After UAE rains: Cleaning services fully booked, car washes brace for rush

After rainwater seeped into homes and as cars remain stranded in waterlogged streets, cleaning services, facility management firms and car washes across the UAE are witnessing a sharp spike in demand.

Plagued with soaked carpets, muddy floors and water-damaged vehicles, residents are now turning to experts to restore their homes and cars after two days of heavy rain.

Cleaning companies said that they have been receiving a surge in calls, with schedules packed and their teams fully booked for the next three days.

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“We have been receiving continuous calls since the rain started. All our cleaners are out in the field, going from one home to another,” said Abdullah, who works at Al Wahda Cleaning. “Many homes have water inside, especially the ground-floor apartments. We are focusing on drying, disinfecting and removing the smell.”

“We usually handle regular cleaning, but now (the homes need) deep cleaning after water damage. Our teams are working longer hours and we are already booked for the next three days,” he added.

Larger spaces

Facility management companies are also seeing increased demand, particularly for larger residential and commercial spaces. 

A and M Facility Management in Ajman said its teams have been working extra shifts to handle requests. “We have received multiple calls from buildings and villas where water entered basements and parking areas,” said Mohammed Abu Hamdan, the owner of the company. “Our staff had to work extended hours to clear water, clean common areas and ensure safety.”

“In some cases, we are coordinating with multiple teams at once. It’s not just cleaning but also checking electrical systems and making sure everything is safe for residents.”

Car wash operators

Car wash operators said that they are preparing for a surge, although the full rush is yet to begin.

Employees at Prowash said that demand has already picked up since the rain. “We are getting more vehicles, and most of our staff are busy throughout the day,” an employee said. “Cars are covered in mud and dirt after the rain.”

However, street-side and mall-based car washers said that the real rush is expected in the coming days.

“Right now, many cars are still parked or stuck in water. People are waiting for the water level to go down and are not starting their cars,” said Mustafa, a car washer working at a parking area in Al Nahda Sharjah. “Once they check their cars and start using them, we expect a big rush.”

 “In the next few days, we may have to work extra hours. After every rain like this, cars come in very dirty," said Mustafa.