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.

The Tools for the Trade

When you watch most people clean windows, you’ll see them pull out their roll of paper towels to do the job, but if you watch a pro in action, you’ll rarely see paper towels used as a cleaning tool. 

If you want to have windows that look professionally cleaned, you need to use what the pros use. After all, that’s why they use them! 

Now, you may think that the list of items you need to learn like the pros would be exhaustive and expensive. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

What’s even better is that most of these tools, if taken care of properly, should last you a few years. You can find most of the materials at any hardware store. If you want that professionally cleaned look, you need to use the tools of the trade. 

Here is a list of items you’ll need to wash windows like a pro: 

  • A ten to twelve-inch squeegee 
  • A scrubber or a sponge
  • A 5-gallon bucket
  • Hand dishwashing liquid
  • A few lint-free or microfiber rags or towels

With this list of five items, you’ll be well on your way to cleaning your windows like the pros. 

How to Clean Windows Like a Pro

You’ll be happy to know that the steps on how to clean outside windows like a pro are pretty short, easy to master, and yield great results. Follow these seven easy steps for windows that look professionally cleaned. 

1. Fill Your Bucket

For your professional window solution, all you’ll need is a couple of gallons of water and one teaspoon of hand dishwashing liquid. If you’re cleaning your windows in frigid temperatures, use enough window washing fluid, so the water doesn’t freeze on the window pane. 

2. Scrub the Window

Dip your scrubber or your sponge into the bucket and squeeze out any excess water. Work from all angles to make sure you have scrubbed each part of the window. You want to make sure you get every square inch of the glass. 

3. Create a Starting Strip

With a dry squeegee, tip your squeegee, so only the corner touches the glass. Start at the top corner of the glass and clean a narrow strip down the windowpane to the bottom of the glass. That should produce a thin vertical line to use as a starting point for your horizontal passes. 

4. Squeegee Across the Top of the Window

Putting our squeegee up against the top of the window, make a horizontal pass. Make sure to concentrate on having the top of the squeegee contact the top of the windowpane. 

5. Wipe Your Squeegee Clean

It is essential that after each pass with your squeegee that you wipe your squeegee clean with a lint-free or microfiber towel. Not doing so will create a window that is spotty or has streaks. 

6. Work Down the Window 

Begin again with a horizontal pass. Make sure your squeegee lines up on an angle, forcing water down and with a two-inch overlap from your last pass. By creating this two-inch overlap, you’ll make sure you have no streaks. Make sure to wipe your squeegee clean after each pass. 

7. Wipe the Perimeter of the Window

With a clean and dry lint-free or microfiber towel, wipe around the edges of the window to remove any excess water that may be remaining. That will ensure that there are no streaks left behind. 

First, wipe the bottom edge of the window, then with a clean spot, use your finger to create a fine line to remove any excess along the perimeter of the window. 

How to Clean Window Screens

If washing window screens sounds tough, don’t worry. We’ll show you all the steps required to make your window screens look brand new again. 

Here is what you’ll need: 

  • Warm water
  • hand dishwashing soap
  • Gentle bristle brush

With these three items, you can clean your window screens in five easy steps. Here’s all you’ll need to do to make your screens look professionally cleaned. 

  1. Remove your screens from the window and lay them flat. 
  2. Dip your soft bristle brush into the water.  
  3. Gently scrub your screens with the soapy water and soft bristle brush. 
  4. Rinse the window screens with warm water and allow it to dry. 
  5. Put the window screens back in the window. 

With these five steps, you’ll have window screens that allow you to see the views out your window without distraction. 

Need More Help? 

If all of this sounds like a lot of work, we don’t blame you. It can be challenging to clean all of your windows, especially if you don’t like hopping on ladders to reach a second or even third-floor window. 

Considering that the average home has eight windows or more, this may be more than some families can handle. For instance, if you don’t know how to clean the window tracks, or don’t know how to clean window AC units, we can help. 

Call the Pros

If you’re not interested in learning how to clean windows like a pro and would rather call them to do the work, that’s fine. If you’re looking for professional-grade window cleaning services in Chicago, trust the pros at My Window Washing. 

Call us today at (800) 941-2790 to get started. If you’re looking for more ways to treat your home, check out our blog. 

Should Deck Restoration Be Done by a Professional?

A deck can add a lot of value to your home… but only if it’s in good condition. 

An old, splintering deck can do more harm to your home than good. But just because your deck is old doesn’t mean it’s past saving. Deck restoration can make your deck look as good as new. 

