How Long Should it Take For a Professional to Clean My Windows?

 Will I Have to Be Around All Day for the Window Cleaners?

With so much packed into the average person's schedule, it is helpful for a contractor to give a homeowner a rough idea of how long the service will take. Besides that, giving a reasonably accurate arrival time can be helpful. With experience, window cleaners will gain a strong grasp on what time will be needed to complete a project. And, not surprisingly, the smaller the project, the easier it will be to estimate the necessary time requirements. What factors are there that help determine how long a cleaning professional will be at your home? Before going into a detailed discussion of what makes window cleaning take as long as it may take, the general  answer is half a day or less. That may be all you need to know. But why not read on about the variables which affect the answer? 

Three Factors That Dictate How Long the Job Will Take

The most basic things that dictate the time required for a window cleaner to be at your house are

1. Project Size

2. Crew Size

3. Degree of Difficulty

1. The number of windows is a simple but effective basis to estimate how much time will be needed to get the job done. Along with window count, some other questions to consider are: will this include screens? Will both inside and outside of the glass be cleaned? Do my windows have removable grills that will add time and effort to the mix? Are the glass panes divided by muntin bars into smaller panes? Also, do any windows have additional storm windows added in? Another factor which often enters into project size is will there be other services done while there? This may include gutter cleaning, power washing, and roof cleaning in some combination. Back on the subject of cleaning inside in addition to outside, one may perhaps assume that outsides should take longer than insides. That is often not the case. There may actually be more moving of items and preparation involved in cleaning insides. Screens, ladder setups, furniture and personal items may all be factors which require time in addition to the actual cleaning of the window. Most outside windows, even 2nd or 3rd floor, can be accessed from the ground and cleaned very effectively with a good water purification system and high quality water fed pole. 

2. As would be expected, the larger the crew, the shorter the time required to complete the tasks at hand. Home service teams do their best to develop an efficient way to 'divide and conquer' when it comes to window cleaning and other similar items. Be mindful that having two technicians on site won't automatically cut the time required in half, and three won't necessarily make a 6-hour solo job a 2-hour job. Efficiency can be fine-tuned, but there will be limits. 

3. There are several factors in residential window cleaning that may seem trivial, but in actuality have a significant effect on the degree of difficulty. In turn, the degree of difficulty certainly has a bearing on the time required to properly and expertly clean your windows. Access issues stands out as a major variable. On the outside, there may be obstacles that need to be navigated safely and without causing damage to property. That can include trees, gardens, shrubs, and landscaping. Tree branches may be close enough to windows needing to be cleaned that a 'direct shot' with a ladder or pole is not possible. Of course, a professional will almost always figure out a way to get it done properly and safely, but extra time will be needed. The same general cautions and adapted approach may enter in when the other aforementioned obstacles exist. This type of situation is where using a water fed pole with a pure water cleaning system can be a game changer, since work can be done from the ground at a wide range of distances from the glass itself and even from an angle (not directly in front of the glass). Other access challenges can be skylights which can't be cleaned from the ground, getting to decks without ground access, and solariums or conservatory glass. These and others not mentioned here can add to the time needed to clean windows properly. 

How dirty are the windows? When several years go by, windows can become extremely dirty with a variety of contaminants that pile up. This may include pollen, dirt, smoke, insects, and other organic matter that settles on glass. There also may be spots of paint or wood stain on glass due to a homeowner or contractor not covering the glass while doing his thing. Dealing with such factors can sometimes double or triple the cleaning time. 

Inside access issues can affect the time needed to do a proper clean. This may include the need to move furniture, cover or move sensitive personal items, and set up ladders. One other often overlooked factor can be simply the size of the panels. The top height of even standing-level glass can be such that short technicians will need a stepladder or pole to get to the highest areas. Repeat this drawn-out process 10,  or even 100 times if the house is large and that can greatly affect the time necessary to get the job done. Even the width of panes can make it challenging for taller technicians to speed through the process. 

With the plethora of window manufacturers and their variety of models, some windows can be extra challenging while others can be a walk in the park. I won't get into my most and least favorite manufacturers in this post. I probably never will!

What is the Typical Time Needed to Clean All Windows in a Home?

The answer truly depends on the typical homes in a certain region. Some areas include many 'cookie cutter' homes of somewhat modest size, perhaps well under 2000 square feet of living space. A solo window cleaner may be able to spend 2 hours or less at such locations while a crew of 2 or more may be in and out in 30 minutes or less. Other areas tend to have midsize or larger homes with 2 or three floors. A crew of 2 or 3 may need a few hours to complete all window cleaning. If multiple services are being rendered, 2/3 of a day or potentially all day may be needed. 

Some regions of the United States may be known for Victorian Style homes. These often have a load of glass that is difficult to clean quickly. And older sections of towns may have large houses with old glass and/or storm windows which can require much longer cleaning times. 

For my business which operates in northeastern PA and part of upstate NY, we commonly schedule 2 to 6 houses in one day when running full-steam with a crew or two. So, the general answer to how long you should expect it to take for my company to finish cleaning your windows is 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is certainly not a rule, but an average. Averages don't tell the whole story, but give us an idea of what is common. There are only a handful of houses we service in any given year that require a full day. They do exist, though. 

