Author Archives: Valerie

The Necessity of Gutter Cleaning: Why It’s Essential for Your Home

Gutters are one of the most overlooked yet vital components of a well-maintained home. They quietly perform the crucial task of directing rainwater away from your house, protecting your roof, walls, foundation, and landscaping from water damage. However, when gutters become clogged with pine needles, leaves, twigs, and other debris, they can’t function properly, leading to a host of issues. Regular gutter cleaning is essential to ensure that your home remains safe, functional, and beautiful. 

Here’s why keeping your gutters clean should be a top priority.

1. Prevent Water Damage

The primary function of gutters is to channel rainwater away from your home. When gutters are clogged, water can’t flow freely through the system, causing it to overflow, especially when heavy rain occurs. This can lead to water seeping into your home’s foundation, basement, or crawl spaces, resulting in structural damage and costly repairs. Water that overflows from clogged gutters can also damage your siding, causing rot, mold, and mildew. By cleaning your gutters regularly, you help prevent water from pooling around your home and causing serious issues.

2. Avoid Roof Damage

Clogged gutters can also cause significant damage to your roof. When water can’t drain properly, it can back up onto the roof, leading to leaks and water damage. The excess weight of water and debris in clogged gutters can also cause the gutters themselves to pull away from the roof, damaging the fascia boards and potentially leading to roof leaks. Regular gutter cleaning helps ensure that water flows off your roof as intended, protecting both the roof and the underlying structure.

3. Prevent Ice Dams in Winter

Clogged gutters also contribute to ice dams forming which are a common issue in cold weather climates like ours. Ice dams occur when snow on your roof melts, runs down the roof, and then refreezes at the gutter line. This can cause water to back up under your roof shingles, leading to leaks and water damage inside your home. By cleaning your gutters before winter, you reduce the risk of ice dams forming, protecting your home from potential winter weather damage.

4. Prevent Pest Infestations

Gutters clogged with leaves, twigs, and standing water can become a breeding ground for pests. Insects like carpenter ants are attracted to the moist environment, while rodents and birds may see clogged gutters as an ideal nesting spot. These pests can cause further damage to your home and may even find their way inside. By keeping your gutters clean, you eliminate the conditions that attract pests and reduce the risk of infestations.

5. Extend the Life of Your Gutters

Gutters that are regularly cleaned and maintained will last longer than those that are neglected. When debris accumulates in gutters, it can cause corrosion and damage to the gutter material itself. Additionally, the weight of accumulated debris and standing water can cause gutters to sag or pull away from your home, leading to the need for repairs or replacements. By cleaning your gutters regularly, you help extend their lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

6. Protect Your Landscaping

Overflowing gutters can cause more than just structural damage to your home—they can also damage landscaping. When water spills over the sides of clogged gutters, it can erode soil, damage plants, and cause pooling water in your yard. Clean gutters direct water away from your home and landscaping, helping to preserve the beauty and integrity of your outdoor spaces.

7. Increase Your Home’s Value

Well-maintained gutters are a sign that you take good care of your home, which can increase its value in the eyes of potential buyers. Clean gutters not only protect your home from damage but also improve its curb appeal. A home with clean, functional gutters looks more attractive and is less likely to have underlying water damage issues. Whether you plan to sell your home soon or not, regular gutter cleaning is a simple way to preserve and even increase its value.

Conclusion

Gutter cleaning is an often forgotten home maintenance task until that heavy rain comes and you notice water pouring out in places it shouldn’t. Clean gutters protect your home from water damage, roof damage, ice dams, pest infestations, and landscaping issues, while also extending the life of your gutters and maintaining your home’s value. 

PEAK offers gutter cleaning in spring and fall. Don’t wait until you’re faced with costly repairs—schedule your gutter cleaning today.

How to Stay Safe When Wildfires and Smoke Are in Your Area

As wildfires become increasingly common and intense, knowing how to protect yourself and your family from their effects is crucial. Whether you live in a wildfire-prone area or are facing smoke from a distant blaze, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in your safety and health. Here’s some suggestions on how to stay safe when wildfires and smoke are in your area.

Understand the Risks

  1. Direct threat: Wildfires can rapidly spread and pose a direct threat to homes and lives.
  2. Air Quality: Wildfires produce significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter that can severely impact air quality.
  3. Health Effects from Smoke: Smoke from wildfires contains harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter that can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs.