However, this might not be a job you should try to do on your own. Hiring a professional might be a better choice. 

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to DIY, we’ve put together this guide to help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. So let’s get started!

Is Restoration a Good Option for Your Deck?

Over time, your deck will wear down, splinter, or crack—even if you do all the right maintenance. But this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to install a new deck. 

You can save a lot of money by restoring your old deck instead. 

By applying a deck paint restoration product to the surface of the wood, this product will fill in any cracks, knotholes, and other imperfections. This gives your deck a smooth and clean finish. 

Keep in mind, since this type of product is thick, it will also cover up the natural grain of the wood and create a completely different texture. If you love the appearance of wood, you may not want to use this product. But it can extend the life of your deck by several years, which can help you save a lot of money. 

When You Can and Can’t Ues This Product 

For most decks, this type of restoration product is a good option. It can fill in any damages and give your deck new life. 

However, there are times you shouldn’t try to restore your deck. 

For example, deck paint restoration products can’t get rid of mold. If your deck has started to mold, even if the problem’s still small, you may need to install a new deck after all. 

Painting deck restoration product over mold or rot won’t change anything. The wood will continue to rot away underneath the protective layer. 

DIY vs Professional: What’s the Better Option?

One of the biggest questions about deck restoration is whether you can pull off a quality DIY job or whether you should hire a professional to do it for you. The right option for you depends on a number of factors, including your budget and your willingness to get your hands dirty. However, in most cases, hiring a professional is a better choice. 

Here’s why. 

Cost

In theory, you can save some money by restoring your deck yourself. Since you don’t have to pay for labor expenses, you all you have to do is buy the product. 

But this isn’t always true. 

If you don’t have the right tools, you’ll also have to buy or rent them first, which can add a lot to the price. You may also make a mistake during the process (since the job is a complicated one, this is very easy to do). In this case, you’ll either have to buy more product to try to correct it on your own or hire a professional to fix the problem. 

This means you’re spending double what you would have to pay if you just hired a professional in the first place. You’ll probably end up saving money if you just go ahead and hire a professional. 

Time

Painting a restoration product over your deck might seem like a quick, simple job, but the process can take quite a while. In fact, you may have to sacrifice an entire weekend (or longer) to finish the project. 

If you’re working by yourself or still figuring things out as you go alone, it may add even more time to the job. 

A professional has a lot of experience restoring decks, and they have all the right tools. Because of this, they can finish the job a lot faster than you could on your own. Hiring a professional also gives you your weekend back so you can spend it doing what’s important, such as spending time with your kids. 

The Work Itself 

Restoring a deck is a difficult, messy job. Not only do you have to prepare the wood by sanding off any remaining finish, removing splinters, and power washing, you also have to cover the rails or stairs with a plastic covering to protect them from splatter. That all takes a lot of time and effort, and you haven’t even started the real restoration process yet. 

The actual restoration process takes even more work. You have to apply several coatings of the restoration product and wait for it to dry before you continue working. 

Unless you have a lot of time on your hands and experience with this type of work, it’s a better idea to hire a professional. They’ll be able to provide quality services that’ll make the end result look fresh and beautiful. 

Is DIYing Deck Restoration a Good Idea?

If you wanted to, you could restore your deck yourself. However, you should probably avoid this DIY job. Not only do you have to buy the deck restoration product and all the right tools, but the job also takes a lot of work. It’s a several day-long process, and it isn’t easy. 

Not sure who to hire for this type of work?

We can help! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to learn more about our services today! 

5 Big Benefits of Gutter Cleaning This Summer

As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. In Chicago, we should be thinking more about August showers, since August gets the most rain per year on average!

If you don’t prepare your gutters for the Chicago summer storms, you may face a few problems that are much harder to tackle.

Fortunately, gutter cleaning is both cost-effective and easy with the help of professional gutter cleaning services!

Read on for the top 5 benefits of gutter cleaning and spare yourself some expensive issues down the line.

1. Protect Your Roof

You’ve probably noticed that most rooftops are built with a slight slant or incline that leads to the gutter. This enables heavy rainfall to make its way down your roof and into your gutter so that it can be safely redirected.

When your gutter is clogged, water may begin to pool around the edges of your roof. When water pools on shingles, it can seep between the cracks, weakening the shingles’ hold and damaging the underlayment. Over time, you may begin to lose shingles and your roof may develop holes where water damage is particularly severe.

When your roof is damaged, you risk leakage that can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage in your home’s interior.