What Can a Homeowner Do To Help the Window Cleaner?

One simple step a homeowner can take to avoid the need for excess time spent by the window cleaning crew is to provide clear access to interior windows. Many companies will ask or require you to move personal items away from your windows. Whether this is asked for or not, this is definitely a practical and helpful measure to expedite the process. A responsible window cleaning outfit will not carelessly or flippantly endanger a homeowner's furniture, flooring, and sensitive personal items in the name of speed. How much more pleasant it is, though, when there is just a minimal amount of prep time needed to clean windows around homeowner's belongings! 

Another consideration is making a reasonable effort to allow the window cleaners free access to each room so as to avoid causing delays or interruptions in the game plan. This may not always be completely possible, depending on what the daily home routine is, but it can be very helpful to cut down on visit time. 

My suggestion is to be on the same page with the service company which will be visiting your house- namely, be as accommodating as you can be and the professionals will be respectful and efficient as they can be. Everyone should be happy in that case!

If you'd like to discuss this or have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me at dan@danwagnerwindowcleaning.com

Dan Wagner Window Cleaning has been serving home and business owners since 1986. Areas covered include Honesdale, Hawley, Narrowsburg, Beach Lake, Damascus, Pleasant Mount, Equinunk, Forest City, Carbondale, Scranton, Dunmore, Lake Ariel, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Stroudsburg, and others. 

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Do Window Cleaners Need to Have Insurance?

Is General Liability Insurance Really That Important?

I would venture to say that few individuals or companies get excited when the subject of insurance is brought up. Probably 99% of the exceptions are those who work in the insurance industry. How many things in this world do you love having when it helps you and hate paying for because it may never be called upon to help you? Add to this strange mix the fact that insurance, by and large, gets more and more expensive here in the US. And that ever-so-small, yet present fear, that you won't be covered when you expect to be covered. It can be at least a small nagging concern.

For window cleaning companies, is general liability insurance necessary by law or on a case-by-case basis? Is it even necessary at all? 

What is General Liability Insurance Designed to Do?

In short, general liability insurance as it would apply to window cleaning, covers bodily injury and property damage. There are other details that apply to most any business that are of a less physical nature, such as things spoken by owners or employees. A caveat will be discussed later in the article that can make it a bit more 'exciting', shall we say.

With just those subjects listed, it sure seems that any business that is serious about being successful over the long haul and is not simply taking everything a day at a time, would recognize the importance of paying a premium to be protected if an accident to property or person occurs. At the very least, it may well help a business owner who is insured this way to sleep better at night. For contractors who are adequately insured for most any occurrence a COI (certificate of insurance) may be viewed as a "badge of honor", at least early on. This forward step for a new company may be looked at as bragging rights, fodder for marketing and such. By the same token, an inquisitive customer will likely feel much more at ease knowing a window cleaning outfit that will be on the premises will make good on any accidents by virtue of  its coverage. You might say that carrying GL insurance is often a right to proceed, when it comes to landing jobs. Sometimes homeowners will verbally require proof of insurance, and even more often commercial establishments will only conduct business with a contractor who is insured for property and personal damage, among other things. 

When a contractor hires a subcontractor, new possibilities come into play. While it is not set in concrete that a subcontractor must carry liability insurance, the hiring contractor faces the danger of being responsible for property or personal damage caused by the subcontractor. Additionally, if an employee of the sub files a worker's compensation claim and the sub is not carrying that type of insurance, the hiring contractor will be responsible by law to pay for that as well. Those scenarios are not pleasant ones to contemplate. 

Is it a Logical Choice For Window Cleaners to Carry Liability Insurance?

From the preceding paragraphs, there is strong evidence that it is indeed logical to be insured for potential damage. No, it's not generally a MUST in a legal sense, anywhere in the US, but where licenses are required to conduct business in a specific trade it may well be a legal requirement. Be that as it may, I feel that when a contractor carries liability insurance and commercial auto insurance, it is a sign that he is genuinely interested in doing things safely and correctly for the long haul. 

Here is the caveat I alluded to earlier. Do not assume that general liability will protect you from EVERY type of damage you cause while carrying on your work. I got slapped in the face with this fact many years ago. There is a term in the insurance world called 'care, custody, and control'. This comes into play when you as a worker damage something you are handling or overseeing. Here is how Insureon describes this exclusion of coverage

Next are a couple anecdotes relating to how I got burned by my lack of due diligence. If you want to skip over these, scroll down to the subheading "What Insurance is the Most Useful For Window Cleaning Companies?"

My slaps in the face came from believing I was covered for anything that happened while my team was on the job, not including gross negligence. It was my fault for not investigating. I was just excited during the years I had no occurrences when I could say confidently that I have insurance. 

On one occasion, one of my employees moved a bench away from a plate glass window. Unfortunately there was a gap between the tile floor and the glass itself, one wide enough for a foot of the bench to get caught in. The large piece of glass shattered when the corner of the bench banged into it. I figured I would be paying my deductible and that's it. I was informed by the man from this particular carrier that this would not be covered due to the fact that 'we were intending to clean that window'. Not a pleasant revelation. Needless to say, I brought my concerns to the agency I was using at the time for liability insurance and asked if they could find coverage that would protect me if something similar happened in the future. The agent said "you should be covered". In this context, she meant "I'm pretty sure you are covered", not "I feel it's only right you are covered".

Well, that didn't pan out. Later in that year of having that particular policy I was tilting in a window so I could clean the outside from the inside. For whatever reason, I put too much stress on the sash and this caused the glass to form a large crack. Again, I found out that since I was handling the window, literally, this damage would not be covered by my policy. 

Thankfully, I finally learned the valuable lesson that I need to find an agency that specializes in insuring contractors in fields such as the one I am engaged in. The agency I used had great personnel, but they just didn't have the specific direction I needed. 

I found an amazing agency whom I used for around 10 years until recently. They changed direction and I just recently found one that can serve my current needs. There were a few incidents along the lines of the ones I described, 2 of them frivolous, and my policy still had me covered. The additional coverage is what is called Inland Marine Insurance. It protects the insured when there is property damage to non-structural items that are under their care, custody, and control. 

What Insurance is the Most Useful for Window Cleaning Companies?

As I wrote early on in this article, there is a certain peace of mind that contractors have when properly insured as it pertains to their services. And peace of mind is passed on to paying customers as well. That is arguably even more important. The types of insurance, then, that window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning companies and similar ones are wise to carry are as follows:

General Liability- covers bodily and property injury while a contractor's team is on the jobsite

Marine Inland or similar- covers damage to items that are under the care, custody, and control of the contractor. It could include broken windows or scratched floors resulting from moving furniture. 

Commercial Auto- covers the contractor and his employees as regards financial responsibility if they are to blame for an accident while in a vehicle under the coverage. 

Worker's Compensation- covers payment for employee's medical expenses and wage loss benefits if a work-related injury or sickness occurs, until the employee is able to return to work.  

 

Something slightly different than actual insurance is a Surety Bond- This is more directly for the sake of protecting the customer. It's a guarantee that the party who is receiving a service or product gets compensated no matter what. here is an article I feel explains this well.

The conclusion?

There is a certain measure of professionality when a window cleaning company carries the necessary insurance to pay for damage or injury that does not involve gross negligence. I can recall back in the late 1980's and into the mid-1990's when I went back and forth about paying for insurance. Yes, I was short-sighted and viewing it more as a liability to me than a worthwhile protection. I couldn't land or maintain some accounts due to lack of insurance. The term that window cleaners often use, admittedly in a disparaging way, but also to indicate the low level of seriousness, is 'Bucket Bob'. It is similar to what general contractors call 'Chuck in a Truck'. Besides the fact that a new company would be smart in the planning stages to plan on having insurance right away, some just need a bit of helpful advice. 

If you are searching for a company to perform cleaning services on your property, you are well within your rights, and honestly making a good decision to ensure your interests will be protected in the case of damage or injury. No, it is not a state law in Pennsylvania. It is, though, a better option than being uninsured. In my time running a window cleaning company, any customers who have asked me to provide proof of insurance have been nothing but tactful and professional about it. 

On occasion, I subcontract out some work. All subcontractors who are in my circle furnish proof of general liability insurance. This works out very well for all parties involved. 

If you are a homeowner or commercial property manager, please consider these points.

Happy 'shopping'!

If you'd like to discuss this or have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me at dan@danwagnerwindowcleaning.com

Dan Wagner Window Cleaning has been serving home and business owners since 1986. Areas covered include Honesdale, Hawley, Narrowsburg, Beach Lake, Damascus, Pleasant Mount, Equinunk, Forest City, Carbondale, Scranton, Dunmore, Lake Ariel, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Stroudsburg, and others. 

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Five Marketing Phrases That Don't Mean Much in Window Cleaning

Whom Are We Trying to Kid?

"We're the best window cleaners in the area because.........." Insert the terms for carpet cleaning, landscaping, child care, builders- you name it- and this same thinking will apply. Most any service company who is at least making an effort to market for new customers will devise a reason or reasons why they are the clear choice. I like to look at what other companies are saying, especially in my field of expertise, which is window cleaning. There are several common reasons put forth that have, in my opinion, become catchphrases. I will review five of them and why those words might be just words. First, please take a look at this window cleaning pro.

Would it be obvious to you as a customer that this is the gentleman you should hire to clean your windows? 

Here are some of the things he may have on his website, or social media page:

1. We only use state of the art equipment

Now don't get me wrong- state of the art equipment is great and often a game-changer for efficiency and safety. But does it really guarantee that better and/or newer equipment  will yield better results? The x-factor will always be the operator or technician. Does he or she know how to properly use the amazing equipment? Does he have the patience and integrity to take the time to be thorough and careful? What happens when a problem arises and a different approach may be needed for some of the project? Ultimately, the professionality of the human behind the equipment will get you the win. 

If you are a homeowner, do you ever miss your old window cleaner? Hopefully not! But if you do for some reason, is it because he used the best ladders or squeegees you've ever seen in your life? Or is it because you knew that whatever challenge may have arisen, he would make sure everything was right in the end?

So, yes, state of the art or SOTA is wonderful. But is it a deal-winner? Probably not on its own.

2. We give attention to detail

C'mon! Isn't it simply expected that any service company, window cleaning or otherwise, will give attention to detail? I'm quite certain this catchphrase is not meant to imply that all other competitors don't care about detail. It is true that some technicians will agonize over the minutest detail while others will go 99% of the way. The point is that any professional will give due diligence to detail. A 'splasher and dasher' will not. 

3. We are a family-owned business

Again, I have no qualms about family-owned businesses. I'm part of one, happy to be so, and wish there were more of them. But does family-owned itself automatically mean you will be better served? Not automatically. Some families, sadly, don't operate above reproach in business. Some families may feel they have such a strong reputation in the community that they can cruise on that alone and relax in the customer service category. At the same time, a nationally-known company may vet their subcontractors so carefully that you'll actually do better with them. This is not to say that these scenarios are typical or expected, but the catchphrase 'family-owned', as with the others, needs to have teeth. I feel as I mentioned earlier, that it is great to support family-owned businesses, especially when they are your neighbors, if it is a good fit. You expect that a local family business knows that in rural America word spreads fast. They can bolster their reputation in the community or ruin it by how they deliver during and after the transaction. 

4. We use a proprietary solution

Somewhat similar to the 'state of the art' saying, this one is assumedly used to imply that it is better than the solution that the other companies are using. Or perhaps the company touting this has the secret sauce that nobody else knows about. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of chemical suppliers who sell proprietary solutions for cleaning. Most are very good to excellent. Some are run of the mill or largely ineffective. Proprietary in this context simply means specifically designed for a certain application. And, of course, the x-factor, like with state of the art equipment, is the operator. The proprietary cleaner needs to be applied and used properly. That said, it is better to use proprietary cleaners than all-purpose as a rule on windows, siding, and roof shingles. 

5. Organization membership or certification

Yet another horn toot that doesn't seem to mean much to a prospective window cleaning customer. It means a lot to the company marketing with it, for sure. In almost 38 years of speaking to customers, I don't think anyone has ever asked me if I belong to an org or have certifications. To be clear, I don't have any problem with window cleaning companies spending time and money to become further educated and trained in proper procedures and safety. In my experience, the fact that some test was passed or course hours were spent or money was paid or all three, does not automatically translate to a better choice for a customer. Who is going to enforce the standards that are to be upheld? If they are broken, how does the customer get compensation? The reality is, a window cleaner can become a professional without vaulting over even the lowest bar. Once he buys basic equipment and completes his first of many transactions, he is a professional. His inclination toward honesty and integrity is probably just as strong as the organization member and certification holder. How he handles the challenges and customer relations will be the key.  I'd venture to say that the average consumer trusts good standing in the Better Business Bureau more that membership in some organization that few have heard of and less know anything about. Thus, touting one's piece of paper or passing grade bespeaks effort, but is no guarantee of excellence. To be fair, neither is it an indication of less relevance.

Concluding Comments

It is understandable and expected that service companies will provide plenty of reasons they feel they should be your choice. The five I listed above and certainly some others are overused in my opinion and may not have the convincing power that is hoped for. I've actually found that good and believable reviews are mentioned to me as a convincing factor to give me a call or email. At least that's my experience.

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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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Affordable Window Cleaners- They Do Exist!

 What Does Affordable Mean to You?

Paying for professional window cleaning can be viewed with joy or it can be viewed as a somewhat painful but necessary expenditure. On the far ends of the opinion spectrum, it can also be no big deal or out of the question due to the 'outrageous' prices professionals ask for. 

As with most anything, of course, the idea of affordable varies among those who are paying. Residential window cleaning costs are considered by some to be no real financial strain and a reasonable part of a maintenance program. Many others view it as an occasional treat to themselves or an 'expensive' yet important outlay of money to have a pleasing experience viewing the beautiful outdoors of northeastern Pennsylvania. Whatever the case, paying for a professional window cleaner should yield positive results.

Consider the Value, Not Just the Cost!

I can't define value for you and you can't define value for me. Still, something to consider is what you will gain when hiring a professional window cleaner- that is if realistically, you cannot handle the task safely or effectively on your own. You will gain significant time to focus on something else you need to do or are more confident you can do. Let's say you are having some friends and family over to your home for a once-in-a-lifetime weekend. They are important to you and you may want to impress them or, better yet, make everything about their stay pleasant. A clean house, clean and pretty surroundings, and of course clean windows, are likely going to be high on your to-do list. You are already a bit stressed trying to make everything just right in the finite time left. Tackling the potentially time-consuming and tricky task of getting all your windows cleaned, and cleaned well, may be overwhelming and a cause of stress. The cost to hire a professional may easily be worth it when considering the value of cutting out the stress and large chunk of time. Almost everything in life is a trade-off and your choice can be your win. 

