3 Ways to Spruce Up Your Property

Owning a property can be quite demanding. Many individuals who purchase property for commercial or residential purposes forget the actual day-to-day costs incurred when investing in property. If you have purchased a property in Miami, then it is important to assess what aspects you need to maintain of your property on a regular basis. Here are three ways to spruce up your property:

1. Window Cleaning in Miami: Window cleaning benefits both residential and commercial properties in Miami. The reason for this is that these properties incur a great deal of wear and tear from the weather in Miami. Keeping both exterior and interior windows clean is absolutely vital. Be sure that you are investing in window cleaning to keep the energy in your property fresh and inspiring.

2. Miami Pressure Cleaning: Pressure cleaning is necessary to clear out roof debris and eliminate stains on concrete from storms. Ideally, pressure completed should be completed several times per year. Be sure that you are completing these services regularly in order to avoid long term fees.

3. Hire a Repair Technician: When acquiring a new piece of property, it is best to hire a repair technician to conduct a sweep to see what needs to be repaired. This will be something that will be quite useful to you because it will allow any unexposed problems to come to light and be repaired. Additionally, it helps to do this several times throughout the year as well in order to avoid expensive potential repairs going unnoticed.

It is wise to invest in sprucing up your property regardless of whether it is commercial or residential. If you invest in these services, you will see a noticeable difference in how your property appeals to customers and potential tenants alike. Be sure that you invest in the proper cleaning services to make your real estate truly stand out.

4 Benefits to Maintaining your office windows clean

Business owners have a plethora of responsibilities. What ends up occurring as a result is that they often forget to invest in functions and/or services in their business that increase a substantial value to both their employees and their clients. Some pertinent examples of this can be see in services such as pressure cleaning and window cleaning. If your office is located in the greater Miami area, then it is important to invest in pressure cleaning and window cleaning in Miami. Here are four benefits to maintaining the cleanliness of your office windows this season:

1. Conference Room Visibility: If you have a spacious conference room that clients can enjoy, it is imperative to maintain it. If the window is dirty, it will not only reflect poorly on you, but it will also reflect poorly on your employees.

2. Front Entrance Facade: If you have an office space that is lower to the ground, it is imperative to have your front entrance door clean because it is the first impression your clients will have of your business.

3. Employee Productivity: If you have a space that has many windows, your employees will do better work by the windows. This is why it is essential to keep the windows clean to improve your employee’s quality of life. Investing in this quintessential investment will serve you well going forward.

4. Visibility Overall: Regardless of whether you have a space on the ground or in the sky, window cleaning provides more light into your space, which benefits everyone. Thus, be sure that you take the time to invest in the space.

Investing in your office space with the proper cleaning services is essential. The sooner that you do this, the better. You will immediately see how it positively affects both your employees and your clients in the long term.

Why you Should Hire a Professional Miami Window Cleaning Service

The benefits of having clean windows go well beyond aesthetics. Sure, clean windows look inviting from the outside and provide beautiful view of outdoors from the inside. But did you know that clean windows can help you save significant dollars from your electricity and gas bills?

Clean, shiny windows add to the energy efficiency of your facility (home or office) because they can reflect sun’s rays more efficiently than dirty, smeared windows. They allow more natural heat and light to enter indoors and sanitize the place. Your energy costs reduce as a result. Natural light has also been linked with decreased instances of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Further, dirty glass panes, when left in the same state for long, develop stains and etching on their surface, damaging the windows. You may have to replace them all together, shelling out several hundred dollars in the process. And all of this just because the windows were not cleaned thoroughly and/or not cleaned regularly.

And while you could try to clean them on your own, it is a job best left for the professionals. Professional windows cleaners are equipped with the knowledge and to clean thoroughly, in a way that allows you to make your home more energy efficient. They know the technological know-hows including the use of right chemicals, cleaning techniques and pressure.

Here are some of the most compelling reasons to hire a professional window cleaning service.

