Thursday 23 December 2021

Window Cleaning in winter

Cleaning your windows in the winter is not only essential to keep your home clean, but it wil also help you attain the most light through the windows. Furthermore, it can benefit your health to keep your windows clean throughout the colder months. 


Winter window cleaning can come with a whole host of implications due to slippery surfaces and freezing temperatures. Both of which, can take a huge toll on your body.


On that note, here is everything that you need to know about winter window cleaning, the safety tips, and the implications.


Rain Raining Raindrops - Free photo on Pixabay

The impact winter weather can have on window cleaning services

Winter weather can take a toll on cleaning companies during the winter as people assume they don’t need them cleaned. Or, they might feel that they are putting companies in danger to clean their windows throughout the wet and windy conditions. However, trained window cleaning professionals will be able to clean your windows and stay safe as they will know exactly how to keep safe when the weather changes. Likewise, they will have the right tools to keep your windows as clean as possible while keeping them safe.


Hiring a professional window cleaner, like Fife window cleaning services, will ensure that you can avoid cleaning the windows yourselves, which will keep you protected. Likewise, they will know the safety measures to stay as safe as possible in wet, windy, and slippery conditions. 

The safety hazards of cleaning windows in the winter

The safety hazards of cleaning windows throughout the winter are pretty obvious. When the weather is colder, surfaces can become more slippery. Likewise, the wet and windy conditions can result in ladders becoming unstable when high windows need to be cleaned. 


Nonetheless, there are also other safety hazards of winter window cleaning that you will want to know about:

Can hinder physical and mental health

The cold and wet conditions can cause a buildup of harmful and toxic bacteria on your windows, which can be detrimental to your health. Therefore, cleaning the windows regularly will free the windows of debris.


Likewise, clean windows will enhance the natural light that comes in, which can boost energy and your mood. The more natural light that enters a home or a workspace can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. 


Furthemore, it is obvious that wintery conditions can be the most unsafe for cleaning windows from the outside. Climbing up a ladder when it’s wet comes with physical vulnerabilities, especially if the surface is unstable or slippery. 

Window longevity may be reduced

You will want your windows to last as long as possible to withstand heat and also make the most of your money. 


The less care you give to your windows, the shorter their lifespan will be. Therefore, cleaning and maintaining your windows throughout the winter (and every other month) will ensure that your windows will last as long as possible. 


Bacteria or damage to windows can cause a breeze to get through, which can impact your health and also hinder the efficiency of your heating.

How to tackle winter window cleaning implications

With the safety hazards in mind, it is important to know about them to tackle these winter window cleaning implications. Therefore, here is how to keep yourself, your cleaners, and your windows safe throughout the colder months. 


  1. Take good care of your equipment

Your equipment will be vulnerable to cracking if there is water inside and it freezes overnight or when you are outside in an attempt to clean the windows. Therefore, make sure to keep your equipment warm or always empty it after each use. This will ensure that your equipment can maintain its condition and not crack on you when you try to use it. 


Likewise, frozen windows can be vulnerable to cracking. Therefore, make sure to be slow and patient when running water over them. Avoid using hot water first as this could cause a reaction and cause the windowpane to break. 


Therefore, making sure to do plenty of preparation, taking things slow, and taking care of your equipment will ensure to keep you and your windows safe throughout the winter when they need a clean. 


  1. Dress appropriately 

Dressing for the weather will, of course, keep you warm and as cozy as possible when you clean the windows. 


Make sure to wear thermals, a hat, and thick gloves to prevent you from getting cold and being vulnerable to frostbite. 


  1. Use the heating

A cold home will cause the exterior of the home to get cold, which can make window cleaning much more hazardous. You could risk the water freezing while on the job. 


Therefore, make sure to use the heating to prevent the external walls and windows from being cold and making the windows dangerous to clean. 


  1. Use a hot water system

Whether or not the heating is on, it can help to use a hot water system when working. But remember, don’t add hot water to a frozen window. Gently warm up the ice by using cold water and increasing the temperature as the ice melts away. 


A hot water system will ensure that you can clean the windows efficiently and also keep your equipment running effectively without the pipes freezing up. 


  1. Avoid spilling water

Spilling water on the job can make it much more dangerous, especially if the temperatures are freezing. Water spills can turn slippery, which can make ladder placement and walk around with equipment risky. If you can, use a reach and wash system during the colder months to avoid using ladders.


Avoid spilling water by being patient and careful while on the job. Should you notice any spilled water, make sure to mop it up before continuing. 


  1. Be realistic

You need to be realistic when going about cleaning windows in the winter. There is no use going outside when there is a blizzard to clean the windows as you will be in danger, get ill, and the windows won’t stay clean. 


Therefore, always time to window cleaning according to the weather. It won’t matter too much if it’s freezing, as you will have the above safety measures and tips in place. Just ensure it is as dry as possible to avoid slipping.