Prepare Your Home

  1. Create a Defensible Space: Clear Vegetation to create firebreaks. Remove dead plants, leaves, and other flammable materials from around your home. Maintain a defensible space of at least 30 feet.
  2. Fire-Resistant Materials: Use fire-resistant materials for roofing, siding, and decks to reduce the risk of ignition.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

  1. Essentials: Include items such as non-perishable food, water, medications, a flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
  2. Important Documents: Keep copies of important documents, including identification, insurance papers, and medical records in a safe place such as a fire safe or off-site.

Plan for Evacuation

  1. Escape Routes: Know your evacuation routes and have multiple plans in place in case roads are blocked.
  2. Family Plan: Establish a communication plan with family members and designate a meeting spot.
  3. Pets: Have pet carriers readily available for a quick evacuation.
  4. Valuables: People and animals are always the priority, but if you have notice of pre-evacuation, having a list of your most important items to grab is a good idea. 

Stay Informed

  1. Monitor Local News and Emergency Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities and use apps that provide real-time updates on wildfire status and air quality.

For Jefferson County residents: https://www.jeffco.us/473/Emergency-Notifications

For Clear Creek County residents: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/781/Emergency-Notification-System

For Park County residents: https://www.parkcountyco.gov/97/CodeRED

Apps: 

www.watchduty.org

https://www.frontlinewildfire.com/live-fire-map-track-wildfires-near-you

  1. Monitor Weather Conditions: Keep track of weather conditions that may affect wildfire behavior, such as wind speed and direction.
  2. Check Air Quality: Air Quality Index (AQI): Use online resources or apps to monitor the AQI in your area. The AQI provides information on the safety of outdoor air and can help you make informed decisions. https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app

Protect Yourself from Smoke

  1. Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities
  2. Reduce Physical Activity: Especially reduce strenuous exercise, as it can increase your exposure to harmful pollutants.
  3. Prioritize rest and hydration to help your body cope with smoke exposure.
  4. Use High Quality Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor air pollution.
  5. Close Windows and Doors: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home.
  6. Create a Clean Room: Designate a room with the best air quality in your home, preferably with an air purifier and limited windows, to serve as a refuge from smoky air.

Protect Your Health by Avoiding Exposure

  1. Stay Inside as much as possible. 
  2. Masks: If you must go outside, consider wearing an N95 respirator mask to filter out fine particles. Note that standard masks or cloth masks are not effective for filtering out smoke particles.
  3. Health Precautions: Those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma or heart disease should take extra precautions and consult their healthcare provider.
  4. Watch for Symptoms: Be aware of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or irritated eyes. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

After the Smoke Clears

  1. Ventilate Your Home: Once the air quality improves, ventilate your home by opening windows and using fans to remove lingering smoke particles.
  2. Clean Up Dust and Debris: Clean surfaces in your home that may have accumulated dust or smoke residue. Don’t forget surfaces such as walls and ceilings where particles accumulate. And of course, your windows, so you can enjoy your view again.

Stay Informed on Recovery and Community Resources

  1. Stay updated on community recovery efforts and resources available for those affected by the wildfires.
  2. Consider volunteering or contributing to recovery efforts if you are able. 

Conclusion

Wildfires and their accompanying smoke pose significant risks, but taking preventive measures and staying informed can help you navigate these challenges safely. By preparing your home, monitoring conditions, protecting your health, and knowing how to respond in the aftermath, you can mitigate the impact of wildfires and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Remember, staying vigilant and proactive is key to managing the risks associated with wildfires and smoke.

Screen Cleaning

The Importance of Clean Window Screens: Enhancing Your View and Home Environment

Windows are often described as the eyes of a house, offering a glimpse into the world outside while allowing natural light to flood indoor spaces. However, the unsung heroes that facilitate this interaction with the outdoors are window screens. These mesh-like barriers serve multiple purposes, from keeping pests out to filtering sunlight and improving air circulation. Yet, despite their critical role, window screens are often neglected when it comes to regular cleaning and maintenance.

