Category: Cleaning

How to clean windows without streaks

It’s natural to want your windows to look as spotless as the day they were installed. Clean windows can allow more light into your home, and can make you feel more connected to the outdoors. But it can be tricky to figure out the the proper way to clean your windows while avoiding the pitfalls of streaking and scratching. Here are some tips on how to clean windows like a professional without paying the professional fees.

void using glass cleaners that are based in ammonia or alcohol. They may seem like they’d produce a more intense clean, but in reality, they can leave streaks and even a thin film that attracts dust and moisture. If you have an especially difficult spot, you can start your cleaning process by applying a solvent like acetone or rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and rubbing it directly on the spot. Wipe it dry and then continue to clean your window as you would normally.

No matter how stubborn certain stuck-on materials may be, never use a razor or any other kind of blade to scrape them off. This can cause permanent scratches and leave your windows more vulnerable to breaking in the future.

Use a soft, lint-free wipe when rubbing the solution. A microfiber cloth is ideal but a gentle and clean paper towel can work as well. Rub from multiple directions to help avoid streaking.

If you find that you still have streaks after you’ve cleaned your window, simply rinse with clear water to help remove any of the remaining cleaning solution.

What types of cleaning solutions should you use?

If you’re going to purchase a solution, use a commercial cleaner from a brand that you trust, such as Window Cleaner.

You can also use a pre-mixed vinegar-based solution, or even make your own with our simple window cleaning DIY below.

Homemade window cleaning solution:

One of our favorite window cleaning hacks is to create your own window cleaning solution using simple distilled vinegar, otherwise known as white vinegar. This is an easy-to-find product (if you don’t already have it around the house). Its acidic composition works efficiently to help break down the streaky film that can accumulate on your windows and other glass surfaces

To clean your windows with your own homemade window cleaner, follow these easy steps:

Mix one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle.

Wipe down the window with a a soft, clean, lint-free microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove dust before you spray your solution, then spray the entire surface.

Use your lint-free towel to rub the vinegar mixture and work it into the dirty spots on your window. Feel free to be generous with the amount of cleaner you apply to the cloth or paper towel, but avoid getting any cleaning solutions on the wood, fiberglass or vinyl frames, as they may discolor the finish.

Use a second clean cloth to dry your window as thoroughly as possible. You’ll want to do this quickly after cleaning in order to prevent streaks, so if you have multiple windows to clean, it’s best to do them fully one at a time instead of spraying all of them at once.

Rinse with clear water if streaks remain after cleaning.

GLASS CLEANING GUIDELINES

Architectural glass products can be damaged through improper cleaning. To keep your architectural glass clean and damage free, we recommend following our four glass cleaning guidelines

Wash off any abrasive or alkaline material that comes into contact with glass immediately.

Use clean water, a non-abrasive applicator and a non-abrasive commercial window washing solution to clean concrete, mortar slurry or other potentially damaging material from glass. Use a squeegee with a rubber edge to remove all cleaning solution from the window.

Avoid cleaning tinted or and reflective glass surfaces in direct sunlight.

The heat from the window may cause the solution to dry to quickly and result in window streaks.

Work from the top down.

To avoid reside and cleaning solution being left on the glass at lower levels of the building, always start cleaning at the top of the building and work towards the bottom.

Never use a blade or other sharp object to clean the glass or remove debris.

Polycarbonate Window Cleaning Instructions ​​

Periodic cleaning of polycarbonate, using correct procedures with compatible household cleaners, is recommended to prolong the service life of your garage door window material. The use of abrasive, gritty cleaners and/or hard cleaning implements (e.g. hard brushes, scrapers, squeegees) should be avoided to eliminate the possibility of scratching the surface coating.

General cleaning:

1) Thoroughly pre-rinse with warm water to loosen and wash away surface material, grit and grime.

2) Using a soft microfiber cloth or moist non-abrasive sponge, gently wash with a mild diluted soap or detergent.

3) Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm clean water. To prevent water spots, thoroughly dry the glazing with a dry soft cloth.

Removing heavy oils and tars

1) Thoroughly pre-rinse with warm water to loosen and wash away surface material, grit and grime.

2) With a 50/50 isopropyl alcohol-water mixture, gently rub the area with a soft non-abrasive cloth.

