November, 2010 | Beckon Call

Windex doesn’t work? Hogwash!

I have heard too many times that Windex doesn’t work. That the windows just don’t look good after cleaning them. Actually, just about any window cleaning solution could be substituted in that sentence.

Why? Because more than likely it is not the window cleaning solution, it is the person cleaning the windows. Yep, I said it. If you are getting dirty, streaky windows the problem is more than likely… you. The problem is with the process you are using and not because of your choice of window cleaning solution.

A Techy friend once explained to me what a PICNIC problem was. It is an acronym that stands for Problem Is Customer Not In Computer. (I know I’ve definitely been that guy before, secretly hoping the problem was not me, just to find out that it is.)

The main cause of streaking on windows is the gunk (dirt, pollution, birdy tirdy, pollen, bug tattle tales) that is on the window. The stuff that needs to be cleaned off is not being completely removed and it is smearing, streaking and causing a lot of visual issues.

A good definition for cleaning is: the process of removing what you don’t want and putting it somewhere you do want it (i.e. down the drain, in the trash, on to a rag)

The cleaning solutions main purpose is to loosen the bond of the gunk from the window and suspend it in the solution so it can be removed. Removal can be with a cleaning cloth (rag), paper towel, newspapers or my preferred method… a squeegee.

Once the solution is sprayed on the window it is starting to work, picking up the gunk and suspending it. If the solution is allowed to dry through evaporation, the gunk will simply be left behind on the window. The solution needs to be removed before it starts to dry.

If the solution starts to dry before the gunk is removed you’ll get streaks, smears and other unwanted results.

Here’s the trick to cleaning a window:

Liberally apply the glass cleaning solution.
Scrub the window with a soft cloth. Remember glass scratches very easy, do not use something that is abrasive enough to scratch the glass or any special film (tinting, low-E)
Remove the cleaning solution from the window. Using a cleaning cloth, paper towel, newspaper or squeegee.
Repeat process until the entire unwanted gunk is off the window.

One of the best tips I can give you is this: It is easier and takes less time to maintain clean windows than to allow them to get really dirty and try to get them clean again.

If cleaning windows is a headache you just don’t want to have, give us a call! We’re cleaning windows all over town!

Posted by admin on November 10th, 2010 in Residential | 7 Comments »

How to prevent birds from flying into your windows.

A bird flying into a window is a fairly common occurrence, claiming an estimated 90 million birds per year worldwide.

It’s a sound that just makes my stomach sink, a muted thud on our family room window. I know I am the one that will have to be the first responder.

If I am lucky the bird will have hit from an angle and ricocheted with minimal damage and be gone.

The evidence left on the window is a hint to knowing what I might find. I always check that out first.

Not too many feathers stuck to the window is a good sign the bird will be gone or just temporarily stunned. Usually if there is a lot of evidence on the window, the outcome is not good for the bird.

So why do birds fly into windows?

Birds fly into windows because the reflection looks like a continuation of the landscape.

I’m no expert on bird behavior and tendencies. But when I look at windows from the outside, especially large picture windows, it does look like a continuation from the landscape.

Simply put, if I was a bird I would probably fly into a window too.

How can you prevent birds from flying into your windows?

Change the perception of what is seen from the birds-eye view. Here are some ideas:

1. Put decorative window decals or Gel Gems on the window.

2. Move bird feeders away from large windows.

3. Hang a flower basket or other decorative object in front of the window.

These modifications are fairly simple and straight-forward. Try them out and see which ones work best for you. You just might notice the birds singing a happier tune.