SkyClean: Setting a New Standard for Drone-Mounted for High-Rise and Industrial Power Washing

By: Dawn Zoldi

SkyClean, modular cleaning hardware designed by Nested Technologies to mount directly on the DJI Matrice 400 platform, redefines how facility managers, building owners and service providers approach exterior maintenance. This combination of modular cleaning hardware with advanced drone technology offers a smarter, safer and more efficient method for maintaining hard-to-reach surfaces on residential, commercial and industrial structures. Nested Technologies aims to disrupt the multi-billion dollar exterior cleaning market with this scalable aerial power washing system. (Read prior AG coverage of Nested Technologies here).

Traditional cleaning methods for elevated façades, windows and rooftop installations rely on scaffolding, boom lifts or gondolas. These approaches require substantial setup time and costs. In contrast, users can rapidly deploy SkyClean. Unlike scaffolding, which can require hours to erect and remove, an operator can fit the drone-mounted lance and power washer in minutes. SkyClean eliminates these hazards by keeping operators safely on the ground, while a drone precisely maneuvers its high-pressure washing lance at altitude.

Skyclean also alleviates the need to expose workers to the dangers of falls and mechanical failure. It eliminates these hazards by keeping operators safely on the ground, while a drone precisely maneuvers its high-pressure washing lance at altitude. Its aerial approach means almost any vertical or complex surface at height is within reach. Whether it’s modern architectural facades, landmark signage or industrial silos, the system adapts to a wide spectrum of cleaning scenarios without the logistical headaches of scaffolding, cherry pickers or cranes.

For property managers, the system’s ability to maneuver around intricate cornices, protrusions or narrow ledges means thorough cleaning without accidental damage or skipped spots. From billboard displays to solar panel arrays, SkyClean routinely tackles sites that would otherwise remain dirty or require expensive manual attention.

Residential applications are just as impressive. With SkyClean, tasks like roof, gutter and upper-story window cleaning become safer, faster and more cost-effective by reducing the risks of weather delays and labor injuries.

Operators benefit from a seamless workflow. Infinit Drones, SkyClean’s exclusive dealer, delivers the system in modular components that lock into place with reinforced fittings and hose management clips. This design ensures stability and flight safety even under the inertial loads of high-pressure washing. As a result, cleaning crews can address more locations in less time. This improves operational flexibility and minimizes costly service interruptions.

Nested Technologies’ forte lies in designing robotic systems for practical applications. According to Nested Technologies CEO Pedram Nowroozi, ““We want to make advanced drone and robotic systems practical. We want to make them reliable and most importantly scalable for real world use.” He continued, “Our main goal really is payloads and accessories to aid our clients.” (Watch Pedram Nowroozi on the Dawn of Autonomy podcast, Episode 90).

Delivering effective aerial cleaning takes more than simply attaching a spray nozzle to a drone. The system’s advanced engineering features ensure the completion of cleaning tasks with minimal vibration, maximum stability and ease of use. 

“We want to make sure that we provide [clients] with the correct equipment so they can carry out their work… and make it a way that they can understand how to use it,” Nowroozi said.

The modular, quick-disconnect fittings allow compatibility with a broad range of standard pressure commercial washers rated from 2500 to 4500 psi for industrial-grade cleaning power. By integrating reinforced stabilizers and hose clips, the platform maintains drone balance and precisely targets stubborn debris, environmental buildup or pollution stains. This makes it straightforward for maintenance crews to integrate the system into their existing toolkit without costly upgrades. The modular, quick-connect design also simplifies storage and transport, with each component engineered for portability and rapid assembly.

For companies managing extensive property portfolios or multiple types of sites, this compatibility means SkyClean can be deployed wherever it’s needed, from downtown high-rises to remote industrial complexes. The versatility extends to cleaning solutions as well, allowing for custom detergents or specialty washes based on the surface and environment.

Nested Technologies also designed the system’s quick-release nozzle to integrate with commercial washers. This allows for rapid switching between different spray patterns and pressures, from gentle rinsing to deep cleaning. Hose management clips direct drag forces away from the drone and prevent entanglement during complex maneuvers.

Finally, the company built the SkyClean’s modular lance for optimal weight distribution on the Matrice 400, a drone known for its payload capacity, flight stability and extensibility. The lance aligns with the drone’s center of gravity. Reinforced stabilizers absorb excess vibration and prevent inertial drag as high-pressure water jets hit surfaces. The result is precise, repeatable cleaning power, executed with minimal downtime and maximum control.

As an added benefit, by reducing the need for heavy equipment and onsite vehicle traffic, SkyClean supports more sustainable cleaning operations. The system’s targeted application of cleaning agents minimizes chemical runoff and overspray. Its rapid setup and dismantling also reduce noise and disruption in urban and residential environments, which contributes to lower carbon emissions and safer communities.

SkyClean by Nested Technologies should not be viewed as a mere “drone accessory.” It’s the technological enabler to shift businesses’ approach to elevated surface maintenance. The powerful combination of drone payload versatility with this sophisticated, modular power washing apparatus, provides unprecedented safety, access and operational efficiency.

Nowroozi explained his goal in creating this unique system. “Our goal here is not to just keep pushing hardware… It’s actually to try to induce creativity, to induce some sort of growth. We do see the industry growing every single day. We want to be a big part of that, to help everyone grow. That’s what we’re trying to do,” he said.

By blending advanced drone technology with practical solutions for real-world cleaning challenges, SkyClean has literally and figuratively taken exterior cleaning to a whole new level. Not surprisingly SkyClean has already made waves in diverse sectors where elevated surface maintenance is crucial, such as:

• High-Rise Commercial Buildings: Building owners benefit from more frequent and thorough façade cleaning without disrupting tenants or risking liability from worker injuries.
• Advertising and Signage: Outdoor billboards and LED displays maintain a professional appearance which attracts more customers and maximizes ad revenue.
• Industrial Facilities: Silos, tanks, smokestacks and rooftop HVAC equipment can be cleaned on schedule, enhancing both operational efficiency and workplace safety.
• Residential Complexes: Roofing, gutter, and upper window cleaning can be completed with minimal disturbance. This improves curb appeal and property values. 

The future seems even more bright (pun intended) for this technology. Leading analysts predict that drone-enabled cleaning and inspection solutions will accelerate throughout commercial real estate, heavy industry and energy sectors over the next decade. As urban infrastructure grows vertically and architectural designs become more complex, solutions like SkyClean will be become even more essential to maintain value, safety and aesthetics. Companies adopting SkyClean today stand to future-proof their investments and protect their people with improved cost-efficiency, reduced downtime and enhanced workplace safety.

Check out this video of SkyClean in action!