Expertise
Different types of windows need different cleaning mechanisms. Top-to-bottom sliding windows for instance, must always be cleaned on the top-half first. Only after both inside and outside panes are cleaned must you work on the lower half of the window. Further, different hand motions during cleaning provide different finish. Professional window cleaners have the knowledge and the experience to clean different windows and provide a streak-free, bright and shiny window with no smudges.

Efficiency 
Thoroughly cleaned windows that help in energy efficiency must be cleaned using the right cleaning solutions, the correct squeegees and using the right tools. Professionals use pressure-based window washing systems to remove dirt, dust, bacteria, mold and other unwanted elements from every nook and corner of the window.

Professionals use de-ionized water, eco-friendly chemicals and water fed poles for meticulous cleaning. They have all the right tools to do the job efficiently including ladders and extension poles to reach top level windows. They bring their own equipment to the job so that you don’t have to invest in purchasing and then storing the tools and chemicals needed for a detailed cleaning job.

Safety 
What is your plan for the hard-to-reach windows? Do you plan to risk your safety, possibly life, in cleaning them? Do you plan to let them be because they’re hard to reach? Professional window cleaners can safely reach inaccessible windows on complicated rooftops, overhangs and other elements of complex architecture in your building.

Time 
Any thorough job is a time taking job. Windows have a fixed frame that you cannot remove for convenient and easy cleaning. Glass panes need gentle handling, increasing the amount of time and care you need to put into the job. Plus, if you have several windows to clean, the job could take weeks!

Hand the task to professionals and you can make better use of your time. Further, their knowledge, experience and tools allow professional window cleaners to finish the job faster and better than you.

Peace of mind 
Having a professional clean your windows will give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job is going to be done by experts who know what they are doing and can therefore finish it in a timely fashion. You’ll know they are safe and you’ll know they have themselves covered for any accidents. Always hire professional window cleaners with proper insurance.

Tips for getting your windows cleaned

Keeping your windows as clean as possible is a big part of keeping the home area presentable and attractive to the eye, but sometimes it can be difficult to get the entire window cleaning job done on your own. This can especially be the case if there are a lot of windows that must be cleaned, something which is more than likely in a larger home area or building. If you need some special help to get your windows cleaned, then you should certainly consider hiring a professional pressure window cleaning company in Miami rather than attempting to do it all on your own, which could take many hours to complete.

All you have to do to find several or more pressure window cleaning companies in Miami is spend some time searching online. This way you should be able to find a few different companies offering these services and from here on all you need to do is pick the one that seems to be offering the best prices. With all of the different window cleaning companies available, it is only a matter of time before you find the one that you feel is capable and reliable enough to get the job done according to your standards.

4 Benefits to Maintaining the Cleanliness of Your Office Windows This Season

Business owners have a plethora of responsibilities. What ends up occurring as a result is that they often forget to invest in functions and/or services in their business that increase a substantial value to both their employees and their clients. Some pertinent examples of this can be see in services such as pressure cleaning and window cleaning. If your office is located in the greater Miami area, then it is important to invest in pressure cleaning and window cleaning in Miami. Here are four benefits to maintaining the cleanliness of your office windows this season:

1. Conference Room Visibility: If you have a spacious conference room that clients can enjoy, it is imperative to maintain it. If the window is dirty, it will not only reflect poorly on you, but it will also reflect poorly on your employees.

2. Front Entrance Facade: If you have an office space that is lower to the ground, it is imperative to have your front entrance door clean because it is the first impression your clients will have of your business.

3. Employee Productivity: If you have a space that has many windows, your employees will do better work by the windows. This is why it is essential to keep the windows clean to improve your employee’s quality of life. Investing in this quintessential investment will serve you well going forward.

4. Visibility Overall: Regardless of whether you have a space on the ground or in the sky, window cleaning provides more light into your space, which benefits everyone. Thus, be sure that you take the time to invest in the space.

Investing in your office space with the proper cleaning services is essential. The sooner that you do this, the better. You will immediately see how it positively affects both your employees and your clients in the long term.