Why Clean Window Screens Matter

1. Better Indoor Air Quality

Window screens trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that would otherwise enter your home. Over time, these particles accumulate, reducing the quality of indoor air. Cleaning screens regularly helps prevent the buildup of allergens and pollutants, thereby contributing to a healthier living environment, especially important for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

2. Improved Visibility and Aesthetics

Dirty screens obscure the view from your windows, diminishing the clarity and brightness of natural light. By keeping screens clean, you ensure that your windows provide a clear and unobstructed view of the outdoors, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both your interior and exterior spaces.

3. Prolonged Lifespan of Screens and Windows

Dirt and debris can cause wear and tear on window screens, leading to premature deterioration. Regular cleaning removes debris that could damage the screen material over time, thereby extending their lifespan. Moreover, clean screens help maintain the integrity of your windows by preventing debris from accumulating in window tracks and sills. If the screen is unable to contain the debris, it falls to the tracks and sills, which can affect the functionality of the window. 

4. Energy Efficiency

Clean window screens allow for better airflow and ventilation throughout your home. In warmer months, this promotes natural cooling by facilitating the movement of fresh air indoors. Improved ventilation can also reduce the need for cooling systems, thus contributing to energy conservation and lower utility bills.

5. Prevention of Pest Infestations

Window screens serve as barriers against insects and pests seeking entry into your home. However, if screens are dirty or damaged, they may not effectively deter pests. Regular cleaning and inspection of screens help identify and address any tears or holes that could potentially compromise their function as a protective barrier.

How to Clean Window Screens

Peak Window Cleaning uses several methods to clean screens depending on the size of the screen and how dirty they are. 

Our favorite method of cleaning screens is with our screen cleaner which is a handy tool that connects to a water hose and has bristles that clean the screen when it is brushed back and forth between the bristles. 

If the screen is too large for the screen cleaner, we will use a brush or scrubber to remove debris and spray them off with a hose. 

If screens have been cleaned regularly and are being maintained, we will use a scrubber and a cloth to dry them. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, while window screens may seem inconspicuous, their upkeep plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment. By cleaning your window screens regularly, you not only improve indoor air quality and enhance visibility but also contribute to the longevity of both your windows and screens. This simple maintenance task can have far-reaching benefits, from energy efficiency to pest prevention, making it a worthwhile investment in the overall well-being and aesthetics of your home. So, the next time you admire the view from your window, remember the unsung hero—the clean window screen—that makes it all possible.

Elevate Your Space: The Benefits of High Interior Dusting and Cleaning Services

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, maintaining a clean and healthy living or working environment often takes a backseat. One aspect that is frequently overlooked is high interior dusting and cleaning services. While regular cleaning of low surfaces is essential, the often-neglected areas above eye level can accumulate dust and grime, affecting both the aesthetic appeal and the overall well-being of a space.

But first, what is high cleaning? 

High Cleaning is cleaning surfaces that cannot be reached from the floor without ladders or other special equipment. We usually use one of two methods, ladders and extended reach vacuuming. Ladders, for example, are great for getting up close to a ceiling fan and getting all the areas that a pole wouldn’t. Vacuuming from the ground allows us to easily clean ceilings and beams. 

Why do high cleaning? 

Most surfaces that you can easily reach in your home are usually cleaned or dusted on a regular basis. A vaulted ceiling, beams, fans, ledges and sills, fireplaces, and light fixtures are often inaccessible and are often overlooked, until you see them from a staircase or landing! Dust particles, allergens, and pollutants tend to settle on elevated surfaces over time. High interior dusting targets these hard-to-reach areas, reducing the concentration of airborne particles which can be very detrimental to your air quality. Dust can easily cause respiratory issues and trigger allergies and asthma. Dust mites are also up there and should definitely be considered. We use a commercial grade vacuum with a HEPA filter to contain dust. Where this is not practical, hand dusting is used. Where applicable, drop clothes are used to capture falling dust, such as a dust bunny infested ceiling fan! 

Let’s explore the benefits of high interior dusting and cleaning services and why investing in them can transform your environment.

1. **Improved Indoor Air Quality:**

This not only enhances the air quality but also contributes to a healthier living or working space. Improved air quality can lead to a decrease in respiratory issues and allergies, creating a more comfortable and safe environment for occupants.

2. **Preservation of Aesthetic Appeal:**

Overlooking high surfaces during regular cleaning routines can result in a dull and unkempt appearance. Dust accumulation on light fixtures, ceiling fans, crown molding, and other elevated surfaces can diminish the overall aesthetic of a room. High interior dusting and cleaning services restore the shine and beauty of these often-neglected areas, providing a fresh and well-maintained look to your space.

