Category Archives: When to have Windows Cleaned

The Importance of Clean Windows Before Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season

As we head into the holiday season, our homes become the heart of celebration. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s are all times when family, friends, and guests fill our homes with warmth and cheer. When you’re preparing for guests, there’s one often-overlooked detail that can make a significant difference: clean windows. Here’s why getting your windows professionally cleaned before the holidays can help set the right mood for all your gatherings.

Make a Great First Impression

When guests arrive, the first things they notice are often the home’s exterior and windows. Clean, streak-free windows give your home a bright, welcoming appearance. They reflect your attention to detail and create a polished, well-maintained look that speaks volumes about how much you care for your space and those who enter it. Plus, sunlight pouring through clean windows adds warmth and vibrance, making your home feel even cozier.

Save Time and Reduce Stress

Holiday preparations can be hectic. There are meals to plan, gifts to buy, and plenty of cleaning to tackle. By scheduling a professional window cleaning before the season starts, you can save yourself time and reduce stress. With clean windows checked off the list, you’ll have more time to focus on what really matters—spending time with loved ones and making memories.

Let More Natural Light In

Shorter daylight hours and cold weather can make our homes feel dim and dreary. Clean windows, however, allow more natural light into your home, making your rooms look brighter and more inviting. This light is especially important for holiday events, where everyone appreciates a bit more cheer and brightness. Natural light can even help lift the mood, making gatherings feel light and joyful, which is essential during this cozy season.

Enhance Your Holiday Decor

If you’re decorating for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday in between, clean windows can be an unexpected element of your decor. String lights, wreaths, and other holiday decorations look far better when framed by sparkling, spotless windows. Clear windows allow your decorations to be visible from outside, giving your home an inviting and festive look for neighbors and guests alike.

Keep Windows in Good Condition During Winter

Winter weather can be tough on windows. Dirt, grime, and even mildew buildup over time, leading to possible damage if left untreated. Regular, seasonal window cleaning removes these substances, keeping your windows in top shape even during the colder months. Proper maintenance before the snow and ice arrive ensures they’ll stand up better to winter weather, avoiding permanent damage and the expense of repairs down the line. Window manufacturers recommend cleaning your windows twice a year to keep them in tip-top shape.

Reduce Allergens and Improve Indoor Air Quality

It’s not just the exterior that needs cleaning; the inside of windows can accumulate dust, pollen, and other allergens that compromise air quality. With more time spent indoors and holiday gatherings bringing in more people, having clean windows means less exposure to dust and allergens, creating a healthier environment for your family and guests. For those who may have sensitivities, this little detail can make a difference in their comfort.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

  • Hire Professionals: Getting on a ladder in cold weather can be tricky and even dangerous. A professional window cleaning service will have the right tools and expertise to get the job done safely and thoroughly.
  • Clean Inside and Out: While exterior cleaning is crucial, don’t neglect the inside! Dust and fingerprints can build up, especially if you have young children or pets.
  • Schedule Early: Window cleaning appointments fill up fast around the holidays. Booking your service in advance can help you avoid last-minute rushes and secure a convenient time.

Make This Holiday Season Shine

With clean, clear windows, you can make this holiday season feel even more magical. Not only will your home look fantastic for Thanksgiving and other festivities, but your guests will appreciate the welcoming, bright atmosphere. So, don’t let dirty windows dim your holiday cheer—add a professional window cleaning to your holiday prep list and let your home truly shine this season!

Clean windows in fall

Benefits of Residential Window Cleaning in Fall Before Winter Weather Sets In

As the crisp air of fall rolls in and the leaves begin to change color, many homeowners start preparing their homes for the colder months ahead. While tasks like cleaning gutters, raking leaves and pine needles, and winterizing your yard often top the list, one crucial chore that shouldn’t be overlooked is window cleaning. Fall is the perfect time to ensure your windows are spotless, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of clear glass before winter weather sets in. Here’s why residential window cleaning in the fall should be a top priority.

1. Maximize Natural Light During Shorter Days

The days are rapidly growing shorter and natural light becomes a precious commodity, especially for those of us who have North facing houses! Clean windows allow more sunlight to enter your home, brightening your living spaces and improving your mood. Dust and debris on windows can significantly reduce the amount of light that passes through, leaving your home feeling darker and less inviting. By having your windows professionally cleaned in the fall, you can enjoy the warmth and brightness of the sun even on the chilliest winter days.

2. Prevent Damage from Debris and Buildup

Throughout the year, your windows accumulate dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris. In the fall, falling pine needles, leaves, twigs, and other organic materials can add to this buildup, potentially causing scratches and damage to your windows if left unaddressed. Cleaning your windows before winter ensures that these contaminants are removed, reducing the risk of damage. Additionally, clean windows are less likely to develop stubborn stains or etching that can occur when debris is left to sit for long periods.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency

Dirty windows can affect your home’s energy efficiency. When windows are covered in grime, they can prevent the sun’s natural heat from warming your home, causing your heating system to work harder. By keeping your windows clean, you allow the sun’s rays to naturally warm your home, which can help reduce heating costs. Clean windows also ensure that your home’s insulation works effectively, as dirty seals and frames can compromise the insulation’s performance.

4. Enhance Curb Appeal

Fall is a beautiful season, and with the changing colors of the leaves, your home can look stunning against this backdrop. However, dirty windows can detract from your home’s appearance. Whether you’re hosting holiday gatherings or simply enjoying the view from inside, clean windows can enhance your home’s curb appeal and make your property look well-maintained. Sparkling windows are a simple yet effective way to boost the overall aesthetic of your home during the fall season.

5. Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter weather can be harsh on your home’s exterior, including your windows. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can exacerbate existing issues like cracks, seals, and grime buildup. By cleaning your windows in the fall, you’re taking a proactive step to ensure they’re in the best possible condition before winter arrives. This can help prevent problems like condensation, drafts, and ice buildup, which can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.

6. Extend the Lifespan of Your Windows

Regular window cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about protecting your investment. Over time, dirt, minerals, and other contaminants can cause permanent damage to your windows, leading to the need for replacements sooner than necessary. By scheduling a professional window cleaning in the fall, you can extend the lifespan of your windows, saving you money in the long run.

7. Enjoy Clear Views All Winter Long

One of the most significant benefits of fall window cleaning is the ability to enjoy clear, unobstructed views throughout the winter. As the snow begins to fall, you’ll appreciate the beauty of the winter landscape even more when your windows are spotless. Clean windows allow you to fully enjoy the changing seasons, making your home feel more connected to the natural beauty outside.

Fall is an ideal time to schedule residential window cleaning before winter weather sets in. The benefits are numerous, from improving natural light and energy efficiency to preventing damage and enhancing curb appeal. By taking care of your windows now, you can enjoy a warmer, brighter, and more comfortable home all winter long. So, before the frost sets in, schedule your professional window cleaning to keep your windows and your view crystal clear!

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.

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