Window cleaning can be a hassle, and no one wants to spend their weekend scrubbing streaks of glass. But with a little bit of commercial window cleaning know-how, you can make the task much easier – and even save yourself some money too!
In this blog, I will share my tried-and-true tricks for cleaning commercial windows quickly and efficiently, leaving you time for all the things you’d rather be doing. So put down that bucket and squeegee – it’s time to…
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Invest in the Right Equipment
For a business that does commercial window cleaning on a regular basis, having the right equipment is essential for getting the job done quickly and efficiently. An investment in quality equipment may cost more upfront but can pay for itself in saved time and improved performance.
Types of Equipment Required:
- Ladders: An extension ladder or even a lightweight combination step ladder can be used to reach windows located off of the ground level.
- Window Washing Solution: This can be purchased commercially or you can mix up your own – just make sure to follow safety instructions carefully and wear protective gloves when handling any window cleaning chemicals.
- Squeegees: A silicon squeegee with a wooden handle is ideal for commercial window cleaning as it helps to minimize streaks so your windows will look immaculate after each job.
- Scrubbers: You may need to use a scrubber to remove dirt or debris from harder-to-reach areas of the window, such as frames and sills. Make sure you get one that is firm but flexible enough to reach all angles of the glass and frames.
- Clippers: These are used to trim away excess caulking, paint, dirt, and other stubborn buildup around windowsills and edges that might otherwise be difficult to remove with just the squeegee alone.
- Extension Poles: These are specially designed poles with telescoping handles that enable you to extend your reach even further than ladders provide in order to clean upper-level windows safely from the ground floor below.
Use the Right Cleaning Solution
When cleaning windows, the type of solution you use will depend on the type of dirt or residue you’re trying to remove. A mild soap and water solution is usually enough for regular cleaning. For dirt and grime that’s been allowed to build up over time, an ammonia-based cleaner may be required. For tough spots, a gritty scrubbing powder can be used in combination with soap and water.
It’s important to use the right cleaning solution because harsh chemicals can cause damage to window frames or sills. If you have decorative panes in your windows, a mild detergent should always be used as stronger cleaners can corrode metal elements or strip away paint finishes. Using too much pressure when scrubbing is also something to avoid – even if your glass appears foggy or streaky it may just need a simple wipe down with a damp cloth or squeegee blade.
Start From the Top
When it comes to commercial window cleaning, the most important rule is to start from the top and work your way down. Starting at the top of a window not only allows you to stay organized but also helps you avoid streaks in the glass. It’s important that you thoroughly clean each window before moving on to the next.
Before starting a commercial window-cleaning job, be sure to assemble all of your necessary materials and gear – such as cleaning solution, lint-free towels, squeegees, and scrapers – in advance. Additionally, inspect the windows for any existing damage or debris that should be removed prior to cleaning.
Once your materials are assembled, fill a spray bottle with a few drops of mild detergent and warm water. Use long strokes from left to right when spraying each window from top to bottom so that no part of the glass goes untouched by the solution. Allow it time to penetrate for about 10 minutes or until fully soaked. This step prepares the windows for a pristine finish when it’s time for wiping down with a squeegee or absorbent cloth.
Clean on Cloudy Days
Commercial window cleaning can be quite a challenge, especially on sunny days. That’s why it is usually best to clean windows on cloudy or cooler days. This ensures that the sun won’t dry the cleaning solution too quickly, leaving behind streaks or smudges. Additionally, because there is less sunlight it gives you more time to get the job done without having to worry about having to finish the job too soon due to direct sunlight beating down on your freshly cleaned windows.
Additionally, when cleaning windows on cloudy days it is important to use a good quality squeegee and also make sure that water is not left standing in window ledges and sills. Also don’t forget damp cloths and scrubbing brushes, as these will be needed for tougher dirt such as bird droppings or dirt build up from inclement weather conditions. These types of deposits need extra attention when trying to clean the glass properly and safely.
Finally remember that no matter what time of year you are cleaning, you should always wear gloves for protection when handling cleaning solutions and squeegees; this will help reduce skin irritation from various chemicals found in many commercial window cleaners. Following these tips should help ensure that your commercial window cleaning projects turn out to look as good as new!
Use a Squeegee
Using a squeegee is one of the most common and effective tools for window cleaning. It’s best to use a rubber-blade squeegee for commercial window cleaning because it’s less likely to leave streaks or scratches.
Start by dipping the squeegee in your cleaning solution, then apply it to the glass from top to bottom using firm pressure. Move the blade from one end of the glass to the other, smoothing out any soap suds and finger marks as you go. Wipe off moisture from the squeegee after each stroke or two by wiping it off with a dry cloth or towel before placing it back in your cleaner. Move up and down with long strokes, overlapping each pass slightly. Repeat this process on each pane until all of your windows are clean.
