If you run a business in the industrial sector, you know that hygiene and cleanliness are essential to a safe and healthy working environment. Industrial cleaning can be a complex and demanding task that requires special expertise. That’s where industrial cleaning outsourcing comes in.

The professional cleaners at Trexo are here to describe the benefits of industrial cleaning outsourcing, including associated costs and tips for choosing the right provider.

Whether you’re already convinced of the benefits of outsourcing industrial cleaning, or you need to learn more to make an informed decision, keep reading!

The benefits of outsourcing industrial cleaning

Outsourced industrial cleaning offers many advantages for companies who need to maintain clean, hygienic working environments.

1. Reduced labour costs

Hiring in-house industrial cleaning staff can represent a considerable expense for your company. Let’s compare the fixed costs associated with hiring in-house staff and the financial benefits of outsourcing.

Fixed costs of hiring in-house cleaning staff

Hiring in-house cleaning staff involves paying fixed salaries in addition to payroll taxes and benefits. You are also responsible for indirect costs such as obligatory training to ensure that your facilities consistently meet the hygiene standards specific to your industry. These fixed costs can weigh heavily on your budget, especially if your cleaning needs vary.

The financial benefits of outsourced industrial cleaning

Outsourced industrial cleaning offers a more financially flexible alternative. Rather than bearing the fixed costs of hiring in-house staff, you only pay for services rendered by an industrial cleaning expert. This means you can adjust costs according to your actual needs, whether for regular or one-off interventions.

What’s more, outsourcing can accommodate changing needs. For example, during periods of higher activity, you can temporarily increase your industrial plant cleaning services to meet demand, then reduce paid time when activity slows down. This flexibility makes it possible to reduce production costs.

Reduced personnel costs is one of the main financial benefits of outsourcing industrial cleaning. You can make significant savings while guaranteeing a high level of cleanliness in your industrial working environment.

2. Expertise and professionalism

When you rely on an industrial cleaning service provider, you benefit from their specialized training and professionalism. Let’s take a closer look.

Industrial cleaning subcontractors: specialized skills

Industrial cleaning contractors have specific skills to meet the challenges of cleaning in industrial environments. They understand the specific requirements of different industries, including industrial plant safety standards. They can adapt their cleaning methods and techniques to your industry’s specific surfaces, equipment and materials.

What’s more, industrial cleaning contractors are familiar with the complex cleaning procedures and safety protocols required in sensitive industrial environments, including chemicals and tools that deliver top results.

Cleaning staff trained for industrial environments

Employees of industrial cleaning contractors are thoroughly trained to meet the specific requirements of industrial environments.

This training ensures that industrial cleaning operators are well prepared to handle the unique challenges encountered in industrial environments, such as cleaning large surfaces, removing industrial residues, dealing with special waste, etc. Their expertise and experience enable them to perform cleaning tasks efficiently, safely and to high quality standards.

When you hire industrial cleaning service providers, you benefit from the expertise of their trained staff, which guarantees quality results and helps you maintain a clean, safe working environment.

3. Use of appropriate equipment and products

When you opt for outsourced industrial cleaning, you benefit from the use of specialized equipment and products tailored to the demands of industrial environments.

Industrial cleaning equipment

Industrial cleaning contractors use equipment that is specially designed for cleaning industrial environments, such as industrial vacuum cleaners, scrubber-driers, high-pressure water blasting equipment and advanced dust removal equipment. Adapted tools make it possible to do deep cleaning, removing stubborn dirt and treating large surfaces.

Industrial cleaning subcontractors use tools and techniques specific to each industry. For example, when appropriate, they can use ultrasonic cleaning, soda blasting and even dry ice blasting.

Benefits of using industrial cleaning products and methods

Industrial soil and residues can be difficult to clean. Industrial cleaning contractors know which products and cleaning methods will work to meet these specific challenges.

They use powerful, safe industrial cleaning products formulated to effectively remove grease, oil, stubborn stains and industrial residues that won’t damage employee health or factory equipment. Using the right equipment and products is a key benefit of outsourced industrial cleaning.  

