The When, Why and How of Office Window Cleaning
- Which window cleaning method is best for your office building?
- How often should you have your windows cleaned?
- Is there a best time of year for window cleaning?
- What can you expect to pay for office window cleaning?
Which window cleaning method is best for your office building?
Gone are the days of using sheets of newspaper and water to clean windows! This worked well for small areas of glass and actually yielded good results at least until coloured ink became the norm in newspapers.
When I started cleaning back in the 70’s, a bucket of ammoniated detergent solution, nappy cloths, one wet and one dry, was an effective way to wash and polish dry domestic windows though, the ammonia would affect the window cleaner and leave a lingering smell.
Squeegees have evolved and become better over time and you’ve likely witnessed the dance on glass by a squeegee in the hands of a seasoned operator, cleaning a glass shop frontage with one seamless, curvy sweep that miraculously leaves the glass shimmering and streak free!
Squeegees are still the go for internal office and partition glass
Where does it get interesting?
Internal voids with high glass surfaces – Many modern buildings boast impressive voids in lobby and reception areas with lofty ceilings and glass that reaches to the apex. – Cleaning such internal glass presents it’s own issues, most relating to cost and safety.
Ladders for high access work are to a greater degree a work health and safety no-no! Even a scissor lift requires an operator to have the correct ‘working at heights’ certification as well as all the mandated safety equipment. – It’s definitely worth checking that anyone quoting such work is qualified and insured to undertake high access work before engaging with them to clean your windows!
As with internal voids, high access external windows, particularly high-rise, is a niche sector of window cleaning that very few operators are equipped to do let alone dare to undertake.
High reach water fed poles are the best option for up to 3 or 4 levels up where windows are unobstructed by awnings and other architectural protrusions.
The water fed pole system uses filtered water, ideally less than 10 particles per million, a fibre brush at the end of a carbon fibre extension pole where water is pumped to the brush head either by mains pressure if adequate, or assisted by an in-line pump.
When this method of window cleaning is applied, there is no need to squeegee the glass to remove water, given that the water, containing very few particles, will not leave water spots.
In hot weather, water fed pole systems have their limits as the water can evaporate on hot glass before it can rinse away dirt.
How Often Should You Have your Windows Cleaned?
The logical answer might be, whenever they are dirty.
In reality, your budget may not allow for a monthly window cleaning service, though it may allow for a quarterly or half yearly service, but minimally an annual service.
Is There A Best Time Of Year For Window Cleaning?
The time of year is an interesting point, one which has some myths and standard thought processes that dictate when windows should be cleaned (or not) … I’ve often heard the cry, “I’ll wait until after the rains finish before I get the windows cleaned”. The truth is that during winter and the cooler months, there is very little dust blowing around, though, there’s likely an accumulation of dust that’s settled on your windows from the hot windy season prior to winter’s onset, which makes your windows look dirty… Therefore, cleaning your windows during or at the start of winter adds the bonus of little or no dust build up. You will enjoy your clean windows for longer!
I’d suggest, one window cleaning service at the end of summer / start of autumn and another at the end of winter / start of spring.
Internal glass, just once a year unless, hand and face plant marks or Christmas decoration sprays have defaced your glass!
Skip excessively hot weather, especially for high reach water fed pole window cleaning work! Best done in cooler weather.
What Can You Expect To Pay For Office Window Cleaning?
Best answer? Get a written quote and, ensure that the operator is qualified and insured.
For a smaller office space, I mean smaller … perhaps a dozen panes including doors, $100 plus more for internal windows and partition glass.
Larger offices with 2 to 3 levels could see you paying $1200 – $1500 plus … it’s difficult to tell as there are so many factors and variables that the operator will need to take into account when assessing your specific building and requirements.