2. Protect Your Yard

If your gutter’s job is to collect rainfall, your downspout’s job is to direct that rainfall to a designated area of your yard. Many builders place the downspout in an area that has an incline so that the water continues to disperse throughout the yard, rather than pooling in one spot. 

If your gutters are clogged, water that doesn’t get trapped on the roof can cascade over the gutter in sheets. As a result, your grass, mulch, and other landscaped elements will become water-logged or wash away altogether.

3. Avoid an Unwanted Rooftop Garden

Chicagoans with seasonal allergies will be the first to tell you that this spring has brought a historically high pollen count. In other words, we’ve seen an unusually high amount of pollen floating through the air, feeding plants left and right.

Gutters become clogged with a number of things, from fallen leaves to broken branches and twigs. As this debris breaks down, it creates a nice, organic bed for plants to grow in. Meanwhile, that pollen that’s making you sneeze is also feeding the plants that are trying to grow in your gutter.

If plants start popping up in your gutter, you’re in need of some serious gutter cleaning and you may want to act on it fast! These growing plants are adding to the weight and pressure on your gutter. Over time, you’ll start to see sagging and cracking along your gutter that could cause residual damage to your roof and walls.

4. Dismantle Pest Habitats

Plants aren’t the only things that thrive in a clogged gutter. A variety of pests will also gladly set up camp amidst the debris.

While you may not mind a robin’s nest or two, some birds are territorial after nesting and laying their eggs. For example, swallows, which have made their way across all of North America, will dive-bomb humans and pets who get too close to their precious cargo. The last thing you want is to face a bird attack when you’re walking the dog or bringing in the groceries!

Bees, wasps, and hornets have also been found in clogged gutters. Not only is this a risk for the members of your household but it could also be a risk for your bank account. Due to premises liability law, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that you could find yourself facing a lawsuit after a guest got stung by a pest living in your gunked up gutter!

5. Reduce Your Risk of a Cracked Foundation

Perhaps one of the most costly side effects of a clogged gutter is a cracked foundation. The foundation of your home rests below the ground and is made of either wood or cement. This is what provides your house a level surface to stand on and keeps your support beams and other structural elements from sinking or tilting.

A downspout’s most important job is to divert water away from your foundation. The same gushing water that could destroy your garden could make its way underground, causing your foundation to swell, shift, or crack.

Depending on the type of foundation your house is built upon and the age of your property, you may not be able to recover a damaged foundation at all. In the event that you can, it won’t be cheap or quick. 

Even if water damage leads to a minor crack in your foundation, this issue can’t be ignored. Between the pressure of the house and the changes in temperature and moisture, a small crack in your foundation will deepen over time.

Gutter Cleaning in Chicago, IL

Gutter cleaning is something that every Chicago homeowner should add to their spring cleaning to-do list. It’s far less expensive than having your roof, landscaping, or foundation repaired. It’s also less daunting than dealing with some mysterious or finicky pests.

If you’re looking for professional gutter cleaning in the Chicago area, you’ve come to the right place. At My Window Washing, we’ll do more than clean your windows and power wash your property. We’ll also clean your gutter!

Contact us to schedule an appointment or receive a free estimate on the work you need to be done. We’ll even throw in a coupon or two! 

Deck Maintenance: How Power Washing and Care Extends a Deck’s Lifespan

Do you have a deck on your home, or are you thinking about having one built? This can really enhance your outdoor living space and add value to your home.

Having a deck professionally installed will run you about $31 a square foot. It’s an excellent investment, but you’ll want to make sure that you take good care of it so that it lasts for years. 

Proper deck maintenance is one of the best ways to enhance your wood deck’s lifespan. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of power washing a deck and other important deck maintenance tips.

Pressure Wash Your Deck at Least Once a Year

It’s vital to clean your deck at least once a year thoroughly. Power washing the wood acts as a natural exfoliant and helps the protective sealers seep even deeper into the wood, which protects the deck.

There are many benefits to power washing your deck. First, it helps to control microbes that allow mold and mildew to grow on your deck’s wood. Doing this in the spring also rinses off any dirt and salt that has accumulated over the winter months.

It’s essential to be careful with a pressure washer as a well-meaning, but inexperienced homeowner can accidentally gouge the wood with the intense water spray. If you’re not 100 percent confident that you can do it yourself, consider hiring a professional.

The service is inexpensive, and it’s worth the peace of mind in knowing that your deck is cleaned right and will last for years.

Sand Your Deck Before Sealing

Pressure washing is the best way to prepare your deck for sealing. 