4 Often Neglected Cleaning Services in Miami

If you own real estate in Miami, it is your duty to protect that real estate. If you are able to to, you will find that you will have an issue in terms of finding the right cleaning services to properly maintain your property. If you are looking for a list of often neglected cleaning services in Miami, then consider the recommendations below:

1. Miami Pressure Cleaning: Pressure cleaning is helpful both inside and outside of a property. For this reason, it is recommended that you invest in pressure cleaning for many different services on your property.

2. Window Cleaning in Miami: Window cleaning is also something that often gets neglected. Window cleaning will be something that is quite positive in terms of making the overall environment of your space better.

3. Tile Grate Cleaning: Tile is quite popular in Miami. For this reason, it is something that is often neglected with property owners. This is why it is wise to have this cleaned on your floors and bathroom counters. This will serve as a great benefit to you.

4. Reorganization Service: At times, you need to reorganize your space to make it have a better atmosphere. Thus, having someone to help you reorganize your space is a great investment for you to improve the Feng Shui in your home.

It is important that you regularly invest in cleaning services. Having the proper cleaning services will help you to have a positive environment in your home. It will also keep away common allergies and germs that tend to lay dormant in properties if they are not properly regularly clean. Thus, be sure that you take the time to invest in cleaning your property. In the end, you will feel the difference in your space and be truly elated that you did so.

High Rise Window Cleaning Safety Measures

The window-cleaning industry is divided into two categories: ground work and suspension work. High-rise window cleaning involves buildings over four-stories tall. Workers are suspended from the top of the building or work from elevated scaffolding erected on the exterior of the building. Depending on the nature of the operation, workers can be faced with various safety hazards.

Safety must be paramount for high-rise window cleaners, as any accident that happens several stories off the ground will have catastrophic consequences. The responsibility of ensuring the safety of the window cleaners rests with all parties involved in the window cleaning operation. This includes the contractor, the workers and the building manager.

Extensive High-rise Training and Certification

Like most dangerous jobs, high rise window cleaning requires comprehensive training. Workers must have a comprehensive knowledge of what equipment to use, understand the safety features of the equipment and how to use it effectively. Additionally, workers must be highly skilled and comfortable at working at heights.

Medical Examinations

Due to the extreme height of buildings, with many over 50 stories high, workers must be checked for any medical conditions that could possibly interfere with their work performance. Conditions that could affect performance, and safety, when working at extreme height include balance issues, epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, diabetes and impaired limb function.

Safety Lines and Anchors

Workers must wear a safety harness around their chest or chest & legs that is connected to both a working and safety line. These ropes are typically adjacent to one another. A backup safety-line adjustment device prevents a fall if a worker slips, loses control or the main working harness line fails. A “descender” allows the worker to get down safely by gently lowering the worker to the ground in case of a slip or fall.

Safety anchors should be connected to the sides of the buildings before cleaning building windows. Anchors typically will have been tested for a safety rating load of 1,000 pounds. The safety and main lines typically go through eye holes in the anchor and are designed to help prevent accidents if a bolt comes loose. Anchors are tested at least once every year.

Site Assessment

One of the most critical aspects of job safety during high-rise window cleaning operations is the ability to identify and assess workplace hazards. Site assessment identifies the safety hazards workers may run into at a job site. A model job-site evaluation plan can be found on the International Writing Centers Association website. Here are the major workplace safety hazards that are evaluated as part of the site assessment:

Weather: Weather conditions must be constantly monitored during any active window-cleaning operations. Professional high-rise window cleaning requires workers to be outside in various weather conditions. As such, inclement weather conditions that include extreme hot and cold temperatures, precipitation, lightning and wind conditions are all taken into account. Due consideration has to be given whenever a wind speed of 15 miles per hour or greater is present. Exterior high rise window cleaning should not take place whenever there are sustained wind speeds in excess of 25 miles per hour.

