Drone Cleaning Skids – Complete Guide for Building & Window Cleaning
Table of Contents
- An Overview of Cleaning with a Drone
- Gear You Need for Drone Cleaning
- Pure Water for Window Cleaning Drones
- Soaps and Chemicals for Building Cleaning Drones
- Choosing the Right Drone
- Building the Perfect Drone Cleaning Skid
- Pressure Washer
- Soft Wash Pump
- Pure Water System
- Water and Chemical Storage
- Mixing and Control Systems
- Vehicle Format
- The Future of Drone Cleaning
- Ready to take flight?
- FAQs
An Overview of Cleaning with a Drone
Drone cleaning is quickly changing the way professionals clean large windows, solar panels, and building exteriors. By combining aerial reach with high-pressure water or soft wash systems on the ground, drones make it possible to clean tall structures safely and efficiently without lifts or scaffolding.
The process is simple in concept: the drone sprays either pure water or a chemical mix across the surface while the operator controls pressure and flow from the ground. The result is faster coverage, reduced labor, and safer working conditions—all powered by professional-grade cleaning equipment on the ground.
Gear You Need for Drone Cleaning
Cleaning with a drone requires more than just the aircraft. You need a complete ground-support system to supply water, pressure, and cleaning solution. Whether you’re washing windows or rinsing siding, the performance of the system below determines how well the drone performs above.
Pure Water for Window Cleaning Drones
When using a drone for window or solar cleaning, pure RODI water is non-negotiable. Without purified water, you’ll leave spots behind as minerals dry on the glass. A ProTool HydroPanel RODI system delivers the pure water needed for a spotless finish.
For best results, apply a mild soap or surfactant first to break the surface tension and lift dirt—especially when you’re cleaning without brush agitation.
ProTool HydroPanel RODI Wall Mount
$6,000.40
ProTool HydroPanel — All-in-One Wall-Mounted RO/DI Pure Water System The ProTool HydroPanel is your turnkey solution for premium pure water on demand. Designed for easy...… read more
Soaps and Chemicals for Building Cleaning Drones
For building washing, the focus shifts from purity to chemistry. You’ll need to identify what type of contamination you’re dealing with:
Organic growth (mildew, algae, mold) → Soft wash mix with sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and surfactant.
Oxidation on siding or metal panels → Specialized oxidation removers or restoration soaps.
General dirt, grease, or atmospheric buildup → Mild degreasers and rinsing agents.
Having multiple mix options available allows you to switch between cleaning modes on the fly—literally.
The best soap for building cleaning with a drone is the ProTool Building Cleaner. It has degreasing properties, oxidation removal, slight adhesive removal, and has a great rinsing agent to make the glass POP.
ProTool Red Building Cleaner
$788.40
Building Cleaner is great for all your building surface cleaning. It can be used with various spraying systems to coat the surface with a ...… read more
Choosing the Right Drone
There are many drones designed for spraying and cleaning, each with unique tank sizes, payload capacities, and flight times. Some carry their own onboard tanks; others rely on tethered hoses. Larger drones can handle higher flow rates but require more lift power and larger batteries.
Pick your drone first—then build your ground system around it.
Building the Perfect Drone Cleaning Skid
Let’s be honest—there’s nothing entirely new about the cleaning skid itself. What’s new is how it’s optimized to work with a drone. You’ll need a blend of pressure, flow, and chemistry all feeding through lightweight hoses up to your aircraft.
Pressure Washer
A high-flow pressure washer is key for coverage and rinsing. Look for 4–5.5 GPM or higher units that provide enough output to maximize each flight. Remember, your drone can only flow as much water as its hose and fittings allow, so balance output with efficiency.
8.0g 3000psi GP Cold Belt Skid Mount
$6,381.20
8.0g 3000psi GP Cold Belt Skid Mount he 8.0g 3000psi GP Cold Belt Skid Mount Pressure Washer is a high-performance, heavy-duty cleaning machine built for...… read more
Soft Wash Pump
For chemical application, a 300 PSI / 8 GPM or higher soft wash pump gives you the flow and pressure needed to deliver bleach mixes and soaps effectively. This is essential for treating organic buildup on siding, roofs, or solar arrays.
BPX25 - P40 Soft Wash Sprayer Skid
$2,520.75
Soft Wash Spraying Skids Soft Wash Spraying – Power for Any Job Built for Power. Ready for Integration. These are high-performance gas-powered soft wash systems,...… read more
Pure Water System
A RODI system is the heart of any drone window or solar cleaning setup. It ensures spot-free results and protects your reputation. The ProTool HydroPanel line provides high output with minimal maintenance—ideal for long cleaning days.
ProTool HydroPanel RODI Wall Mount
$6,000.40
ProTool HydroPanel — All-in-One Wall-Mounted RO/DI Pure Water System The ProTool HydroPanel is your turnkey solution for premium pure water on demand. Designed for easy...… read more
Water and Chemical Storage
Plan for at least 100 gallons of pure water, and ideally 200 gallons to avoid running dry mid-job. Add a 100-gallon raw-water tank for chemical dilution and a dedicated bleach tank for building wash operations. If your drone doesn’t carry soap onboard, include a small soap tank as well.
