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Window Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts for Homeowners

Feb 20, 2019
Whether you’re trying to sell your home, having guests over for a party, or you simply want to enjoy your view, having clean windows will make your entire home sparkle. Your windows are a focal point, in and outside of your home, and clean windows give your whole house a visual boost. The opposite is true, too: If your windows have a layer or dirt or grime, it can make the whole place seem less clean than it is. Here’s a couple of do’s and don’ts for maintaining your home’s windows.
Don’t Forget the Interior
Maybe you have a maid service or housekeeper, or you think you’ll just do the insides yourself and only have professional window cleaners take care of the outside. It might seem more practical or cost effective, but it’s usually not. Only professional window cleaners have the tools to really do the job well. Your housecleaning service might leave streaks, and if you mean to do the windows yourself but somehow don’t get around to it… well, you’re going to have clean windows on the outside, but if the interior’s dusty and dirty, the windows just won’t look clean. Freedom Window Cleaning crews are professionally certified, licensed, bonded, and insured. You can trust us to work inside your home — and we’ll make sure to keep your home clean, too.

Do Clean the Windows Last
If you’re having any other services done around your home — anything from landscaping to power washing to painting — it’s best to save the windows for last. Why? You’d be amazed at the dirt and dust that can be stirred up by even minor maintenance, and when it lands on your windows, there goes that cleaning. It’s also important to know that if you’re having any construction or remodeling work done on your home, drywall mud, paint, or even abrasive chemicals can easily make their way onto your windows. Ask your contractors to tape and cover your windows to avert as much of this as possible. Schedule professional window cleaning last, so that your clean windows can be the finishing touch.

Don’t Rely on Mother Nature
Here in San Diego County, we don’t get much rain, which is another reason why dirt, dust, and salt can accumulate on windows. You might think that when there finally is a downpour, it will simply take care of that grime. In fact, rain will only make a dirty window dirtier — it’ll roll right off a clean window. The same goes for the marine layer, if you live in a coastal area like Carlsbad, La Jolla, or Solana Beach. The moisture from the marine layer isn’t helping dissolve salt or sand on your windows — it’s actually cementing it into a layer of grime. To really be able to take advantage of your ocean view, your home may need more frequent cleaning than an inland residence would.

Do Pay Attention to Hard Water Stains
Hard water deposits minerals on glass and other surfaces, leaving white circles and marks that can be difficult to remove. It’s best not to try to take these off on your own. Without the right tools, it’s extremely easy to scratch or scrape the glass — and unlike the hard water stains, that can’t be removed. A professional window cleaning crew can get rid of hard water stains and other mineral deposits, getting you back to a clear view.

Need to schedule window cleaning for your home? Call Freedom Window Cleaning today at 760-598-5510 to learn more about our thorough, reliable service!

