How-to-choose-a-professional-window-cleaner

How to Choose a Professional Window Cleaner

by Window Washing

With all the rain we receive here in the Portland area, you may doubt whether maintaining clean, sparkly windows is even possible for your business. With a professional window cleaner, it absolutely is!

When you partner with a professional window cleaner and get on the right cleaning schedule, your windows will shine. Window cleaning also helps limit the negative effects of debris and dirt, so they’ll last longer, too.

It all starts by partnering with a trusted window cleaning company. Keep reading to learn what to look and how to choose the best one.

 

How often should you clean your windows? (It depends on your industry!)

Window Cleaning Industry Guidelines

 

1. Experience

Different types of glass require different cleaning techniques. There’s an art to consistently delivering clear glass with zero streaks or smears! This type of expertise can only come from years of experience.

Not only should you look at the number of years in business, but also employee experience. After all, these are the people who’ll be responsible for cleaning your windows.

Beyond results, years in business can be an indicator of trustworthiness and commitment to both good service and the community.

Finally, make sure the company’s experience is local to the Portland area. National chains may have a lot of experience, but they won’t have the same dedication to or understanding of the community and their clients as a locally-owned company.

Windows are expensive — protect your investment by ensuring you hire a window cleaner who has the experience to not only do the job well, but also avoid scratching or damaging your windows.

 

2. Exceptional service

The best window cleaning companies provide more than just clean windows — they provide a whole experience focused on your satisfaction. As you’re researching a company, find out if they offer the following:

  • Fast communication
  • Round-the-clock availability to answer questions and provide service
  • Flexibility to work around your schedule so as not to disturb during business hours
  • Customized cleaning plans to fit your needs
  • Attention to detail, like wiping down sills, tracks, and window ledges
  • Quality control process

This last point — quality control — is very important. Ask how the the company will ensure their workers are doing the job up to their standards.

At Cascade Building Services, we supervise every cleaning crew, send customer service representatives to your facility every month, and perform random work site inspections to ensure outstanding quality and service.

Additionally, find out how the company handles complaints. For instance, if you aren’t happy with the result, will they correct the issue?

 

3. High-quality products

Pay attention to the specific types of products and equipment the company uses. A professional company will not use cheap products, worn or ineffective cleaning materials, or unsafe cleaning solutions.

This is not something every customer remembers to ask when vetting a cleaning company, but it makes all the difference in the results. For example, using a worn out window squeegee will keep your windows from achieving the flawless transparency and shine it deserves.
You should also choose a company that pays attention to the impact their products have on the environment and your employee’s health. Biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning solutions are always the best choice and can even help achieve the best results.

 

4. Customer protection

Window cleaning can be a high-risk job — especially if you have a multiple story building. Before you let any company work on your windows or property, make sure they’re licensed and insured and that all their workers are covered by workers compensation insurance.

Accidents like falling ladders, trips and falls, damaged windows, and other issues can happen. In the event of something or someone getting injured, you need to be protected. Otherwise, you’ll assume responsibility for paying for repairs and medical expenses.

You may also want to ask if there’s ever been a claim made against the company. If the answer is yes, be wary.

 

5. Happy customers

Of course, perhaps the most important indicator of a professional window cleaning company is glowing customer experiences.

You’ll need to do a little research to look up reviews. A few places to look are Google, Yelp, or even the company’s website. You can also request references directly from the company. Any reputable business will be happy to provide this information.

As you read through these reviews and testimonials, ask yourself:

  • Do customer experiences match what the company says about their service?
  • Are customers happy with the results?
  • Do customers say the company is reliable and trustworthy?
  • What do customers say about communication?
  • Are there any trends popping up, good or bad?

 

Let us know how we can answer your questions!

At Cascade Building Services, we offer commercial window cleaning services for businesses of all sizes — from small condo complexes to challenging high-rise buildings.

We believe your windows reflect your company’s image and reputation. Our goal is to maximize the perception of your business and increase employee, customer, and your personal satisfaction through consistently clean, polished windows.

If you’re interested in learning more about our approach or have questions about our services, please let us know at (503) 691-0776. We’d love to provide answers and help you achieve windows you’re proud of.

If you’re ready to get started, request a free quote today!

Why You Need Professional Window

Why You Need Professional Window Cleaning

by Janitorial ServicesWindow Washing

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 Glass DoorDirty 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

Hospital Building

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

Office Window with a view

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.

RestaurantsRestaurant

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

Retail storeJust 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

Pro Window Washer

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,

darrenAbout 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.

Cleaning-Maintenance-Guide-for-Property-Managers

Cleaning & Maintenance Guide for Property Managers

by AdviceCarpet Cleaningcascade building servicesJanitorial ServicesportlandWindow Washing

Managing all of the units in an apartment complex or office building can be a logistical nightmare. With so many units occupied by so many different tenants with varying needs and reliability, it can be a lot to manage.

Luckily, we’ve put together this guide to help you manage your condo complex or office building so it is always in tip-top shape.

