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Window Cleaning In the Sun – 3 easy tips

Pete Lewis — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 06:29:52 +0000

You may have noticed that professional window cleaners mostly now use a pole system to clean windows. These specialist systems use purified water and a special brush to reach all the windows of your house without ladders, and, importantly, without using soapy window cleaner.

First off, the use of the pole means no standing on high ladders, which, let’s face it, is dangerous.

When the weather is as hot as it’s been lately, standing around in this heat isn’t fun.

It can make you tired and clumsy, not the sort of things you want to be when you’re 20ft in the air!

But why not soapy water?

Well, for one thing, if used in direct sunlight, it can cause streaks.

You’ll discover this yourself if you decide to clean your windows. Streaks and smears will follow you around everywhere if you don’t follow a few simple window cleaning rules.

So, here’s how to make sure your windows stay crystal clear, even if cleaning in this glorious sun we’re having.

Don’t let the soapy solution dry

This will require some nifty hand-action to get right all the time, but you’ll have problems if you leave the solution on the window and it begins to dry.

So, as soon as you’ve wet the window, grab your squeegee and wipe it off straight away.

You’ll notice some window cleaners do this with a two-handed action.

Think Mr Miyagi in The Karate Kid.

Wipe-on, wipe off!

Use more water

It’s a simple one, this.

Just use more water, a more dilute solution in effect.

This will reduce the number of streaks and make it much easier to wipe the window clean in one swipe rather than having to keep going over it to get it clean.

Use less soap

Pretty much the same tip as above, but in reverse!

Simply use less soap.

You’ll probably have to clean the windows more often, but little and often is probably better in this situation anyway.

Get a professional!

OK, it’s a cop-out, but think of how much time you spend cleaning those windows and what you could be doing instead!

Get a professional window cleaner to do the job for you, and you’ll have a much better result, time after time.

Call us now on 01902 655 499

The post Window Cleaning In the Sun – 3 easy tips appeared first on Jet Wash Seal.

Do I need a window cleaner?

Pete Lewis — Thu, 17 May 2018 09:22:54 +0000

When I lived in my first house over 25 years ago, the thought of doing something as grown up as actually getting a window cleaner was way in the back of my mind.
I couldn’t believe that people paid money for someone to come and rub a rag over the windows, a job I could surely do myself with little effort and in just a few minutes every week or so.
For the first few weeks I put off cleaning the windows because, well, they looked absolutely fine. There was no mud on them, how could there be? And I could see through them OK.
The rain would surely clean them off anyway?
It rains a lot in the UK, so why don’t people just let them wash themselves?
At this point I was thinking that I was being clever, and I put some “RainX” on my downstairs windows.
If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a neat chemical that was designed to go on car windscreens.
It repels water, so there’s no need to wipers when it’s raining. It has mixed success.
I thought this would on my windows. It didn’t.
A few weeks into the summer and my parents visited. “Your windows are filthy!” they said, in unison.

Time to clean the windows!

I decided to get up a ladder and clean them.
I bought a sponge and squeegee from Wilkinson’s and got to work.
After about two hours, I’d got a house frontage pouring with suds and was soaked through to the bone.
To get the suds off, I got the hose out and gave the entire front of the house a big spray. It looked ridiculous.
I am also glossing over the part where I nearly fell of the ladder. Twice.
To be fair, I did get the windows fairly clean, but I vowed never to do it again.

I needed a window cleaner

I gave it a few weeks before asking my neighbour for the number of his cleaner.
They guy was called Bob and he popped round.
For six quid he’d do the front and back!
Six quid! I’d spent more than that on the bucket, sponge and other stuff!
He cleaned the windows in 30 minutes.
They were spotless, and so was he. He wasn’t covered in suds and water and hadn’t fallen off a ladder.
The thing is, he was experienced.
Cleaning windows isn’t just about dipping a soggy sponge in soapy water, it’s about doing the job right, and safely.
In fact, you won’t find a ladder in most cleaner’s vans these days because they use the new and far more efficient pole systems.
So if you’re on the fence about getting that cleaner on board, give them a call, it’ll get your windows ready for summer and it won’t cost you the earth.

