7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Professional Window Cleaners

Are you looking to hire a window cleaning service?

We all want our homes to look their best and having sparkling windows is an important part of that. But window cleaning isn’t always the easiest task. If you don’t have the time or skills, it’s often better to call in someone to do it for you. It can be tough to know how to hire the right people for the job though.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for these 7 questions to ask when hiring professional window cleaners.

1. Do They Have a Licence & Insurance?

This is the most important question you should ask. If you asked them, any window cleaning professionals worth considering would agree. It’s a big red flag if a cleaning company hasn’t gotten a license, or can’t get one. If they aren’t insured, then this spells even more trouble.

Without the right insurance, should a worker get injured in your home, you could be liable for the health bill. You won’t have cover for any damage they might do to your property either. It could end up costing you big time.

Get proof of their license and insurance, and check they have workers’ compensation. You must do this due diligence to save you the stress of a costly lawsuit should the worst happen. Only consider companies that won’t cut corners on liability.

2. What Services Are They Offering?

This is a quick, simple question to set up your expectations. You want to be clear on the window cleaning service you’ll get, and what’s on offer.

Do they only do exterior window cleaning, or interior surfaces as well? What sort of equipment do they use, and do they have power washing options? Do they offer extra services like gutter cleaning?

Think about what you want out of the service in as much detail as you can. The more detailed you are, the better idea you’ll get of what you’re signing up for and how much value you’re getting for the money you’re spending.

3. Are There References You Can Check?

One of the best ways to work out if a window cleaning company is worth your time is by checking reviews. See what their current and previous customers have to say about their service.

You have a couple of ways you can go about finding reviews. Sites and search engines like Google, Yelp, and Facebook all offer customer reviews. If you search for the company, you’ll be able to view the reviews they’ve received.

You can also search the company’s website for a section with testimonials. Any reliable window cleaning professional will have a list of testimonials. Either they’ll be on their website, or you can call and ask for them.

Take the time to look up the companies you have on your list, and check out their websites and social media. You’ll gain a lot of insight from other customers into how their work, their rates, the value you offer, and much more.

You can’t please everyone, so don’t let a few bad reviews here and there put you off. But make sure it’s more positive than negative. This is a great way to gauge how trustworthy a company is before you sign up with them.

4. How Long Have They Been in Business?

It’s not always the case, but in general, the longer a company is in business the safer you can feel in their hands. If a window cleaner has been in the business for years, they likely know what they’re doing.

They’re going to be profitable, with the experience to handle almost any window washing job. Their reviews should reflect that, working many varied jobs with many satisfied customers.

While it’s not bad to go with a newer company, there is more risk there early on. They won’t have established or proven themselves yet as an older company will have.

It’ll be up to you to work out if it’s a risk you’re willing to take. But always ask how long a company has been in the business so you have all the facts to make that choice. At the end of the day, you need to hire a company you’re comfortable working with.

5. Do Employees Get Ongoing Safety Training?

You might not think it but window washing can be dangerous. With over 164,000 emergency room treatments for ladder falls each year in the US, safety is key.

Make sure that your prospective window cleaning company is serious about safety. You can do this by asking them if they provide ongoing safety training for employees.

A good window cleaner should walk you through what they do to keep you and their employees safe. Most will welcome the conversation and take great pride in their safety protocol.

6. Do They Do Employee Background Checks?

Letting someone onto your property and in your home is a big deal. It’s important that you and your family feel safe around the contractors you hire.

There are some cleaning companies out there that will cut corners. As we’ve seen, some won’t have their licenses or insurance. Some of these companies won’t do background checks on their employees either.

The last thing you want is for workers to come into your home without having a background check. It could put you, your family, and your property at risk.

To avoid this, ask your prospective cleaning company about their background checking procedures. If they’ve nothing to hide, they’ll be open and honest and will be able to put your mind at rest.

7. When Can They Start?

If the rest of these questions check out and you want to proceed, you should ask is when they can start. Bear in mind that a good window cleaning professional is often busy.

You need to make sure that they have availability to suit your needs. Even if they’re busy, a great window cleaner will work with you to create a schedule tailored to you.

They shouldn’t be inflexible with the service they’re providing. If they are, or they want to restrict how often they come or what times, then find someone willing to work with you.