Another thought on value: You may like to go to your favorite restaurant as often as you can. It's not a cheap outing, but the enjoyment of the meal and the company, and also the fact that you can talk about it regularly with friends is of high value- a value that outweighs the cost. If you love clean windows, you may rank this as a treat you are more than happy to spend some money for. 

In fairness, going with a more frugal choice may be good enough for many homeowners. Many use store-bought products that promise professional results with little effort. An earlier article I wrote touches on this option. Some professional window cleaners promote their service based on price and are willing to beat the competition. Is it a risk to go with price alone? You truly won't know unless you make that choice. 

Think Long-term as well

Your property, whether you own or rent it, is where you spend quality time. The difference between looking out dirty windows or clean windows is not to be minimized. And I am not even close to one of those companies that focuses on ringing alarms in your head about how your windows and your life will be ruined if you don't hire us, and hire us today. It is true, though, that over time uncleaned or poorly cleaned windows will literally suffer and not look quite perfect anymore, even with a good cleaning. So yes, maintenance is a really good idea. Many of my customers simply add yearly window cleaning or several window cleanings each year into their budget. This plan should truly reveal if professional window cleaning is affordable. 

If you live in northeastern Pennsylvania and want to see how great it is to have clean windows without breaking the bank and maybe your back, reach out to us!

Call or text 5706300326

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Cleaning Windows With a Pole, Ladder, or Garden Hose?

What Do the Professionals Use?

There are all types of ways to attempt to clean windows, and not surprisingly they yield a wide variety of results. While some may be satisfied with the general removal of dirt and grime, others are very keen on having spotless, sparkling windows. This post will focus on cleaning hard-to-reach windows, inside or out. Professional window cleaners also do not automatically agree on the best tools or methods for complicated window cleaning. I have been cleaning windows professionally for a very long time and have been active on forums and social networks as well as at industry events. Let me tell you there are many valid ways to clean difficult-to-reach windows. 

Extension Poles

There are many brands of extension poles and also many professional window cleaners who utilize them as their go-to tool for tough windows. The popularity of high-quality material, such as carbon fiber, has made it even easier to attain good results without being 'nose to glass' as many pros would say. Accessories are also available to give them an added advantage in getting to the bottom of deep ledges and navigating obstacles directly in the way of a straight shot at the glass. I have quite a bit of experience using extension poles and use them often when I feel this is feasible and expedient. Sometimes the conditions dictate using another means. Those conditions necessitating other methods include windows with residue or staining that can't be removed easily or at all by using a scrubbing device attached to a pole; also windows that have obstacles in front of them that can't be navigated with a pole. Still, under ideal or very good conditions, it is fairly simple to attain good results with the use of a pole from the safety of the ground. 

Water Fed Poles

Water-fed poles have gained enormous popularity around the world in the last decade or two. I started using one as a regular thing in 2009 and haven't looked back. While they are not the answer for every single window cleaning circumstance, they are truly a boon to many thousands of professional window washers. When used properly in conjunction with a water purification system, water-fed poles provide extremely good cleaning results, often better than with traditional hand tools and virtually always better than a homeowner spraying apparatus. They are a very safe alternative to being on a ladder and walking on roofs, some of which are pretty steep. 

With the homeowner's permission, I took this picture from inside on the second floor. I've applied my cleaning solution to the inside of the glass and my employee is way down below, clear of rough terrain perfectly cleaning a window about 9' above me and about 25' from the ground with a water-fed pole using pure water. I could go on extolling the value of using a water-fed pole for delivering perfectly pure water to clean glass, but that can be for another post. 

Ladders

Would I be correct to say that most people dread getting on ladders? Probably! Some enjoy ladders, including me. It's still not my first choice, but I'm fine as long as the setup is safe. One obvious benefit of laddering up to a window you need to clean is that you can clearly see what you're doing and can carry many necessary items on a tool belt. This will remove the guesswork of whether there are smears or spots that you left on the glass. You also have a fair range of area that you can clean safely; up, down, right, and left. 

On the other hand, working at heights is not for everyone. If you are really scared to work at heights it is best to avoid it if at all possible, as it can mess with your focus. Additionally, setting up a ladder safely is a discipline in itself and not to be ignored by any means. There is the issue of solid footing, lateral stability, safe angle for working, and possibly pedestrian and traffic safety. Ladder usage is a tried and true way to clean windows well, but certainly a serious responsibility for the user. 

Garden Hose

How about spraying dirty windows with a garden hose? Many feel this is adequate to make windows look cleaner and get the dirt and grime off the glass. While spraying gravity-fed, well, or municipal water on windows with loose dust or dirt can help in getting them clearer, it is unlikely that the windows will look as good as they can look. There will almost surely be water spots left on the glass.  The water pressure coming out of a garden hose won't really help remove greasy spots or baked-on contaminants. Even high-pressure water from a power washer is no substitute for a good cleaning agent to break up oily deposits or using some type of accessory to agitate tough contaminants. Excessive high pressure will just do damage to a window. Also, spider webs are not easily removed with merely a spray of water. There are some products on the market that claim to turn your garden hose into a window cleaning powerhouse for first and second-floor applications. These products, which connect to an incoming and outgoing garden hose, contain a formula that promises to thoroughly clean glass and perhaps even siding, leaving them sparkling and spot-free. Specific directions are given on how to use it and at what temperatures it will be effective, as well as a few disclaimers. Full disclosure, I have never tried this type of product; partly because I have my tried and true methods and partly because I don't believe it will consistently live up to its claim. It would be good to simply read plenty of reviews about such products. It can't be denied that if this works it would be a game-changer due to its ease of use and money and time-saving factors over scheduling a professional to clean your windows. But that is for each individual to decide.