After you’ve pressure washed your deck, you’ll need to wait for it to completely dry. Sometimes, this can take as long as 48-hours. Once it’s dry, you’ll want to sand your deck lightly.

This is necessary to remove any splinters or fuzzy patches that pressure washing can cause.

The easiest way to do this is to use 80-grit sandpaper attached to a pole sander. Don’t make the mistake of using a power sander, as this is overkill.

Choose the Right Sealant

Once the wood is prepared, you need to seal it. This will keep the wood from warping, cupping, or cracking.

A clear sealant is usually your best bet as this will last longer. You may choose a tinted sealant or stain, but if your deck gets a lot of foot traffic, then it will likely fade.

One mistake to avoid is using paint, lacquer, or varnish instead of sealer. The problem is that each of these just leaves a film on the wood rather than penetrating it. These finishes will look great when you first put them on, but as they wear, the peeling and cracking will look terrible.

It’s also a good idea to opt for a synthetic sealant as oil-based products may attract algae and mildew. If you want your wood to look its best, choose a semi-transparent finish as this will add a bit of color and protect your deck from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Clean Your Deck Regularly

Your deck is constantly exposed to the elements, so it’s important to regularly clean up leaves, branches, and debris that accumulates. Otherwise, they could rot and stain the wood.

Prevent water damage by using a large push broom to sweep off any water puddles after it rains and accumulated snow. If you get a lot of snow, gently clear it off with a plastic shovel.

Inspect the Deck Every Year

To make sure your deck lasts and looks great for as long as possible, you’ll also want to inspect it at least once a year.

Many homeowners do a thorough inspection before they start their springtime deep cleaning and again in the autumn. This will help you stay on top of things and proactively take care of small issues before they become a bigger problem.

Check the entire area for loose nails, soft spots, or planks that are rotten or split. You’ll also want to check the railings and other deck attachments to make sure they’re secure.

If you notice anything that could cause a hazard, it’s critical to fix it right away. Not only is there a good chance that the problem will only continue to get worse, but, some issues could also increase the chances that someone could get hurt.

Choose Your Deck Accessories Carefully

Adding some area rugs to your deck can give it a more comfortable and cozy feel and protect it from scrapes caused by chairs and table legs. However, natural materials like bamboo or jute can absorb moisture and encourage mildew growth.

Protect your deck by choosing area rugs made of recycled plastics. They don’t absorb water and will also last longer.

Keep Up with Your Deck Maintenance

Now that you know how to take care of a deck, all you need to do is repeat the steps above as part of your regular home maintenance routine. This is important even if your deck is made of pressure-treated wood.

While the treatment will keep it from rotting or getting infested with insects, it’s still vulnerable to sun and water damage. The only thing you’ll need to do differently is to make sure you use cleaning and sealing products designed for pressure-treated wood.

Let Us Pressure Wash Your Deck for You!

Are you behind on your deck maintenance? We can take care of it for you!

We’re fully licensed and insured and will pressure wash your deck to remove mold, mildew, and dirt. It’s easy to schedule, just give us a call at 800-941-2790 or use our convenient form to book online.

Spring Clean Like A Pro With My Window Washing

Spring is the time of year when many of us begin to clean out our closets, organize the garage, and generally freshen up our homes. But spring cleaning should not be limited to our home’s interiors, this season, add the exterior of your home to your spring cleaning list. 

The exterior of our homes and other structures on our property can take quite a beating over the long cold winter months. Exposure to snow, ice, and wind can begin to degrade our homes roofing, siding, windows, and decking materials. 

Grime, Molds, And Debris Build Up

The damp and dark conditions can encourage mold and mildew growth that is not only unsightly but possibly harmful to our health. Wind will whip up debris and particles of decaying matter into the cracks and crevices of our windows and siding, increasing the chances of wood rot and damage. 

The Importance Of Spring Cleaning

In order to keep up our home’s curb appeal and make sure it remains structurally sound, we must thoroughly clean the roofing, siding, windows, and other outdoor structures around our home. A good deep cleaning is necessary so that we can easily maintain our home’s exterior throughout the year. 

Start At The Top

Working from the top down is the best way to begin, you don’t want to spend time washing your windows just to have grime from the roofing ruin your work. What you need to use to clean your roof will depend on the materials it is made of. Metal roofing can be power washed, while traditional shingles will need a softer touch. 