3. **Extended Lifespan of Fixtures and Furnishings:**

Dust isn’t just an eyesore; it can also damage your fixtures and furnishings over time. The abrasive nature of dust particles can wear down surfaces, leading to premature aging and degradation. By investing in high interior dusting, you’re not just cleaning for appearances but also extending the lifespan of your valuable assets. This preventative measure can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for premature replacements or extensive repairs.

4. **Enhanced Productivity and Well-Being:**

A clean and organized environment has a direct impact on the well-being and productivity of its occupants. High interior dusting and cleaning services create a more pleasant and comfortable space, promoting a positive atmosphere. Reduced allergens and pollutants contribute to the overall health of individuals within the space, fostering a conducive environment for both work and relaxation.

Conclusion:

Investing in high interior dusting and cleaning services is not just about maintaining appearances; it’s about creating a healthier, more comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment. From improving indoor air quality to preserving the longevity of fixtures, the benefits extend far beyond the surface level. Elevate your space by incorporating high interior cleaning into your regular maintenance routine, and experience the transformative impact on both your living and working environments.

Professional cleaning services possess the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to tackle these hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently. Take care of your environment by outsourcing your high interior cleaning needs, you can rest assured that every nook and cranny is addressed, leaving your space pristine and allergen-free.

Try Peak Window Cleaning’s High Cleaning service and have your home clean from top to bottom today!   

Does Rain Mess Up My Windows?

After getting so much rain this spring, and it continuing to be in the forecast, many of you may be wondering if rain really messes up your clean windows. The short answer is, rain does not mess up your windows, dirt does. 

Rain that hits an already dirty window does indeed make the window look worse than before, but that is because the rain is sticking to the dirt, pollen and debris that is already there. Other ways your windows will get dirty is the rain picking up dirt from your roof, gutters, trees, siding, or even the window frames that hold dirt in the crevices, and washing down onto your windows or just splashing on the ground and back onto low basement windows, will result in dirty windows. Mowing grass or landscaping and construction projects create dust and dirt that clings to windows, making them dirty.

Dirty rain on window frame

When the window is clean, the rain has nothing to cling to and just rolls down the glass, leaving it just as before, clean. Rainwater is much purer than our hard mountain water which, if left on the glass too long will leave hard water stains. Groundwater contains minerals and particles that are not usually found in rainwater. If groundwater is left to dry on the glass, the result is white spots or streaks that over time, start to build up if not removed. Just think of how your shower glass looks if water is left to dry on it. 

Rain rinses off dust, dirt, and pollen off of exterior surfaces.  If your windows are clean, it helps keep dirt and pollen from accumulating on the glass.  If there is no dirt on the window, there is nothing to create a spot when it rains.  

Storm Clouds in Evergreen, CO

Rain also helps keep the particles and dust in the air down resulting in cleaner air. If the air is clean, less will accumulate on your windows, keeping them cleaner longer.  

In general, clean windows and rain just results in cleaner windows. Deciding to skip window cleanings due to the weather, can lead to damage due to buildup of debris if not removed regularly. So don’t wait to schedule your regular maintenance window cleaning due to the rain.

Hard Water Stains

A common problem we see on windows is hard water staining. Our water in the mountains is quite hard and contains an abundance of minerals and other solids. This hard water can get on glass in a number of ways. The most common is sprinklers or irrigation that is being sprayed on the glass. One of the dirtiest is water dripping off a tile roof. Water splashing off of trees or other plants. You can even find it splashing up from the dog’s water bowl! Unfortunately, it is very easy to do damage with a simple spray of the garden hose or just washing the house and leaving the water to dry on the glass. 

So what is happening? These minerals remain after the water has dried. Worse yet, they start to build up very quickly. My house has several windows that have been stained with only 2-3 splashings of the hose. Think of the cave formation, the stalagmite. The drip, drip, drip of water over the years will result in quite a hard water stain. While I have yet to see a stalagmite growing out of a window, I have seen a deposit close to 1/8″ thick!