Slim Line 100 Gallon Water Tank Water Dragon
$821.00
Water Dragon Slim Line 100 Gallon Water 100-Gallon Water Tank – Space-Saving & Durable Storage Solution Compact & Slim Design: Measuring 48” L x 13”...… read more
Hose Reels and Hose Management
A drone cleaning setup often requires long hose runs to maintain distance from the vehicle and allow altitude up to 200 ft. Heavy-duty aluminum or stainless-steel hose reels are a must. Decide early whether you prefer electric for convenience or manual for simplicity.
Keeping your hose organized not only protects it from damage but also improves safety during flight.
Reel Stainless Steel for 325ft 1/2in or 400ft 3/8in hose 4000psi
$376.70
Reel Large Capacity Stainless Steel Hose Reel 100% Stainless Steel reel with a capacity for up to 400ft of 3/8in Hose or 300ft of 1/2in...… read more
Mixing and Control Systems
A metering manifold lets you precisely control your mix ratios and switch between raw and pure water sources. Adding a remote control system allows you to start or stop flow, toggle between chemicals, and monitor operation without returning to the skid. Indicator lights and clear labeling are crucial—bonus points for RGB!
Soft Wash Metering Block
$516.60
Soft Wash Metering Valve System Soft Wash Metering Valve Mixing Manifold Block: High Flow up to 13gpm with Precision Control for Professional Soft Washing This...… read more
Vehicle Format
Finally, choose your transport format. Most operators favor large commercial vans to secure and protect expensive drone equipment. Others use truck-bed skids or trailers depending on fleet setup. The right choice balances storage, security, and ease of deployment.
Examples:
ProTool Van Drone Skid
$34,171.00
ProTool Drone Skid – High-Output Drone Delivery System for Soap & Pure Water ** This system is in production and real pictures will be updated...… read more
ProTool Mega Pressure Washing and Soft Washing Skid
$30,014.85
The Ultimate All-in-One Skid for Pressure Washing, Soft Washing, Pure Water & Drone Delivery The ProTool Mega Drone Skid 6.5 is a fully built, ready...… read more
Shop all at: https://jracenstein.com/
The Future of Drone Cleaning
Drone cleaning is more than a novelty—it’s the next step in professional exterior maintenance. By combining aerial precision with proven ground-based systems, you can cover more area with less labor and greater safety.
Whether you’re cleaning glass, solar panels, or full building exteriors, the right setup—powered by ProTool pumps, RODI systems, and components from J. Racenstein—ensures your drone cleaning operation runs efficiently, safely, and profitably.
Ready to take flight?
Design your dream Drone Cleaning Skid with J. Racenstein.
Let our experts at J. Racenstein help you design the perfect ProTool system. From pure water and soft wash to reels, tanks, and remote controls — we’ll build it exactly how you need it.
Request a FREE 15 minute design call with a FREE 3D Render
Check out or custom skids:
https://jracenstein.com/cleaning-solutions/auto-wash/product-collections/custom-skid-mounts/
FAQs
What is a Drone Cleaning Skid?
A drone cleaning skid is a ground-based system that supplies water, pressure, and cleaning solution to your drone. It typically includes a pressure washer or soft wash pump, RODI pure-water system, storage tanks, hose reels, and controls designed for aerial cleaning applications.
Do you need pure water for drone window cleaning?
Yes. Pure RODI water is essential for drone window or solar cleaning to prevent spotting and mineral residue. Using untreated water will leave streaks and deposits as it dries, so a ProTool HydroPanel or similar RODI system is recommended.
What kind of pressure washer works best for drone cleaning?
A high-flow pressure washer—generally 4 to 5.5 GPM or higher—delivers the best performance. Flow is more important than extreme PSI, since drones can only handle limited pressure through small hoses. The goal is consistent volume for even coverage per flight.
Can a drone use soft wash chemicals?
Yes, but only when properly diluted and metered. A 300 PSI / 8 GPM or larger soft wash pump is ideal for feeding bleach or surfactant mixes. Always verify that your drone’s components and spray system are rated for chemical exposure.
How much water storage do I need for drone cleaning?
Plan for at least 200 gallons of pure water and 100 gallons of raw or mix water. Larger operations often carry 200 gallons or more to ensure continuous cleaning without downtime between flights. The better your pure water system, the less water you need to carry. With a system like the Hydro Panel 4.5, you might not need more than 100 gal of pure water as your production can keep up with consumption.
Can I switch between pure water and chemical mix from the ground?
Yes. A remote-controlled metering manifold lets you toggle between pure water and raw water or chemical mix. This saves time, reduces chemical waste, and allows full control without landing the drone.
What type of hose reels work best for drone cleaning setups?
Heavy-duty stainless-steel or aluminum hose reels are recommended for long hose runs—often up to 200 feet. Choose high-capacity electric reels for convenience or manual reels for simplicity and weight savings.
Is drone cleaning safe for building surfaces?
When used correctly, drone cleaning is safe for glass, metal, and most painted or coated surfaces. Always match pressure, flow, and chemistry to the substrate—use soft wash for delicate materials and pure water for glass or solar panels.
Can J. Racenstein help design my drone cleaning skid?
Absolutely. Our experts can help you design a complete ProTool Drone Cleaning Skid with the right pumps, tanks, reels, and RODI systems for your specific drone and application. Contact us today to start building your setup.