Hiring Professional Window Cleaners Made Easy

So, there you have it! Now you know these 7 questions to ask, you’ll be sure to find the right professional window cleaners for you.

Make sure to check they’re licensed, insured, and have workers comp. This will give peace of mind you won’t have to cover any fallout should something go wrong.

Also, check reviews and make sure you go with someone you can trust and who you feel safe with. The most important thing is you pick a window cleaner you can rely on and who works with your needs.

If you’re looking for a reliable, trustworthy professional window cleaner, contact us today. At My Window Washing, we have the experience and tools to help you with all your window washing needs.

Adding Curb Appeal: The Ultimate Exterior Home Cleaning Checklist

If you’re like most homeowners, each year you compile a spring cleaning list near the end of winter. However, one area that’s often neglected is the outside of our homes. If you’re looking to boost your curb appeal, you can’t let anything slip through the cracks. This year, make sure you take care of the exterior of your home and your property as well as everything inside your house.

Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help. Keep reading for a quick exterior home cleaning checklist.

Keep the Grass Cut Short

One of the first rules of keeping up your curb appeal is learning basic yard care tips. An unkempt yard with long grass and weeds growing everywhere presents the idea that you don’t care. That, or you’re too lazy to mow the yard.

However, mowing the yard once every week to two weeks is a simple exterior home cleaning chore with spectacular results. A well-trimmed lawn looks neat, clean, and inviting. It also helps cut down on unwanted pests.

Trim All Vegetation

While you’ve got your tool shed open, you should also take care of all the other vegetation on your property. Weeds, bushes, trees, and other plant life should not be allowed to grow helter-skelter. 

First, no vegetation should be touching your house. Tree limbs can damage your house while other plants can provide pathways for insects and other pests to get on and into your home. 

Take Care of the Roof and Gutters

Whether you’re trying to sell your house or just make sure it’s in great condition, you need to check the roof and gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to all sorts of problems, like water damage, negative drainage, and more. If you don’t feel safe getting up on a ladder to clean gutters, hire some professionals to do it for you.

While you’re at it, it might be a good idea to have your roof inspected for damages. Additionally, though moss and other plant life growing on your roof have a certain aesthetic appeal, it’s really bad for the integrity and longevity of your roof. Make sure your roof is completely clean and free of vegetation.

Consider Adding a Fresh Coat of Paint

Depending on how old your home is and the condition of your exterior paint, it may be time for a fresh coat. If you have faded, peeling, cracking, or chipping paint, repainting will help protect the integrity of the home. It will also be vital if you plan to sell it. 

Take this exterior home cleaning chore as an excuse to give your home a fresh, new look. If your siding is damaged from hail, wind, and other elements, it might be a good time to invest in new repairs/replacements.

Wash the Exterior

Alternatively, if your exterior paint is still in good condition, a good power washing might be all your home needs. We recommend going with a professional power washing service, however, to avoid accidentally damaging your home. Many homeowners attempt to save money on their outside home cleaning and end up causing damage with DIY power washing.

Accentuate Your Front Porch

Nothing adds charm and character to a home quite like a warm and inviting front porch. Start your outside spring cleaning project by restaining or replacing worn-out decking. If not, just give it a good power-washing. 

Then, repaint your front door with a vibrant, stand-out color-pop that fits with the rest of your color scheme. It may also be a good idea to replace the door hardware. This includes the handle, knocker, and deadbolt. 

Lastly, consider updating your house numbers with something more artistic or decorative. You can also add a more traditional touch with a classic mailbox mounted on the home near your front door.  

Get Your Windows Cleaned

Don’t forget about your windows on your exterior home cleaning checklist. Having a beautifully cleaned house will lose its appeal if your windows are left smudged, smeared, dusty, or otherwise filthy. 

If you have a taller home with multiple stories, you may feel uncomfortable getting up on a ladder to clean your windows. If so, think about hiring a professional window cleaning service to get the job done for you. Most people don’t realize how dirty their windows are until they get them cleaned. 

Clear Sidewalks, Walkways, and Driveways

Pathways and driveways were created to make our lives more convenient.

They keep your shoes clean while walking up to the front door. They keep you from tripping over debris in the yard. And they help you avoid things like mud, water, snow, and ice. 

If you haven’t kept your sidewalks, pathways, and driveway clean, now is the time. There shouldn’t be overgrown vegetation creeping onto these paths. Nor should there be any clutter, garbage, yard furniture, or toys. 

Create an Appealing Outdoor Living Area

One thing most homeowners don’t take advantage of enough is outdoor living space. Your porch, patio, deck, and yard are all extensions of your home. Make them feel warmer and more inviting by adding outdoor furniture, like a table and chairs for dining outside. 

You can also incorporate a grill, a porch swing, a backyard fire pit, and more. Ultimately, it depends on what your purpose is for this exterior home cleaning. Either way, you’ll add curb appeal and improve your quality of life at home.

Add More Plants

Though one of your biggest struggles as a homeowner will be keeping the grass mowed, the weeds pulled, and the trees trimmed, adding more plants is never a bad idea. For example, plant flowers along the walkway leading to your front door. 

You can also use potted plants to keep things easier and cleaner. If you really want to connect with nature, plant a vegetable garden.

Planting fruits and vegetables in your own yard and watching them grow is incredibly rewarding. Not only that, but the image of a full garden warms the heart and makes people appreciate life. Be warned, however, that taking care of a garden takes a lot of work and dedication.

Need Help With Your Exterior Home Cleaning?

What kind of homeowner are you? Are you the type that enjoys home maintenance and exterior home cleaning? If not, don’t feel bad, there’s nothing that says owning a home means you have to like doing chores. 

Whatever camp you find yourself in, know that you don’t have to do everything yourself. If you’re looking for help with your spring cleaning list, we’ve got your back. We specialize in gutter cleaning, window cleaning, and power washing, contact us today to see what we can do for you.

7 Must-Have Services in a Window Cleaning Company

Like many local businesses or franchises, few window cleaning companies can dedicate themselves to a single service: cleaning windows. This is particularly true in smaller communities and suburbs.

While there probably will always be a demand for window-cleaning services in large cities, where some buildings have thousands of windows. Cleaning the windows of tall structures like skyscrapers calls for special hoists and workers who love heights.

There is still a fair amount of window-cleaning demand among homeowners in neighborhoods with one and two-story homes, though. Not everyone likes to DIY. But many window-cleaners have chosen to expand their array of services.

Let’s find out why—and what some of those services are.

1. Power Washing

Besides window cleaners, lots of businesses seeking add-on lines have jumped on the power washing bandwagon. This includes professional house painters, handyman operations, landscaping companies, and various others.

Power washing uses high-power water jets to expedite the removal of dirt, grime, bird droppings, tree sap, and other substances from a home’s exterior. It’s often used by people with lots of trees or putting their houses on the market.

You should be careful not to have power-washing done too frequently, though. It can be hard on any home but especially those with old and fragile siding.

But if you’re giving your siding a rest, you can always have your deck power-washed during the interval. Decks need regular cleaning too.

2. Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning is another popular add-on for many types of businesses. Although some homeowners prefer to clean their own gutters, it’s a risky and unpleasant job. For one thing, many amateurs suffer injuries from falling off ladders.

For another, you could run into electrical wiring or sharp edges. Or, your clothing could catch on something jutting out from the gutter. Plus, gutter cleaning can expose you to germs left by nesting birds, rodents, or insects.

Leave gutter cleaning to a professional like a roofer, painter, or outdoor window cleaner who can use some of their window-cleaning tools. They’re the ones with the proper equipment, insurance, and training.

3. Window Tinting and Film

Window tinting dates to the 1960s, when window films were first developed. Window tints and other window film types remain popular today—especially with windows that get heavy sun exposure.

Although placing window film might seem like an easy DIY project, it takes practice to get it right. That means no wrinkles, misaligned edges, or dirt underneath. What a stroke of luck that those who clean your windows also install the tinting film!

There are different types of window film for specific uses (solar, storm, break-in protection, energy efficiency, and some meant mainly to be decorative. Be sure to select the right type of film for your intended use.

Better yet, hire the best window cleaner you can find to do this delicate work.

4. Mirror Cleaning

Are you surprised to see mirror cleaning on a list of add-on jobs for window-cleaning businesses? You shouldn’t be. After all, window-cleaning supplies clean glass. And glass is what mirrors are made of.

The difference window-cleaning professionals bring to this job is never getting the proverbial “seven years of bad luck from breaking a mirror. What makes them so lucky? They know how to handle glass, of course.

5. Cleaning Window Screens and Storm Windows

It has to be a remarkably meticulous homeowner who remembers to clean the screens and storms during routine window cleanings. It’s a dirty and tedious task for sure. But if you don’t do it, your windows will continue to look filthy.

Just think of all the dust, insect carcasses, pollen, and other debris that lands in or on these necessary windowing layers. And since they cover the main windowpane, you have a compelling reason to think of them before going near that.

What a helpful service, though, to have your screens and storm windows cleaned by the same people who clean your regular windows~

6. Cleaning Light Fixtures

Speaking of outdoor window cleaning: how many people do you think forget to clean their outside light fixtures most of the time? We have no idea what this number is, but we’ll bet it’s a high one.

And if you have a window-cleaning crew working indoors, they might be able to help with your inside light fixtures. Especially those that are hard to reach without a ladder.

You seldom see it up close, but both indoor and outdoor light bulbs can collect all kinds of dirt, dust, grease, dead insects, etc.

7. Cleaning Chandeliers and Ceiling Fans

If you find it challenging to clean light fixtures, chandeliers and ceiling fans are at least as hard to reach and tedious to clean. They hang from the ceiling, so a ladder is needed to reach them. Plus, they’re fragile and move around.

The small, intricate parts on these light fixtures collect dulling dust, cobwebs, and grime. There are also a lot of nooks and crannies to clean individually.

Why Some Window Cleaning Services Should Build Out

When businesses want to expand, they should think creatively and focus on extending the services they already offer. Doing this saves time, cost, labor, and employee training time.

For example, if the company already cleans the insides of windows, it’s a few steps away to get to other home features that are fragile and require climbing on a ladder.

Most homeowners find tasks like these annoying, and some can’t do them because of their health. And if it’s an add on, you wouldn’t need to pay for another service call.

So why not spend a little more and have the experts do it the next time they clean your windows?

Hooray! You Can See Daylight Again!

Window cleaning is something people tend to put off, making excuses like “they’ll just get dirty again,” “I don’t want to get my clothes dirty today,” or “it looks like it might rain later.”

Don’t keep putting it off, though. At My Window Washing, we’ll take care of your windows and more without you needing to lift a hand. And you’ll feel so much better when you once again have a clear view of the world outside.

So if you live in or around Chicago and need window-cleaning services, call us today. We’re your Chicagoland window-cleaning solution!

This Is How to Prevent Clogged Gutters

When water pools over your gutters, it can gather around the foundation of your home. As the water sits there, it begins to eat away at the material and makes the walls weaker.

Clogs can also cause broken gutters and damage your ceiling. As you can imagine, this can lead to expensive home repairs. All it takes to avoid these repairs is by preventing clogged gutters.

You’ve got to keep them clean or at least install guards that can keep unwanted debris out. Of course, these aren’t the only ways to prevent clogs. Keep reading for a list of methods that you should try.

Perform Regular Maintenance

The first and most crucial step in preventing clogged gutters is to perform regular maintenance. Every once in a while, grab a ladder and remove any leaves and debris that’s accumulated. 

If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning it yourself, consider hiring a company to do it. They’ve got the experience and tools needed to get the job done in the safest manner possible. 

Whatever you decide to do, your gutters need to be cleaned twice a year or so. They should be cleared out more often if you have any trees hovering around. 

If you do want to clean your gutters yourself, there quite a few ways for you to do it. You can put on a pair of goggles and take a leaf blower to it. You can also put on a pair of gloves and do it by hand. 

Trim Your Trees

Keep your trees pruned away from your gutters. If you have any branches hovering above the system, it will clog it up by dropping leaves and flora. 

Even if you prune the trees, the wind can still carry debris into the gutters. Regular tree maintenance will at least stop quite as many leaves from gathering, though.  

Make Regular Roof Repairs 

There’s more to keeping your gutters clean than doing regular maintenance and trimming your trees. Leaves aren’t the only thing that can clog them up. When it rains, the debris from your roofing material will trickle down with the water droplets. 

Shingles can also fall off the roof and end up in the gutters. The only way to prevent this from happening is by having your roof inspected. If you notice any of your shingles are folding or curling, call someone out to make repairs right away! 

Prevent Airborne Debris

If you have anything in your yard that isn’t tied down, there’s a chance that the wind can pick it up and transport it into your gutters as long as it’s lightweight enough. Birds also have a habit of carrying stuff around and dropping it into your gutters. 

Keep your yard as clean as possible. If you have outdoor garbage cans, never fill them so high that you can’t close the lid. Otherwise, the trash will find its way into your gutter system. 

Gutter Screens 

Gutter screens aren’t that hard to install. You can honestly do it yourself. They’ll keep any large debris such as leaves from making their way into your gutters. They can also work with pretty much any type of roof.

The only problem is that small stuff such as pine needles can still wind up in and clog up your system. 

Surface-Tension Guards 

Surface-tension guards will allow any rainwater to flow through your gutters like normal. That will be the only thing that will be able to get into your system, however. Any leaves or other debris will run right off the guard. 

They are a bit harder to install than gutter screens. You have to make sure that the guard slope matches your roof slope exactly. They’re also pretty visible. So, if you want discretion, you should consider another guard option. 

Mesh Gutter Guards

If you want to sort of install a guard and forget about it, fine mesh gutter guards are for you. You’ll need to clean it every now and again, but it’s not hard. All you have to do is run a brush over it. 

They can catch more than a traditional gutter screen. Seeds and pine needles are no match for it. Still, anything smaller than a seed might be able to make itself inside. 

Keep in mind that mesh guards don’t work well with all gutter materials. They pair the best with stainless steel. 

Leaf Catchers 

Having a leaf catcher will make your life a little easier than having a mesh or traditional gutter guard. Instead of catching leaves closer to the roof, it sends them toward the downpipe. 

Since the leaves are caught closer to the ground, you won’t have to climb a ladder to remove them. The other benefit is that leaf catchers are so easy to install that you can do it yourself.  

All-in-One System 

Some gutter types can get clogged easier than others. If you’re planning on replacing your old gutters anyway, consider getting an all-in-one system. 

You’ll have both gutters and a cap that can keep leaves out. We will tell you that all-in-one systems are more expensive than others, but it’s completely worth it. 

Prevent Clogged Gutters and Keep Them Clean

If left unchecked, clogged gutters can cause your home foundation to crumble and cost you tons of money in repairs. You can climb a ladder and clean your system yourself. The problem is that it can be dangerous. 

That’s where we come in. We have all the knowledge and tools needed to clean your gutters. Contact us to ask about our services and set up an appointment. 

How Often Should You Power Wash Your Home?: A Definitive Guide

Is your house starting to look grimy and dirty? Does its facade or siding look faded or mottled? If so, then you need to use a power washing service to add some shine to the exterior of your home. 

If you are thinking of using a power washing service, but are wondering how often should you power wash your house, then have no fear. Below, we have compiled a complete guide with everything you must know about power washing services. 

What is Power Washing?

Power washing is a method of cleaning a surface, in which a high-pressure jet of hot water is fired from a power washing device. This high powered jet strips away grime, dirt, dust, and stains. It is much easier to do than scrubbing away at a surface, and you can usually stand back and get hard to reach places without the use of a ladder. 

There are actually three different methods you can use for home cleaning. Very often, people can get them confused. The three methods are power, pressure, and soft washing. 

Pressure washing is not as intense as power washing. It uses cold water, in contrast to the hot water used in power washing. It is ideally suited for washing smaller items like garden furniture and patios. 

Soft washing is not as powerful as either, and instead of blasting the dirt off with water, it applies a soap solution. This soap solution does the cleaning and is useful for softer surfaces which could be damaged if power washed over a long period of time. 

Benefits of Power Washing

There are a number of benefits to power washing your home. The first is that power washing can actually increase the value of your property and is estimated that for every power wash, you can add between $10,000 to $15,000 to the possible sale price. This is a huge return on investment, as power washing, a house can often cost as little as $100.

Another benefit is that they remove any mold and mildew on the surface of the home. This can show up as white, black, or grey spots. Mold will usually grow somewhere that is damp, so you may get it close to gutters or drains. 