How do I get it off? Here is the problem, it is now part of the glass. They make all sorts of powders, pastes, creams, chemicals, and acids. I have tried many through the years and nothing works too well. Our procedure is a bit more environmentally friendly, and straight from a customer. We use full-strength vinegar with a bronze wool pad. This method does a nice job of shining up the glass. It will not completely remove the stain if the deposit is bad enough, no improvement will be revealed. A product called Crystal Clear 550 is commonly the go-to product. This stuff is a wicked strong acid. I will not use this product due to its extremely dangerous properties. Damage to paint, seals, siding, and trim, not to mention the health of all of us.

We will always try to inform the customer of hard water stains and their possible causes. Fix your splash and enjoy clean again! 

The Waterfed Pole System

We love when spring comes and the weather is warm enough to start using our Water Fed Pole (WFP) system again. It is a handy piece of equipment that we have added to our tools and are so glad we did!

Basically this allows us to take your water, purify it, scrub it on and rinse it off with perfect results. Almost too good to be true! The WFP uses 4 filters to achieve pure water. The first filter is the Carbon & Sediment filter. Just like it sounds, this filter takes out the big chunks to prep the water for the next 2 filters. The Reverse Osmosis filter’s job is to remove about 98% of the remaining solids in the water. Finally, the Deionization filter “polishes” the remaining 2% and you have pure water! The water is then checked with a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) gauge and hopefully you get a reading of 0-1 ppm. Most houses with well water read 80-220 ppm and city water usually measures 60-90 ppm. With new filters even my well water, 450 ppm, can be treated. The house with 880 ppm(!) I was not able to improve on much!

Rob using the waterfed pole on a high window

Pure clean water coming out of the waterfed pole. Great on small pane windows.

Now I have clean water and am ready to go. Through a series of hoses, as much as 280′, I pump water. This water is boosted by a electric pump to a small steady stream. The hose is routed through a carbon fiber pole, 35′ or 60′ long to a brush with spray nozzles. Now you simply scrub the glass and rinse it off, leaving spotless windows. Too good to be true? Yes sometimes. We have found wood and vinyl frames will not work with the WFP because oils and other substances will leak out from the frames. Other than that, the pole increases safety by keeping us off ladders and increasing our tallest window cleaning ability and does an excellent spot-free job of cleaning your windows!

When is the best time to have my windows cleaned?

Spring is finally here and our busy season is underway! The most common question we receive is “When is the best time to have my windows cleaned?”, so here is some information to help you make that decision. 

Living in the mountains brings many different weather patterns that affect how long windows will stay clean. Of course there are other factors that affect it as well such as living close to a dirt road, how exposed your house is to the elements such as wind and dirt, if there are trees close to the house and what kind of trees they are, if your house has large overhangs that protect the windows from the elements, and if your gutters are clean or overflowing with debris. Dirt, debris and hard water mineral deposits are usually what gets windows dirty in our area. All of these factors and the weather affects how long you can expect your windows to stay clean. 

The saying that spring showers bring May flowers can more likely mean snow showers here and lots of it! So what about snow, does snow get the windows dirty? Not usually. Typically in the winter months, your inside windows are dirtier than the outsides from forced air furnaces, wood stoves, and humidifiers. Rain is common from April to Nov with warmer temperatures, but our real rain season is during the summer when we get monsoons. 

Many people who have lived here a while remember that the pollen flies every June and is sometimes so significant that their windows are covered in the fine yellow dust that sticks to everything. This one particular event makes July our busiest month of the year. Is that the only time the pollen flies? No, it’s not, but the ponderosa pollen in May/June is the one that everyone remembers. 

But is July the best month to have your windows cleaned? It depends. The monsoon season follows pollen season. When it rains, does the rain usually hit your windows? If it does, then your window cleaning probably won’t last very long. A nice clean rain won’t spot the windows, but a mud rain will, or a rain with wind that hits the trees and then your house. However, the lowest wind speeds are during the summer months with higher winds in the spring, winter, and fall. 

Our customers who have their windows cleaned twice a year normally go with a spring and fall schedule which keeps the windows clean for most months of the year. 

In Evergreen, every month has a reason to clean or not to clean your windows. There isn’t a quick easy answer for everyone. We often have customers who want us to make the choice for them, but there are so many factors that are unknowns. Without living in your house, we don’t know which season will affect your particular situation the most. So we hope this summary can help you make the right decision for your house. 