How Much is it Worth to Have Really Clean Windows?

To conclude, getting your windows amazingly clean is going to cost you something. It will cost you at the least a modest amount of money for suitable products and tools, some of your time depending on the size and difficulty of the job, and an expenditure of energy, possibly labor-intensive.

There is also an option that would cost money, but no significant personal time or energy, to get yourself some beautifully clean windows. That would be having a professional take care of it for you. 

Dan Wagner Window Cleaning serves homes and businesses in the Scranton, Carbondale, and Honesdale areas, and has for 36 years. If you'd like to save time and energy, we are the affordable window cleaning company to call. 

You can call or text us at 5706300326. 

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What Is The Best Window Cleaning Product?

 Is Windex the Best Window Cleaning Product?

There are many store-bought and homemade choices

I happen to own and run a professional window cleaning company based out of Honesdale, Pennsylvania

In my 3+ decades in this line of service, I have been asked by countless people who see me at a storefront, as well as homeowners if I use Windex. I don't personally, but that doesn't mean I dislike that extremely popular window washing solution. I have used it. When I first started out, I tried just about anything that looked promising or that people suggested. At least I obtained some good overall experience! One thing I have learned is that there is no single ready-to-use window cleaner that is perfect for any job. Most of them are decent in relatively ideal conditions, none are perfect as-is for every task. 

You need to use your knowledge and take control!

What I refer to is the fact that there are a variety of circumstances that a window cleaner has to consider to form the best 'game plan'. What has accumulated on the glass? Grease from the kitchen or exhaust fumes in a garage? Soapy or dirty water splashed from sinks? Are there smokers in the house or is wood burned in the house? Less than ideal ventilation in combination with propane heat? Dried and baked on cleaning solutions from earlier efforts to wash the windows? It goes on, but this should make clear the concept of needing to know more than just what product to use. If what is making your windows dirty is not completely dissolved and removed from the glass and hopefully the frames around it, the results will not be great, especially when certain angles of light shine on them. As I'll explain, methods and tools are just as important for getting great results.

It is best to gather your lineup of tools or just hire a professional!

Whether you choose to use an ammonia or vinegar-based window cleaning solution, or some of the relative newcomers like hydrogen peroxide or plant-based cleaners, or simply a soapy solution, you will do your best when you learn how to effectively remove what is on the window and have extra accessories to agitate the tough contaminants safely. A simple liquid cleaner and plenty of elbow grease sometimes are just not enough. For a homeowner who would like to do it himself or needs to be frugal, learning by experimenting will usually work to a reasonable degree. 

The best solution is to find an affordable professional window cleaning company in your area and let them wow you with amazing results they are able to attain from their research and hands-on experience. If you have a property with dirty glass in the Honesdale, Hawley, and Tafton areas, we would be thrilled to show you how clean your windows can be! 

Call or text us at 5706300326

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How Good Are Cleaning Companies at Window Cleaning?

 Is window cleaning part of ordinary cleaning?

Every aspect of cleaning is unique       

There is no question that some cleaning companies truly have a knack for many aspects of cleaning such as polishing furniture, dusting, bathrooms, attention to detail in vacuuming, and so on. Cleaning windows, at least high-visibility ones, are often part of what is expected of cleaning services. 

Window cleaning, common or specialized?

One of the long-running jokes is "I don't do windows". That often is really true among house cleaning companies or office cleaning companies. Some do offer to include window washing as part of their overall service. It is very possible for such companies to produce good results, especially when the windows are easy to access. I often offer window washing at houses where they have a professional cleaning service coming by regularly and see pretty clean windows. That is impressive. In many homes or offices, though, there are windows that are harder to access or are more than just a little dirty. This is where 'specialized' abilities or tools come into play. 

Many windows are not 'ordinary'

If access to some windows requires more than a human reach, perhaps a pole or ladder, then there could be a real issue with attaining quality results that a dedicated window cleaning company would produce.

                       

As this picture bears out, some windows require tall ladders to be reached. Not every cleaning company has a vehicle that can carry such equipment. Many only need to use a regular car or small SUV to conduct their business successfully. Besides the mere use of ladders, safety is a very high consideration in this circumstance. Not to be forgotten is the possibility that even easy-to-reach windows may have contaminants that are very difficult to get off with a spray cleaner and a rag or mop and squeegee. When special cleaners and tools are necessary to take care of such problems, the issue probably goes beyond what a general cleaning service offers. 

Seeking help from a professional window cleaning company can be a win/win

I've found in my 3+ decades of life as a window cleaner, that knowing what I can handle and what I would best refer out is key to keeping customers happy. I have been largely unsuccessful in providing house cleaning services along with my fortes; window washing, power washing, and gutter cleaning. Likewise, I have been able to help many reputable local cleaning companies with some more difficult window cleaning needs that they would rather not take on. When professional cleaning companies work in harmony instead of tearing each other down out of fear of losing out on revenue, it almost always turns out to be a win/win. Add to that a win for the most important component- the home or business owner.

If you'd like to have a professional window cleaner with 36 years of experience take care of your window cleaning needs, call or text Dan Wagner Window Cleaning at 5706300326

 

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How Long Can You Keep A Storefront Window Cleaning Account?

 Storefront window cleaner for life?

Keep your customers happy!         

Many window cleaners I know either personally or 'know' online say that storefront window cleaning is not worth pursuing as a part of one's business. They feel, perhaps from personal experience or simply from hearsay, that lowballers will always win out and this endeavor is a 'race to the bottom'. It may be the case for some contractors and more so where competiton is fierce. I have found that when you service areas that have some competition, but are not heavily saturated with window washers that you can retain customers for a very long time. I'll elaborate.

Be reasonable, flexible, and reliable

Storefront owners generally pay me to be their window cleaner as a way to make their customers' first impression a good one. Some owners love to look at their clean windows, but I would say most really want the windows cleaned so they don't have to spend time doing it themselves. For my part, I find that being reliable, and I mean RELIABLE, is extremely high on a business owner's priority list. One storefront owner in East Stroudsburg turned down a competitor of mine, because he said his current wndow cleaning service (Dan Wagner Window Cleaning), was like clockwork! The point is, don't leave your jobs to chance. Get them onto a regular schedule and stick to it yourself, like clockwork. There are times when as a window cleaner you need to be reasonable and flexible. While light rain or snow should rarely if ever affect the quality of your work, heavier precipitation and/or wind may force you to curtail the cleaning for the sake of consideration to the one paying. It has been a relatively rare need for me to do so, thankfully. At times, I have found that I need to alter the order of my daily itinerary a bit to get into restaurants early or at certain times of the day so as not to be a nuisance to a large amount of patrons. 

34 Years?

Yes, I have one storefront customer in the Stroudsburg area who has been using my services since 1988, ever since he opened. I've likely cleaned his windows between 850 and 900 times! Why? Because I have kept my pricing affordable for him,  and have been reliable and professional enough to hold my own against other window washing companies who might like to snag the account.

So, in closing, despite what some window cleaners have experienced or believe, it is possible to keep storefront window cleaning accounts for a long time. And I truly appreciate all those who have trusted me to be their window cleaner indefinitely!

Want the best window cleaning company in northeastern PA? Call or text us at 5706300326!

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When Is the Best Time of Year to Get Your Windows Cleaned?

 Is there a certain time, or times of the year, that are best to have your residential windows cleaned?

Residential window cleaning

 

Very good question and of course, that depends. It could depend on where you spend the most time inside looking out and what your favorite seasons are. Perhaps it's during or just prior to winter when you need a small reason to be cheery. Or if you don't have window cleaning done on a regular basis, the best time may be in preparation for an important event you are having at your residential location, such as a wedding, reception, graduation party, an aunt from Europe, etc. 

A key bit of advice is to endeavor to never let residential window cleaning go too long. Understandably, such will require your window cleaner, be it you or a window cleaning company, to expend more time and effort to make them look pristine again. Windows are also subject to a great variety of contaminants and things that dirty them sooner than you'd probably like. They can be what birds, trees, and bushes drop, dirty water or dust from nearby vehicle traffic, high winds, dripping water that may have organic matter from above, and dust or smoke from inside a home. For this reason many have decided to set up automatic cleanings for usually just the outsides every month or two. This assures them of never having to deal with the stress of getting filthy windows cleaned in time for something important. 

A special note: there are many homeowners who like to schedule a professional window cleaning shortly after the pollen season in their particular area comes to a close. I can say that for me, as professional window cleaner, this is prime time in my schedule and they openings are taken fast, sometimes a year in advance. 

Hopefully this has at least provided some valid factors to consider for when you feel it best to schedule a window cleaning. 