The post Do I need a window cleaner? appeared first on Jet Wash Seal.

Interior Window Cleaning a Problem This Easter? We’ve Got You Covered!

Pete Lewis — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 08:46:45 +0000

When you’ve got kids running around the house more, especially during holiday times, keeping your windows sparkling clean can be a problem.

Easter seems to be the worst of all because hands covered in chocolate get everywhere, and the sun starts to shine a bit more, making the windows look even worse!

So, it’s time to get them cleaned, but how?

Well, although you’d know us as traditional window cleaners with those big poles that clean the outside so well, we can also do the inside. Obviously without the pole!

We are fully insured, and as long as you can clean all that valuable and delicate pottery off the windowsill, we’ll do an incredible job on the insides of your windows, too.

But what if I want to do it myself?

You obviously don’t want to call us around every time you have a chocolate hand-print incident, so we thought we’d put together a few ideas on how you could keep the inside of your windows perfectly clean for cheap or free.

The key ingredient here is vinegar. We’ve used it before, it’s fantastic, so why not use it again to get the chocolate egg off the windows? It’s perfect for the job.

What you’ll need:

Sponge (pound shop)
Squeegee (again, from the pound shop)
Distilled vinegar (supermarket)
Bucket (we’ve all got buckets!)

The first thing to do is to make up a vinegar window cleaning solution.

You do this by getting distilled vinegar. This is different to the stuff you put on your chips, so beware! You’ll find it in the same aisle as the malt stuff, and it’s about the same price, so it’s useful to keep some in the store cupboard.

How much you need depends entirely on how big your windows are. The ratio is one part hot water to one part distilled vinegar, which is easy enough to do.

Simply empty the contents of the vinegar bottle into a bucket, and then top up with exactly the same amount of water.

That should be enough to do most of your downstairs because we’re not going to soak the windows, merely wipe them and dry.

So, grab your sponge and dip it in the solution. Squeeze until most of the water is out.

This is important. Dripping water outside is no problem at all, inside is a different matter because you have important things like sofas, TVs and mobile phones lying about.

The sponge just needs to be wet enough so it will deposit the solution on to the window surface.

So, once it’s squeezed, apply to the window, one pane at a time.

If you’ve got some particularly tough areas of dirt, give them a good rub.

When you’re done, grab your squeegee and wipe across and down until the window is dry.

A top tip here is to have a dry tea towel at the bottom of the window to catch all the water as it cascades down, you can then use it to dry all around the pane, making sure to get the solution off all surfaces.

Warning!

Something to keep in mind is that vinegar is an acid, and while it’s perfectly safe to use around children and most pets, you might want to keep it off delicate things like your new sofa, the carpet, and other furniture.

Also, even though most window frames are plastic and therefore perfectly OK to clean with this solution, you should try rubbing it in a small inconspicuous area first to make sure there’s no reaction. The same goes if your windows are framed by wood or some other material.

Always check first, and if in any doubt, call us, and we’ll do it for you!

The post Interior Window Cleaning a Problem This Easter? We’ve Got You Covered! appeared first on Jet Wash Seal.

Can You Clean Windows If It’s Raining?

Pete Lewis — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 09:45:11 +0000

All weather cleaning

The question may appear counter-intuitive, but the answer is a very straightforward yes. Technological advancements are universal and therefore applicable to the serious business of window cleaning.

By adopting the pure water pole-fed window cleaning system, windows can stay clean for longer, smear and residue free, no matter the weather and that includes precipitation.

Rain is pure water, as is tap water – the difference being that tap water needs to be filtrated to be rendered pure. The purity of the water is the key to why windows can be cleaned when it’s bucketing down!

Everyday tap water shouldn’t be used because it will leave streaks due to the minerals and sanitising chemicals contained in it. For best results, tap water needs to be processed through a deionising filter, possibly up to several times depending on local water quality.

Once the water is deionised, it can be utilised as pure water for window cleaning. As rain is pure water, it will not adversely affect neither the cleaning process nor results, although neighbours might raise an eyebrow!