3) Immediately rinse thoroughly with lukewarm clean water. To prevent water spots, thoroughly dry the glazing with a dry soft cloth.

Removing graffiti, paint, marker, inks and glazing compounds:

1) Thoroughly pre-rinse with warm water to loosen and wash away surface material, grit and grime.

2) Using Naphtha VM&P grade, Isopropyl Alcohol or Butyl Cellosolve, gently rub the area with a soft non-abrasive cloth. Do not apply solvent cleaners under direct sunlight or during high temperatures.

3) Immediately rinse thoroughly with lukewarm clean water. To prevent water spots, thoroughly dry the glazing with a dry soft cloth.

Removing adhesive backed labels:

1) Isopropyl Alcohol, Naphtha VM&P grade or Kerosene will help lift stickers and adhesives.

2) Immediately rinse thoroughly with lukewarm clean water. To prevent water spots, thoroughly dry the glazing with a dry soft cloth.

A beginners guide to window cleaning business

About This Class

This course covers the fundamentals of window cleaning business, which means that the students will learn how to clean the windows (the traditional way), how to price the houses, what equipment they need in order to start and so on. We will also go into the marketing your services.

We will also go into most common questions asked by new window cleaners

Course will touch on additional services such as cleaning the gutters and conservatories

After completing the course the students will have good knowledge to start their own window cleaning business (traditional way cleaning)

Course doesn’t cover using the pure water pole systems, only traditional window cleaning is taught in this course

Project Description

Put your knowledge to work! it would be great for you to try to clean all kinds of windows, but to start with the easiest window try to clean a window the standard way using a squeegee and share the “before and after” pics with us.Then if you are really brave, and you try to clean different types of windows (leaded ones) and share the pics with us as well.

Since the focus of this class is on manual skill, which takes time and practice, pay special attention to detail and be patient with yourself as it takes a few windows, before you stop making mistakes and start creating shiny windows.You can start to practice on your own windows at home and once you get confident you might be able to clean your friends windows.They might even recommend you to their neighbours and you could start your business sooner then you expected. Feel free to share your less skilful attempts as well, because we all learn from mistakes of others as much as our own. Good luck with your window cleaning adventures and do get in touch if you have any further questions.

Window cleaner

Window cleaning, or window washing, is the exterior cleaning of architectural glass used for structural, lighting, or decorative purposes. It can be done manually, using a variety of tools for cleaning and access. Technology is also employed and increasingly, automation.

Commercial work is contracted variously from in-person transactions for cash or barter, to formal tender processes. Regulations, licensing, technique, equipment and compensation vary nationally and regionally.

Tools

Chamois and scrim — Chamois is used to loosen and remove dirt, followed by a buffing with scrim or cheesecloth

Water and squeegee — Generally, chemicals are added to water, and a device such as a brush or cloth-covered handle is dipped into the resulting solution and used to scrub glass. A squeegee is then used to sluice the dirt and water mixture from the glass. Chemicals added to the solution range from dish soap and glass cleaner to Trisodium Phosphate and etching salt. In sub-freezing temperatures, anti-freezing chemicals are added to the solution to prevent it from crystallizing on the pane before it is sluiced off.

Water-fed poles — Any of a variety of types of telescopic poles, fitted at the upper end with a brush and water jets, fed either from vehicle-borne tanks of deionised water or by on-site production of deionised water using a domestic or commercial water outlet. The water is filtered by either a two-stage or three-stage filtration process, involving a carbon filter, and two de-ionization filters, or a carbon filter, a reverse osmosis membrane filter, and a de-ionization resin filter. The filtered water should contain a TDS (total dissolved solids) of 0 ppm (parts per million) when being used on windows

Access

Where glass is found are window cleaners, and methods of access and equipment related to both access and cleaning vary nationally and regionally. If a window is not easily accessible using one type of equipment then it is advisable to combine different tools to be able to clean it properly.

Ladders

Supported scaffolding — A temporary platform workers can stand on that is rests on a surface below, rather than hanging from above like suspended scaffolding.