Factors influencing subcontracting rates

It’s important to understand how industrial cleaning subcontractor rates are calculated. Various factors can affect the cost of this service.

A. Type of task

Some industrial cleaning tasks may demand more time and effort, or the use of specific products and equipment. For example, cleaning ventilation ducts or removing mold and mildew are services that could entail extra costs.

B. Total surface area

Industrial cleaning subcontracting fees reflect the size of the area being treated. The larger the surface area, the greater the time and resources required, and service providers will adjust their prices accordingly.

C. Service schedule

Outsourcing rates will be affected by how often you need industrial cleaning services (daily, weekly or monthly, depending on your needs) and whether the cleaning will be done outside regular working hours, such as at night or on the weekend.

D. Equipment and products

Some industrial environments may require the use of specific chemicals or specialized cleaning equipment to meet safety and hygiene standards, which will impact rates.

How to choose an industrial cleaning subcontractor

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right subcontractor for your company.

Reputation and experience

Select a company with a solid reputation in the industry and positive reviews from previous customers. A good company will have in-depth knowledge of the specific parametres surrounding industrial cleaning, and will be able to deliver a high-quality service.

Flexible cleaning schedules

Flexible cleaning schedules are a crucial factor to consider. Working hours in industrial environments can vary, and it’s essential to choose a service provider who can adapt to your timetable.

Compliance with safety and regulatory standards

In industrial cleaning, safety and regulatory standards are extremely important. Make sure your subcontractor is fully aware of the regulations specific to your industry, and follows them diligently to protect your staff and facilities. Confirm that the company has the necessary certifications and training.

Commitment to sustainability and the environment

These days, commitment to sustainability and the environment is important to many companies. Find out whether your provider enforces sustainable practices, such as environmentally-friendly products, efficient waste management and a minimal carbon footprint. Choosing a service provider committed to sustainability will not only contribute to preserving the environment, but will also enhance your company’s brand image.

Flexible contacts and adjustable services

Contractual flexibility is another factor to consider when choosing an outsourcing provider. Make sure the company is prepared to adapt its services if your needs change, including number of visits, scope of services, and more.

Automation and robotization in industrial cleaning

Since 2024, industrial cleaning has undergone a real transformation thanks to automation. Autonomous cleaning robots, capable of mapping areas to be cleaned and adapting in real time to site constraints, are becoming increasingly common in large factories and warehouses. This equipment reduces the drudgery of tasks, optimizes working hours, and ensures consistent quality, even in high-traffic areas. The integration of connected sensors and monitoring software also enables continuous performance analysis, providing complete traceability of operations and better cost control.

The rise of environmental and social criteria (ESG)

More and more industrial companies are incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria into their calls for tenders and subcontracting policies. Cleaning service providers must now demonstrate their concrete commitment to sustainability: use of biodegradable products, responsible water and waste management, reduction of CO₂ emissions related to travel, and employee training and well-being. This evolution makes industrial cleaning a strategic lever not only for regulatory compliance, but also for brand image and corporate social responsibility.

Trexo: your trusted subcontractor for industrial cleaning

Outsourced industrial cleaning can offer many solutions to your company. It can help you reduce costs related to personnel and equipment and allow you to benefit from the expertise and professionalism of trained industrial cleaners.

When you choose a trusted provider like Trexo, you are choosing to rely on a reputable and experienced industrial cleaning company. Our team of qualified professionals is trained to meet the specific requirements of your industrial sector and guarantee high-quality service.

Would you like to find out how we can help? Contact us today for an estimate!

The industrial painting industry is a constantly evolving sector, subject to increasingly stringent quality standards and environmental requirements. Companies needing to paint complex metal products or structures are faced with ever more complex challenges, which is why many are turning to industrial painting subcontracting services to get the job done.

Industrial painting subcontracting means hiring a specialized company for painting. This approach has many advantages, including technical expertise, cost, flexibility and quality.

Our industrial painting service experts discuss the benefits of outsourcing, as well as the criteria to consider when choosing the right provider.

