Cleaning windows can be a challenging task, especially if you have many second floor (or higher) windows that need to be tackled.  While there are many commercially available cleaners that make cleaning indoor windows a relatively easy task, handling the external side of windows is a much more labor intensive job.  Nevertheless, the job needs to be done.  The following guidelines will help you clean your windows properly, so you can enjoy sparkling clear views from the comfort of your home.

Equipment

First, let’s take a moment to discuss the equipment you’ll need to properly clean your windows.

• Squeegee – A good squeegee is critical when it comes to properly cleaning your windows, and there is a lot of variability in quality when it comes to squeegees.  Gas station squeegees are cheap and usually ineffective, so look for a quality squeegee with a 12-14 inch blade.  The best squeegees include a replaceable rubber strip and come in a range of sizes.

• Bucket – Your bucket should be wide enough to accommodate your squeegee and other cleaning equipment.  You should also be able to sit the bucket on the top of your ladder.

• Scraper – A scraper will help you remove stubborn debris from your windows when a squeegee just won’t do.  If you prefer not to buy a scraper, you could also try using medium to fine grade steel wool.  Similar to the replaceable rubber blade on your squeegee, your scraper will have a replaceable metal blade and should easily remove paint, varnish, and stubborn insect marks.

• Rag – A rag can be used to dry your squeegee or scraper between uses.

• Detergent – TSP or simple dish detergent mixed with water make the best detergents for cleaning windows.  Many home owners buy expensive window cleaning products, but professionals generally prefer to mix dish soap and water for cleaning.  Not only does this solution clean effectively, but the suds make it easier to manoeuvre your squeegee.

• Extension Pole – Extension poles are important if you have difficult to reach windows.  Sometimes even a ladder isn’t tall enough for you to reach the entire surface of a window.

• Ladder – You’ll need a ladder to clean windows on or above the second floor, but remember to practice ladder safety.  Always, have a partner steady the ladder, and consider using a tether to protect against falls.

Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning, these tips will help ensure you get sparkling, streak-free results.

1. Do not wash windows in direct sunlight as they will dry too quickly and likely leave streaks.
2. Dish detergent is cheap and the professional choice.  Expensive window cleaners are not as effective.  Mix approximately 2 or 3 ounces of dish soap in a large bucket of water.
3. Use a cloth or mop to completely saturate the window surface first, and then remove the cleaning solution with your squeegee.
4. Always clean windows from the top down and angle the squeegee to prevent water running from the top.
5. A lint free towel or chamois is perfect for removing excess cleaning solution around the edges of your window and to remove streaks.

Even the tidiest of homeowners are all too familiar with the challenges posed by carpeting.  Regardless of how often or thoroughly you clean your home, carpets tend to accumulate stains, dust, and pet odours.  While regular vacuuming is the most important step in maintaining clean carpets (professionals recommend vacuuming 3 to 4 times per week), high traffic areas on carpet are bound to require special cleaning from time-to-time.  Nevertheless, when it comes to maintaining your carpet, you should be sure to invest in a quality vacuum with a powerful motor that provides enough suction to remove dirt, sand, and other debris.

Still, even the most frequent vacuuming cannot account for regular household accidents.  From pet stains to spilled juice, our carpets can take a beating.  Wherever possible, protect your carpets with door mats and area rugs, and follow the guidelines below for keeping your carpets in their best possible condition.

Some General Tips

• Apply soil retardants to new carpets making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Fight carpet odours by sprinkling baking soda over carpeted areas before vacuuming.
• Clean spots and spills immediately so they do not leave a more stubborn stain.
• Before applying cleaning solutions, test them in an inconspicuous area.  Some cleaners may damage or discolour your carpet.
• Do not rub spills as this may cause the stain to spread.
• Use only minimal moisture when cleaning carpets so that they dry quickly.
• Choose cleaning solutions specifically designed for your type of carpet.
• Consider renting a carpet steam-cleaner, making sure to follow the instructions exactly.
• Whether you choose to hire a professional carpet cleaner, or you prefer the do-it-yourself approach, steam cleaners can help remove stubborn stains and odours without damaging your carpet, but you can also use a carpet deodorizer with your steam cleaner.