Suspended platform or cradle — Unlike supported scaffolding, these are not fixed to a lower surface or the ground, but rather are suspended by wire rope from above. They raise and lower the worker either by hand or with a motor

Aerial work platforms are elevated platforms that workers can stand on, such as a scissor lift, or cherry picker. These include:

Boatswain’s chair (bosun’s chair) — A single-person seat designed for controlled descent of rope. Often referred to as “rope descent systems” (RDS), these are typically anchored to a roof structure, counterweight configuration, or connecting points designed for the purpose. These are always temporarily installed for the purpose of access. However, their anchor points can be either temporary or permanent.

Suspended platform — An access platform for one or more workers with manual or motor driven devices for raising and lowering via rope. Platforms may be fitted to high rise buildings or skyscrapers, or assembled from components to suit architecture and nature of work being performed. These can be either temporary or permanent. Both having their own unique governing codes and regulations.

New Program Promises A Closer, Cleaner Vacation Rental

As the travel industry starts down a long road to recovery, companies are looking for new ways to reassure customers that their products are safe. We just introduced a new program to help its customers find a clean vacation rental closer to home. It includes cleanliness guidelines and new search filters that will guide customers to the right property.

What’s in the new cleaner vacation rental program?

New cleaning standards. These new guidelines combine information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Cristal International Standards. Homeowners and property managers now have “clear guidelines” for disinfecting high-touch surfaces, building in time between bookings to avoid back-to-back stays, and stocking antibacterial handwashes, cleaners and hand sanitizers for guests.

New property descriptions. Homeowners and property managers will be able to report if the property is being cleaned with disinfectant, if guests can check in and out without any person-to-person contact, and whether the property is unavailable for at least 24 hours between guests. Once property owners have supplied that information, we will add it to the property descriptions that travelers see on the site and app.

New search filters for flexibility and proximity. Internal polling suggests more than 75% of guests are more likely to choose accommodations with flexible cancellation policies when booking their next vacation home. So the company is adding new search filters that allow customers to find vacation homes that provide a full refund when canceling by a specific date. We will also highlight listings with the most relaxed cancellation policies, making it easier for people to find vacation homes that offer free cancellation closer to their check-in date. We are also adding a search function for proximity, so you can plan a driving vacation.

You’ve introduced some significant changes to your product today. What are you hoping to accomplish?

We know that when families decide they’re ready to travel again, they’re going to have new priorities when choosing a place to stay. Vacation homes already have the space and privacy away from crowds we know they’ll want, but there are other things we need to highlight for them, including cleanliness, flexibility, and places to stay close to home.

Home Care & Ownership Tips

Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Maintenance Tips for Vacation Homes and Rental Properties

This is the first article in a series of three from Ownersite Technologies about ensuring the maintenance of a secondary property, including vacation homes and rental dwellings. The topics include maintenance tips, owners’ rights when renters do not take care of a property, and how to work with tenants to maintain a home and maximize its value.

It may be exciting to have the second home tucked away for vacations or as an investment that will pay off years down the line, but it is just as important to maintain that dwelling even if you are not there to do so on a daily basis. While it may be the furthest from your mind until you receive the mortgage bill in the mail or any other related expenses, your second home should be viewed the same as your primary residence in terms of its investment value and need for maintenance.

The type of maintenance your second home needs depends on the age, location, type and frequency of use, and the materials used in the construction process. Obviously, if you rent the property out full-time, it will need certain kind of maintenance versus a home that has weekly or weekend rentals or that you use infrequently for your own holidays.

Vacation Home Maintenance Tips

If you opt to rent your vacation home out by the weekend or week, you may want to consider hiring a cleaning team through whatever property management company you utilize for the rental. You can also opt to do the work yourself. Look at the maintenance as you would if you owned a hotel, motel, or lodge. Here are some ideas that may or may not apply

depending on the type of vacation home you have:

Do a housecleaning service after each booking that includes vacuuming, bathrooms, linen and towel cleaning, and kitchen cleaning as you would do in your own home.

Clean out the dryer vent regularly if you have these facilities on-site.

Vacuum the condenser coils in your refrigerator.

Change furnace/air conditioner filters at least once a month.

Regularly check and clean your furnace/air conditioner.

Clean faucets and shower heads, especially in areas that use wells or have particularly hard water, to avoid build-up that can affect water pressure.