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My Best Customers

Professional Window Cleaners Need A Solid Customer Base

Wow, expounding on that theme could get a person in big trouble!
I am wisely not going to list my favorite customers or even 'best' by a quantifiable rating standard. Some like to talk about sports, food, or travel. Some stay out of our way so we can get the work done asap. There are all kinds of people we clean windows for. 
I will describe what I consider to be the best fit for me as a service business owner. Here are some attributes I highly value:
1. Automatic service- These are the customers who have agreed to have me clean windows or power-wash their business locations or homes. The benefits to me are reliable income, the ability to schedule other jobs based on where I know I'll be on what day, and eliminating the need to confirm appointments or walk into a shop and find out whether they would like window cleaning that day or not. One possible downside is when a business fails to pay in a timely fashion. I've actually had to give up some accounts because of this.
2. Loyalty- Loyalty to my window cleaning company is definitely nice and I suppose flattering, but I perceive that loyalty is based on my reliability and honesty, not just my name. Additionally, customer service is a necessity in my opinion, not a "bonus". As of 2022, I have a storefront window cleaning customer in East Stroudsburg who has continually used my service since the late 1980s and one residential window cleaning customer in Lake Arielwho has had me since 1999 for 46 visits!
3. Honesty- Speaking from a service person's standpoint, there are few worse feelings than believing I have a completely happy client and then losing him or her. Even though the impulse is to ask "what's wrong with them"? a better question is "what did I do wrong" or "what did someone else do better"? Good communication certainly helps here, but having an honest appraisal from a client is good for both parties; for the client to receive even better service and for the contractor to make necessary adjustments for the future. This highlights the need to keep the door of communication open.

Best Customers Spring From Great Customer Service

My motto is "You'll like what you see."  That saying entails more than how the windows look after I'm finished cleaning them. It includes the experience and good feeling I promise as a result of being efficient, courteous, and thorough. The complete package. I want my clients to feel there is no reason to look elsewhere and have solid reasons to feel that way.

I'm always open to gaining more 'best customers'! Call or text me at 570-630-0326
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The Competition- Friends or Foes?

Are There Window Cleaning 'Turf Wars' in Scranton, PA

Losing Accounts Happens

Very few people involved in a service or sales business enjoy the luxury of having no competition.

For those who may have cruised through the years with very little competition, they'll likely find out over time that someone is catching enough attention from their target market to make them take notice as well. Yes, all of us who are professional window cleaners, or professional anything for that matter, can get protective of what currently belongs to us. I'm not aware of any turf wars in Scranton, at least not in the service field! For sure, it's never pleasant to find out you lost an account to another company. Does that make the window cleaners who are now servicing what you had 'thieves'? Did they steal your account? Some may see it that way, but since we likely don't have a legal right to the account, we either lost it because of a real or perceived deficiency from the standpoint of the business manager or because our competition convinced the manager to make the switch. So does that make this company a foe?

Knowing Your Competition Is Not a Bad Thing

How does one deal with the potential of losing market share or having to work harder to maintain the desired customer base? 
There are many different ways business owners react to competition. They range from hatred and outright hostility to striking up a conversation, talking shop, passing along leads, and networking. It all comes down to how you view others who offer the same or similar goods/services as you. Do they pose a true threat to your livelihood or just to your ego? Or are they potential peers that you can coexist with and develop a mutually beneficial relationship with? I've been the recipient of treatment toward both ends of the spectrum. I've found that worrying and stewing over ill-treatment or someone 'invading your turf' (as if anyone owns the 'turf') is a waste of time and energy.
Here's my take. I do agree that there is plenty of work to go around for everyone. In my main service offering, which is window cleaning in Carbondale, Scranton, and surrounding towns, there are different types of customers. I'd like good ones of course, but I realize that I need to focus on how good I am or how good I present myself to those that I'd like to have as customers. Oft-quoted Jim Rohn said "Don't wish it were easier. Wish you were better." I try not to worry about who has what account and how much he's charging. I endeavor to move forward and stay ahead of the curve. I like to be real good at a few things: window cleaning, power washing, and roof cleaning,  and leverage my time in one location by offering multiple services. And as long as I believe that other companies are running things legally and offer a good level of customer service and also don't want to cut me down, I'm fine with being friends and networking where it is plausible. 

At Dan Wagner Window Cleaning, we keep on keeping on. And we get along with just about all of our colleagues! 

Call or text us at 5706300326  You'll like what you see!

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What's Included in Window Cleaning Prices

What goes into residential window cleaning pricing?

Some may assume that the price of a service, the end product brought to their door, simply includes parts and labor, so to speak.
While that is part of the story, there is a whole lot more involved in the prices that professional cleaning companies- window cleaning included- quote a homeowner or business owner. Here are some factors beyond simply performing the function of window cleaning that make up professional pricing:

  Quality results call for quality tools. Someone with enough time and determination can do a great job with a store-bought cleaning spray and paper towels, but more appropriate tools save time and energy.
 Vehicles, whether modest or flashy need to get a contractor who provides all necessary equipment where he needs to be on a consistent basis. This requires maintenance and good 'ol fuel and oil.
 Is the assurance that you will have the owner or well-trained employees at your property important to you? It costs money to operate a business legally and conscientiously. Insurance to protect your property from damage caused by accidents, taxes, and expenses associated with operating 'above-table', advertising, pleasant attire for those who are working in public or your precious home- these all incur an expense, month after month, year after year.
Also included is enough profit for the business owner to continue providing good service and retaining a good staff, and also having reason to stay in the window cleaning business!

So, when you are looking for a window cleaner near Honesdale, Scranton, Carbondale, Lake Ariel, or the like please remember that peace of mind and a superb choice carry some cost, but the experience is worth it.

Dan Wagner Window Cleaning brings you the complete package!  Call or text us at 5706300326                                                              
                                               Project from September 2013- Honesdale, PA

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