Advantages of industrial painting subcontracting

Outsourcing your industrial painting to a professional can offer many advantages for companies that need to paint products of various shapes and sizes. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Expertise

Industrial painting outsourcing allows you to benefit from the expertise and knowledge of specialists via a team of experienced industrial painters trained in the latest painting techniques and technologies. These trained workers are also familiar with quality standards and regulations, guaranteeing efficient and professional results.

2. Cost

Outsourcing can also offer significant financial benefits for companies. Industrial painting service providers typically have specialized equipment and state-of-the-art technology, which can reduce production costs. Outsourcing also means saving on training costs, salaries and benefits for specialized painting employees.

3. Flexibility

Relying on a subcontractor for painting offers companies a lot of flexibility. Contractors can adapt to specific quantity, timing and technical specifications. Painting professionals also frequently have access to state-of-the-art equipment and a large production capacity.

4. Quality standards

Industrial painting service providers have extensive expertise and proven experience with quality standards and environmental regulations. They use superior products to ensure longer lasting paint coatings that comply with industrial waste and gas emission regulations.

5. Sustainability

Metal products and structures can be made more durable through industrial painting outsourcing. Service providers have access to different types of industrial paints and high quality processes, making paint last longer and resist harsh environmental conditions more effectively.

How to choose an industrial painting subcontractor

When a company decides to outsource industrial painting, they will need to find an appropriate provider. Here are a few criteria to consider when making a choice:

Expertise and experience

The first thing to consider is the provider’s expertise and experience. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced team who masters the latest painting techniques and technologies, and who is aware of current standards and regulations. Note how many years of experience the provider has in the field of industrial painting, as well as past achievements.

Equipment

The provider’s equipment and technology are also important. Look for a service that offers modern equipment and state-of-the-art technology, as this will guarantee quality, efficiency and adaptability.

Flexibility and production capacity

Flexibility and production capacity are also relevant. The provider should be able to meet varying quantity, deadline and technical specifications. Remember to check if they have sufficient production capacity for your specific painting project.

Guarantees

Last, consider the type of warranty the provider offers. It is preferable to choose a service provider who guarantees the quality and durability of their work.

Steps to hiring an industrial painting subcontractor

Industrial painting outsourcing involves taking steps to ensure quality and efficiency. Here are the main stages of the painting subcontracting process:

Analyzing needs and generating an estimate

First, the contractor will analyze customer needs. They will evaluate the type of work, necessary products and equipment, and required time frame. Based on this information, they will prepare a detailed estimate that includes the cost of labor, materials, and more.

Preparing the surfaces to be painted

The second step is to prepare surfaces. Also called surface finishing, this step is crucial to making sure that paint adheres correctly. Surface preparation can include cleaning, degreasing, sanding and priming, or masking areas that should not be painted.

Applying the paint

The third step is paint application, which can be done with different types of equipment including spray guns, rollers, or brushes. The choice of equipment depends on the type of surface to be painted, the quantity of paint to be applied, and the desired finish.

Quality control and finishing

The fourth and final step in the industrial painting contracting process involves quality control and finishing touches. The contractor must check that paint has been applied properly and uniformly, and that it complies with relevant standards and regulations. They may also add finishing touches to improve the final look.

Why Outsource Your Industrial Painting Projects?

Industrial painting subcontracting is an efficient solution for companies that want to achieve high-quality coatings, cost control, and regulatory compliance without the burden of managing an in-house painting team.

By working with a specialized contractor, businesses gain access to state-of-the-art equipment, advanced painting technologies, and certified professionals who are familiar with strict environmental and quality standards. This approach not only ensures a durable and uniform finish on metal structures and complex products, but also helps reduce downtime, optimize production capacity, and guarantee consistent results. In a competitive market where reliability and precision are key, outsourcing industrial painting offers both strategic flexibility and long-term cost savings.

Outsource your industrial painting needs to Trexo!

Industrial painting subcontracting offers many advantages. Companies can benefit from professional high-quality work, while optimizing costs and saving time. Subcontracting providers have expertise and experience, which allow them to complete the work efficiently and in compliance with current standards and regulations.