Clean out sink and drains regularly.

Wash all blankets and comforters at least once every 10 rentals.

Keep an inventory of items that are stocked in the vacation rental, such as dishes, silverware, cups, etc.

Vacation Rental Tips for Renters

Before you head out on your next family vacation you might consider booking something a little bit different than your standard hotel room. Renting out a vacation rental, or other similar sites can give you another option if hotel rooms just aren’t working for you and your family or traveling group. However, because vacation rentals are so different from hotels, there are a few important tips you’ll need to ensure your stay is just as wonderful as you imagine it will be!

Comparing Vacation Rentals to Hotels

First, you’ll want to understand that vacation rentals are completely different from hotels in so many ways. Check out these pros and cons of vacation rentals, when compared to hotels.

Pros:

Typically more space

Kitchen for meal flexibility and to save on food costs

Families can get a place with bedrooms, and bedroom doors, making early bedtimes, and sleeping in general, much easier

Often more affordable

Just more options when it comes to types of stays.  You can find large houses, smaller condos, places with yards, and more.  Hotel rooms are all essentially the same, when it comes to space and layout. 

May be able to find a vacation rental in areas that do not have hotels

More private

Can be a more unique, personal experience.  Vacation rentals can feel like you are visiting a friend’s home.  Often, hosts are thrilled to have you stay and share their amazing home

Many places are pet-friendly, with adequate space for pets to be comfortable

Better for group stays, or family reunions, in my opinion

Cons

No daily cleaning service. 

You may be asked to do some basic cleaning on checkout. Typically, you’ll be asked to put a load of dirty sheets and towels into the wash, and take out all garbages. Of course, each rental is a little bit different.

More limited services compared to a hotel.  For example, a vacation rental will obviously not have an onsite restaurant or bar, or a fitness center, typically toiletries are not provided, and no 24-hour front desk service if you discover you need something

Cancellation policies vary, but typically,  you will not be able to cancel within 30 days.  Even early cancellations can mean a loss of up to 50% of the total cost.  In general, cancellation policies at hotels are MUCH more generous.

Rates can be difficult to understand. Owners fees, cleaning fees, service fees can add up, and for short stays, even exceed the nightly rate.

Maintenance issues may not be taken care of as quickly as compared to a hotel.  Smaller hosts just don’t have the capacity to take on maintenance issues as quickly as a hotel with staff dedicated to the maintenance of the property

No way to accrue loyalty points, travel with points or get any kind of upgrades because of brand loyalty. 

In our experience, uncomfortable mattresses are more common at vacation rentals than hotels.

Comparing vacation rental services

When looking at a vacation rental to rent, there are several websites that can help you through the process. They each are a little bit different, with pros and cons for each.

Guidelines for owners and property managers for enhanced cleaning and disinfection of holiday rentals

As the world reopens for travel, people will be more concerned than ever about the cleanliness of their holiday rentals. In an effort to help you anticipate and deliver the experience holidaymakers need to feel safe while staying at your properties, we’ve compiled this list of comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting guidelines.

These guidelines were created in consultation with Expedia Group partner Cristal International Standards, part of Intertek Group, and with the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA). They’re based on publicly available information from the World Health Organization (WHO).

General advice

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has created a need to take additional cleaning and disinfection measures to help prevent its spread and help ensure the safety of holidaymakers and partners.

Partners are encouraged to:

Use accurate, reputable sources of information including the WHO, and local authorities

Make sure to follow local regulations, where applicable

Have a proactive plan to manage and minimise the risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and similar events, such as a prevention of spread of infection plan

Implement an enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of the property between stays

If using an external or professional cleaning company, communicate expectations and plans for cleaning and disinfection standards, and get periodic confirmation that they are being followed by the company contracted

Communicate to holidaymakers on measures implemented, both pre-stay and during stay, via listing content and property information booklet

Support for guests —

Support good hand hygiene for guests and anyone involved with the property by providing sufficient hand sanitiser, antibacterial soap products at property entry points and key areas, and also encouraging hand washing regularly with water and soap for at least 20 seconds

Implement social distancing policies during check-in and check-out, and during any interactions with guests, staff and the local community. When possible, encourage minimising these interactions

