Window Cleaning: A Dirty Job, Inside and Out

Since they're supposed to appear invisible to the naked eye, we often forget about the condition of our windowpanes. Or, when we do consider their function, homeowners tend to perceive them as an interior part of the house: an insider's way of looking outside. But in reality, there are two sides to every story, and since they're as much part of the exterior as interior, windowpanes are often vulnerable to dirt, dust, mud, and grime. So twice a year (fall and spring), as you're cleaning out your gutters and power washing your siding, you may want to get that ladder out and add window cleaning to your to-do list.

Window Cleaning: A No Brainer, Right?
Many people have a perception that window cleaning is a simple undertaking that'll take just a few minutes to complete. It's easy, right? Get some rags, some of that blue stuff in a bottle, and wipe away. However, it isn't as painless as it sounds. First, think of the sheer volume you're dealing with around the house. As when you resurface cabinetry, you have no idea how many doors you own until you're in the middle of the project. The same goes for windowpanes. Just count how many you have and you'll be surprised how long the chore with take. Next, you're dealing with flips sides of the same coin, so to make them shine you'll have to scrub the interior surface as well, instantly doubling the size of the project. Then, you probably have two stories to work around, adding danger and dexterity to the job. When you get done calculating the hours and skilled labor required you may have second thoughts about this thankless task.

Window Cleaning Services
Once you've estimated the time-intensive work the chore involves, you may think about hiring a professional window cleaning service. These experts are trained in both residential and commercial fields, and they guarantee to finish the job quickly with a quality finish. They have the gear (ladders and extension poles) to reach those second stories, including skylights, dormers, and other hard-to-reach regions. And for commercial buildings they even come equipped with a high-tech window cleaning supply, such as scaffolding and lifts to reach the tallest heights. They tackle both inside and outside using advanced "swivel" techniques to ensure a swift and speedy gleam to your panes.

Also, these experts typically offer packages to include different types of assistance, including power washing, gutter cleaning, and other interior maid services (such as floors, mirrors, and ceiling fans). Some companies even cover custom work, such as tinting, construction cleanup, and pest control (for instance, if you have problems with birds mistaking your glass for a door).

The Right Tools for the Job
Professionals are not only trained to do the work quick and efficiently, saving you time, they also have the right tools for the job, which ends up saving you money as well. Most homeowners use paper towels and glass cleaner on their windowpanes, but more often than not these products simply smear around the grime to prevent a proper shine (especially on the exterior). Plus, by rubbing with towels or rags, you could actually be applying a static charge onto the glass, which attracts additional dirt. But for better results, trained professionals come well-equipped with the right window cleaning supply, such as squeegees, chamois, dusters, static-free rags, and strong chemical cleaners. Plus, they're skilled in accessing your glass safely with state-of-the-art hydraulic buckets and harnesses. But if you're a do-it-yourselfer, there are plenty of window cleaning supply kits available from these contractors which can help move the project along. They can sell you extension poles, removal tools, and help you choose the right cleaner. Often, soap concentrate is the best way to go: it may be a little pricey upfront, but it'll last you for years to come, saving you money in the long run.