Wander through downtown on early on a weekday morning you just might encounter a hero.

Bringing to mind the closing shot of an action movie, a figure emerges from a shadow, mist billows up from the concrete in the wake of each slow-motion footstep.

Superman? Better. Batman? Not that kind of vigilante. Wonder Woman? Close.

Some heroes wear green. Seven days a week in the heart of downtown Spokane, you will find members of the Clean Team taking pride in keeping sidewalks and public spaces clean and beautiful.

From sweeping up littler to removing graffiti, shoveling snow to watering flowers, and even decorating with flags and lights, members of the Clean Team are the pastry chefs of Spokane, sprinkling sugar wherever they go, making the experience just a little bit sweeter.

This spring, the Clean Team is putting a new tool to work, the Landa Honda Pressure Washer includes a wand and 24″ surface cleaner. You might see them early in the morning gliding their way down the block blasting away grime with 5,000 pounds per square inch of pressure.

“We hope to get to every sidewalk inside the BID before it’s time to start planting,” says Clean Team Lead, Troy Baumgardner. “Many of these sidewalks haven’t been well cleaned in over a decade.”

Power washing is just one of the services provided to Ratepayers of the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District, managed by the Downtown Spokane Partnership. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined area within a city or town where property and business owners come together to invest in improving and promoting the area’s economic and commercial viability.

According to Baumgardner, power washing sidewalks has several benefits for downtown:

• Improves curb appeal: Over time, sidewalks can become dirty and stained, which can make them look unsightly. Power washing can remove dirt, grime, and other stains, improving the overall appearance of your sidewalk and enhancing your home’s curb appeal.
• Increases safety: A dirty sidewalk can be slippery and hazardous, particularly in wet or icy conditions. Power washing can remove slippery substances, making sidewalks safer for pedestrians.
• Extends lifespan: Dirt, grime, and other debris can build up on sidewalks, leading to cracks and other damage. Power washing can remove this debris, helping to prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your sidewalk.
• Saves money: Power washing is a cost-effective way to maintain your sidewalk. It’s much less expensive than having to repair or replace your sidewalk due to damage caused by neglect or buildup of debris.

Overall, power washing sidewalks is a simple and effective way to maintain property and keep downtown looking its best, and a task that the Clean Team proudly takes on.

“We get a lot of thank yous when we’re out there,” says Baumgardner.

They may not be the heroes we read about in comic books, but the downtown Clean Team definitely has super power…washers.

Spring Clean Week is presented by Republic Services

Republic Services, Inc. was incorporated in 1996 with a “can do” spirit, driving its dramatic growth and acquisitions through the years, welcoming other organizations that share its values and fiduciary discipline. Today, Republic Services, Inc. is the second largest provider of services in the domestic non-hazardous solid waste industry. Republic Services provides non-hazardous solid waste and recycling services for commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers.