The Top 4 Reasons You Can't Get Your Windows To Look Good

Why Can't I Get My Windows Clean Like I Want??

How frustrating it is when you've tried your best to clean your windows like you may have seen actors on TV or other advertisements do, and it just isn't working! You may use some new product or a time-tested method and are so proud of yourself- until the morning sun shines through! You may cringe with disgust at how they really look. What went wrong? Perhaps you'll keep on trying, perhaps you'll just live with it- as in, don't even look at them when the sun shines on them. Or, you may finally decide to call a local professional window cleaner to 'do it right'. This could be the key to figuring it all out and hopefully avoiding the dreaded smears and streaks in the future! Here is my personal list, based on over 35 years of professional window cleaning, of the top 4 reasons why you can't make those windows look clean.

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Top 4 Reasons You Can't Get Your Windows Looking Right

These reasons are the ones I've compiled and not in any strict order.

1. Products not used properly

I will venture to say that just about every product on the market advertised to clean windows is adequate in its own right. Chances are that they will make your windows look better than they were, not necessarily perfect. Some of us don't care about or expect perfection, so properly-used retail window cleaning products may be the ticket. The problem often lies in either the inability of a homeowner to follow the directions or the short cuts he or she may decide to take. Oftentimes there are 2nd floor windows, even third floor, that are very difficult to access depending on the style and actual location they are in. There could be a tree or large hedge that restricts clear approach to some windows. If ideal conditions are not present when trying to clean such windows, the results may be disappointing. The fact is that no advertised window cleaning product is going to warn you that there is a good chance it won't work perfectly. The ease and effectiveness are what are featured, understandably so. But the reality will be in the 'small print'. Here is an example by Windex Outdoor 

In some circumstances, windows may be extremely dirty and need more than one treatment with the product of choice. 

Or it could be that not enough or too much of a product is being applied to a window. In the case of wiping rags, they may not be absorbent enough or large enough. In either case, one will likely not get the desired or promised results.

2. Poor technique

It may at times appear that a product is simply garbage. While that may be the case, it also may be that patience or careful deliberate technique is lacking enough to the point that poor results will ensue. Depending on the method of cleaning being used, it could be a matter of bad aim with a spraying device, rushing the spraying process, not a thorough enough scrub, too much pressure, too little pressure, not looking carefully at your work, improper squeegee technique, and so on. 

3. Bad prevailing conditions

Sometimes you simply have the odds stacked against you. It could be you are cleaning a window that is in the direct sun. Inside or out, the glass will heat up, sometimes to the point where the liquid you are using dries before you can clean it off. That can be a source of frustration sometimes even to a seasoned veteran . Strong wind or low humidity can have the same effect, and combined with sun, may make you want to rethink your life. There can also be contaminants on the glass that simply won't come off with the standard method of applying an effective cleaner and either rinsing, squeegeeing, or wiping it. This can include mineral deposits from hard water, shotgun or artillery fungus- those black dots that are on windows near certain types of mulch, grease spatter from a nearby grill, paint, wood stain, or mortar left behind by careless contractors, and residue left by someone using an inappropriate cleaner in the past. 

There are ways, of course, to combat these extra challenges. They may be beyond the ability or ambition of a homeowner. 

4. Marks or blemishes that nobody can fix

This last, but not least reason is not your fault! We get calls sometimes from frustrated property owners who have tried everything under the sun to get smears or haze off their glass. Quite often the explanation is that what is seen in certain lighting conditions is in between two panes of glass. It is very common for windows to be insulated glass units, in other words two separate panes of glass connected by spacers on all sides and sealed with a gas, such as argon, krypton, or xenon. There can be leaking over time, or infiltration of moisture into the sealed unit. This will cause a reaction on the inner sides of the two window panes. You obviously can't remove it, since you can touch it. It can appear as patches of haziness. There are even examples, too many in my experience, of manufacturer defect. Suction cup marks from the original handling of the glass can show up in between the panes. There can also be scratches or scrapes on glass from an accident or mishandling. Some scratches can be buffed out, others are such that replacement would be the only option to remedy the problem. 

This is not in any way an exhaustive list, but at least reasons 1-3 can be successfully dealt with. You may decide it is worth it to hire a professional window cleaner to make everything look awesome and save you the time and effort. 

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Can I Clean My Windows When It's Cold Outside?

 It Is A Challenge to Keep Windows Clean in Cold Weather

This subject of window cleaning becoming more difficult in winter primarily affects individuals in climates where the temperatures make being outside uncomfortable or downright difficult. It's certainly not as pleasant to be using tools with your hands in the 40's or lower as compared to the 70's and 80's. Personal taste enters in for sure. For me, living in northeastern Pennsylvania, I feel the most pleasant working temperature range is from 60-75 F, provided it is not too humid. I am not thoroughly familiar with other countries, but know that in quite a large portion of the United States, there can and will be air temperatures below 32 F overnight from October to April, and from November through March there may be several days where it never breaks the freezing mark. Also, there are some states or parts of states that consistently get even colder than that. 

Window cleaning in colder conditions can become an act of bravery and grit if one is hard set on having a clear view. Having to wear more layers and gloves puts freeness of movement and hand dexterity at a potential disadvantage. And when air temperatures get down into the low 30's, freezing liquid becomes a real concern. Many of my own customers or passerby on streets where we may be cleaning windows assume our company does not work when it gets this cold or simply wonder what we do to keep working. All very good questions!

What Solution Works on Windows Below 32 degrees Fahrenheit?

Window Cleaners hear the stock phrase "you missed a spot" pretty often! When it's cold outside they may hear something such as "you must be cleaning them really fast!", perhaps because it is assumed that the solution will freeze within seconds if not cleaned off. For companies whose livelihood depends on being able to work no matter how cold it is, there is obviously a way to manage this that is simple cost-effective enough. 

For you homeowner who may just want to clean a handful of really high-profile windows, here are some helpful pointers for doing so in subfreezing conditions. 

Generally speaking, any solution that can actually clean well and stay in liquid form below 32 F will be the starting point. You may be able to cheat the air temp a bit if the sun has heated the outside glass where you would like to clean, or if the room temperature inside is warm enough to radiate some heat. Conversely, wind will tend to negate any heat advantage you have as well. 

Anyway, what mix of liquids will get you where you need to be? I've never tried mixing white vinegar with water to work in cold conditions, but several sources give this as one method. Your typical household concentration will not freeze, even diluted with water and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid down to the upper 20's. So, you would have maybe 5 degrees extra to play with. I am very familiar with the effectiveness of rubbing alcohol. It is based on isopropyl alcohol, but diluted somewhat for safe consumer usage. This alcohol, in undiluted form, remains a liquid down to -100F or lower. Common store concentrations are 70% and 91%, so for smaller amounts of cleaning, you'll get a very good bang for your buck with isopropyl-based mixtures. Obviously, the colder the air is, the less water you can mix in and still keep it liquid. The alcohol on its own, is not an outstanding window cleaning agent, but mixed with water and a very small amount of dishwashing liquid, for instance, you'll be able to do what you need to do- with limitations, of course. 

Windshield washer fluid rated for -20F obviously is another option for use on glass, since that's what your typical motorist will use to clean his windshield in winter. This is usually methyl alcohol- based. It is often sold with a blue dye included which gives it its recognizable appearance. As with vinegar and rubbing alcohol, it is sold to the masses in a diluted state. 

 Simple Directions to Successfully Clean Glass in Subfreezing Temperatures

Depending on your tolerance level for cold air, dress as you need to when outside. If you are working in the sun, that will be an advantage. Also, if the air is mostly calm, all the better. If you need a hat, wear a hat. A few thin layers and a medium to thick outer layer will afford you comfort and  the range of motion to use your arms and hands. Unless you are sure to keep your hands from getting wet, gloves or mittens made out of cotton or wool would not be the best. Something waterproof or water-resistant at the very least would be preferrable, as long as your digits have enough dexterity to 'feel' what you're doing. 

Here is a comprehensive list of materials, depending on your chosen method that, you'll need and the tips to effectively clean           

                                                                    Materials    

spray bottle with half water and half 70% rubbing alcohol and 3 drops of dishwashing liquid or a bucket with the same ratio of water to alcohol, and 10 drops of dishwashing liquid

a cotton or microfiber applicator on a t-bar to work your solution around on the glass

a squeegee (size doesn't completely matter, but one in the 12-18" range is easy to work with)

microfiber rags, paper towels, scrim, or surgical towels

Ladder or pole for the applicator and squeegee that will allow you to safely reach the highest points of the window safely. 

                                                                    Method

Spray solution in bottle to thoroughly cover glass. Work the solution around the glass very well with an applicator, or wad up a microfiber towel and work it through that way. If you use a microfiber rag by hand, respray the glass again.

If using a squeegee, you can work across the glass from right to left or left to right, or down from the top right or top left. Overlap the squeegee channel onto the dry part of the glass by 1/2-1 inch. It is not necessary to wipe the rubber blade off each time you make your pass. If you can use paper towels, scrim, or surgical towel to detail the edges and possibly streaks left in the middle, that will probably be better than a microfiber rag for detailing. If you have to use a microfiber to detail, run it along the residual solution as lightly as you can while still getting it off. Despite what many claim, all but super high quality microfiber rags tend to leave a lot of lint on glass, especially when dry or in the sun. 

Since you will be working in cold conditions, even water mixed with rubbing alcohol will freeze on the glass if you let it sit too long. Wind will accelerate that as well. Also, the dirtier the suspended solution on the glass is, the less time it will remain workable before freezing. If any part of your work does freeze on you, try buffing it with one of your towels to create friction and melt it away. If it is beyond that, you can wet your rag with straight alcohol and try melting the ice. Or you can patiently wait until the liquid evaporates and do the whole process again, either more quickly or with a stronger initial mix.

Keep in mind that while a moderate amount of this solution in a ventilated area is pretty safe, weak lungs might be affected if not careful. Also, excessive handling of rubbing alcohol at consumer levels without wearing gloves will dry out skin. In a stronger state it can enter your bloodstream through your skin and cause a toxic reaction. So, give it the respect it is due.

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Pure Water Window Cleaning- Hype or Reality?

 Pure, Ultrapure, Distilled. What's the Difference?

How 'clean' does water need to be to clean windows?

Few people would disagree that water quality should be a serious consideration in most anything that affects them. Beermakers, bottled water brands and others often highlight the pureness of their water, perhaps because it comes from a high mountain, a glacier, or an extremely clean spring. 

When it comes to window cleaning, who of us would intentionally start a project with obviously dirty water? If you've had the privilege of being in stopped city traffic and had someone voluntarily clean your windshield, you may get really mad or be okay with it. Regardless, if you see the water is filthy and probably contains some of the junk from previous recipients' windshields, that may be the dealbreaker! Yes, we like clean water. 

Does it matter when it comes to residential or commercial window cleaning? It certainly does, to an extent. The application and the method have a bearing on how 'clean' or pure your water should be. 

The words clean and pure must be taken in context when it comes to water. No water existing in nature is by strict definition 'pure'. Rain droplets pick up solid matter as they fall. Water flowing over and through exceptionally clean areas of the earth pick up minerals. Thus, there is always some foreign matter in water that has not been processed for a special purpose. That isn't always a bad thing. Our bodies need certain minerals, of course, and water can provide some of that. 

For cleaning glass, water that is not filthy and is being properly removed in a short amount of time with proper tools, is sufficient. Many realize that just spraying water on glass, even with some force, is not going to yield great results on its own. That is one reason why my window cleaning company gets some requests to clean an owner's windows professionally. Those spots on your high windows or the white haze on low-lying glass that is getting hit by automatic sprinklers is probably from pretty decent quality water that, after draining or evaporating, leaves a residue of calcium, magnesium, or something else that is in the local water. Removing mineral deposits can be quite difficult. 

Do the terms 'pure', 'ultrapure' and 'distilled' mean anything in window cleaning?

As in any industry or service field, terms can be used soundly or casually. They may be relevant or simply be buzzwords or catchphrases. For a more technical explanation, here's a helpful article

In the arena of professional window cleaning, you will likely never see someone advertise that they use distilled water. However many, including Dan Wagner Window Cleaning, will happily announce that they use pure or ultrapure water, especially for outdoor applications. What is their relevance and how much does it matter? In a nutshell, distilled and pure water have been by different processes, had practically all impurities removed. Distilled is associated with boiling and condensation while pure is associated with filtration. Ultrapure water, by description, has had as much impurity removed from it  as humanly possible. So a layman might say 'ultrapure' is actually purer than 'pure'. When it comes to window cleaning, this distinction is not as vital as in high-end industrial or medical applications. 

So how and when is pure water a benefit for window cleaning? The benefit is by and large seen when using a water fed pole whereby the technician is first scrubbing off the dirt and grime and then rinsing said dirt and grime off the glass. With this method there is no need to follow up the wash with a squeegee or detailing rags. The pure or ultrapure water that is still on the glass after thorough rinsing will dry spot-free. Although there are many window cleaners that will maintain 'till their dying breath that hands-on or 'nose to glass' window cleaning is always superior and the truly professional way, probably just as many, hopefully more, realize that this is simply not true under all but the most difficult circumstances. A window cleaner who knows how to properly use pure water technology and the tools that go with it and understands there is equipment maintenance involved, and also that there are certain limitations that at times will dictate he opt for 'older school' methods' when necessary, will be in very good shape for successful execution. For companies like mine that also clean interior windows, we still need to do an amazing job in the inside with common methods, such as what cleaning solution we use and the tools and level of thoroughness and detail. You simply can't hide mistakes whether inside or out when the right light hits it!  That is one reason we often get called to provide service in the morning, when the sun is just coming up and homeowners look out their east-facing windows with sunken hearts. 

So in summation, pure, ultrapure, or distilled water has many benefits, especially for outside cleaning.

Is it really a good idea to drink distilled water?

This question continues to be debated and also used by opposing camps to argue their cause one way or the other. If this is a very important matter to you, there is an abundance of articles that present compelling arguments to support or oppose the use of distilled water for human consumption. And many articles explain that either choice is not life-altering. In a nutshell, our bodies need certain minerals and distilled water does not contain any. But many or most don't feel it is too difficult to compensate for what that type of water lacks. It is best to do your research, and that will be very easy if you have an internet browser!

At Dan Wagner Window Cleaning  we have been producing smiles and happiness in northeastern Pennsylvania since 1986 and we are not going away! I

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Window "Washing" or Window "Cleaning"?

Is Washing Less or More Thorough Than Cleaning?

It may be that some view the difference between washing and cleaning as significant enough to choose one or the other as framed by a professional company. Many others don't see it as any more than the choice of words. Do you as a customer feel one or the other term is a caveat? Maybe one way is less thorough or one way is far more expensive. Perhaps one sounds more professional than the other. Interestingly, whether you use the phrase "window cleaning" or "window washing" in a Google search for a local company, you'll get the same results. I'll give my observations and mention those of others. 

What Some Professionals Say

There are some professional companies who believe there is a definite difference in window cleaning and window washing. I even noticed another term used- "window detailing". This term was used to place that company on a higher plane than its local competitors, namely one that removes the tough stuff off of glass, frames, and sills, such as bugs and paint specks. Some feel that cleaning is more akin to spot cleaning and not as thorough as washing, which would be all foreign matter on the glass. From what I've read on professional forums and Facebook groups, most, but not all in the business choose 'window cleaning'. 

What Customers Say

Here is where a professional company needs to pay attention: what term does a prospective customer prefer? Obviously, this may differ geographically. Upon doing a search on Google Trends, the term that is used in searches, especially over longer spans of time, is far more often 'window cleaning' than 'window washing'. It could well be that this indicates a more popular way to phrase it nowadays and not too much the perception that there is a real difference. What I've found locally, over many years of being, called, texted, or emailed by consumers, most use 'cleaning'. I could be imagining it, but I'm pretty sure that if  'washing' is used, it almost always will be by senior citizens. 

 

My Take

I feel that for my company name and the description of what I do, I prefer 'window cleaning'. I think it sounds classier and more professionalized. At the same time, I view what I do as any of the three terms mentioned in the opening paragraph. My opinion is that if you are a professional and would like to create raving fans and repeat business, you need to do as thorough a job as possible. There are both low and high thresholds in your service, that is, the very minimum that would be considered acceptable without having to specify what you are leaving out, and the point where you go from normal cleaning to specialized cleaning. The bare minimum I would consider professional is all dirt and grime off the glass as well as the frames, sills, and screens (if any). When the sills have foreign matter that may not budge with normal window scrubbing tools or rags or the glass has paint or wood stain left on by careless contractors that came before you, this requires specialized service. Another issue that requires specialized attention is 'screen burn'. This is the layman's term for that white haze that is extremely hard to get off glass windows with outside aluminum screens. Here is a nice explanation why that can happen. Regular water, pure water, soapy water, ammonia, rubbing alcohol- none of these touch screen burn. Thus, to remove this calls for specialized attention. 

I feel it is important to communicate to a customer what will be included in standard window cleaning and what constitutes 'restoration'. The choice of terms that window cleaning companies use can be to make them appear better than their competition. "While other companies only do X, we do X, Y, and Z, because we care about you." Something similar to that. I'm not a fan of implying that my competition is inferior or doesn't care about their customers. I simply endeavor to leave glass , sills, and screens extremely clean. There are many other practices that will make you the go-to for those that know you, more than what terms you use. 

At Dan Wagner Window Cleaning  we have been washing, cleaning, detailing, or all of the above in northeastern Pennsylvania since 1986 and we are not going away! 

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Should You Go With Nationally Known Service Providers or Stick With Local?

Do the Big Names Guarantee Better Service?

The home service industry in the United States is large and growing larger. Well over 2 million businesses in the US provide various services to homeowners, generating revenue well over half a trillion dollars annually. Many more do so for commercial properties or both residential and commercial. Likely all of us are familiar with some big names that advertise heavily as home service providers. A common way to generate a very high volume of participants is by being a matchmaker of sorts. In other words, find a vast number of local companies that are available to provide services to customers in a specified area, be the go-between, and ideally make a profit on volume while trusting that the customer and provider are both happy in the end. Clearly, there is a high level of marketing and logistics to make this work and be sustainable. There is no denying that some have figured it out. 

I'm approaching this from the standpoint of what benefits or advantages there may be to seeking the numerous choices presented by some of the big names as opposed to looking for local businesses that are already known in the community. Granted, when you as a homeowner agree to have a company render services, you'll almost surely be getting a local company anyway. Is there a difference? 

Pros and Cons of National Companies Which Provide or Locate Home Services

Offhand, I can see some pros to trusting the well-known names. They are well-known because of their vast marketing success and enormous number of service companies that are willing to pay for leads or in some other way share some of the revenue. I have no criticism of that in itself. They consequently may have a long list of hopefully qualified and solid local companies waiting to help you out. There may be many helpful, well-researched articles that pertain to your interests that they publish as well. They may have a satisfaction guarantee and background check that, if genuine, will put one at ease. And some may influence participating contractors to give deep discounts for a certain volume of jobs. This could be very good for price shoppers. 

There are potential cons as well. One that may be manifest after some time is based on the cost of acquisition for contractors. When the arrangement to team up with large go-betweens costs something, contractors may eventually feel the need to increase prices to recoup the expense. Or perhaps contractors may compare other avenues of marketing and feel they will provide more bang for the buck in the long run. This potentially creates a bit of a revolving-door situation for the national companies who endeavor to increase their stable of participants, only to lose some of the best ones. There are only so many local companies available to provide home services before distance becomes an issue. For the property owner, the full scope of reviews for service companies may not be evident on the national provider's platform. One may see a few reviews on these platforms for let's say, a window cleaner, while a straight-up Google search might reveal 20, 50, even 100 or more from not just price-shoppers, but new and long-time customers alike. In a low-population area, the 'top 10' for many service categories may include only a few truly local companies, while Google may return more truly localized results. Certainly no guarantee, though. 

You Choose By What Means You Get Similar Results

Ultimately, whether you decide to search for a company to provide a service for your home or business through a large online site that acts as a go-between or by going straight to Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, or similar, you'll probably end up having a local company do the work. And in the long haul, you'll either pay the agreed price for a service you come to trust or keep looking for new options and possibly find special deals each time. It is my opinion that you'll find more viable options by using the more currently traditional method of Google or their competitors. 

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Is There An Easy Way to Clean My Gutters?

Rain Gutters- Love Them and Hate Them!

In a perfect world, gutters would only fill up in the fall if you live in the northern hemisphere. We know painfully well that it is not a perfect world. Gutters can become a concern after a heavy wind or rainstorm, or if some unexpected object takes up residence in your gutter that is large or dense enough to create a backup. This can happen any time of year and will give property owners fits if they are not familiar with resolving this or equipped to do so. Water buildup will spill onto the ground and mess up landscaping. Sustained weight due to sitting water will cause stress on gutter supports, eventually ruining the proper pitch of the gutter run. If the water becomes ice, the body of the gutter may be forced to expand and alter the proper flow. Excess water can run down the side of the wall below and potentially undermine the foundation. 

Easiest Way to Clean a Gutter Clog

So, how does one remedy a problem gutter? Unless you can actually see what is in a gutter from a distance (large twig, tree branch, plant growing etc) you will need to safely set up a ladder to get a close look. If you have 2 or 3 floors in your house, you may be able to look out a window to a lower gutter and see what the culprit is. Or you may own a drone with a camera that can reveal where your problem is as well. A note about ladders- stepladders need to be opened up fully and have all four feet planted on the ground or pavement. If you can't make it sit level, beware. When you put your weight on each successive rung, there is going to be a slight shift in the concentration of your weight. Even a slight shift can turn into a ladder fall if the ground is soft or the user does not have a great sense of balance. Extension ladders have 2 feet, but the same idea applies. Soft or uneven ground, a dangerous climbing angle, or an improper end ladder height can be a serious danger.                                                                 All that aside, if you can safely see what the issue is, it will likely be a simple fix by pulling out what is causing the clog. Herein will lie another caveat- if it's a stubborn branch that's stuck under a brace or you have to lean more than a foot or two away from the ladder, you may very well lose your balance. So please be careful!

Other Viable Ways to Clean Gutters

There are special ladders and ladder accessories that can make cleaning gutters safer. Also, some professionals use gutter vacuums to do it all with feet firmly planted. A homeowner can rig up something similar that may or may not work with a shop vac, extensions, and a gooseneck end. Some roofs may be safe enough to walk and be either sprayed out or cleared with a leaf blower. Pressure washing can get results by force, but there are obviously inherent cautions with this method. They would be whether the user is in control of the process, firmly balanced, and very deliberate. While blowing the leaves out can cause an initial mess, imagine the mess that high-pressure water forcing gutter debris in every direction causes! A lot to consider!

 In Northeastern Pennsylvania, 'gutter cleaning season' is generally speaking, anywhere from late October to mid-late November. This is the time of year, of course, when most or all of the leaves have fallen off the deciduous trees in the area. As a result, nearby leaves fall onto or into gutters. It is a very good idea to have them cleaned at least once a year. Earlier in this post, potential issues were brought up that may create an immediate need for attention. When those fluffy, almost waterproof leaves are left to lay in a gutter, they will eventually break down into soil. I know this from experience, having cleaned gutters as an added service to window cleaning. I have literally pulled tiny maple trees from gutters many times! Clearly, this is not a place where you want to be with your own gutters. Also, beware that while there are a few gutter guard systems that work properly as advertised, there are countless installed covers that have failed. This could be due to a poor-quality product or poor installation. When guards become ineffective, the proper cleaning of your gutters will take even more time and effort. Some or all of the guards will have to be removed to clean what debris got inside and then replaced. More time translates to more cost. 

Hopefully, this short article has shed light on gutter cleaning. If you'd like to take care of your gutter cleaning, feel free to inquire on our website or call or text us at 5706300326. We serve many areas in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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Are Microfiber Rags Really the Best Way to Clean Windows?

 Microfibers- The Cure-all End-all in Cleaning?

Since microfiber technology for cleaning became all the rage maybe 20 years ago, Mystic Maid, and other brands have made a real splash with consumers. I was introduced to Mystic Maid by one of my window cleaning customers. She told me it was a modern miracle! I bought one rag for around $10. Amazon sells a large version of the original right now for $31.99. I can't say it was great as a window cleaning tool, nor was it particularly bad. Certainly, for me as someone whose company cleans thousands of windows a week, microfibers would need to be both cost-effective and as good or better than what we would normally use to clean windows. That was not the case at all. Of course, we clean windows larger and higher than your average homeowner, for sure! I must say that we do use microfiber rags EXTENSIVELY for surface cleaning and sopping up dirty window sills and so forth. They have wonderful absorption and scrubbing abilities by their design and have been a boon to our efficiency and effectiveness. 

What About For the Professional Window Cleaner?

I would venture to say it is likely that most professional window cleaners use microfibers for one reason or another. When I'm on forums and FB groups, I don't see too many say they are using them as the best detailing method and none at all say they use them for a complete large clean. Some do use them for small panes, but that is a different scenario for sure. When one is required to choose between using a ladder or a pole to reach absolutely every bit of glass beyond standing reach, time and expenditure of energy surely come into play. A professional can do a stellar job cleaning glass by other means such as the old 'stand-by'- a scrubber and a squeegee. I find that for mass usage, huck towels, also known as surgical towels, are among the best detailers I've found. They last a very long time when properly cared for and are cost-effective. In my experience, huck towels are far less likely to leave lint on glass than all but an elite few brands of microfiber rags. 