If you are looking for an industrial painting contractor, contact Solutions Trexo. We have a team of industrial painting experts and a selection of quality equipment to meet all your needs. We listen to our customers and are committed to providing personalized, quality service, including a detailed estimate and respect for deadlines.

Contact us now for more information or a free estimate. We will be delighted to get involved in your industrial painting projects and bring you high-quality results.

Abrasives are an indispensable tool for many industries and crafts. Whether you are polishing, cleaning, or preparing surfaces, using an abrasive can greatly improve the quality and efficiency of the work.

In this article, our abrasive blasting team will walk you through everything you need to know about abrasives. We’ll start with a clear definition of what abrasives are and their different types. Then we’ll explore how they can be used in an industrial setting and the benefits of choosing to use them.

Abrasives : a definition

An abrasive is a material used to polish, clean or prepare a surface. It consists of very fine particles that are rubbed against a surface to scrape and scour it until it is smooth and clean. Abrasives can be made from different materials, including silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, corundum, diamond, and more.

Abrasives remove imperfections, scratches, stains or deposits from a surface. They are widely used in industry to treat metals, plastics, composites and ceramics. In the craft industry, abrasives are used for sculpting and engraving, and to create jewelry.

It is important to choose the right abrasive for the surface to be treated and the desired result. Using an abrasive cleaner incorrectly can lead to damage or a poor-quality result, two good reasons to rely on the services of an industrial cleaning company.

Can abrasives be dangerous?

Abrasives can be dangerous if used incorrectly or under the wrong conditions. It is important to know the characteristics of the product you are using and how to protect yourself.

There are many potential risks while using abrasive materials, primarily:

• Bodily injury: If an abrasive explodes and you are not wearing protection, you could suffer 2nd or 3rd degree burns.
• Inhalation of toxic smoke and dust: Abrasive media contain airborne particles, some of which are toxic. Wear a safety mask to avoid exposing your lungs to dangerous particles.
• Vision or hearing problems: Wearhearing protection equipment and safety glasses or a helmet with a visor to protect yourself from “flying” particles.

The best way to ensure a safe process is to trust specialists who respect safety standards, protect themselves and the environment, and use appropriate abrasives for the job. Trexo has specialized in using abrasive cleaners for over 20 years!

Classification of abrasive materials

Abrasive materials are classified according to the hardness of their raw materials (measured on a scale, most commonly the Mohs Hardness Scale), as well as their brittleness (or friability) and toughness:

• Hardness refers to the resistance of one material to the pressure of another.
• Friability describes the ease with which a material can produce new forms when its mineral product breaks down.
• Toughness indicates the amount of energy a material can withstand before breaking.

Each of these variables affects the final result: choosing the right abrasive is crucial, which is why using abrasives is a task for professionals.

Abrasives: uses and applications

Abrasives are used in many industries to treat and prepare the surfaces of a variety of materials including metal, wood, plastic, ceramic and glass. They can be used for finishing, polishing, grinding, rust removal, paint removal, stripping, and much more.

Let’s look at a few specific applications for abrasives according to industry.

• In the automotive industry, abrasives are used to polish car body surfaces and remove stains and scratches. Abrasives are also used to prepare surfaces or remove existing paint layers before applying industrial paint.
• In the aircraft industry, abrasive materials are used to polish turbine blades and to clean components before assembly. They can also be used to remove imperfections on engine parts and to treat piping surfaces.
• In the marine industry, abrasives are used to remove stains and corrosion from ship hulls, and to prepare surfaces or remove existing layers of paint prior to painting.
• In the construction industry, abrasive media are used to polish concrete slabs, remove burrs and imperfections from pipes, and to prepare surfaces or remove existing layers of paint prior to painting.
• In the craft industry, abrasives are used to carve stone, wood and composite materials, and to engrave and polish precious metals such as gold and silver.

What about industrial cleaning companies?

Abrasive cleaners are commonly used by industrial cleaning professionals in a process that involves spraying a high-pressure jet onto the surface being treated.

Materials commonly used in abrasive cleaners include glass beads, steel shot and nutshells. Air pressure of up to 100 PSI can loosen contaminants or remove imperfections from industrial equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners. This is a powerful method, and using the wrong kind of abrasive cleaner can easily damage the surface instead of cleaning it – it is always a good idea to leave abrasive cleaning work to the specialists.

