Here at Cascade Building Services, we are literally on the front lines of the battle…
Why You Need Professional Window Cleaning
Why Clean Your Windows?
No matter what business you’re in, appearances matter. The way your business presents itself says a lot to your current customers and prospective clients. You keep your place of business organized and you don’t make sloppy mistakes in your work. You should show the same level of dedication to keeping your building clean, especially your windows.
Dirty windows with streaks and smears stand out. In a bad way. You don’t want your customers to see them. And you also don’t want your team members to work while looking at smudgy windows. Your employees will feel less valued if they’re working in an unclean space (and they can even get sick from it).
Show your dedication to and respect for your customers and your employees. Keep your windows clean!
Keep reading and we’ll talk about how how professional window cleaners work, guidelines for how often your windows should be cleaned, and how you can pick the right professional window cleaner for you.
How Professionals Clean Windows
You’ve cleaned your windows at home. Windows are windows right? What does a professional window cleaner do differently
They’re experienced! A professional window cleaner cleans more windows in a week than most people will clean in their lifetime! They know how to work quickly and efficiently. You’ll be amazed at how fast professional window cleaners work while still making sure your windows are spotless.
Professional window cleaners have access to tools and equipment that most people don’t. They’ll have extra-long-handled brushes and cleaning supplies that are needed for cleaning the tall windows found in many office buildings, hospitals, banks and other commercial spaces. They’ll also know just the right tools and supplies to use when cleaning your windows.
At Cascade Building Services, for example, we use an eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning solution! We’re always looking out for the environment!
How Often to Clean Windows?
How often to enlist the help of professional window cleaners is a tricky question and the answer is, “it depends.” One factor to consider is the number of windows you have. The more windows, the more noticeable dirty windows will be and the more frequently you’ll need to have them cleaned.
Also consider the climate. Rainy weather in Portland doesn’t actually clean your windows! In fact, it can make them more dirty by leaving behind tiny particles of dirt that build up over time. And during the spring, the Northwest is known for its pollen, which can accumulate on all exterior windows.
If your building is near a major road or highway, you’ll need to clean more frequently, as car exhaust and other particulates in the air can build up a layer of grime on your windows.
Below, you’ll find my general recommendations for how often you should have your windows professionally cleaned. If you’ve got questions, get in touch, I’d love to tell you more.
Hospitals
Depending on the size of your hospital or clinic, you’ll need professional window cleaning services about once a month. Windows on the ground floor, or those in an exam room, or a patient’s room might need cleaning a bit more often to keep them spotless.
Banks
Modern bank buildings tend to have lots of windows. That means there’s a lot of surface area that can get dirty and need cleaning. That’s why I think that most banks need to have their windows cleaned at least twice a year. Depending on climate and other factors, you may need to have some windows cleaned more frequently than others.
Office buildings
A good rule of thumb is that an office’s windows should be thoroughly cleaned twice a year. However, monthly touch-ups, especially for your lobby, conference rooms, and other areas that clients spend lots of time in, are a good idea.
Restaurants
Restaurant windows get dirty fast! They’ll need to be cleaned every two weeks, both inside and out! Grimy, streaky, dirty windows are sure to make your customers want to eat someplace else. Take a look around on Yelp reviews for local restaurants. You’ll be amazed how often dirty windows are mentioned.
Retail stores
Just like restaurants, clean windows are a surprisingly big part of customer satisfaction. They’re also key to making your store seem clean and inviting.
I recommend a monthly cleaning of all windows in your retail store, especially those that face the street where there’s lots of foot traffic.
Choosing a Professional Window Cleaner
If you’re thinking about having your office, warehouse, store, condominium building, hospital, or bank’s windows cleaned, you’ve got a big decision to make. You need a window cleaning company that you can trust. Here’s what you should look for:
Satisfied Customers
Look on Yelp, Angie’s List, or at a company’s Google Plus and Facebook page’s for reviews and testimonials. The most recent reviews will give you the best idea about how a window cleaning company is doing.
Look for Experience
You want a window cleaner who’s been in the business for years, not months! Less established companies may not be able to provide the best prices, or worse, they may go out of business, leaving you searching for a new window cleaner at an inconvenient time.
And less-experienced window cleaners might not know all the tricks of the trade and might make mistakes when it comes to cleaning your windows.
At Cascade Building Services, we’ve been cleaning windows since 1961! We’ve seen it all and cleaned it all!
Talk to the Companies You’re Considering
Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few local window washing companies, give them a call. Ask them to come out and look at your windows. Here are a few questions you can ask to help you learn more about whether they’re the right choice for you:
- What tools do they use?
- Do they clean only windows or can they provide other cleaning services, too?
- When cleaning windows do they also clean the sills, ledges, and tracks?
- Can they provide you with references?
- Do they clean at night or only during the day?
- Do they work weekends?
- How long will it take to clean your windows?
- What areas do they service?
And of course, get their offer or quote in writing.
Conclusion
Your windows say a lot about your business. That’s why it’s so important to keep them clean. And there’s no better way to keep your windows clean, than to set up regular cleanings with an experienced, professional window cleaner.
Do you need commercial window cleaning services in the Portland, Oregon area? We’d love to get to know you! Contact us today.
Or you can always see if this little guy is available:
Photo Credits: Lynn Willis, Jaysin Trevino, Roger W, Doc Searls, Random Retail, Mike Mozart, Chucka_nc,
About the author Darren
Darren is the owner of Cascade Building Services. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at Lewis and Clark University. He used to work in sales for General Mills. In his spare time, you can find him in the great outdoors camping and boating.
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