Cleaning your roof can be a tricky and dangerous endeavor, which is why it is a good idea to bring in a professional service such as My Window Washing to tackle the job. Professional cleaners have the right tools for the job and the experience necessary to clean your roofing in a safe and efficient manner. 

Power Wash Away All The Buildup

My Window Washing can also take care of any power washing that you may need to clean the exterior of your home. Siding can begin to grow molds and mildews that are unsightly and detrimental to your exterior surfaces. Power washing the exterior of your home, including walkways, driveways, and any decking you may have, is a fast and efficient way to get rid of debris and molds. 

Last But Not Least, Windows

Once the roofing and siding of your home are clean, windows can be washed to bring back their clarity. Pollen, mildew, and grime all build up on the glass of the windows, making them dingey and blocking the natural light. My Window Washing can clean your windows inside and out, making them sparkling and streak-free.

Let The Pro’s Tackle The Job

Don’t let the sunny days ahead shed light on all the dirt and molds your home has gathered over the winter months. Let My Window Washing tackle the exterior of your home so that you will be ready to enjoy the warm months ahead in your clean and comfortable home. 

When Should You Consider a Professional Glass Cleaning Service?

There are more than 2.7 million people living in and around Chicago. Each one of them has a home, which provides shelter and comfort all year round. 

However, to really enjoy your home you need to keep it in good shape. Often people think about home maintenance being about plumbing or roofing repairs. But your windows are equally important.

Keeping them clean and checking them regularly ensures that your home stays light and secure. This is why, when it comes to window and glass cleaning, it is a good idea to consider using a professional service. Want to know more? 

Then you’re in the right place! Read on to find out how a professional cleaning team can help and when you should consider using one to clean your windows. 

When You Need to Save Time on Glass Cleaning

Cleaning your windows thoroughly is an important part of maintaining your home’s exterior. However, this can take a long time, which is not a luxury everyone has.

Rather than spending most of your weekend scrubbing away, a professional team will find it easy to clean windows in less time. This is because they have experience working efficiently and all the right kit. This leads us to our next point.

When You Don’t Have the Right Kit

If you don’t have the right kit for cleaning your windows then you could end up doing more harm than good.

To thoroughly clean your windows and the exterior of your property you really need to use a pressure washer. Without this, you won’t get into all the nooks and crannies of your windows. The job will also take a lot longer.

As well as asking “what is glass cleaner made of?” you also need to ask “what are my windows made of?” This is because using the wrong cleaning agents on your windows could lead to damage.

If you have leaded glass or stained glass in your windows then using a window cleaner with an ammonia base can cause irreversible damage. This can result in clouding which means your home will get less light than before. 

Safety when cleaning windows is also key. Ground floor windows are easy to reach but once your home has more than one floor it’s important that you use the proper equipment to stay safe. For example, secure ladders or window washers on telescope poles can be used to reach high up windows.

Getting kitted out with all of the right equipment to clean your windows can be an expensive business. Fortunately, a professional team will have all of their own kits so you can save a lot of money and make sure your windows get a proper clean.

When You Need to Identify a Problem

Cleaning your windows is only one part of the job that a professional cleaner will carry out for you. They will also be able to spot any specific problems with your windows that need addressing.

This does not just involve giving you glass cleaning tips. Other problems that can occur with your windows include: 

  • Sashes that have been painted shut 
  • Window screens that do not fit properly
  • Rotting window sills
  • Clogged window channels

The sooner you identify these problems, the quicker it will be to fix them. This could save you a lot of money on future repairs. 

However, money isn’t the only thing it could save. In an emergency such as a fire, your windows are a vital way for you to get out of your home. If they were jammed shut or not working properly this could become a serious problem very quickly.

A professional window cleaner will also be able to identify the specific cause of a problem. This means that they can treat it so that it doesn’t happen again.

For example, if your windows are fitted using a cheap mulch, they can be prone to something called shotgun fungus. This creates black spores and can lead to spots on your windows. Rather than just cleaning up the spores, a professional cleaner will be able to replace your mulch to stop the problem from coming back.

When You Want to Extend the Life of Your Windows

Your windows see a lot of wear and tear during their time. Most windows should last between 15 and 20 years. However, with proper maintenance, your window could last well beyond the 20-year mark. 

Cleaning your windows isn’t the only thing you need to do to maintain them properly. You also need to check for chips or cracks.

These can occur with time or as a result of something hitting a window. If you leave aluminum screens over your windows for long periods of time this can also lead to a build-up of deposits on them. These make a crack much more likely. 

Luckily a crack or a chip is not impossible to repair and you don’t have to replace the whole window. A professional will be able to treat the window with muriatic acid to store the class.

