, hardened residue or caked-on material, we also offer specialized water blasting.

What happens to the wash water?

Wash water from industrial cleaning often carries oil, grease, metals and detergents. The Clean Water Act and most local ordinances don't allow it to run into storm drains. We bring water reclamation and filtration units that let us collect and pre-treat wash water before it's discharged when a job requires it.

If your facility washes regularly and wants a permanent setup, our sister company CPR Systems designs wash water recycling systems for manufacturers.

How to choose an industrial cleaning contractor

• Relevant experience: ask what facilities and surfaces they clean most often.

• The right equipment: hot water units, high-flow machines and water blasting for heavy buildup.

• A wash water plan: how they capture, filter and dispose of runoff.

• Insurance and safety: ask for certificates of insurance before work starts.

• References: jobs similar to yours, ideally from local facilities.

• Local availability: a nearby contractor can handle recurring schedules and urgent cleanups.

Services we pair with pressure washing

Some jobs need more than water. We also provide on-site sandblasting for building cleanups, fire restoration and equipment stripping, plus brick, block and chimney masonry restoration. One contractor can clean, strip and repair in the right order.

Frequently asked questions

How much does industrial pressure washing cost?

It depends on square footage, the type and amount of buildup, access, wash water capture requirements and scheduling. We quote each job after a free consultation.

Do you work weekends?

Yes. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, and weekend work is available by appointment.

What areas do you serve?

South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart and the surrounding Michiana region, including southwest Michigan. Most work is within about 60 miles of South Bend, and we'll travel farther for the right project.

Can you capture and filter wash water on site?

Yes. We have water reclamation and filtration units to collect and pre-treat wash water before discharge when a job calls for it.

Schedule a free consultation

Tell us about your facility and what needs cleaning. Call or text 574-233-9111 or stop by 23146 West Ireland Rd, South Bend, IN 46614. Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, weekends by appointment.