Clean windows are an important part of a home or business. They boost curb appeal and create a professional image. Unfortunately, sub-freezing temperatures can make the job more difficult.
Fortunately, the right preparations can make it possible to clean your windows in winter. Here are some tips:
Clear View
While it may seem like an insignificant task, winter window cleaning is crucial to your home and well-being. Clean windows maximize the amount of natural light a space receives during shorter, darker days and can significantly reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Moreover, clear windows are essential to safety, providing visibility in case of unexpected weather events and facilitating emergency egress.
Even if you don’t have a particularly dirty house, the winter months can still be tough on your windows. Melting snow often leaves behind dirt and grime that accumulates over time. Additionally, whirling wind and cold air often carries salt, which can cause etching on glass surfaces that eventually leads to cracks and other damage. In addition to preventing unsightly stains, regular cleaning can help extend the life of your windows and reduce the need for repairs or replacement.
Window washing should always be done with care and attention to safety. To minimize the risk of accidents or injuries, be sure to inform someone that you’re cleaning your windows and choose a day when it’s not too windy or snowy. If you have to use a ladder, ensure it is in good condition and braced securely on solid, stable ground. You should also wear a hat, warm, waterproof gloves, and appropriate footwear to protect yourself from the cold, wet, and potentially hazardous materials.
It is important to always use room-temperature water when cleaning your windows in the winter, as hot water can cause glass to crack. This can be more damaging than the dirt itself, and could necessitate expensive repairs or replacement. To prevent this, be sure to wear a hat and gloves that will keep your hands warm and dry, and to use a specialized de-icing solution instead of sharp scrapers or metal brushes that can scratch or break the surface of the glass. It is also a good idea to wear a face mask when using any chemical solutions. In addition, it is best to work in small sections and squeegee off the wet areas as soon as they’re dry before moving on to the next section.
Safety
Despite the chilly temperatures, regular window cleaning is an important part of maintaining a clean home or business. Not only does it improve a building’s appearance, but it also provides several safety benefits.
Dirty windows are dangerous for pedestrians and drivers, especially during the winter when daylight is limited. Regular window cleaning removes abrasive materials like salt, road grime and ice that can scratch and damage glass. This prevents these substances from accumulating and impairing the functionality of windows and can save the time and expense of having them replaced in the future.
Regular window cleaning in the winter can also reduce energy bills. Since dirt coats windows, they block natural sunlight from entering a home or office and can cause the heating system to work harder. Keeping windows clean maximizes the sun’s rays and can naturally warm homes and offices, saving money on energy bills in the long run.
Professional window cleaners continue to offer their services throughout the year and utilize specialized equipment and techniques to keep windows clear and safe during cold weather. They often use an anti-freeze solution that prevents the water from freezing when it touches the glass and works quickly to clean surfaces. Additionally, they prioritize safety by working on sunny days and starting with interior windows to minimize the amount of time spent outside in cold conditions. For those in need of professional window care, consider reaching out to a trusted provider for window cleaning Richmond service to ensure your windows are sparkling clean all year round.
As with all professional services, it is crucial to choose a reputable company that employs trained and experienced professionals when washing windows in cold weather. They should also have the proper insurance coverage and liability protection in case any accidents or injuries occur while they are cleaning. In addition, it is crucial to wear appropriate clothing and gloves while working outdoors in the winter. If a ladder is needed, it should be securely braced and located somewhere free of ice and snow. It is also a good idea to bring along extra supplies like a hat, scarf and extra gloves to ensure the worker stays comfortable and warm. Finally, it is best to avoid washing windows during precipitation and extreme cold temperatures as this can freeze the cleaning solution on the glass and cause damage to the window.
Reduce Energy Bills
Clean windows allow natural sunlight to penetrate indoors, warming spaces and reducing reliance on artificial heating. This is a particularly important energy-saving benefit during the winter, when temperatures dip and people tend to use more heaters than they do in spring or summer.
However, it is important to remember that dirty windows do not insulate as well as clear ones. The dirt and grime that accumulates on window glass can create an uneven surface that affects heat transfer, causing drafts. Regular cleaning can prevent this, keeping your home warmer during the winter and reducing your energy bills over time.
Another reason to keep windows clean during the winter is that it reduces the amount of work your HVAC system does to maintain a comfortable temperature. Dirty windows are responsible for 25 to 30 percent of heat loss, according to studies. This means that more of the space needs to be heated by electricity than would otherwise be the case with clean windows. This additional work for your system can lead to increased energy bills.
If you opt to clean your own windows during the winter, you need to be careful not to damage them with harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods. It is also a good idea to avoid using hot water, as it can cause the windows to crack and need repair or replacement, which is expensive. Instead, opt to use room-temperature water, which is more pleasant to work with and will not cause the glass to crack.
It is also a good idea to clean your windows during the winter as soon as possible, rather than waiting until spring or fall. This can help prevent a build-up of dirt and grime, allowing you to get a more complete and effective cleaning. This can also help minimize the risk of stains and streaks, which are more difficult to remove once they have had time to set.
Finally, cleaning your windows in the winter can also be a great way to boost your mood during the dark and dreary months of the year. By letting in more light, you can counter seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and make your home feel brighter and more cheerful.
Increase Property Value
The condition of a home’s windows has a profound effect on its curb appeal. Dirty windows can make a building look rundown and unkempt, whereas clean windows create a more inviting and attractive exterior appearance. This is especially important during the winter, when homes are more likely to be viewed from the street. By ensuring that your windows are always sparkling clean, you can improve the aesthetics of your property and potentially increase its value.
Generally, professional window cleaners recommend having your windows cleaned twice annually, both inside and out. However, the best time to have your windows cleaned may depend on your area’s climate and its purpose. For example, food service buildings may need to have their windows cleaned biweekly due to the excessive dirt and grease that builds up on them quickly. On the other hand, commercial offices may be able to get away with cleaning their windows biannually.
Cleaning windows in the winter also helps to eliminate the buildup of dust and grime that can impact indoor air quality. By removing this debris, your windows will allow more natural light to reach inside your space, which can help to brighten up the moods of your building’s occupants. In addition, clean windows can also help to reduce the amount of artificial light that you need to use in your building during the winter, which can further save on energy costs.
If you choose to do your winter window cleaning yourself, it is important to use proper safety precautions to avoid any injuries. This includes wearing warm clothing and waterproof gloves to keep your hands safe from the cold weather and the chemicals in your cleaning solution. It’s also a good idea to choose a cold-weather window cleaner that is safe for winter use, such as one that contains rubbing alcohol or vinegar.
Although it can be challenging to wash your windows in the winter, it’s still possible to do so. The key is to have the right tools and technique. A professional who has experience washing windows in the winter can offer advice on how to approach this task and can provide you with a quality finished product.