If the mold works its way into your home, it can cause a number of health problems. Mold spores are responsible for exasperating breathing problems and asthma, and they can actually work their way in through cracks, doors, and windows. Make sure you eliminate them as soon as possible. 

Mold is a problem as not only does it look unsightly, it can also contribute to rot and decay in the property. It can also stop blemishing and fading in siding, meaning that you do not have to shell out for expensive repairs and replacements as often. You can even request power washing services for specific areas to keep costs low, such as driveways, gutters, roofs, and walkways. 

Finally, it makes your house look clean and well kept. You will be surprised how well your home looks once it has airborne pollutants removed from the surface. Having a property that looks old and decrepit on the outside, can make people assume it is the same on the inside. 

How Often Should You Power Wash Your House?

How often you should be power washing your home can vary depending on the climate and conditions. The best way to tell is to use your judgment. If your home looks dirty, or you can see the growth of mold and mildew, then it may be time to call in some power washing services. 

There are a few events that may require the need for a power wash. If you have been through a large storm, hurricane, or tornado, you will find your home pitted with dirt that has been carried by winds. Even intense rain, or hot and humid weather conditions, can start to cause dirt build-up in and around the home. 

Another time you should consider a power wash is when you have exterior projects planned. Paint and other surface coverings will adhere better to clean surfaces. Power washing is a great way to give a full clean to the surface. 

Is There a Best Time to Power Wash?

If you are thinking of power washing your home regularly, then you should try to do it at the end of each season. This allows you to strip away any dirt and grime. The most important time will be taking the dust off at the end of summer, and clearing leaves and sap in autumn.

If you are doing it less, try to find a clear, sunny day to conduct your power washing. This allows you to see the job you are doing and also lets the sun dry the house quickly. 

If you occupy a homeowners community, you should always check with the homeowners representative before booking a power wash. Dirt on the roof or siding could constitute an HOA violation, and you may find that there is shared money in the homeowner’s fund to pay for a power wash of multiple properties.

Starting the Power Wash

Now you know how often should you power wash your house, you can begin to find a professional service. Decide on if you want a full or partial wash, and ask for a quote.

My Window Washing is a fully insured and licensed gutter cleaning and power washing company serving Chicago and the surrounding area. With more than 20 years of experience, we use environmentally safe, bio-degradable products to make your house looks shiny and new. Call us today for a quote, so we can get cleaning your property immediately!

This Is How to Pressure Wash a Deck the Right Way

Many people think pressure washing a deck is straightforward. You simply attach the pressure washer to a water supply, fill up the soap container, and blast away. However, pressure washing can go very wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing.

If you aim too close to the wood, you can cause permanent damage. If you don’t get close enough, you won’t remove the grime and will have to do it all over again. The task takes a certain level of knowledge and finesse.

Here, you can learn how to pressure wash a deck the right way, so you can keep your deck looking pristine for longer.

Identify When Your Deck Needs a Pressure Wash

Before you consider power washing a deck, you should decide if it’s necessary. Pressure washers are powerful, and you should only need to use one every few years for your deck. Unless you see serious grime, you can make do by applying some cleaning solution and washing it away with a hose.

That said, if you live in an area that experiences heavy winters or other types of inclement weather, you may need to power wash more often. Keep an eye out for mold buildup and staining from dirt. If it gets to a point where it’s not coming loose easily, it’s time for a power wash.

You should also learn how to pressure wash a deck before staining it. Your deck may not have grime on it, but the color of the stain may wear away. While you can apply a new layer of the stain without power washing, a pressure wash can help prepare the wood to absorb the stain.

It will last longer afterward, and you won’t have to worry about dirt getting stuck under the stain.

Prepare the Deck for Washing

Now that you’ve identified it’s time to power wash your deck, you should take some safety precautions. You may think you can turn on the pressure washer and start washing right away but deck power washing is dangerous. You shouldn’t underestimate the pressure at which the water shoots out.

With this in mind, you should put on some heavy rainboots or other footwear that will protect your feet. You should also wear safety goggles and gloves to protect against any loose debris that may come at your face while spraying. You should also wear pants to protect your legs for the same reasons.

Never point the pressure washer at someone else, and don’t operate it from a ladder. You should treat it as a serious power tool because it is one.