Most glass manufacturers and window companies recommend cleaning your windows at least twice a year to extend the life of your windows and for general maintenance. Some require regular cleanings for the warranty to remain in place. 
Here are the specifics if you are interested in weather details:
The windier part of the year lasts for 5.7 months, from November 8 to April 29, with average wind speeds of more than 7.6 miles per hour. The windiest day of the year is January 16, with an average hourly wind speed of 9.6 miles per hour.
The calmer time of year lasts for 6.3 months, from April 29 to November 8. The calmest day of the year is August 10, with an average hourly wind speed of 5.7 miles per hour.
The wetter season lasts 5.2 months, from April 2 to September 7, with a greater than 19% chance of a given day being a wet day. The chance of a wet day peaks at 32% on July 22.
The drier season lasts 6.8 months, from September 7 to April 2. The smallest chance of a wet day is 6% on December 17.
Rain alone is the most common for 7.2 months, from April 2 to November 6. The highest chance of a day with rain alone is 32% on July 22.
Snow alone is the most common for 4.8 months, from November 6 to April 2. The highest chance of a day with snow alone is 7% on April 1.
Weather data comes from NASA’s MERRA-2 Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for 1980-2016.

Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks from Redfin

March 10, 2020 – By Lexi Klinkenberg

Spring is almost here and with that comes spring cleaning. Often times, it’s easy to put off cleaning until the weather is nicer and you have the opportunity to really clean the inside and outside of your home. Whether you live in a sunny climate like Florida or a Rainy one like Portland, it is important to take time to clean and organize your home this spring. We asked experts from across the country to share their tips for cleaning and organizing your home this spring. 

Remove scuffs and marks on doors and walls 

While most scuffs and marks on doors and walls can be removed with a little elbow grease, for stubborn stains use a magic eraser with barkeepers friend. In some cases, this winning combo can remove permanent marker! You will have your doors looking brand new in no time. –Maid in Bastrop

Clear your space 

When spring comes, gardeners prepare plants for new growth by pruning away the 3 D’s – anything that’s dead, damaged or diseased. This spring, clear your space and let go of the 3 O’s  – anything that’s old, out of date, or overstocked. Keep the best and toss, recycle or donate the rest! –Lisa Zaslow, Gotham Organizers 

Brighten up your home 

Begin by making your home brighter. Wash windows, inside and outside, and replace all burnt out or missing light bulbs. It will make it much easier to see what things need your attention. Also, when everything is sparkling clean and well organized, all the extra light coming in during the day will make you feel energized. –Emily Anderson, MLE 

Give your kitchen a cleaning and organization overhaul

Springtime is the perfect time to give your kitchen a cleaning and organization overhaul. Deep clean your refrigerator and pantry. The first step, pull everything out and check for expired, inedible or stale items. Don’t forget about the chips, oils, spices, and cans- these items are often overlooked. Toss anything that is bad, and donate items you’re not using but still have a shelf life. When empty give these areas a good cleaning with water and vinegar. Sort like items into groups and use dividers or bins to help make categories. Be sure to add labels to help maintain the system and keep things organized for the year ahead. – IT’S ORGANIZED

Envision your end goal 

We like to begin our spring cleaning by envisioning what we want the space to look like once everything is all finished. This helps you to keep the end goal in sight, especially when deciding on what items stay and which go. From there, start with the big spaces and work your way down to the smaller, allowing your energy to be maximized on the areas that need the most attention. –Nialya Suarez, Organized Simplicity

Be symmetrical 

When getting organized, make it a goal to be symmetrical. Having matching bins brings harmony and uniformity. Take time to label each bin as it provides structure, and by using white bins, it brightens up a room. –Marie Jackson, Organized Marie 

Freshen up carpets and upholstery 

The most common issues with rugs and upholstery items are odors and traffic stains. To help control odors on your carpets and upholstery,  in a spray bottle, mix hot water, a cup of fabric softener, and vinegar. Shake well and you will have a natural odor-controlling solvent that will work on any fiber you choose to use it on. –Carpet Cleaning NYC

Wash the exterior of your home

Consider washing your home yearly, a practice that is often overlooked. You wouldn’t believe what an exterior cleaning plus a window cleaning can do to make your home feel like new again, and keep your new home looking its best for years to come. For best results make sure to use experienced contractors. –Time Machine ATX

Involve all members of your household 

During spring clutter clearing it is important to involve all members of your household. This allows everyone to focus on their own stuff and be a productive part of the household. Create a realistic plan of attack that will result in a happy home and prevent arguments.-Major Organizers 