This means that your windows will stand the test of time. It also means that you won’t lose heat from your house through your windows and it’s a lot cheaper than a full window replacement. In the long run, this could save you thousands of dollars!

Get Help Today! 

If you want to make maintaining your windows easy or have a specific problem, a professional glass cleaning company is exactly what you need. They will do everything to ensure that your windows stay secure and stand the test of time.

To book your appointment with a professional window cleaner, get in touch today. We’re here to help!

7 Important Benefits of House Pressure Washing (And the Ugly Consequences If You Don’t)

A mold-covered, mildewy home is far less likely to sell than a pristine, freshly-painted one. Yet, climbing onto a ladder to scrub hard-to-reach places is no homeowner’s idea of a relaxing weekend. Fortunately, the extended reach and spray of a pressure washer can blast away dirt and grime. This leaves you with a squeaky-clean home that’s bound to impress potential buyers.

House pressure washing isn’t a complicated process. And, it’s one of the most environmentally-conscious ways of cleaning a home’s exterior. Residents can enjoy improved health after pressure washing their homes. They can also enjoy increased property values. Keep reading to discover some of the most astounding benefits of an outside house cleaning.

Benefits of House Pressure Washing

There are several reasons why homeowners should consider pressure washing their home. A lack of experience or confidence with pressure washing is no excuse to not try it. A professional pressure washing service can offer expert advice. They can also offer help to get the job done.

1. Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetic appeal, also known as curb appeal, refers to the first impression a property makes on potential buyers. A modern, well-maintained home can struggle to compete in the market if it does not look appealing from the outside. Most potential buyers have a well-formed judgment of a property before even touring the place.

So, looks do matter when it comes to real estate. A home covered in moss, dirt, mold, and vegetation isn’t going to appeal to the majority of buyers. Yet, it can be difficult for homeowners to spruce up their property without professional help. This is especially true of elderly residents and those who live in multi-story dwellings.

That’s why a professional pressure washing service may be the key to charming new potential tenants. It can remove all traces of gunk from sidings, brickwork, gutters, and rooftops.

2. Increased Property Value

A gorgeous, well-maintained property is bound to enjoy a sizeable valuation. Prospective sellers should familiarize themselves with things appraisers look for. The very first thing an appraiser will take note of when visiting a property is the curb appeal.

While there are several other factors to consider, curb appeal does tend to hold a massive amount of sway when attracting buyers. And the more in-demand a property is, the higher its market value. A thorough pressure washing could help a home to sell immediately. It is amazing how much a quick exterior cleaning can increase a home’s value.

3. Preventative Maintenance

The cost of pressure washing a house is far less than the costs associated with not pressure washing. Poor exterior maintenance can lead to significant structural issues. It can also lead to dangerous health complications and pricey home repairs. 

The average cost for house pressure washing is about $200 to $400. Compare this to the $12,000 some homeowners spend to repair foundational damage caused by years of neglect. Preventative maintenance starts with regular professional pressure washing. And it ends with a beautiful, safe, and high-valued home.

4. A Real Time-Saver

Climbing up and down a ladder is not only dangerous, but it can also be exhausting. When attempting to tackle the entire exterior of your home, a bucket of soapy suds and a sponge isn’t going to be the quickest method. A pressure washer, on the other hand, can make short work of stubborn grime, dirt, and stains.

Time is a precious commodity, and hardly any homeowner enjoys spending their free time scrubbing the siding of their house. Fortunately, an experienced pressure washer service can clean most homes a matter of a few short hours.

5. Improved Household Health

Mold and mildew are unsightly nuisances, but they can also pose significant health risks. Black mold, in particular, is known to cause respiratory illness and distress, asthma, lethargy, depression, and confusion. Residents with pre-existing conditions are most prone to developing severe side-effects after prolonged exposure to household mold.

By pressure washing the outside of your home, you can provide a healthier, safer place for you and your family. A clean, well-maintained yard and exterior is a fantastic way of reducing household allergens and persistent sinus issues.

6. An Eco-Friendly Option

Rather than resorting to strong chemicals and powerful poisons, pressure washing only involves water. There’s no harmful run-off created by pressure washing a home’s siding, roof, or entryway, making it one of the most eco-friendly cleaning options available.

Beautiful, lush lawns and landscapes easily fall prey to pesticides and cleaning chemicals, so taking the opportunity to exclude them can make all the difference in your property’s curb appeal.