Next, you should prepare your deck by removing any and all objects from the area. Doing so will make it easier to maintain fluid motions and clean in an even layer. You should also cover any objects that can’t be moved, close the windows, and sand down any splinters.

Study How to Pressure Wash a Deck and Begin the Process

Now, you should take the time to scrub the wood before pressure washing, especially if you see grime. Most pressure washers come with a soap dispenser mode, so fill it up with a cleaner that will work for your wood. Switch to soap-only mode, and begin to cover any areas with grime.

Then, you should use a synthetic scrubbing brush to massage the sprayed areas. This step will loosen the grime, making it easier to blast away stains during the washing phase. Make sure you pay particular attention to hard-to-reach areas, like corners.

Now, you can begin the power wash. Switch to a wide nozzle and keep about a 2-foot distance from the wood while using the washer. This may seem far, but if you go too close to the wood, you may strip it.

While using the pressure washer, you should go from one side of the deck to the other for every plank. Use a sweeping motion as you go to ensure you’re cleaning off all the soap and gunk underneath. The sweeping motion will also help you cover each area with even pressure.

If you have a large deck, you may need to split the wash into sections, because you don’t want the soap to dry. Take it slow, and be methodical about your approach. If you need help, look up some videos online and study them prior to washing a deck on your own.

You may need to adjust the distance from which you’re spraying, depending on the strength of the pressure. You should never get closer than six inches to the wood, though. Try to stay consistent with the distance throughout the process, as well.

Maintain the Deck for Longevity

Once you’re done washing the deck, let it dry for 24 hours. It may look good while wet, but you’ll see the actual results after it’s had time to dry all the way. Inspect the deck and take stock of how it looks.

If you’ve done everything correctly, you should see a uniform pattern from the power washing. If you spot any residue or areas where the wash clashes with the grain of the wood, you may want to go over the spots with the pressure washer again. Taking your time is key to power washing a deck successfully.

Now that the wood has been cleaned and stripped of grime, you can sand it and apply your stain of choice. Power washing a deck before staining will allow the wood to absorb the stain better and deeper. After that, you can begin enjoying your deck, but you should inspect it about every year.

Look for damage or mold buildup during your annual inspection. It’s best to do this after winter, so you can reapply stain in the spring and get it looking good for the summer months. With regular care and maintenance, your deck will last for a long time.

Turn to Professionals You Trust

With this short guide on how to pressure wash a deck, you can tackle the process with the information you need to know. Deck power washing isn’t easy, though, and you may want to turn to a professional cleaning service to tackle the job. An experienced team will understand how to quickly clean your deck and leave it in pristine shape.

Partnering with a professional cleaning service will save you time and effort. If you need help, you can learn more about our pressure washing services here. Our team can give your deck the attention it deserves.

How Often Should You Clean Windows? A Homeowner’s Guide

Windows are an ancient technology, but glass windows didn’t become common in homes until the 17th century in England.

Before this, things like paper and flattened animal horns were used to cover openings in the walls.

Windows have sure come a long way since then! Even though windows are much more practical and effective these days, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to take good care of them to let them do their job well.

An important part of window maintenance is regular cleanings. How often should you clean windows, though? Let’s take a look.

Benefits of Regular Window Cleaning

There are a number of benefits to keeping your outside windows clean, some of which are more obvious than others.

The first benefit is, of course, that dirty windows are very unsightly. This is true from both the outside and the inside of your home. When you have dirty windows, it detracts from the overall curb appeal of your home.

Another benefit of cleaning windows is that dirty windows can actually damage your window glass. This is true even if your windows don’t look visibly dirty. When grime and dirt build-up on your windows, it can leave scratches on your glass.

The scratches that appear on your glass can end up being very damaging over time. This is because they make it so more debris and dust can settle on your windows. Things like construction chemicals, minerals in hard water, and acid rain can make your windows weaken and make them less insulative.

This means that dirty windows can lead to higher utility bills, with more of your climate-controlled air being released out of your building.

Another reason you want to keep your windows clean is that grime and dirt act like filters against sunlight. That means your house can feel colder in the wintertime and your houseplants will likely suffer.

Regularly cleaning your outside windows also protects your home’s exterior accessories, shutters, flower boxes, and window frames. This is because debris, cobwebs, grime, and dirt can’t build up there for nearly as long.