Personal Protective Gear: Window cleaners can be exposed to a variety of chemical-cleaning products. They must wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, eye protection and possibly respirators, depending on what chemicals are being used on a particular job. A helmet helps protect the workers head from injury in the event of a fall as well as from objects that may fall from above the work area. Appropriate work boots with steel toes protect worker’s feet from slipping, chemical exposures and impacts. High-visibility clothing allows others to readily notice the workers.

Tripping and Falling Hazards: Falls are the primary hazard faced by commercial window cleaners and crews working on high-rise buildings face increased fall hazards. The greatest fall hazard exists when working on surfaces without adequate edge protection. Edge protection includes a guardrail or a structural parapet a minimum of 42 inches high.

Changes in elevation of work surfaces greater than four feet that are not protected by a structure 42 inches or taller, such as a guardrail, can pose tripping hazards. Tripping hazards can include, but are not limited to, scaffolding and skylights and dissimilar roof heights, balconies and unprotected holes and retaining walls on the ground.

Cleaners can reach away from their body to clean a window, provided only their upper body is extended past the edge of the structure they are standing on and both feet are set firmly on said structure. Body weight should never be supported by a window or window frame when reaching out to clean.

Ladders: Job-site conditions may dictate the need for ladders. Crews must use the appropriate type of ladder, such as an extension vs. a step ladder, for the appropriate conditions.

Electrical: Workers must be constantly aware of electrical hazards to avoid shock or electrocution. This requires maintaining a minimum 10-foot distance from all exposed outlets, electrical fixtures, power and supply lines in the work area. Ladders, water-fed and extension poles shouldn’t be extended to a height to allow these devices to come within 10 feet of power lines or power supply devices.

People: Others, such as building occupants, co-workers and members of the public, will usually be present during most types of high-rise window cleaning work. Crews must be aware of their presence to both protect themselves as well as anyone else that may be in the work area and impact safety.

Emergency Situations: At least one person on an active job site should have full training in basic first aid. All entryways and exits must be identified and an emergency evacuation plan must be in place. An emergency plan must be in place whenever working in earthquake-prone areas.

Types of Insurance Coverage
Employees of window washing companies face more potential risks than most other occupations. Even when all safety protocols are in place and followed to the letter, due to the inherent risky nature of high rise window cleaning, adequate insurance must be in place when cleaning building windows to protect workers, business owners and the public. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of window-cleaning coverage:

Bodily-Injury Coverage: A component of general-liability insurance, bodily injury insurance will cover members of the public or building workers who are injured during window-cleaning operations. Bodily-injury insurance will cover their medical and related expenses.

Property Damage: This covers damage to a customer’s property cause by window washers.

Completed Operations Coverage: This insurance covers liability if someone is harmed by a product or services that has been rendered. For example, if a worker used a cleaning solution that scratched the windows the owner could sue for damages.

Workers Compensation: This is standard coverage that will pay for any necessary medical care and associated costs and expenses if an employee is injured on the job.

In Conclusion, a high-rise window cleaning company should take all the necessary precautions to have their employees safe. Here at Window Cleaning Miami, we are licensed and certified high-rise window cleaners. Trust us to complete jobs on time and in a safe manner. Call us today!

The Pros and Cons of Cleaning Windows with Vinegar

If you search the pantry of just about any household, you will likely find that vinegar has made a home on one of the shelves. What’s special about vinegar is that is so diverse and can be used in a variety of tasks from clearing the skin to disinfecting food. As a surprise to many, vinegar is also an effective window cleaner and often puts most commercial brands to shame.

The Pros Of Vinegar Window Cleaning

The benefits of cleaning with vinegar are plentiful. But just to narrow things down to the specific topic, here are the pros that come with washing windows with vinegar.

1. It is both cheap and easily accessible. Vinegar can be found on the shelves of virtually any store that sells food or cleaning supplies, and it can be purchased for under a dollar up to a few bucks (depending on the size of the bottle).

2. It is a non-toxic cleaning agent. Unlike many commercial window cleaners, vinegar poses no health threats and is free of harmful chemicals. This makes it safe to be used around small children and pets.

