Cleaning windows is the most exhausting job ever. You clean them and the next thing you know the sun is shining through your windows showing each and every streak you have created. When I clean windows it basically means I move the dirt, grime, bugs and such around. I think I have done a good job. When I stand back to look at my clean windows I realize it is always better to call in the professionals. I have come to a conclusion that I wouldn't operate on a person because I am not a surgeon. I am not a window cleaner so I should not wash windows.
There is a technique that window washers use that I just can't master. I have tried Windex with paper towel, Windex with newspaper and a squeegee with soap and water. None of which have produced streak free windows. How is it that professionals are able to get windows so clean and streak free? Speaking with professional window cleaners I have found they follow some specific tips in cleaning windows making their clients windows crystal clear.
Follow these tips to try to recreate a professional window cleaning job. Or you can do what I do and call the professionals. I know now that I won't ever waste my time trying to clean windows myself ever again. Leave what you cannot do well to the professional. That is my new motto.
Tips from Professional Window Cleaners:
Invest in quality materials. Measure your windows and use equipment specific for the size of your window. Smaller windows require a small squeegee and a large squeegee is needed for larger windows. It is also important to spend the extra money to get quality products. Quality materials will save time and aggravation during the window cleaning process.
Don't wash windows in the direct sunlight. The sunlight will cause it to dry before you're able to remove the cleaning solution causing those dreaded streaks.
If you use paper towel or newspaper to wipe up left over drip page and your squeegees make sure to keep the materials dry. If the paper towel becomes damp get a new one.
If you work the squeegee on an angle instead of straight up and down or side to side you will be less likely to have streaks on your windows.
Do the inside windows first. Dirt collects on the outside of windows which will leave your cleaning materials dirty. This is why professionals always start on the inside.
If you follow all of these steps and still end up with windows that leave you wanting better call the professional. Not only will hiring a professional save you time but also the stress and hassle of doing this difficult job yourself. Professionals also take the time to clean the screens. Clean windows with dirty screens leave much to be desired. If you can't see out of the window because of dirty screens what is the benefit of having clean windows? Professionals also do a thorough job of cleaning the inside of the sill and track which alleviates the probability of windows sticking from the gunk that tends to build up over time.
Cleaning windows is one job I like to leave to the professionals. The extra expense saves both time and stress that would be caused from cleaning the windows on my own. I know the old saying practice makes perfect and I do believe that in most circumstances this is true. I have tried and tried again and have yet to master the technique of window cleaning. I have decided to leave this up to the professionals. Good luck on your window cleaning journey. If window washing frustration finds its way into your life do what I do and call the pros.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Benefits of Exterior Cleaning
Today more and more people are realizing the importance of keeping their home’s exterior clean and maintained. It raises home values and also saves the homeowner money by stopping the damaging effects of dirt, mold, and mildew. Many sellers are beginning to see the benefits of putting a little money into their home’s before listing them on the market.
It used to be that nobody wanted to put another dime into a house they were selling, they really didn’t see the plus in it. They might dump all kinds of money into the home they were buying but not one dime into a house they were handing over to someone else. But today people are benefiting from sinking a little money into a home before selling it because it raises the value and will yield them more back out of it.
It most cases with exterior pressure washing, having the home washed and especially having the roof cleaned if it is suffering from roof algae, will give the homeowner their money back and then some. An exterior cleaning can raise the home value by 5-10 percent in some cases which will yield them back way more than they spent to have the house washed.
Another benefit is that it helps their house stand apart from the competition or all the other home’s for sale in that price range. This can mean just because your roof or siding is nice and clean, your home could sell before the neighbors home. So there are many benefits to having your home’s exterior cleaned during the time you live there and even if you are getting ready to list it.
Posted by EDriven at 11:44 AM 0 comments
It used to be that nobody wanted to put another dime into a house they were selling, they really didn’t see the plus in it. They might dump all kinds of money into the home they were buying but not one dime into a house they were handing over to someone else. But today people are benefiting from sinking a little money into a home before selling it because it raises the value and will yield them more back out of it.
It most cases with exterior pressure washing, having the home washed and especially having the roof cleaned if it is suffering from roof algae, will give the homeowner their money back and then some. An exterior cleaning can raise the home value by 5-10 percent in some cases which will yield them back way more than they spent to have the house washed.
Another benefit is that it helps their house stand apart from the competition or all the other home’s for sale in that price range. This can mean just because your roof or siding is nice and clean, your home could sell before the neighbors home. So there are many benefits to having your home’s exterior cleaned during the time you live there and even if you are getting ready to list it.
Posted by EDriven at 11:44 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Preventing Mold & Mildew on Windows
Windows are common locations to find mold and mildew growth. The moisture in a home condenses on cool windows, and organic food sources that allow mold and mildew to thrive can usually be found in dust on windows. To prevent mold and mildew growth on your windows, you should reduce the humidity in your home, update your windows, reduce organic food sources and remove moisture as necessary.
Reduce Indoor Humidity
Humidifiers, long showers and clothes dryers can all contribute to excess moisture in the air. Cooking, and even breathing, can increase moisture levels. To reduce the humidity in your home, make sure clothes dryers are vented outside of your house, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens and occasionally open windows to let your home air out.
Update Windows
Storm windows are best at preventing mold and mildew growth. If installing storm windows is not an option for you, there are other steps you can take to update your windows. Caulk around your windows to help keep the glass warmer. Warmer glass results in less condensation and less mold and mildew. Increase air circulation around the window by eliminating heavy window coverings.
Reduce Food Sources
Organic food sources such as skin cells and pet dander are commonly found in household dust. Mold and mildew need this food to live. Every house has dust, but frequently dusting your windows will remove much of the organic matter that mold feeds on. Damp cloths and electrostatic dusters are the best choices for dust removal. Other methods may simply move dust around. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will also remove fine particles from your home.
Manually Remove Water
Manually remove window condensation with a cloth on days when it is particularly heavy. Moisture on windows that face north, or spend much of the day in the shade, may not evaporate easily. When the outside temperature is cold, condensation may be a real problem on windows. In these cases, it may be necessary to wipe the moisture away from time to time
Reduce Indoor Humidity
Humidifiers, long showers and clothes dryers can all contribute to excess moisture in the air. Cooking, and even breathing, can increase moisture levels. To reduce the humidity in your home, make sure clothes dryers are vented outside of your house, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens and occasionally open windows to let your home air out.
Update Windows
Storm windows are best at preventing mold and mildew growth. If installing storm windows is not an option for you, there are other steps you can take to update your windows. Caulk around your windows to help keep the glass warmer. Warmer glass results in less condensation and less mold and mildew. Increase air circulation around the window by eliminating heavy window coverings.
Reduce Food Sources
Organic food sources such as skin cells and pet dander are commonly found in household dust. Mold and mildew need this food to live. Every house has dust, but frequently dusting your windows will remove much of the organic matter that mold feeds on. Damp cloths and electrostatic dusters are the best choices for dust removal. Other methods may simply move dust around. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will also remove fine particles from your home.
Manually Remove Water
Manually remove window condensation with a cloth on days when it is particularly heavy. Moisture on windows that face north, or spend much of the day in the shade, may not evaporate easily. When the outside temperature is cold, condensation may be a real problem on windows. In these cases, it may be necessary to wipe the moisture away from time to time
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