Residential Windows

For residential homes, window cleaning should be scheduled at least twice a year. If you live on a busy street or a place with lots of pollen and trees, you might choose to get your windows cleaned three times a year.

Commercial Windows

For commercial properties, it can make sense to get your windows cleaned more often. For retail spaces and restaurants, the recommended frequency for window cleaning is at least once every month.

The windows of commercial properties are more likely to build up dust and grime as well as hand-print smudges. A restaurant might want to have their windows cleaned twice a month, as in this context it’s important that customers don’t notice dirty windows when they’re sitting and dining.

For commercial buildings or offices, on the other hand, it’s recommended that window cleaning occur twice a year.

Environmental and Climate Conditions

Another factor to consider when determining how often you need to clean your windows is the climate and environmental conditions. Some places might have the right concoction of conditions to make your windows get dirtier quicker.

Here are a few things you should consider when deciding how often to schedule window cleaning:

  • If you live close to busy streets
  • If you have lots of trees and pollen in your vicinity
  • If you live in an area with high wind
  • If you’re remodeling your home
  • If there’s new construction occurring in your neighborhood
  • If your screens are poorly cleaned

If a number of these conditions are true for your property, you might want to clean you windows more often.

How to Clean Your Outside Windows

The most important thing to consider when you’re thinking about washing your outside windows is safety. You should never try to climb a ladder without someone else there to make sure the ladder is steady and stable. It’s also incredibly dangerous for you to lean out your window from the inside to clean an outside window.

The supplies you’ll need to wash your windows are:

  • Bucket
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Liquid dish detergent
  • Sponge
  • Two lint-free cloths
  • Squeegee

First, you’ll fill the bucket with roughly two gallons of water, one-quarter cut of the detergent, and a teaspoon of rubbing alochol. When washing with the sponge, be sure to work from top to bottom. Then, you’ll use the squeegee to wipe down the window in one smooth movement, again from top to bottom.

In between uses of the squeegee, you’ll want to wipe it off with the lint free cloth. You’ll also want to wipe down the track and the window frame so that you can remove bugs, dirt, dust, and grime.

Washing windows safely and effectively is a lot of work. This is particularly true if your home is more than one story, as many are. That’s why it can make sense to hire professional window cleaners rather than taking on the risk, expense, and time-commitment of doing it yourself.

Turn to the Professionals For Clean Windows

Keeping clean windows on your home or business is important for a number of different reasons. Not only does it help your home or shop seem cleaner, brighter, and more pleasant, but it will help elongate the lifespan of your windows. Replacing your windows isn’t cheap, so it makes a lot more economic sense to prevent wear and tear with regular scheduled cleanings.

Is it time for you to get your windows cleaned? Contact us today, we’re here to help!

Fall Cleaning Tips: How to Clean Your Gutter Right

The Chicago area receives 35.82 inches of rainfall a year. That’s less than Seattle at 37.19 but Seattle’s rain is mostly gentle and over a long period. According to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago’s rain is so intense that it is more likely to cause floods.

When the rain falls, do you have blockages in your rain gutter? They may need cleaning? Read on for spring cleaning tips for getting your gutters clean.

Continue reading “Fall Cleaning Tips: How to Clean Your Gutter Right”

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Are you wondering how often should you clean your gutters? Well, you’re in the right place, so wonder no longer. 

In premise, the answer to that question is highly variable, and the most obvious approach to cleaning gutters is when they are dirty. However, what constitutes dirty gutters, and what other elements can damage their integrity?

In this article, we will cover all of that and much more.

So get your gear ready and keep reading to learn more.

Continue reading “How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?”

How to Clean Windows: Technique Tips and Best Products

When it comes to completing home chores, it’s surprising how many people get some of them wrong. That is especially true with window cleaning. All too often, people go into window washing with the best intentions not knowing how to clean windows. They see the dust and grime that’s built up over the season and long for a crystal clear, streak-free window.

The result usually comes out somewhere in between clear and streaked or spotted windows. Today, we’re going to provide some tips on how to clean windows like a pro. 

With these tips, you’ll never go back to the old way. We promise.

Continue reading “How to Clean Windows: Technique Tips and Best Products”