Recommend removing shoes when entering the property and leaving them at the entrance (if possible, outside)

Inform guests on how they can contribute in prevention, and actions to take if they identify symptoms (refer to WHO, or local government resources)

Consider providing cleaning and disinfecting products for guests to use, along with instructions; antibacterial hand wash and additional personal hygiene products are also nice to have on hand for guests

If guests clean the property themselves, be sure to assess the results and the overall cleanliness of the property and to implement an additional cleaning if necessary; regardless, implement disinfection as described below

Cleaning guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

We know that many of you continue to host right now, whether that means opening up your home for longer stays, welcoming local guests, or offering housing to medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus (COVID-19) response. If you’re continuing to host, it’s important to revisit your cleaning routine to make sure you’re doing what you can to protect yourself and your guests.

Why cleaning is more important than ever

Cleanliness has always been top of mind for hosts and guests. But it’s even more critical as we all aim to reduce the spread of infection. According to the CDC, it’s possible for someone to contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface—like a doorknob or light switch—and the virus may live on some surfaces for several hours or even days. That’s why it’s essential to clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces often, especially between reservations.

The difference between cleaning and sanitizing

When it comes to preventing the spread of germs, it helps to understand the difference between cleaning and sanitizing. Cleaning is the act of removing germs, dirt, and impurities (like when you use a soapy sponge to wipe off a visibly dirty counter or stovetop). Sanitizing is when you use chemicals to reduce the number of germs and bacteria. By cleaning first, then sanitizing, you can lower the risk of infection.

Here are some guidelines to follow when cleaning your space between guests. If you work with a cleaning professional, instruct them to use this list, too.

1. Wear protective gear while you clean. Personal protective items like disposable gloves, aprons or gowns, and facial coverings (like homemade or purchased masks) can provide additional protection. Make sure to wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.

2. Ventilate rooms before you clean. The CDC recommends opening outside doors and windows and using ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the space before beginning to clean and sanitize. Learn more about how to properly ventilate before cleaning from the CDC.

3. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each cleaning. Use soap and water, and wash for at least 20 seconds. If that’s not possible, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Learn more about proper hand washing

4. Clean, then sanitize. Use detergent or soap and water to remove dirt, grease, dust, and germs. Once the surface is clean, spray with a disinfectant. Let it stand for a few minutes, then wipe—and if you’re not using paper towels or disposable wipes, it’s best to use a new cleaning cloth for each guest.

5. Avoid touching your face while cleaning. To prevent the spread of germs, the CDC recommends not touching your face, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands—so pay extra attention when cleaning.

6. Use the right disinfectant. Most common household disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as cleaning solutions with diluted household bleach or at least 70% alcohol, are believed to be effective against the coronavirus. Pay special attention to frequently touched surfaces, like light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and faucet handles. (See our full list of surfaces to sanitize at the bottom of the page.)

7. Don’t forget about sofas, rugs, drapes, and other soft, porous surfaces. Carefully remove any visible dirt or grime, then clean with the appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. If possible, machine-wash items according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Wash all linens at the highest heat setting recommended by the manufacturer. That includes bed sheets, mattress covers, hand and bath towels, kitchen towels, and blankets. Remember to wear gloves when handling dirty laundry, and take care to avoid shaking laundry, which could increase the spread of germs.

9. Clean and sanitize laundry baskets and hampers. If possible, consider using a liner that is either disposable or that you can throw into the washing machine.

10. Empty the vacuum cleaner after every cleaning. You should wipe down the vacuum cleaner with disinfectant, along with appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine.

11. While restocking your supplies, take a moment to check expiration dates. And remember to never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning solution that can release toxic gases that are dangerous to inhale.

12. Line trash cans. Placing bags into trash bins will make it easier to dispose of tissues and other waste.

13. Dispose of or wash your cleaning supplies. If you’re using paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and other disposable cleaning supplies, take the trash out after you’re done. If you’re using cleaning cloths and other reusable products, make sure to machine-wash them at the highest heat setting appropriate for the material.

14. Safely remove any cleaning gear. When you’re done cleaning, immediately remove any protective outerwear like gowns, gloves, or masks, and dispose of them or wash accordingly. Remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds afterwards.