How to Treat Specific Stains

There are many different types of carpet stain, each with a different method of cleaning.  These tips will help you remove even the most stubborn stains.

• Acid stains (including stains from drain cleaner or vinegar) should be treated quickly.  Dilute the stain with baking soda and water or club soda and apply a diluted solution of ammonia (one part ammonia to 10 parts water).  Rinse the area with cold water and vacuum once it is dry.
• Blood stains should be blotted with a damp towel to remove as much excess blood as possible. Next, combine 1 teaspoon of dish detergent with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and a litre of water.  Apply the solution sparingly to the spot and vacuum once dry.
• Chewing gum can be removed by pressing an ice cube to the gum until it is hard.  Once the gum is hardened, it can be easily pulled off.
• Urine stains from pets can be cleaned with the same solution you would use for blood stains.  Blot the stain with the solution and let the carpet dry.  If the stain remains, repeat cleaning and then vacuum once dry.
• Red wine can be removed by sprinkling salt liberally over the stain.  Leave the salt for at least 15 minutes and it will draw the wine out of the carpet.  Vacuum the salt from the carpet.

In its simplest terms, property maintenance is the overall upkeep of a building and the property around that building.  Often confused with property management, property maintenance is actually a highly specialized professional service that involves a range of tasks related to maintaining a wide range of facilities from apartment complexes, office buildings, and even rented houses.  If you don’t have the time, energy, or motivation to maintain the condition of your property, you should consider hiring a property maintenance expert.  These services are especially useful for busy landlords or land owners who are responsible for the upkeep of multiple commercial, residential, or industrial properties.

Regardless of the size of your facility, property maintenance is critical.  Professionals in the field essentially act as caretakers of your facility and their primary responsibilities include repairing damage, replacing equipment, and restoring supplies that re used throughout the facility.  Some examples of tasks that a property maintenance firm may offer included, but are not limited to

• Cleaning
• Landscaping
• Painting
• Carpentry
• Snow removal
• Exterior cleaning
• Window cleaning
• Power washing
• Graffiti removal
• Plumbing services
• HVAC services
• Electrical services
• Façade maintenance

Indeed, property maintenance involves a wide range of tasks and services that essentially keep your building or facility in tip-top condition.  In an apartment or residential facility, your property maintenance service provider cleans shared spaces and repairs equipment in these spaces.  S/he would be responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of laundry equipment, replacing light bulbs, arranging servicing for elevators, and removing snow and ice from sidewalks and parking lots in the exterior of the building.  While your property maintenance professional may not have the skills required for all tasks, s/he would hire the necessary tradesperson to keep up with repairs.

With respect to office buildings, the tasks completed by a property maintenance firm range from cleaning and upkeep of equipment (as with apartment maintenance), but they would also clean individual suites, maintain the exterior of the building, and may even perform some administrative duties.  For example, a property maintenance professional may be responsible for collecting payments and security deposits, getting signatures on leases from tenants, and distributing communications relating to ongoing works in the building.

When hiring a property maintenance firm, you will want to negotiate the terms of the contract including which tasks need to be completed and the fees associated with these tasks.  Professional property maintenance services give land owners piece of mind knowing that their property will be kept up by trained and experienced professionals.  More importantly, these professionals can save you considerable time and effort so that you can manage all your residential, commercial, and industrial properties efficiently and effectively.

Apart from the fact that many people do not enjoy cleaning, commercial cleaning services can be a great benefit to property owners.  Regardless of whether you are a small business owner or the manager of a large retail chain, commercial cleaning services can save you significant time and effort while giving you piece of mind that your facility is in the best condition possible.  Small offices may benefit from the services of a local maid on a weekly or monthly basis, while larger commercial enterprises will require more extensive cleaning services.

What is a Commercial Cleaning Company?