3. It is versatile. Vinegar can be used in many jobs and is effective on any type of glass.

4. It is a streak-less cleaner. Uniquely, vinegar has a way of providing a streak-free appearance to just about any surface that it makes contact with.

The Cons Of Window Washing With Vinegar

Though there aren’t many, as with all things, there is always a con or two (sometimes more). Here are the few downsides of using vinegar to clean your windows.

1. Vinegar has a harsh aroma. It is hard not to recognize the bitter smell of vinegar, and most people do not care to have this smell in their homes. Luckily, the smell will quickly dissipate in certain instances and essential oils can be used to aid in other circumstances.

2. Vinegar may dull certain surfaces. Though your windows aren’t necessarily in harm’s way with this con, the surrounding areas may be. Because of its acidic nature, vinegar has a tendency to dull shiny surfaces. It’s best to keep vinegar away from surfaces covered with granite, marble, onyx, or anything else that glistens.

3. It isn’t the best anti-grease agent. If your windows for some reason have come into contact with grease, vinegar may have trouble cutting through it.

Can Vinegar Be Used To Clean Any Type Of Glass?

Yes, vinegar is a viable cleaning agent that will work wonders on any type of glass. Whether you are removing toothpaste from your bathroom mirror or cleaning gunk off of your windshield, vinegar is the short answer to your problems. However, there are different methods to go about the cleaning process depending on the surface that you are trying to polish.

Is Vinegar Alone Effective Enough?

Depending on the job at hand, vinegar can be the sole ingredient needed to polish your windows and leave a streak-free finish. These situations are those that present glass surfaces that have already been cleaned and are free of gunk, grease, dust, or any other impurities. In other cases, it is best to couple vinegar with another agent. The dynamic duo, baking soda and vinegar is used to take on the toughest, most grimy jobs. This potent formula is a good one to use for windows that aren’t in the best of conditions and may need a more intense clean. The baking soda can also be swapped out for ammonia for an equivalent effect. For a more gentle wash, a concoction of vinegar, water, and a couple of drops of dishwashing detergent will do the trick.

Will Vinegar Damage My Vehicle?

It is no secret that conventional auto window cleaners are often counter-effective and will more likely than not send you to a carwash to get them professionally cleaned. When it comes to polishing your windows with vinegar, keep in mind two key factors. One, you will need to use microfiber towels (or shammy towels) as regular ones don’t work as well and two, though vinegar is generally safe to be used on most platforms, its acidic content may cause damage to other areas of the car. To protect the other facets of your vehicle, cover the surrounding areas with towels or thick blankets and be careful about only applying the vinegar and water solution to the window.

What Effect Will Vinegar Have Against Ocean Water?

If you are a boat owner or live near the ocean, you are probably aware of the damage that can be caused to exposed windows. As the ocean water makes contact with the windows, there is only a matter of time before the salt begins to build up and eventually causes corrosion. Inevitably, if not corrected in time, the windows begin to weaken and will need to be replaced. Before this happens, try window cleaning with vinegar and add both ammonia and a salt-resistant agent for a more powerful clean. The vinegar will pose no negative effects and can be used as often as needed.

Other Things To Keep In Mind When Washing With Vinegar

Window cleaning with vinegar is quite simple and safe no matter what factors are involved. With vinegar as the primary agent, other ingredients mentioned can be used to create a more powerful formula or provide a more gentle effect. In most cases, vinegar can be used alone to get the job done. Some people may choose to add an essential oil of choice to cope with the pungent odor. Here are a few tips and specifics to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning windows with vinegar.

When you are doing a light job, you can use equal parts of water and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is also a great alternative. It has the same capability, yet is less acidic, therefore, provides a more gentle clean.

Unless you are cleaning windows with vinegar in conjunction with ammonia or baking soda, clear the surface of dirt and dust beforehand. If you neglect to do this, you will only be pushing the impurities around instead of giving the window a proper clean. The ammonia and/or baking soda will effectively remove the waste.

