When you think of the perfect spot to catch a big game in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is likely at the top of your list. With its expansive outdoor bar and dining area, it’s a staple for locals and visitors alike. However, high foot traffic, food spills, and the humid North Carolina climate can quickly take a toll on even the most well-maintained outdoor spaces.
At Shark Power Washing, we know that for a restaurant, “clean” isn’t just an aesthetic—it’s a reflection of the brand and a commitment to customer safety. We recently had the pleasure of performing a comprehensive commercial pressure washing project at the Carolina Ale House (located in the heart of the 28403 zip code), and the results were nothing short of transformative.
Commercial Pressure Washing Project Overview
We have a long relationship with Carolina Ale House and have been helping them keep their property clean for a long time. In this service, we noticed their outdoor dining and bar areas were showing the wear and tear of a busy season. If you’ve ever enjoyed a plate of wings on a patio, you know how easily grease, sugary drinks, and food particles can settle into the pores of the concrete.
The Problem: Dingy Floors and Sticky Surfaces
Before we arrived, the outdoor bar area was struggling with a few common “coastal NC” issues:
- Persistent Mildew: The humidity in Wilmington often leads to a thin layer of green or black mildew on shaded concrete surfaces.
- Sticky Residue: Spilled drinks and food create a tacky film that attracts more dirt and makes regular mopping ineffective.
- Diminished Curb Appeal: Over time, the vibrant atmosphere of the outdoor bar was being overshadowed by the dingy, darkened appearance of the floors.
As a business owner, you only get one chance to make a first impression. For Carolina Ale House, that impression starts the moment a guest walks toward the patio. They needed a professional team that understood the nuances of commercial pressure washing in Wilmington to restore the space without disrupting their operations.
Our Cleaning Process: The Shark Power Washing Method
To tackle a job of this scale, you can’t just “point and shoot” with a high-pressure wand. Doing so can actually damage the surface or fail to kill the organic growth at the root. We utilized a specialized two-fold approach to ensure a deep, lasting clean.
1. Professional-Grade Equipment
We utilized our truck-mounted, professional-grade pressure washing systems. Unlike consumer-grade units, our equipment allows us to regulate temperature and pressure precisely, ensuring we have the “muscle” to lift deep-seated grease from the bar area floors while remaining gentle enough for more sensitive surfaces.
2. The Soft Wash Hybrid Technique
For the areas surrounding the outdoor bar, we implemented a low-pressure “soft wash” technique. We applied a custom blend of biodegradable detergents designed to break down proteins, fats, and organic growth (like mildew and algae). This is a critical step in pressure washing in Wilmington, as it treats the problem at a chemical level rather than just a mechanical one.
3. Surface Scrubbing
For the stubborn food spills and high-traffic “blackened” concrete sections, we used a flat-surface cleaner. This ensures an even, streak-free finish across the entire patio, preventing the “tiger stripes” often seen with amateur DIY jobs.
4. Safety and Sustainability
Because this was a restaurant environment, safety was our top priority. Our biodegradable detergents are tough on grime but safe for the environment and the patrons who would be sitting in these chairs just hours later. We ensured all runoff was managed properly, keeping the local Wilmington ecosystem in mind.
Final Results: Clean Bar, Clean Floors, Better Beer!
The transformation at Carolina Ale House was immediate. By the time our team was packing up the hoses, the concrete had lightened by several shades, and the “sticky” feeling underfoot was completely gone.
Restored Curb Appeal
The outdoor dining area now looks fresh and ready for the week. The bright, clean concrete reflects more light, making the entire patio feel larger, more open, and significantly more inviting.
A Safe, Sanitized Environment
Beyond the looks, the patio is now a safer place for both staff and customers. Removing the mildew and grease eliminates slip-and-fall hazards, while our detergents sanitized the surfaces where guests eat and drink.
Whether you are looking for residential pressure washing to boost your home’s value or you need to maintain a high-traffic commercial storefront, the principles remain the same: the right equipment, the right chemicals, and a commitment to excellence.
Why Choose Shark Power Washing for Your Wilmington Business?
Operating in the 28403 area means dealing with unique environmental challenges—from salt air to pollen seasons. We pride ourselves on being the local experts who know exactly how to treat these surfaces.
This project at Carolina Ale House is a prime example of how a professional “refresh” can revitalize a business. If your outdoor seating area, storefront, or parking lot is starting to look a little weathered, don’t wait for the grime to build up. To learn more about how we help local businesses shine, check out our recent post on regular commercial maintenance or browse our full list of services.
Ready to give your business the Shark treatment? Nothing beats a clean patio for game day. If you need your restaurant or commercial space refreshed in Wilmington, NC, Shark Power Washing has you covered.