7. Perfect for Painting

If your home needs a new coat of paint, it’s a good idea to start things off with a substantial, professional pressure washing. A clean, dirt-free exterior is perfectly primed for painting! You may even be able to save a little money on paint, as you’ll likely need fewer coats to get the job done.

Find the Right House Wash Solution for You

You can pressure wash sidings, walkways, and rooftops in a jiffy with a little know-how and help. The rewards that homeowners can reap from a freshly pressure washed house are numerous. Fewer costly longterm repairs, higher property values, improved resident health, and less time spent cleaning are only a handful of the benefits of house pressure washing.

Pressure washing alone can be dangerous and can potentially result in damage to your home. We’re ready to help. If you’re interested in hiring a reliable, professional power washing service, please contact us right away!

Spring Cleaning Tips For Home Exteriors

Spring is a time of renewal, with the warmer weather and longer hours of daylight, homeowners emerge from their winter dens to survey their kingdoms. Our home’s exteriors and other outdoor structures tell the story of the long cold months with their layers of grime and molds that enjoyed the time in the dark, cold months. 

With the longer days and gleaming sunlight, we are able to see all the work that is needed to get our homes in shape for the warmer months ahead. The task can be at first overwhelming as our landscapes are browned, and the pollen has blanketed everything in sight. But tackling a few key areas of our home’s exterior will have your property looking good as new in no time. 

Free Your Home’s Gutters From Debris

Begin by cleaning out your home’s gutters. This may seem like an unnecessary job at first, as the gutters are rarely noticed. However, over the winter months, our gutters can get clogged and filled with dead leaves and other debris that can rot and mold, causing water flow to be restricted. 

As spring brings with it more rain, the gutters can overflow, detach from the home, and even cause leaks into roofing and basements if they are not directing water away from the home appropriately. Thoroughly cleaning and checking your gutter system for damage will ensure that your home is protected from water damage caused by blocked or broken gutters. 

Clean And Check Windows

This is also a good time to check the windows and doorways of your home, making sure to look for debris, molds, and mildew that may have collected. Windows can be compromised if dirt has built up around their seals, leading to water leaks and rotting wood. Properly cleaning your windows and doors can keep them in proper working conditions as well as ensuring that your home remains properly sealed from the outside elements. 

When cleaning your windows, it is important to remember that the seals can be broken by pressure washers and other tools that can loosen objects. However, pressure washers are necessary in order to properly clean your home’s siding and walkways and decks around your home. 

Let The Professionals Help

My Window Washing can take care of your home’s exterior spring cleaning needs and keep you off of ladders and in the sunshine. With extensive experience and professional service, My Window Washing can clean your gutters, wash your windows, and pressure wash exterior surfaces as needed in order to have your home sparkling clean and damage-free. 
This spring, don’t let your home go in disrepair, contact My Window Washing and find out how they can best serve your needs.

More About Our Gutter Cleaning Services

At My Window Washing, we do windows – and we do a number of other things for customers. But our gutter cleaning services are a vital part of what we offer, partly because this much-needed maintenance may be difficult for property owners to perform themselves, and partly because avoiding it can be expensive. 

Here are some of the major reasons that we get calls for gutter cleaning at a property.

Ladder Safety

For DIY people who want to do everything themselves, it may be tempting to simply get on the ladder and clean out the gutters on a regular basis. However, for anyone who’s aging or has significant mobility problems, or even for those of us with poor coordination or balance, ladder safety is an important part of this equation.

Falling off a ladder can cost you thousands of dollars. Even if it’s only an ER visit, the costs can greatly exceed any savings you would’ve gotten from cleaning your own gutters for about 50 years! Sometimes, things like this are best left to the pros, where specialized insurance is in play for those types of unfortunate situations, and crews are trained to avoid these injuries. 

Hard-to-Reach Spots

You might have a one-story rancher with pretty reasonable gutters – where you can just stand up an 8-foot ladder and get right up there. But there may be corners and crevices that are just beyond your reach, and there again, you’re running into ladder safety issues. Lean the wrong way, and you could end up generating those thousand-dollar hospital bills we talked about above. Also, how will the gutter handle the weight of your ladder – and you? Pros know exactly how to approach a gutter system, but unless you’ve specialized in this work, you might end up actually damaging your gutters.

The Cost of Neglect

Another option is to just hope that not too much dirt and debris flows into your gutters over time – but that’s really just wishful thinking.

