media

     When it comes to cleaning a window, the task can be daunting. You may think to yourself that it sounds simple, but when you wipe that window with that rag and leave the window looking dirtier than it started, you may have second thoughts. When it comes to perfectly cleaning a window, there are many factors to take into account. These factors include the level of grime, the position of the window to the sun, the type of grime, the height and size of the window, available access to said window… the list goes on. There are simply too many combinations of factors which result in slight changes of how to perfectly clean a window to not bore you. So, I am going to do my best to keep it brief and cover the basics.

     At the most basic level, there are two main ways to clean a window: the squeegee and mop or the water-fed pole. Both have benefits, and at the same time, both have drawbacks. It is a constant debate in the window washing community on which is superior, and it doesn’t look like a conclusion is coming anytime soon. In my opinion, this is simply because they are both great tools, but like a drill and a saw, one cannot replace the other. The squeegee is a tool that ensures a perfect clean every single time; however, when windows are high up and difficult to access, you must trade off a degree of safety. Water-fed poles, on the other hand, allow technicians the ability to clean windows multiple stories high from the safety of the ground with a high level of quality. So you may be thinking, “Well if the water-fed pole can clean all of these difficult to reach windows from the ground, surely it is superior. End of debate...” Well… it isn’t quite so simple. The water-fed pole is not always able to get the harder grime and as a result it doesn’t always ensure a perfect clean. At the end of the day, both methods have a place. However, that is a topic for another day. Today, I am going to walk you through how to perfectly clean a window focusing on the use of a squeegee.

     When you first approach the window, you hope to clean, there are many factors to take into account, as I stated previously. For myself, the first thing I look for is the current condition of the window and specifically any “problem spots.”A problem spot can simply be an obvious white blotch painted on the window by a bird on their way to their nest or as complex as overspray from an overzealous foundation sprayer leaving a strange semi-transparent haze around the window. Either way, I find it best to first identify the main task at hand. Once you understand that main issue, you can get into soaping up the window with your mop. The solution you use for your mop can be any custom ratio between hose water and a grease-cutting dish soap. From my experience, the perfect ratio is a good amount of water and a drizzle or two of soap. The sun is a factor in this situation, as too much soap will dry onto the window too quickly, leaving white smears everywhere. However, if you don't have enough soap you will have difficulty lifting the grime from the pane itself. As you mop the pane and get it covered in suds, it is time to scrub. You can use any sort of abrasive and just get to work. Scrub, scrub, scrub. In some applications, a paint scraper is necessary to help agitate hard grime such as concrete and paint, but not often. Once you feel you have agitated the grime as much as necessary, you re-mop the pane in a motion that pulls the lifted grime off the glass, leaving just soapy water. At this point, you are ready for the squeegee. There are many different ways to use a squeegee at home, but if you do not clean windows often, I suggest “pulling." To pull a squeegee, you simply press it into the top of the pane and pull down in a smooth sweeping motion, removing all of the soapy water from the surface of the glass. You can use a towel to remove the excess moisture from the rubber of the squeegee before making your next pull. As a tip, you will want to overlap your pulls so that you do not leave excess moisture on the pane, which would need to be detailed with a towel later. As you finish squeegeeing your window, you may notice how across the top and around the edges there is leftover water. These can simply be wiped off with the corner of a clean dry towel, which will leave you with a perfectly clean window. As a bonus, I always take a damp towel and wipe the sills and frames of the windows to leave them looking even fresher, but that is up to you.

Thanks for reading today, and I hope you found it informative.

 - Owen

     Regularly maintaining your eavestroughs is of utmost importance when it comes to preserving the structural integrity of your home and protecting yourself as a homeowner from potential damages. If neglected, clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, causing leaks, mold growth, and potentially structural damage. Regular cleaning ensures proper water flow, reducing the risk of water-related issues.

     A great example of a water-related issue that can occur when eaves are not maintained is roof leaks. During winter, clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, causing water to accumulate and eventually seep into your house. By clearing debris regularly, you can prevent ice dams and their associated problems. Moreover, clean eavestroughs promote the longevity of your roofing system by preventing water accumulation and the deterioration of shingles.

     As well, clogged gutters can become breeding grounds for pests, such as mosquitoes and other insects. They can also become habitats for different molds and mildew which thrive in damp, debris-filled gutters, compromising indoor air quality. Regular eavestrough cleaning helps minimize these health risks and creates a healthier living environment.

     In conclusion, regular eavestrough cleaning is essential for protecting your property, preventing water damage, and keeping your family safe and healthy by minimizing pest infestations and mold growth.

Thanks for reading.

 - Owen