When you’re finished, remove any remaining moisture with a dry cloth or towel and buff until they sparkle!
Pay Attention to the Frames and Sills
Frames and sills are usually the most neglected parts of a window and the dirtiest parts overall. As they tend to be narrow and can often go unnoticed, they require more effort to clean properly.
To tackle grime on frames and sills, it’s best practice to first start with a brush or rag to scrub away visible dirt. If possible, use a tool specially designed for frame and sill cleaning like a soft framed scrubber or molding brush tipped with dry microfiber cloths.
Once done, use warm water mixed with mild dishwashing liquid on the frames first—dip your tool into that solution for better results. Wipe each side with soap mix wipe away excess water before polishing it with a dry microfiber cloth or add some glass cleaner directly onto them and then wipe down these surfaces using another cloth afterward. Be sure not to rub too hard while cleaning as damage may occur to delicate plastic materials used in many modern window frames.
On the sills, start by brushing off debris, cobwebs or any dust particles that could block any liquid solutions from properly dissolving into the surface itself during your cleaning process—zoom along its entire length sweeping away anything left in its path through each pass until you’re happy with its condition. Use warm temperatures when washing them focusing mainly on where you have seen concentrations of grime build up throughout its surface areas such as in crevices or corners as these are normally prone to become clogged quicker than other parts of window sills overall leading you having to take extra steps in addressing their current contamination levels compared against windows without such accumulations between them found elsewhere alongside it.
After which apply glass cleaner which further removes dirty marks before finishing up buffing them away immaculately with another terry-cloth towel this time randomly placed on top so more stubborn deposits don’t stand chance (i.e., soil removed during initial rubbing) against every layer of coating present any longer, therefore, becoming wrapped up forever if executed correctly followed lastly by some drying forcefully applied over anywhere still wet afterward if applicable before finally sitting back contentedly watching what originally seemed impossible slowly dwindle down permanently within no time whatsoever enabling you stress-free customer satisfaction during end-user comparisons fantastic!
Use a Ladder Stabilizer
When cleaning windows on a multi-story building, safety should be the first priority. To ensure your safety and assure public safety, consider renting or investing in a ladder stabilizer. Stabilizers can help you gain more leverage and reach higher heights with less effort. Depending on the building’s height, type of windows, and environment, it can be extremely helpful to have a stabilizer attached to your ladder when window cleaning.
Having an adjustable stabilizer also makes it possible to clean between buildings or other tight areas. To decide if a ladder stabilizer is a right choice for you, there are many factors to consider when looking for your preference:
- Adjustability for tight spaces between buildings or around landscaping obstructions;
- Extended arm-length reach;
- Durability against weather elements;
- Padded bottom feet if indoors (to avoid damaging floors);
- Cost efficiency; and of course
- Brand service/warranty offerings.
Hire a Professional
Hiring a professional cleaning service for your windows has a number of benefits, especially for businesses or facilities with large numbers of windows. Commercial window cleaners will have the right equipment and techniques needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Professional cleaners also tend to be more experienced with cleaning windows in hard-to-reach locations, around exterior fixtures, as well as tinted or energy-efficient windows that require special cleaning techniques.
Commercial window cleaners may use a variety of techniques such as steam, pressure washing, squeegees, and other specialty tools to ensure sparkling clean results. By hiring a professional window cleaner, you are sure to receive superior results with their years of experience.
In addition to installing squeaky clean windows in commercial buildings or homes, commercial cleaners also may take care of other necessary tasks such as screening, caulking and painting windows for an additional fee.
It’s important to research potential service providers by asking for references from recent jobs they’ve completed or checking online reviews before committing to any company so you can make sure you find the right one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best commercial window-cleaning tricks?
The best commercial window cleaning tricks include using a squeegee to remove dirt and debris, using a microfiber cloth to wipe away streaks, and using a dryer sheet to reduce static cling.
What supplies do I need for commercial window cleaning?
Supplies needed for commercial window cleaning include a squeegee, a microfiber cloth, a window cleaning solution, and a dryer sheet.
How often should I clean my commercial windows?
How often you should clean your commercial windows depends on the environment. In areas with heavy pollution, you should clean your windows every few weeks. But in areas with less pollution, you may only need to clean your windows every few months.
Conclusion
Window cleaning is an important part of many commercial businesses. Clean windows look professional and inviting, which can make all the difference when it comes to attracting new customers or maintaining goodwill with existing ones. To succeed in commercial window cleaning, you must have the right tools, materials, and techniques.
By following the right tips, tricks, and techniques for window cleaning you will be able to provide a professional service that your customers will appreciate and one that they would recommend to their friends and colleagues. Utilizing specialized tools like squeegees can help you get the perfect streak-free finish every time while using quality materials will help ensure that your windows stay clean for longer periods of time. Understanding how to properly clean each type of window—whether it’s a glass door or picture window—will also give you a better result.