Always cover sensitive surrounding areas when working with vinegar. It will not alter appearances as quickly and aggressively as bleach, but it may eventually wear down on certain surfaces. Aside from this, vinegar can be used for the long haul and will not present any negative long-term effects.

Always use shammy towels when cleaning automobile windows or those of a thicker quality. Paper towels will work in other cases.

Vinegar is a miracle worker and a powerhouse in terms of cleaning but is even more profound when it comes to polishing windows. With this household favorite, you can say goodbye to overpriced commercial products for good.

Have Your Yacht Windows Clean for the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

The Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show is the place to present pristine boats both new and previously owned from all over the world. When a bevy of yachts dock in close proximity to one another, it is easy to tell which ones stand out with a sparkling presence. Professionally cleaned windows make a huge difference between the boats that sell and those that do not.

Salt Stains Windows

Salt is a major culprit to your yacht’s windows. This is because salt crystals form when salt dries. With a fine sand consistency, crystals scratch glass windows like sandpaper. If left on glass long enough, it can cause permanent damage.

It takes time to clean boat windows. Matter of fact, it can take 30 minutes or longer to effectively clean them the right way. Professionals have time to implement the proper steps to ensure investors, buyers and other boat owners—even your competitors—notice a job well done.

Certain Products Scratch Windows

Detergents and strong abrasives scratch windows. The wrong chemicals make glass, vinyl, and plastic windows, in particular, to look cloudy and become brittle. What’s more, manufactured windows differ in design and maintenance recommendations. Plastic windows especially must have special treatment and require regular cleaning.

Unfortunately, silicones and alcohol are chemicals found in common glass cleaners cause irreversible marring. This poses a challenge for do-it-yourselfers. Professional window cleaning reduces the risk, eliminates guesswork, and gets results.

Humid Temperatures and Dew Create Salty Windows

In humid weather, salt draws water out of the air. At night, salt mixes with dew and turn into saltwater. So we know that salt causes havoc to windows, but the dew point plays an important part in how windows look too. When air is full of water vapor, water droplets form called condensation. This also forms on windows. Window washing experts use best practices along with industry recommended materials to wipe away morning dew from your windows. They have tips to share in preparation for your boat shows and family fun excursions.

Mold on Windows Pose Health Risks

Mold is the circular brown, yellow, white, gray, black or blue furry fungus spores that develop on or nearby windows, and along window hatches. Mold forms where dirt stays. We know mold forms in warm humid weather, it is also true that mold forms in cold weather. Mold accumulation causes fatigue, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems in humans.

Since excess moisture contributes to mold formation, effective window cleaning is vital for the maintenance of your windows at the very least. It is extremely important to follow through with drying windows completely.

Yacht Window Washing Involves Using Special Techniques

It is typical for the average boat owner to wash their boat’s windows at the same time as washing down the rest of the boat. by doing that, debris could splash everywhere. For example, if you use a high-pressure hose nozzle to power off the salt on the cockpit deck, it could get into the engine compartment and cause rust.

Expert window cleaners use a different method on the hatches than on the windows themselves. They lower the stream to the right intensity to clear all debris from that area.

Here’s an easy solution: Bypass the trial and error phase of learning specific techniques that take up your time. Select a window washing provider skilled in the cleaning care for your type of boat windows.

Safety During the Yacht Cleaning Process

Washing windows is a time-consuming task and it takes away from other preparations needed to get your boat ready for showing. From a safety standpoint, as you clean, you must be careful to wipe spills, otherwise, someone might suffer an injury from a fall after slipping on a patch of water.

Leave it to the experts. Meticulous window washing and drying is what professional yacht window washers do daily. Make safety a top priority and hire the best yacht window-cleaning specialists.

Aesthetics: The Way Your Boat Looks Draws Attention

What the windows look like on the outside gets prospects attention. Everyone gravitates to boats that have sparkling windows. They beckon them to come inside and look. When potential buyers walk inside, they want to see the clear blue ocean as if there were no windows at all.

