Facility Manager's Guide to Window Cleaning
They say that "the eyes are the windows to the soul." What's true for humans is also true for buildings -- windows speak volumes about the structure they occupy. A building with shiny, spotless, scratchless windows looks happier, cleaner, and more inviting than one with dirty, beat-up ones.
Clean windows are also vital for giving a good first impression to guests, allowing mood-boosting natural light in, and giving security personnel a clear view of the walk up to the building. It stands to reason that you want to keep your windows clean, but it's also an easy task to forget. If you haven't cleaned your facility's windows yet this year, now is the time to do it. You'll want to make sure they're in good shape before winter weather sets in, so here are some tips to help you make your buildings' windows pristine:
1. Clean entryway windows more often than other windows.
Entry windows are the most visible to your guests. As a rule, commercial windows should be washed at least once a year. For entry windows, however, you'll probably want to do it at least once a week.
2. Know the best window-cleaning time for your climate and facility type.
Your windows may need to be washed more or less often depending on where your building is located and the purpose it serves. In cold climates, it's best to wash in late spring and early fall. This will let you wash off accumulations of pollen, and make sure that you aren't applying soap and water to freezing cold windows. In some cases, the temperature difference between warm water and cold windows can cause glass to crack.
In warm climates, it may be better to wash windows at least quarterly, if not monthly. Your specific type of facility can impact your washing schedule, as well. Office buildings should have their windows washed at least once or twice a year. Retail stores and other high-traffic buildings should be washed every two to eight weeks or so since they receive more guests. Your building's location can also impact its window-washing schedule. Buildings located near busy roads may need more frequent washing to combat the powdery gray stains of automotive pollution.
3. Use a simple window-cleaning solution.
Cleaning windows shouldn't be complicated. It doesn't require a lot of chemistry, either. All you need is some distilled water and a very tiny bit of dish soap. The dish soap will cut through grease (like fingerprints), while using distilled water will prevent spots and streaks caused by minerals in tap water. Some ethanol or isopropanol will help the solution dry faster. If your windows have water spots caused by sprinkler systems, a bit of vinegar added to the washing solution will help dissolve them. For best results, try redirecting sprinklers so they don't spray your windows.
4. Invest in a high-quality squeegee.
A lot of people assume that window streaks are caused by their cleaning solution but getting a streak-free clean has much more to do with what tools you use. Use a quality squeegee to remove all of the cleaning solutions, and you'll never have to worry about streaks.
5. Wait for a cloudy day.
In addition to a good squeegee, the right weather is your best ally when it comes to getting a streak-free shine. On a sunny day, your window washing solution may dry before it can be completely squeegeed off, leaving streaks and spots. Wait for a cloudier, more humid day so that this doesn't happen, especially if you have a lot of south-facing windows. (If you find that your solution takes too long to dry in humid weather, add a little extra alcohol to help it evaporate faster.)
6. Use washing day as an opportunity for a window inspection.
While washing windows, take a moment to look at the glass, frame, and seals. Make a note of any damage that you see, and schedule a repair promptly. Chips and cracks don't just reduce the appeal of your building, they also tend to spread. More severe cracks can let rainwater in, which can damage walls and encourage mold growth. Keep an eye on drafts, as well. If you have a drafty window here and there, you can probably use a quick fix for the time being.
If several of your windows are drafty, it's highly likely that your windows are aging out. It may be time to call a professional to have them replaced with more efficient, modern windows. Cloudy or scratched glass, warped frames, shrunken seals or gaskets, and increasing difficulty with finding replacement parts also indicate that it might be time for a replacement. Your windows contribute a lot to the way guests perceive your facility, as well as how good your employees and tenants feel when they're in it.
Buildings with clean windows that are in good repair are safer, healthier, and better at improving morale. With these tips, you can ensure that your facility's windows get a spotless, streak-free clean every time you wash them.
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