Before starting, it’s important to prepare your tools. Depending on the type of building, you may need to use supported scaffolding or suspended platforms to reach your windows.
Start by rinsing the windows, then spray a cleaner onto each window. Work with a clean, lint-free cloth (such as microfiber or black-and-white newspaper) to wipe the window, using a zigzag motion to prevent streaks. Visit https://www.martinipressurewashing.com/ to learn more.
As your windows get dirty, they begin to block out light. This not only makes your home look dingy but can cause shadows and dark corners that make it difficult to work in. When windows are clean they allow the maximum amount of natural light to filter in. This can improve mood, increase productivity and make rooms appear larger and more inviting. The brighter home can also help reduce your energy bills and create a more sustainable living environment.
The best way to ensure that your windows are clean and free of stains and streaks is by hiring professional window cleaners. Professionals typically use a white vinegar solution or commercial hard water stain remover to clean the glass before cleaning it with a standard cleaning solution. They will also scrub the windows using a brush head that is attached to a telescopic pole. This method is called pure water window cleaning and is much safer than traditional methods that require a ladder, bucket, applicator and squeegee.
Another advantage of hiring professionals to clean your windows is that they will be able to reach areas that are inaccessible to you. Professionals can also clean soffits, guttering and roofs. They can even clean ledges and mullions that are usually hard to reach.
The operatives will use a telescopic pole with a fixed soft brush head. The brush will feed water onto the window, which will then be cleaned with a squeegee and finally buffed with a dry microfiber cloth to leave the windows sparkling clean. This technique is often referred to as “reach and wash” and it allows the operatives to safely clean simulated and true divided lights, as well as frames and ledges.
To avoid smudge marks and streaks on your windows, use a lint-free microfiber cloth instead of paper towels. You should also spray your glass cleaner directly onto the cloth rather than the window itself, as this will prevent it from dripping down the frame. When you are finished cleaning the windows, buff them with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any solution residue.
Increased Home Value
Keeping windows clean allows more light into the home, making it appear bigger and more spacious. It also helps improve moods and productivity. Spotless windows can increase a home’s value by making it more appealing to potential buyers.
Using special tools and cleaners, window cleaning requires extensive knowledge and practice to achieve the best results. Professionals have years of experience and extensive training, enabling them to tackle even the most stubborn stains. In addition, they use advanced equipment and cleaning methods that protect the environment, as well as occupants.
Professional window cleaners inspect each window for damage and deterioration. They identify clogged channels, painted sashes and other conditions that may require immediate attention for safety reasons. Addressing these problems quickly can save homeowners money, especially in terms of energy bills. In the case of wood rot or broken glass, it can prevent expensive replacement costs and lessen the risk of injuries.
Dirty windows allow air to circulate poorly, reducing the efficiency of the heating and cooling system. It can also cause mold to grow on windowsills and surrounding surfaces, as well as lowering the lifespan of the windows. In addition, it can reduce visibility and create a hazard for occupants.
When windows are cleaned frequently, the dirt particles that build up on the surface become loose and fall off during the cleaning process. This reduces the need for repeated scrubbing and increases the effectiveness of the cleaning solution. Additionally, it helps keep windows in good condition longer by preventing moisture and fungus from damaging the surfaces. It can also improve the indoor air quality by removing contaminants such as dust, pollen and other allergens that can irritate lungs over time.
Prevents Insects
A dirty window creates an unwelcome abode for insects. Gnats, cluster flies and stink bugs often take up residence near windows, and they can cause respiratory diseases or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. The best way to avoid such unwelcome guests is by cleaning your windows regularly.
In addition to reducing dirt particles that can lower your home’s energy efficiency, regular cleanings can prevent the build-up of corrosive contaminants on the glass. These include acid rain, hard water, smoke film and oxidation particles. When these contaminants gather on your windows, they can etch the surface, reducing light transmission and leaving ugly spots that can be difficult to remove.
By removing these deposits, regular cleanings can make your windows last longer and prevent them from becoming permanently cloudy or streaked. Using an all-natural solution, such as vinegar, is an affordable and environmentally friendly option for removing stubborn stains on your windows. Apply the cleaner directly to a microfiber cloth and work it in a zig-zag pattern across the entire window pane, starting at the top. Remember to use a lint roller or paper towel to get rid of any lint and debris left behind by the cleaner.
The same cleaning methods used to clean your windows can also be applied to the window screens. A lint roller can be especially useful in removing sticky residue left by labels or paint splotches, and a razor blade mounted on a holder is perfect for eradicating paint specks from the screen mesh without scratching the glass. Always wet the blade before applying it to the surface, and be sure to wipe the screen dry afterward to avoid leaving behind a smudge.
If you notice a lot of black specks on your windows, it could be due to a fungus known as artillery fungus. This fungus shoots black spores that glue themselves to vinyl and glass surfaces, making them dingy and hard to remove. Having the fungus removed from your property by professional window cleaners can keep it from spreading and prevent it from recurring in the future.
Prevents Spider Nests
Spiders are a common occurrence in homes, especially around windows. They create webs that ensnare insects as they fly by and hunt for prey. While spiders typically don’t pose a threat to humans, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. The good news is, regular window cleaning can reduce the appearance of spider webs and prevent these pests from building nests in your home.
Keeping your windows clean disrupts the quiet, undisturbed areas that spiders love to build webs in and create their nests. This disturbance also results in the removal of existing webs and nests, further reducing the spider population. In addition, when windows are cleaned regularly, more light penetrates your home, making the area less attractive to insects and some spider species that prefer darker, more secluded areas.
In addition to eliminating webs and cobwebs, a professional window cleaner can spot potential problem areas and take proper steps to deal with them. This may involve installing sticky traps or implementing bird control services to deter birds from building nests under your eaves. In the case of dangerous or venomous spiders, prompt identification and treatment can save lives.
If you’re noticing small white egg sacs, known as “spider eggs,” on your walls and ceilings, this can be a sign of an infestation. Spiders typically lay their eggs in dark, damp areas that are difficult to reach or clean. These spots often include garages, sheds, attics and other dark, secluded areas. If left unchecked, spiders can produce hundreds of baby spiders that will soon be looking for their own home.
While you might be tempted to spray your house with an insecticide to get rid of spiders, this can be a harmful and costly mistake. Most experts recommend using a natural insect repellent, such as peppermint, citrus or eucalyptus oil. You can add these oils to a spray bottle and use it around your doors, windows and baseboards. Reapply the solution as needed, to maintain effectiveness. White vinegar is another effective, yet safe option. You can mix it with water in a spray bottle and apply it to corners, crevices and other problem areas.