Monthly Archives: April 2026

A History of Fleetclean – How it started VS how it’s going…

Originally established in 1978 providing cleaning services to many different clients such as the haulage industry and even the World Rally Championship, Fleetclean has now developed into one of the country’s leading specialists for the supply of industrial cleaning equipment from the world’s leading brands.

Not only this, Fleetclean is a leading provider of advanced road tanker, IBC and vessel cleaning services at its Knottingley UK depot, and manufactures bespoke industrial cleaning systems for all aspects of industry, including tank and vessel cleaning and installed factory systems.

Fleetclean have a wealth of knowledge within the cleaning industry and our position as both users and suppliers of industrial cleaning equipment makes us uniquely placed to advise on suitable equipment for your cleaning application. Whether you are cleaning vehicles, factories, machinery, public spaces, offices, farms (or anything else for that matter!), we have the expertise. As suppliers for many of the leading industrial cleaning equipment manufacturers, you can be assured that we’ll always offer impartial advice as to which equipment is best suited for your needs.

This meticulous knowledge has enabled us to build and operate a state-of-the-art Road Tanker and IBC Cleaning facility in Knottingley, which commenced operation in 1996, and now serves customers throughout the UK and Europe. The high-pressure cleaning system, which is our own design, combined with the expertise to clean tanks, ensures compliance with EFTCO standards for normal cleaning procedures, and offers the flexibility to implement tailor-made cleaning processes to meet individual customer requirements, such as bespoke procedures or Kosher cleaning.

In short, we recognised our unique position, both in terms of expertise and location, and built a facility specifically designed to specialize in internal cleaning of road barrels, ISO Container Tanks and IBCs to the high-quality standards imposed by both the food manufacturing and chemical industries, and we have been going from strength to strength ever since.

We may be relatively small in numbers, but our knowledge is extensive! We pride ourselves on being a small but mighty close-knit team. Our founder and former Managing Director, Tony Fry, who has been with the business since its inception in 1978, and our General Manager, Alistair Shedden, who joined in 1980, have together weathered the many ups and downs running a business can bring. It became clear we needed to grow in order to keep up with business and so in 2005, our team expanded to include James Whitham our Engineering Services Manager, shortly followed by Ray Boyes, our Service Manager, in 2008.

Finally, after another successful few years, we were able to continue our growth adding Alice Bell, our Cleaning Services Manager, in 2018 and Andy Mumford, our Sales Manager, in 2022. Take a look here to find out more about us and some fun facts you’d never guess!

Together there is no question we cannot answer, no situation we haven’t come across and no problem we haven’t been able to overcome. So, if you have a specific industrial cleaning query or conundrum, why not send it our way and see if we can’t find a solution and/or a product to help?

Save Money on Signs, Get A Pressure Washer Instead!

In any bustling city, where billboards, digital screens, and posters fight for attention on every street corner, brands need to think outside the box to make an impact. This is where reverse graffiti comes in. A completely unique, eco-friendly, and highly memorable way to showcase your message.

Reverse Graffiti, also called clean graffiti, refers to a creative and eco-friendly advertising solution that can reach thousands of people daily. It is a form of street art that uses clean water, a design, and a power washer to carve messages out of the dirt. The simplest example is one you’ve seen before. You may have seen “CLEAN ME” written in big letters on the back window of a dirty car. This is, in a nutshell, clean graffiti. Clean the dirty surface and give your message.

Traditional advertising A-boards (pavement signs) come with strict council restrictions to ensure safety, accessibility, and minimal obstruction for pedestrians, particularly those with visual or mobility impairments. They generally require that signs be temporary, non-hazardous, and placed immediately adjacent to the business premises. The City of London in particular has implemented a near-total ban on A-boards. Businesses in these areas have been creative and have actually used a pressure washer to “draw” their marketing promotions directly on the street because it complies with the safety, accessibility and temporary elements of the restrictions.

 

So, what is reverse graffiti and how can it help?

Reverse graffiti advertising is a great way to gain brand exposure. Reverse Graffiti is the process of cleaning specific areas of dirty pavements or walls which creates art or advertising through the contrast of clean and dirty sections. For repeatable and commercial reverse graffiti, typically, a stencil is produced in metal or plastic to create the design. The stencil is then placed onto the dirty surface and then a power washer is then used to clean through the cut-out areas of the stencil. When the stencil is lifted the stencil design is replicated on the dirty pavement or wall with clean areas.

Here’s why it’s becoming very popular:

  • Eco-Friendly Marketing – Unlike traditional posters or painted adverts, reverse graffiti uses no chemicals, no paint, and no paper waste. You simply clean away the dirt to reveal your message. It’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and leaves nothing harmful behind.
  • Stand-Out Appeal – In a sea of traditional ads, reverse graffiti stands out as something fresh and unexpected. It sparks curiosity. People stop, look, take photos, and share on social media.
  • Strategic Placement – You can place your adverts exactly where your audience walks, rides, or commutes. High-footfall areas, iconic streets, or near your target market’s favourite venues, all without the clutter of competing ads.
  • Temporary but Impactful – Reverse graffiti adverts usually last around 30 days, depending on weather conditions. Heavy rain will gradually fade the message, but for that month, your brand enjoys highly visible exposure.

Ethical Lasting Impact

One of the biggest advantages of advertising this way is that it leaves no permanent trace. After about a month (sometimes longer if weather is dry) the dirt naturally returns, and the advert fades away. This means no costly removal, no damage to surfaces, and no complaints from authorities when done in approved locations. It’s advertising with a conscience. Creative, green, and respectful of the environment.

So, if you’re thinking outside the box for your next advertising campaign and you’re in need of a powerful, highly efficient, high performing pressure washer, look no further! Get in touch with our friendly team today and start your journey into cleaner, greener advertising.