Here's an example of a 'run of the mill' microfiber rag and one of my well-used huck towels. You can buy both items here  Only under the most extreme conditions such as very hot glass will surgical towels leave any lint. When I first started, the only thing I knew to use was paper towels. Back in the late 80's and some of the 90's I found Scott Towels was the best for me. I was told to try newspaper. I did and it really made the glass shine! But after a few windows my hands were black with ink and the paper was getting pulpy and useless. Surgical towels are hearty and can be laundered many times. If want to try them, don't launder them with bleach or fabric softener. They can be put in a drier or air-dried. Either way is fine. As time has gone by, of course, many professional window cleaners have other tools in their box that are just as viable for doing great work with a reasonable amount of speed. Well, that's my take on this part of window cleaning!   

    

If you live in northeastern Pennsylvania and just want to have somebody clean your window for you, feel free to get in touch with us. We've been serving the area since 1986. Here are some, but not all, of the areas we work in:  Honesdale, Waymart, Hawley, Carbondale, Forest City, Pleasant Mount, Scranton, Dunmore, Moosic, Damascus, Mount Pocono, Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Tannersville, Beach Lake, Lake Ariel, Greenfield Township, Jefferson Township, Moscow

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How Long Should You Have to Wait to Get Your Residential Windows Cleaned?

Today or Tomorrow May Not be Reasonable

The Best Service Options May Take a Little Time

In most countries, people now have more information at their fingertips within seconds than ever before. Perhaps we have become accustomed to, or at least have the expectation, that personal services can be delivered to us at the snap of a finger. Barring supply issues, that privilege, if you will, is more likely to be the case with goods as opposed to services. When it comes to service requests, the length of wait is often largely congruent with how well-established and recommended the service company is. In fairness, some large companies that offer a variety of home services use a network of subcontractors to fulfill requests and may be able to get you scheduled sooner than a company that you would deal with directly can. One other factor that comes to mind is that the relative scarcity or abundance of companies providing your sought-after service will determine how quickly you can get what you're looking for. 

Timing is Everything

There are categories of services that have busy and slow seasons. Some are related to customer demand. Some are related to climate, such as window cleaning,  power washing, and roof cleaning. The colder the weather, the more difficult it is to perform these outdoor services. That said, you likely would have far less of a wait for these home services if you can manage to find a company that never 'closes' and is willing to do what it takes to get it done. I happen to own and manage a residential window cleaning company in a colder climate and was recently able to provide a full service for a customer living at the foot of a ski mountain as shown in the photo below. The air temperature upon arrival was 18F, but by the time I started working outside it was very close to 32. I was able to schedule it and do it with less than a week's notice. As I read comments from colleagues in industry groups online, the wait time is similar, very short, when there is little demand. When the demand is high, such as in the warmer months and in conjunction with special events at homes which normally are also planned for warmer months, the wait time may be a month or even significantly more. 

Plan Ahead If You Can

The point is, it is probably not reasonable to expect a reputable and experienced service company such as one that provides residential window cleaning, to be there 'tomorrow' during the busy season. You may be fortunate and find such a one that will deliver quality service and is in the early stages of growth. Chances are, if they continue on the right path business-wise, you will not be able to get that type of 'immediate' service as time goes by. Some companies hire seasonal workers for just this situation, that is to optimize the opportunity for a large share of the demand. The wait for you as a homeowner may be less than when using a company that keeps the same core staff year-round. But you may get less experienced technicians as well.            

Clearly, there are several things to consider when building up an expectation for how soon you can get someone to your house for your required service.

My suggestion, based on decades of experience, is if you can commit to scheduling your next service while your window cleaners or whoever else it may be are still on the premises, you will instantly be at an advantage. I'm personally happy as a service provider to schedule months or even a year in advance. It's a win-win. You as a homeowner don't have to scramble at the last minute in desperate hopes of getting a good company to clean your windows and I, the contractor, can start to fill what will become a jam-packed schedule with priority customers. 

If you live in northeastern Pennsylvania and want great quality residential window cleaning from a company with over 30 years of continuous experience, consider us. We are Dan Wagner Window Cleaning, established in 1986. Call or text us at 5706300326.

Professional Window Cleaning in Northeastern Pennsylvania

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