What are the different types of abrasive materials?

Abrasives can be classified according to whether they are natural or synthetic:

• Natural Abrasives: Many of these are minerals, including the widely used quartz and diamond. Quartz in particular ranks 7/10 on the Mohs scale and is used in many types of sandpaper, for example.
• Synthetic Abrasives: These are created via industrial chemical processes, which involve heating the materials to over 2000 degrees. Synthetic abrasives include high quality materials such as silicon carbide and aluminum oxide, as well as the widely used synthetic diamond.

In addition, there is third category known as bonded abrasives. These are made by bonding abrasive particles with a resin or other bonding material, and are often used in polishing and precision grinding.

What are the advantages of using abrasives?

Using an abrasive medium to do surface finishing can produce a remarkably uniform and smooth surface. Abrasives make it possible to remove small amounts of material from a surface in a precise and controlled manner, resulting in a high-quality finish.

Abrasives can also remove large amounts of material quickly, a real advantage when grinding and cutting hard materials. Using an abrasive also saves time and reduces production costs, especially when it comes to avoiding the expense of replacing damaged parts.

By removing surface layers, abrasives can remove imperfections, scratches and damaged areas, increasing the strength and longevity of a surface. For example, using an abrasive to remove layers of paint and rust from a metal surface will make a fresh layer of paint adhere correctly and prevent premature corrosion.

Finally, abrasive cleaners are often more environmentally friendly than other cleaning methods. Abrasives are usually made from natural materials and can be reused several times, reducing waste.

Why Choose Abrasive Blasting for Your Industrial Facilities?

Abrasive blasting is one of the most effective techniques to extend the lifespan of industrial equipment.

Unlike traditional cleaning methods, it delivers fast, precise, and uniform surface preparation, adaptable to a wide range of materials such as steel, aluminum, concrete, ceramics, or glass. By efficiently removing rust, old paint layers, embedded grease, and chemical contaminants, this process not only helps maintain machine performance but also reduces costly downtime.

Moreover, when carried out by a specialized company, abrasive cleaning ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards while improving the overall profitability of operations.

Need to clean your facilities? Trust Trexo!

Abrasives are an indispensable surface treatment tool in many industries. They offer several advantages over other processing methods: a smooth, uniform finish, efficiency, increased surface longevity and less waste. Different types of abrasives can meet a wide range of tasks and needs.

If you are looking for an industrial cleaning expert that uses abrasives for quality surface treatment, our company is ready for action. Since 1987, we have been helping Quebec businesses maintain functional and productive industrial facilities. We are fully equipped and work with effective, non-hazardous and environmentally friendly cleaning methods.

Contact us if you need to clean your equipment, or to learn more about our cleaning techniques.

In high-demand industrial environments, operational performance relies as much on process control as on equipment reliability. That’s the premise behind advanced maintenance strategies like Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Risk-Based Inspection (RBI), and Lean maintenance. Yet technical cleaning remains widely underestimated, often viewed as a routine or regulatory task rather than a strategic action. In reality, it’s a core driver of equipment longevity and sustained performance across mechanical, electrical and thermal systems.

When integrated into maintenance planning, technical cleaning directly contributes to industrial equipment refurbishment. It prevents premature wear, ensures optimal adhesion for protective coatings, maintains thermal dissipation, and reduces energy waste. This transforms cleaning from a reactive fix into a structured form of preventive maintenance and asset renewal. Whether applied to production lines, heat exchangers, or control cabinets, targeted cleaning is a critical step in bringing equipment back to its original parameters.

From standalone task to embedded process

Modern maintenance programs are data-driven, predictive, and standardized. Cleaning must follow the same logic. Within a TPM framework, each component is mapped based on its criticality and failure history. Embedding technical cleaning into those maintenance matrices prevents contamination, mitigates buildup of abrasive or insulating residues, and extends operating cycles. This is especially true in contexts involving high thermal loads, corrosive atmospheres or vibration stress.