 

Evaluate the Individual Units Between Tenants

Good maintenance of office and apartment complexes starts with proper care of the individual units. While you can try as hard as possible to make sure a new tenant will take proper care of the space, the most you can do is make sure it is properly maintained between tenants. Not only will this help the space be more attractive to new tenants, it will encourage the new tenant to take good care of the unit.

Once the previous tenant has moved out, evaluate it for:

  • Damage to walls
  • Stains on carpets
  • Damage to large appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers
  • Cracked or dirty windows
  • Pest infestations
  • Mold

Fix the issues you find immediately. It will be significantly harder to fill the space if you don’t fix these problems. Potential new tenants will want to see a finished unit before signing a lease. Every day the unit is not occupied you are losing money.

After a tenant moves out, consider:

  • Repainting the walls
  • Replacing any damaged carpet or flooring
  • Changing the locks on the unit
  • Properly cleaning the unit

 

Ongoing Cleaning and Maintenance

People don’t want to live or work in an unclean environment. If you are managing a large apartment building or condo complex, there is a lot of space to clean. Managing this much cleaning, from floors to bathrooms, can be exhausting. Filthy surfaces completely filled waste baskets, and dirty bathrooms are unacceptable for a reputable space.

While your tenants will always have to perform some basic cleaning themselves, you are going to be expected to carry a lot of the heavy lifting, particularly in an office environment.

In addition to more basic janitorial services like cleaning bathrooms and emptying waste bins, there are other, more involved services to think about. Below, we’ve put some you will have to perform.

Floor and Carpet Cleaning

Walking on sticky, stained carpet or flooring is never an inviting prospect. It reflects poorly on a business’s image, and people do not want to see it when walking into their apartment building. Unfortunately, dirty floors are unavoidable.

Floors

Dirty floors reflect poorly on your business. Also, continuously unclean floors will have to be replaced much sooner, costing you more money in the long run to maintain.

For well-kept floors, you will need to do the following:

  • Seal and wax
  • Polish
  • Remove stains

Most floor cleaning companies will be able to handle everything from concrete to ceramic tile.

Don’t ruin your floors or leave a bad first impression with dirty floors!

Carpets

Often property managers think they need to replace their carpets when really all they need to do is properly maintain and clean them.

We recommend having your carpets cleaned twice a year to keep them looking great and not degrading. They will look nice, and last longer than uncleaned carpets.

Waste and Recycling Management

Waste management will be something you need to be on top of to ensure the cleanliness of your building. Trash build up will lead to unsanitary conditions on your property. The last thing you want to deal with are pests infiltrating your apartment building or office.

To keep costs down, pay particular attention to the management of recycling in your building. Good recycling management will lessen your building’s trash bill. Make sure to properly sign your recycling and empty the bins as much as possible to ensure your tenants participate in your recycling program.

Window Cleaning

Nobody likes looking out a window and seeing a smudgy, dirty view. While it may be relatively easy to properly clean the inside of your windows, ensuring the cleanliness of the outside can be a tricky task.

Window exteriors should be cleaned twice a year, and professionals should be hired for the task. It is dangerous to try to perform yourself, particularly on windows of buildings over a story high!

A Note On Cleaning Supplies

Tenants hate living in filth. They do not want to work and live in a dirty space. They also hate the constant smell of chemicals and feeling like they are breathing in dangerous fumes.

To ensure tenants and guests don’t feel like they are breathing in noxious fumes, make sure to use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. Not only will this make your tenants feel better, it will be safer and better for the environment.

 

Common Rooms

Common areas are an often overlooked area of apartment buildings. Since no one tenant is responsible for taking care of the space, clutter and trash can build up in the room. It is also one of the main spaces guests and potential new tenants see when they enter the building, so it is particularly important to keep it clean. Make sure that the room is checked regularly for dirty dishes, left out items, and trash.

 

Landscaping

It doesn’t matter if you are managing an apartment building or office, there will be landscaping to be done. Landscaping projects an image for your building and is the first thing greeting your tenants or their guests when they are approaching your building. Make this space look beautiful!

A couple landscaping features needing maintenance:

  • Lawn or grassy areas
  • Bushes and hedges
  • Plants and flowers
  • Gutter cleaning

 

Trusted Cleaning and Maintenance Service Providers

While some property managers may be able to have employees on staff to help them clean and maintain their building, most do not. Property managers have a lot of tasks and need to be focused on managing the building, not maintaining it.

This makes hiring good people to clean and maintain your space crucial for a well-run building. Think about hiring companies for:

Since time is tight as a property manager, we recommend finding a company that can perform as many of these tasks as possible.

 

Let’s Talk!

Cascade Building Services can help with your janitorial and maintenance service needs.

Call Cascade Building Services today at (503) 691-0776 for a free, no-obligation quote. If you’re located in the Portland or Vancouver metro areas, we’d love to show how we can help with all your office or apartment building cleaning needs.