Freedom Windows Blog

28 Oct, 2024
As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of Christmas begins to light up with festive decorations and twinkling lights. While many homeowners take pride in decorating their homes, installing Christmas lights can be daunting, time-consuming, and even hazardous. Hiring a professional for your Christmas light installation not only alleviates these concerns but also brings numerous benefits that go beyond just safety. Enhanced Safety Safety is among the most compelling reasons to hire a professional for Christmas light installation. Climbing ladders, handling electrical connections, and maneuvering on rooftops can pose significant risks, particularly for those who are not experienced. Professional installers are trained to handle these challenges safely. They use proper safety gear and protocols to avoid accidents, ensuring your holiday season remains merry and injury-free. Expert Design Consultation Professional Christmas light installers bring design expertise that can transform your home into a winter wonderland. They are knowledgeable about the latest trends and technologies in holiday lighting and can offer creative ideas you might not consider. Whether you want a classic, elegant look with white lights lining your roof or a more elaborate display with multi-colored LEDs, professionals can help design a display that beautifully complements your home’s architecture and landscape. High-Quality Lighting Materials When you opt for professional installation, you also benefit from high-quality lights that are durable and energy-efficient. Professionals use commercial-grade lights designed to withstand winter weather and electrical demands, reducing the likelihood of outages and malfunctions. These lights often provide brighter, more consistent illumination and come with better warranties than the typical retail store offerings. Custom Fitting and Installation Every home is unique, which can challenge fitting strings of lights. Professionals custom-fit the lights to your home, ensuring every inch is perfectly covered without gaps or dangling wires. This custom approach extends to the entire installation, including clips and fasteners that won't damage your home’s exterior. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the final product is stunning and securely installed. Timely Installation and Removal Another significant advantage of hiring professionals is timely installation and removal convenience. You can schedule the installation at a time that suits you, and you won't have to worry about finding time to take everything down after the holidays. Professional services handle all aspects of the setup and takedown, leaving you more time to enjoy the season’s festivities without the added stress. Reliability and Efficiency Professional installers are efficient and reliable. They have the experience to quickly troubleshoot any issues that may arise, from electrical problems to structural challenges. This efficiency means your display will run without lengthy disruptions, and any potential issues can be swiftly addressed. Conclusion While DIY projects can be fulfilling, the benefits of hiring a professional for Christmas light installation are clear and considerable. From ensuring safety and offering design expertise to providing high-quality, custom-fitted lights, professional installers make the process seamless and stress-free. This holiday season, consider hiring a professional to enhance the beauty of your home and guarantee a safe, efficient, and dazzling display that you and your neighbors can enjoy.
23 Aug, 2024
San Diego's warm, sunny climate and beautiful landscapes make it a desirable place to live and work. However, the region's water supply, rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, presents a persistent challenge for maintaining clean windows. Hard water stains from these mineral deposits can mar the clarity and appearance of windows across the city. Understanding the nature of these stains and knowing how to remove them effectively is crucial for property owners wanting to preserve their views and property aesthetics. The Challenge of Hard Water Stains Hard water stains form when water with a high mineral content evaporates on glass surfaces, leaving behind residues of calcium and magnesium. Due to San Diego's water hardness, these stains are particularly prevalent. Over time, these chalky, white deposits can etch into the glass, making them even harder to remove and potentially causing permanent damage. Why Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough While regular window cleaning is essential, it often isn't sufficient to prevent or remove hard water stains. Typical cleaning agents and methods may need to be stronger to dissolve mineral deposits bonded with the glass surface. As a result, a more targeted approach is needed to tackle these stubborn stains effectively. Effective Techniques for Removing Hard Water Stains 1. Vinegar Solution Vinegar, an acid that helps break down mineral deposits, is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, apply it to the stained area, and let it sit for several minutes. Wipe away with a soft cloth or sponge. The solution can be heated slightly to enhance its effectiveness for more stubborn stains. 2. Commercial Cleaners Several commercial cleaners are specifically designed to remove hard water stains. These products often contain stronger acids that are more effective at breaking down mineral deposits. When using commercial cleaners, it’s important to follow the manufacturer's instructions closely and handle them with care, as these substances can be quite potent. 3. Specialty Abrasives A fine-grade steel wool or a glass-safe abrasive pad may be necessary for severe cases, especially where etching has begun. These tools can help physically remove the buildup without scratching the glass if used gently. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the glass is not damaged. 4. Professional Cleaning Services Sometimes, the best course of action is to hire professionals, particularly for high or hard-to-reach windows, or when the staining is extensive. Professional window cleaners have access to high-grade tools and compounds that can safely and effectively remove hard water stains without damaging the glass. 5. Preventative Treatments After cleaning, consider applying a hydrophobic sealant to your windows. These sealants repel water, preventing mineral-rich droplets from drying on the glass and leaving deposits. Regular reapplication of the sealant can help maintain your windows’ clarity over time. Conclusion Hard water stains are a notable nuisance in San Diego, detracting from the beauty of one's property and obscuring otherwise stunning views. Understanding how to tackle these stains with effective techniques can restore and preserve the appearance of your windows. Incorporating these strategies into your regular maintenance routine lets you keep your windows sparkling clean, enhancing your property's overall appeal and value.
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