Fast and Easy Ways to Clean Office Windows

Clean office windows do more than let in sunlight. They create a positive and productive work environment, boost employee morale, and even enhance your company's overall image. But let's face it—cleaning windows can be a hassle—difficult, costly, and incredibly time-consuming.

Don't worry!  This guide is here to transform your workspace into a place you want to live in.

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How Often Should You Clean Office Windows?

How often you need to clean your office windows, it depends on various factors. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

• Location: Is your office in a busy urban area with traffic and pollution? Or is it nestled in a more rural setting?  City offices will naturally need cleaning more frequently.
• Weather: Harsh weather conditions like rain, wind, and snow can quickly leave windows with streaks and grime. If you experience these conditions often, more frequent cleaning is a must.
• Building Height:  Cleaning windows on higher floors often requires specialized equipment and expertise, meaning it's less frequently done DIY.
• Foot Traffic: High-traffic areas like lobbies and ground-floor windows get dirtier faster due to fingerprints and general grime.
• Image: If your business relies on a polished appearance, pristine windows are non-negotiable and require more frequent cleaning.

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How Long Does It Take to Clean Office Windows?

The time it takes to clean your office windows depends on several factors:

• Number of windows: More windows naturally mean more cleaning time.
• Window size: Large or multi-pane windows take longer to clean than smaller ones.
• Accessibility: Easily accessible windows can be cleaned much faster than ones requiring ladders or specialized equipment.
• Condition of the windows: If they haven't been cleaned in a while, expect them to take longer due to built-up grime.
• Type of Windows: Exterior and interior glass windows have different cleaning methods.
• Cleaning method: The methods and tools you use will impact cleaning time.
• Your experience level: Seasoned cleaners and expert janitorial services can work much faster than beginners.

For interior and exterior cleaning of a typical double-hung window in an easily accessible location, expect to spend about 5-10 minutes per window. But this is just a baseline. Factors like difficult-to-reach windows or stubborn stains will increase the cleaning time.

How Much Does it Cost to Clean Office Windows?

The cost of cleaning your office windows depends on whether you're doing it yourself (DIY) or hiring a professional service. Let's break it down:

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DIY Costs

Basic window cleaning supplies, such as a squeegee, cleaning solution, and lint-free cloths, are inexpensive and easily bought in stores.

If you have hard-to-reach windows, you might need to invest in equipment like a telescopic pole or a ladder, which will increase the upfront costs.

Also, remember: your time has value! Factor in how much your time is worth when calculating the true cost of DIY window cleaning.

Professional Cleaning Costs

Depending on various factors, a commercial window cleaning company can range from $4 to $15 per window. Moreover, like DIY office window washing, the following factors may affect the service cost: the number, size, accessibility, and condition of the windows. In some cases, cleaning costs tend to be higher in urban areas. Moreover, additional services like screen cleaning or removing hard water stains might cost extra.

7 Ways to Clean Office Windows

Here are some effective DIY cleaning solutions you can do;

Method 1: Classic Squeegee and Cleaning Solution

Materials:

• Squeegee
• Cleaning bucket
• Cleaning solution (store-bought or DIY - vinegar and water)
• Lint-free cloths or microfiber towels
• Cost: Very affordable
• Time: Moderate speed

Steps:

• Mix your cleaning solution in the bucket.
• Dip a cloth into the solution and thoroughly wet the window.
• Squeegee the window horizontally from top to bottom, overlapping each stroke.
• Wipe the squeegee blade dry after each stroke.

Dry edges and corners with a lint-free cloth.

Tips:

• Wash windows on a cloudy day to avoid streaks caused by the solution drying too quickly.
• Invest in a quality squeegee with a sharp rubber blade.

Method 2:  Telescopic Pole and Squeegee

Materials:

• Telescopic pole with squeegee attachment (and scrubber attachment if needed)
• Cleaning bucket
• Cleaning solution
• Lint-free or microfiber cloths
• Cost: Moderate (due to the pole)
• Time: Fastest for hard-to-reach commercial windows

Steps:

• Extend the telescopic pole to the needed height.
• Attach either the scrubber or squeegee head, depending on whether you need to scrub first or directly squeegee.
• Follow a similar process to Method 1: scrubbing grime first or directly applying cleaning solution and squeegeeing.
• Use the lint-free cloth to dry the edges.

Tips:

• Practice using the telescopic pole for safety and efficiency.
• For dirty windows, scrub with soapy water first, then rinse with the pole before squeegeeing.

Method 3: Pressure Washer (Exterior Windows Only)

Materials

• Pressure washer
• Window cleaning attachment (optional)
• Cleaning solution (suitable for pressure washers)
• Lint-free or microfiber cloths
• Cost: High (if you're renting or buying a pressure washer)
• Time: Very fast

Steps:

• Attach the window cleaning nozzle (if using) or a low-pressure spray tip.
• Apply cleaning solution using pressure washer settings as directed on the product.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Use a lint-free cloth to dry up any drips around the edges

Tips

• Never use high pressure on washing windows – it can damage seals and even break glass.
• Pressure washing is great for removing stubborn exterior buildup but can leave some streaking.

Hire Professionals to Clean Office Windows for You

Commercial window cleaning services offer a clear advantage due to their expertise and experience. Cleaners specialize in the field and understand the most effective techniques, solutions, and tools for spotless windows without risking damage. 

They possess specialized equipment like ladders, extension poles, water-fed poles, and pressure washers for safe and efficient cleaning of windows at any height. Commercial cleaning service pros work quickly and methodically, saving you much more time than DIY efforts. 

Their services often extend beyond just the glass, meticulously cleaning screens, frames, sills, and tracks – areas easy to overlook when doing it yourself.  Even difficult stains like hard water residue or paint marks are easily tackled with their professional-grade solutions.  

Importantly, professional cleaners have the training and insurance necessary to clean high-rise or challenging-to-reach windows safely. Reputable companies carry insurance, protecting you in the unlikely case of damage, and many offer satisfaction guarantees.

Let Us Transform Your Workspace with Expert Cleaning

You've envisioned the transformative power of clean windows; why not let us make it a reality?  APBS offers expert cleaning and maintenance services to leave your workspace sparkling and inviting.  Contact us today!

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