Repair and clean your windows 

Spring cleaning is a great time to clean and repair your windows. Making sure that your windows open and close properly and that all hardware is operational. Also, maintaining any weather stripping, and cleaning the tracks and frames will ensure that you can use your windows when summer comes around. We recommend having your windows and screens professionally cleaned at least twice a year to keep them in tip-top shape all year long. –Peak Window Cleaning

Focus on one room at a time 

Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming and daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on one area at a time over the course of a few weeks. Your kitchen, bathrooms, living spaces, bedrooms, garage, and your basement. You will feel defeated if you tackle the entire home in one day and it doesn’t all get finished. –Dashing Maids 

Remove the clutter 

We recommend you remove the clutter, clean your home, driveway, and patio. With these simple steps, you can embellish the exterior of your home and make a huge impression. –Atlantis Mobile Power Wash

Do a maintenance check on appliances 

It’s always a good idea to include a maintenance check on your appliances and electronics when spring cleaning, to prolong their life and catch problems before they happen. We call this “inspection for detection and correction.” This might mean spraying your computer fans with compressed air, checking cords and wires for frays, oiling your garage door, or cleaning the inside of your toaster oven. –Madeline J. Lewis, Organizers Northwest

Clean gutters and downspouts 

Spring is coming and with it plenty of rain. Ensuring that the water is running freely throughout your gutters and downspouts is a must to discourage stagnant water. You want to make sure you eliminate that damp environment where mosquitoes tend to breed. –C Clearly Pressure Washing

Make an all-purpose cleaning spray

For spring cleaning. Follow our professional spring cleaners recipe that will make nearly every surface gleam, especially kitchen counters, appliances, and inside the refrigerator. You will need baking soda, a Reusable spray bottle, and a sponge. Combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water, and use this mixture with a sponge to wipe messes away.             –Sydney Local Cleaners

Originally Published on Redfin 

5 Benefits of Professionally Cleaned Windows

Most of us spend a decent amount of time in our home looking out the windows, so it’s important to keep them clean.  Washing windows can be a hassle for homeowner’s especially if they are hard to reach or oversized, so its best left to the professionals like Peak Window Cleaning based in Evergreen, Colorado. Here are 5 of the biggest advantages of hiring a professional window cleaner for your home.

  1. Increase Curb Appeal

Windows are one of the first features that people see when walking up to a home, so give a great first impression to guests. According to local Evergreen Real Estate Agent, Mike Lies, if you are selling your home clean windows will let potential buyers know that you take pride in your home and it will look more visually appealing from the street which could help it sell faster and for top dollar.

  1. Dirt is Damaging

As dirt builds up on your windows, moisture becomes trapped underneath which causes smudges and tiny scratches on the glass. Not only can this make it difficult to see the outside world, but it can also negatively affect the look, feel, and even the value of your home.  It can also wear on the window seals which leads to air leaks, fogging, and condensation. Also, dirt and grime can collect on the sills which overtime can prevent proper closing of windows.

  1. Saves Time

No one wants to spend their weekend cleaning windows and if you did the job yourself you might be left with annoying smudges.  Window washing can also be dangerous if you have hard to reach panes of glass. Professional window washers have the skills necessary give you clear, streak free windows.  You can also be assured that you don’t get hurt in the process. Hire a professional, so you can spend your time on more important tasks.

  1. Enhance Window Efficiency

During the cold winter months, you want the sun to be able to shine through and warm up your home.  Dirty windows can prevent that natural process from happening.  Professional window washers will spot problems with the seals, frames, and glass.  If small issues are fixed, it will prevent leaks, fogging, and condensation, which can lead to higher energy bills and mold issues. Finding and repairing problems will also extend the life of your windows.

  1. Support Local Business

By getting regular professional window cleanings you will support the local window washing businesses.  It’s important to shop local, so you keep the money in the local economy. Also, a professional window washer is environmentally conscious, using less water than if you did it yourself and cleaning products that are safe for the environment.

Regularly scheduled window washing is a small investment that can pay off with all the above benefits. You might even save money by avoiding expensive damage to your windows. With just a phone call to Peak Window Cleaning, you will be surprised by how great your home can look and how much pride you have in it when the windows are sparking clean!