Without good annual gutter maintenance, it doesn’t take long for sediment to build up and clog gutters and downspouts. Presently, you’ll see water seeping into your basement and creating water damage and mold and other problems. It’s even common for plants to grow in your gutters as seeds drift up there along with the other detritus.

Call My Window Washing if you need your gutters cleaned on a regular basis. You’ll find that hiring the pros to do your gutters is a bargain in the long run – and it’s easy!

How to Care for Your Home’s Wood Siding: 7 Essential Maintenance Tips

Whether it’s made of vinyl or wood, the siding on your home is left exposed to all sorts of elements throughout the year.

If you have wood siding, it’s crucial to learn how to care for it so that it lasts for years to come.

Read on to discover a list of seven essential maintenance tips that will keep your siding looking beautiful all year round.

1. Use a Quality Sealer

As the weather and temperature changes, your wood siding will naturally expand and contract. If you don’t protect the siding, the paint can chip, the wood can crack, and caulked seams can start to come apart. All wood products need a sealer, especially those that are outside.

Make sure you seal your siding at least once a year to keep it safe and protected. Certain types of wood that are known to be rot-resistant like cypress and cedar still need to be sealed. Look for sealers that can handle hot temperatures, extreme cold, and everything in between.

2. Keep Your Wood Siding Clean

All types of siding should be kept clean, so clean yours at least once per year using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Start by doing your cleaning in 20-foot sections as you work your way from the bottom to the top. This ensures that there are no drips that can leave unsightly stains and marks behind.

If you notice any mildew, be sure to use a fungus-killing cleaning product and wear eye protection for safety. Once the antifungal solution is applied, rinse the siding thoroughly with water. For rust stains, dissolve some oxalic acid in warm water and gently scrub the rust spots away before rinsing.

3. Give Your Siding a Makeover

One way to maintain your wood siding is to give it a fresh, new look. If you love the appearance of natural wood, refinish it using the same color or try something different to bring out the grain. Allow the finish to dry and then apply a new coat of sealant on top.

You can also paint your siding if you want to give your home a different color. Just make sure you use a quality outdoor paint and have it professionally applied if you can. Use several coats, then finish it with a sealer to keep it looking new.

4. Replace Damaged Sections of Siding

It’s almost impossible to avoid damage to your siding at some point, so make sure you replace those damaged spots when you can. A professional can help to remove the damaged areas and leave the remaining areas intact. If you don’t repair wood siding properly, it can look uneven and mismatched.

It’s difficult to match up damaged wood siding perfectly, so rely on a pro who can ensure that everything looks in line. You can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300 or more per damaged panel. Repairing and replacing damaged siding can prevent further issues and will keep your home protected and insulated.

5. Take Preventative Measures

Your wood siding can become damaged due to a variety of factors including the weather and landscaping. During warm days with temperatures that are 65 degrees or higher, inspect and then replace any missing or damaged caulk.

Keep a close eye on plants in your yard and remove all tree limbs or shrubs that are coming into contact with the siding. Plants can transfer moisture into the tiny cracks and other openings of your wood siding. When you mow the yard, be aware of any sticks or small stones that can be thrown onto the siding and cause dings and other damage.

6. Check Your Home’s Ventilation

An attic with improper ventilation can transfer humidity and moisture to your siding which can result in rotting or other damage. Make sure your attic has the proper ventilation to keep your home and your wood siding nice and dry.

Your indoor humidity should be around 65-percent or lower to prevent moisture from getting behind the siding. In areas that are prone to ice dams, add roof heat tracing wires to prevent excess ice buildup. With good ventilation and reduced moisture exposure, the siding should last for a lot longer.

7. Powerwash with Caution

Power washing is a great way to clean your siding quickly and easily, but it can also wreak havoc on wood. The strong water can strip your paint, leaving gouges in the wood and loosening caulk. It can also force moisture into the wood even if it’s painted on the surface.

Don’t aim a pressure washer upward since this can force the water to go underneath the siding. Spray away from the surface and then slowly point the tip upward toward your siding at a distance of one foot or more away. Go the full length of your siding and never move it up and down to ensure a smooth and even sweep.

Keep Your Siding Fresh and Maintained

Use these tips to ensure that your wood siding stays beautiful for years to come. Always keep your siding clean and check it frequently for signs of damage so you can replace it as soon as possible.

Keep trees and other plants away from the siding, and check the ventilation in your home to keep humidity levels at a reasonable rate. With the right maintenance, this siding can give your home a beautiful look that will last.

Visit our website and contact us today for your gutter cleaning, window washing, power washing, and window cleaning needs!