Clean windows are your advertising campaign for your yacht. This is factual whether your boat’s windows are made of glass, plastic, vinyl, or a polyester composite, acrylic, or polycarbonate. How you take care of your boat, no matter how small or large says a lot about the owner. Clean windows make the statement that you care.

Utilize a yacht window cleaning service provider and get your yacht show-ready for this year’s Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. The investment will pay off because buyers are more willing to purchase boats that look new rather than soiled. Windows that are professionally cleaned make all the difference. Contact us today and display your boat in style at the show. Call now.

The Pros and Cons of Cleaning Windows with Newspaper

Cleaning glass windows is the most tiresome chore and why many people avoid it. It is also the most challenging to master. Clean your windows wrong and you end up with smudges or streaks. However, doing it right can help brighten up a room. Sadly, the battle is often lost before it can begin just based on the type of cleaning material you use. We’ve all heard the old wives’ tail: newspaper used in home window cleaning. There are some that use newspaper in window cleaning for offices! But is it true? Let’s weigh in on the pros and cons of using newspaper for clean glass windows.

Pros of Using Newspaper to Clean Glass Windows:

Save a few bucks

If you want to live as frugal as possible or to tuck a few bucks away for a rainy day, the cost of newspaper is minimal at best. In many cases, if you know where to look, you can get your hands on it for no more than the time it takes to pick it up. Many places recycle newspaper and would be more than happy for you take a few bundles off their hands.

Easily Available

The worse feeling is when you head to the store only to find the item you needed is sold out. Newspaper is so readily available that you’re guaranteed to pick up a good stack in one trip. No special trips to a specific store, no ordering online or waiting on a shipment. If you use newspaper for window cleaning in offices, chances are you’ll find bulk newspaper just lying around near recycling bins by the dozens.

Scrub Away with Ink

Interestingly, window cleaning contractors believe that the ink on newspaper can help scrub away dust, dirt and small stains without harming the glass. The ink gives texture and can act like gentle sandpaper without scratching the glass. You won’t be able to get the same result with regular wash clothes or paper towels.

Streak Free

If you’ve spent time doing home window cleaning or window cleaning for offices, then you are well aware that using paper towels or clothes often leaves a streak behind. Also, depending on the brand, you might find lint left behind that requires another wipe down. It almost becomes an endless cycle leaving you with spotty, streaky glass to look at. Newspaper doesn’t have that problem. Most times just a bit of wiping and your glass is clear and lint-free!

Disposable and Recyclable

Unlike clothes that require rewashing, newspaper can go right into the trash or—better yet—go into the recycling bin. So you can say goodbye to your rag washing days and save yourself some room in your washing machine. Not to mention saving on laundry detergent, electricity and dryer sheets.

Cons of Using Newspaper to Clean Glass Windows:

Limited Use

While newspaper is in abundance, you’ll need to keep a good stack if you plan to do all the windows in your home or office. When using cloth to clean a window, you have the option of rinsing and reusing. Unfortunately, newspaper does not have the same ability. Once newspaper is wet it will begin to break down and fall apart.

Ink Bleeds

Many times when you use newspaper to wash glass, you will notice some black (or perhaps other color) smudges appearing on your fingers or under your nails. As the newspaper starts to dissolve, some of the ink will begin to transfer to your hands. While the ink will not appear on the glass, it will appear on your skin. Often times the ink will remain on your skin for a few days or more. Some people have claimed luck with using rubbing alcohol to clean your hands, but this can leave your hands feeling dry. Fortunately, this con can be avoided by using rubber gloves while washing windows. However, be sure to watch for wooden frames since ink will stick to window frames and is not easy to remove.

Ultimately, the use of newspaper to clear home or office windows will depend on you. You might want to consider the kind of windows you’ll be working on and the number of windows that need washing. If you still find yourself on the fence with your decision, newspaper is so easy to come by so it doesn’t hurt to give it a try. Comparing the two results and seeing if newspaper provides you with the results you want costs nothing more than your time.