Tuesday 14 December 2021

The Best Window Cleaning tools

The Best Window Cleaning Equipment for Your Home or Business 



Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/light-city-dawn-sunset-9506409/



Windows tend to get pretty dirty over time. Some windows are just too far out of reach, and so without a professional Window Cleaning service with the tools and expertise to keep them clean those hard-to-reach areas tend to get cleaned less. Of course, there are benefits to regular window cleaning. More natural light gets to come, the exterior of the home looks nicer, and the building for businesses looks more professional. But if you’ve ever cleaned windows, you know how troublesome it can get. The glass surface can leave streaks if you do it wrong, doubling the work, and having to get to those difficult areas isn’t a cakewalk either.

Fortunately, there are solutions to this window-washing situation. Technology has advanced and it’s led to both high-tech and low-tech options that are affordable, and no doubt get the job done. With this in mind, here are some of the best window cleaning equipment that you can buy for your home or business!

Why bother with the best window cleaning equipment when I can hire someone else to do the work for me?

Although you could technically hire a window cleaner Dunfermline service like Caledonia Window Cleaning to clean your windows, it can get expensive in the long run. Window cleaners are not people who work for hours on end cleaning one window after another. They are people who will come in and do a single job, which can range from wiping down the dust to doing a deep clean involving the use of an industrial pressure washer.

Window cleaners have a difficult job that is often overlooked. When going to a new customer, they need to understand what needs to be done and what the customer expects. They also need to do it quickly and with as little fuss as possible so that they can go on to the next job. Some areas are hard to reach or can be dangerous for someone who is untrained. In situations like this, it is best to hire some help, but if your watching the pennies coming up to Christmas there are tools available for you to use.

Tools needed for window cleaning

Window cleaning can be pretty tough, but there are tools for this job that make it much easier. Knowing the basics will help you find the right tools for window cleaning. The following are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing window cleaning tools:

  •  The quality of the material used in making the tools

  •  The weight and grip of each tool (important for optimum balance)

  • The pressure applied on windows while using these tools (it should be minimal)

  • The shape and size of each tool (some are specially designed to fit in corners)

These types of considerations are something you can expect to find from Fife window cleaning services.

 



Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-an-apron-cleaning-the-window-6223032/


What are some of the more traditional cleaning equipment that’s used for windows?

There are various tools when it comes to window cleaning. It’s far more complex than just washing with a cloth and moving it aside with a squeegee. Some of the most basic and traditional cleaning equipment you’ll find for a successful window-cleaning session can include:

Washer, scrubber or applicator 

These come in a variety of styles available.  Some brands such as ettore make the "porcupine" sleeve which has shards of plastic throughout the sleeve to help scrub thick dirt on the glass without the risk of scratching. We use Moermans Fugu microfibre sleeve.

Bucket

This may be the most obvious as buckets of water and traditional cleaning solution are needed for getting a spotless shine. There are a range of buckets on offer we use the ettore 10L bucket that is available with a lid. Always useful but essential in winter as it keeps the water warmer for longer.

Squeegee

Something that you’ll find at the local petrol station, and it’s also used by the professionals too. These will dry your windows, leaving them scratch-free.

Scraper

Sometimes bird dropping or other unwanted residue gets stuck on the window. This scraper has a very sharp razor blade attached to it to remove gunk. This is better suited for professionals as there is the possibility of you damaging and scratching your windows.

Additional equipment 

Some other tools and equipment are available to make your life a little easier. As professional Window cleaners in Dunfermline and across Fife we use things like bronze wool pads to clean hard to move spots, sticky residue and other marks from glass. Although this isn't advisable unless competent in use because if used incorrectly it can risk scratching the glass.

Extendable poles are available to attach your traditional tools and enable you to work safely from the ground for those who aren't ladder confident. 

The pro's and cons of different squeegee channel designs and their applicators

It may come off as a surprise that there are a variety of different squeegees and brands. Squeegees are one of the most powerful tools for professional window cleaners, and it’s a tool that has to get everything just right or else risks doubling the work. Squeegees are essentials, one of the fundamentals for a clean window and it’s a tool where quality should not be compromised.

If you’ve ever purchased one from a pound shop, then you may understand that you get what you pay for. Several popular brands are the biggest on the market. They each have their own model which has pros and cons. This list will explain to the brand what makes their squeegee channel great and what needs improvement.

Moerman

Pro

The Moerman tools are known to be one of the best on the market. This is our main tool of choice. They are far superior due to their exclusive design. The zero detailing capability of the channels once the technique has been developed saves time to maximise earning potential and reduce the risk of smears. The Excelerator 2.0 is a great example of how great they are as their handles are flexible for those needed swivels.

Con

A tight grip may be needed depending on the tool

Unger

Pro

Unger squeegees have this convention S-channel chape that gives it a perfect distinction from its competitors.

Con

Examples such as the S-Channel PLUS prove that only a certain amount of pressure can be applied across the whole blade or else risk getting streaks on the glass.

Ettore

Pro

Perfect for swiveling left to right, and it’s useful for even the most awkward of angels. Most of the channels such as their Contour Pro+ prove that it’s corrosion-resistant.

Con

End clips tend to not be included and need to be securely locked for the rubber to stay in place.

Moerman Traditional Window Cleaning Tools

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