With RBI, cleaning plays an even more strategic role. It adds a functional cleanliness variable into the risk analysis a factor too often overlooked. A film of hardened grease or conductive dust can turn a “low-risk” component into a failure trigger. Targeted interventions dry ice, soda blasting or high-pressure water jet enable a true preventive renewal of key assets. These methods support full restoration without dismantling or downtime, aligning with real-world production constraints.

A catalyst for modernization and long-term performance

Beyond routine care, technical cleaning enables modernization. In retrofit phases, line reconfiguration or pre-commissioning of new equipment, surface quality and internal access define project success. Protective coatings only perform when applied to properly prepped substrates. Electrical upgrades or mechanical swaps fail prematurely if legacy equipment remains clogged, oxidized or contaminated. Cleaning, then, is not a secondary task, it is a structural prerequisite.

Industrial equipment refurbishment without a planned and documented cleaning protocol is incomplete. Structured, traceable, and auditable cleaning routines support not just mechanical integrity but also compliance, efficiency, and cost control. They enable predictive logic and contribute to internal performance metrics and quality certifications.

When cleaning is understood as a tool for reliability, it becomes part of a modern industrial culture, where uptime, risk mitigation, safety, and long-term performance converge. It’s no longer a matter of whether to clean, but of how, when and how often to clean for tangible, measurable results across the entire maintenance ecosystem.

In industrial environments, cleaning performance isn’t just about surface cleanliness—it directly affects equipment longevity, operational performance and operator safety. Among the most widely used specialized techniques are CO₂ (dry ice) blasting, soda blasting and high-pressure water jetting. All three contribute to equipment refurbishment and preventive maintenance, but none is a one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing the right one depends on tangible factors: material fragility, access constraints, type of contaminants, cleaning frequency, safety requirements, environmental impact, and modernization objectives.

CO₂ blasting: dry, residue-free and non-abrasive

Dry ice blasting uses compressed pellets of solid carbon dioxide, which sublimate upon impact. This physical reaction dislodges contaminants without damaging the substrate or leaving any secondary waste. It’s the method of choice for cleaning electrical systems, plastic molds, food processing lines or any setting where moisture is forbidden. It supports preventive maintenance without dismantling machinery or pausing operations.

This technique is ideal for industrial equipment refurbishment in sensitive environments. It performs well on delicate components and hard-to-reach surfaces. However, it’s less effective on heavy build-up and requires investment in pressurized systems. CO₂ blasting is a strategic choice when modernizing infrastructure while ensuring performance and cleanliness, particularly in sectors with strict hygiene protocols.

Soda blasting: soft abrasion for surface integrity

Soda blasting propels sodium bicarbonate particles using compressed air. It gently removes oils, biofilms, paint, and some types of corrosion without scratching softer metals or damaging plastic or rubber components. This makes it a valuable method for equipment refurbishment where surface integrity must be preserved.

Often used before applying protective coatings, soda blasting offers a sustainable option: the media is biodegradable and water-soluble. It fits into preventive maintenance workflows for machinery that needs gentle handling. However, it does generate waste that must be collected and disposed of properly, particularly in enclosed or sensitive environments.

High-pressure water jetting: raw force and surface prep

Water jetting relies on high-pressure streams, often exceeding 15,000 psi, and may include rotating nozzles or adjustable flow. It’s best suited for thick contaminants—scaling, industrial sludge, corrosion, hardened residues. It excels in shutdown operations, large-scale modernization projects or when preparing surfaces for new protective coatings.

Water jet cleaning plays a key role in maintaining performance in heavy industries like mining, petrochemicals and wastewater management. It’s efficient and versatile but requires proper setup to manage moisture, splash risk and abrasive force. Improper use may damage fragile equipment or electronics.

Choosing the right industrial cleaning method is a matter of technical insight and operational context. It directly supports preventive maintenance strategies, equipment refurbishment, and modernization goals. None of these methods is superior by default; the best results come from matching technique to situation. By evaluating contaminant types, material resistance, safety, and performance expectations, operators ensure long-term efficiency and reduce costly downtime across industrial systems.