While smaller cleaning companies offer a range of residential cleaning services from vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, these companies are not suited for larger commercial properties.  Instead, commercial cleaning services include a range of tasks that require specialized equipment such as carpet cleaners, power washers, and floor buffers.  The best commercial cleaning companies will offer full cleaning services for all aspects of your facility from bathrooms and break rooms to parking lots and exterior facades.  Whatever your janitorial needs, you should be able to find commercial cleaning services that are completed thoroughly and professionally.  Your commercial cleaning company can maintain carpets and floors, change light bulbs, remove recycling, and even provide emergency cleaning services.

Determining your Needs

Commercial cleaning services may or may not be appropriate for your company, property, or facility.  Generally speaking, larger offices and commercial spaces would benefit from a commercial cleaning company; but, you should take care to consider your needs so they are effectively addressed.  Professional cleaning services for commercial properties can be considerably more expensive than a maid or local cleaner, so if you’re just looking for somebody to wash some windows, clean shared spaces, and perform a quick vacuum, you may not want to hire commercial cleaners.

On the other hand, if your offices require more advanced or specialized cleaning, a maid service will likely not suffice.  So, when approaching potential commercial cleaners, it’s always helpful to have a list of tasks that you want addressed.  Commercial cleaners will usually provide the following services:

• General cleaning tasks (bathrooms, break rooms, floors, windows, etc.)
• Garbage removal
• Recycling removal
• Steam cleaning
• Basic repairs or equipment replacement
• Floor stripping and waxing
• Power washing
• Post-construction cleanup services
• Storage cleaning

As you can see, hiring commercial cleaning companies might be the best option for larger commercial properties.  Ideally, you should be able to find a professional cleaning company that can customize their services to meet your specific needs so you can rest easy knowing your offices or commercial property will be clean and well-maintained.

Keeping your office or commercial property clean and well-maintained not only helps your business make a good impression with potential clients and employees, but also ensures the overall health and well-being of your staff members.  Custodial and janitorial services help to create an efficient working environment wherein employees can achieve their highest levels of productivity and success.  As such, maintaining a clean commercial or business space makes for a suitable environment to conduct regular office work, hold meetings, and pitch to clients.

Many business owners look to professional custodial or janitorial companies for office cleaning and maintenance.  Indeed, there are a wide range of services available from these professional outfits, and while there is a fair amount of overlap between janitors and custodians, there are distinctions between these positions as well.  First, let’s talk about the similarities.  Primarily, janitors and custodians are hired either as permanent employees or part-time employees by the management of a company.  Likewise, many companies decide to contract this work to professional janitorial and custodial organizations who act as the employer for cleaners, custodians, and janitors.  Out-serviced cleaning reduces the burden on your company’s managers, as cleaning staff are paid, scheduled, and disciplined by the cleaning company.

Still, while we can see there are some similarities between janitors and custodians, there are several differences as well.  In many instances, people incorrectly use the terms “janitor” and “custodian” interchangeably, despite significant differences between janitorial and custodial services.  Simply put, janitorial services usually refer to those jobs which are more basic cleaning or maintenance jobs; whereas custodial services refer to those positions where an individual has control over the cleaning and maintenance of a property.  The distinction is subtle but important.

Janitors and janitorial service companies are focused on keeping a business or workplace clean.  The service contract with a janitorial organization will likely include an extensive list of indoor and outdoor clean-up activities, along with some maintenance duties.  Cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming floors, washing windows, cleaning tables and desks, and emptying recycling and trash are just a few of the tasks you might expect a janitor to do.

Alternatively, custodial services may include but are not limited to these basic cleaning tasks.  Instead, custodians may also provide light or heavy maintenance, as well as facilities management.  Regular repairs, equipment replacement, emergency maintenance, and other higher level tasks would fall under the category of a custodian.  In addition, custodial services may also include heavy cleaning, painting, replacement of light-fixtures, plumbing maintenance, and other activities which ensure the smooth operation of facilities in your offices.

So while you can see that custodial and janitorial services are similar, you really need an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each of these professionals before you’re ready to hire a custodian or janitor for your business.