So why pure water for cleaner windows?

The traditional method of applying detergent to glass might appear to get windows super clean, but it can leave residue and smears on the glass. All kinds of detritus can leave a fine layer of dirt on window surfaces, from pollen to vehicle fumes and bird droppings. Despite best efforts, traces of detergent will be left behind. When it rains, dirt can mix with the moisture and adhere to the detergent residue, creating spots on the surface. The culprit for smeared windows is the detergent. Applying only pure water means that no stickiness is left behind.

This is why pure water is so good at cleaning windows to leave them sparkling and pristine. It’s simple – no residue. Utilising telescopic poles, pure water is fed through the pole from a portable tank.

The dirt is loosened and agitated by soft-filament fibers and the tank supplies a constant supply of pure water throughout the process. The steady stream causes the dirt to be rinsed away without leaving anything behind on the surface. Indeed, the result is streak-free, crystal clear windows that remain cleaner for much longer.

Whether raining or not, using the pure water pole-fed system not only results in sparkling windows but comes with other advantages too.

Ladders aren’t needed, allowing water-fed poles to reach hitherto inaccessible areas, particularly higher story windows, fascias, and guttering. Increased privacy is a plus, too, with no-one atop ladders cleaning the bedroom window as someone indoors dives for cover!

The post Can You Clean Windows If It’s Raining? appeared first on Jet Wash Seal.

5 Easy ways to make your windows shine

Pete Lewis — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 16:34:54 +0000

Clean windows are more important than you think.

Just like the most beautiful outfit fails to impress if you wear dirty shoes, so do dirty windows harm the overall impression of your house.

While some windows only need to be washed sporadically, when you have small children or a dog in the house, windows generally take a beating.

Children tend to leave small handprints on the windows, while with a dog in the house all it takes is for Fido to see a rabbit or a squirrel to leave nose prints all over the glass.

Fortunately, there are 5 easy ways to make your windows shine with these common household products.

Vinegar

A trusted way to get windows sparkling is a combination of water and vinegar.

Fill a bucket with water and add two or three cups of white vinegar.

Submerge a sponge or clean cloth in the liquid and apply generously. Dry with a clean cloth.

Detergent

If the windows are particularly grimy use four or five drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water. If you’re happy with the result you can dry the windows, if you would like some extra sparkle, rinse the windows by adding two or three cups of vinegar to clean water.

Newspaper

To get sparkling windows, our grandmothers relied on simple newspaper.

The procedure is simple. Wash the windows with water and detergent or water and vinegar. When dry, scrunch a sheet of newspaper into a ball and vigorously rub the ball over the glass. Not too vigorously though, you don’t want to hurt yourself and end up with a broken window.

Alternatively, you can take a couple of sheets of newspaper, roll them in one thick ball and dunk them in a solution of water and vinegar or water and detergent. It might be a bit of a messy business, but your windows will shine like never before.

If you fear that the ink of the newspaper will stain your hands, wear rubber gloves.

Coffee filters

If you don’t have a newspaper handy, coffee filters will do just as well. Take a few and dunk them in the water or use them to buff up the glass when you’re done. Coffee filters are lint-free and as such will leave your windows shiny without that fuzzy coat.

Quick fixes

In case of messy handprints, pawprints or traces of a wet dog’s nose, keep a spray bottle handy with a mixture of water and vinegar.

For small touch-ups, you can use pure vinegar on a cotton swab or if need be lemon juice.

Cut a lemon in half and rub the flesh of the lemon over the stain. To give the lemon juice extra kick, you can even sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the lemon half.

Keep in mind that whichever method you use, never clean your windows when direct sunlight hits them. Whether you use vinegar, detergent or lemon juice, always wait until the glass is in the shade.

The post 5 Easy ways to make your windows shine appeared first on Jet Wash Seal.

Why window cleaners don’t use ladders anymore

Pete Lewis — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 07:53:24 +0000

For countless years window cleaners clambered up their ladders to bring a shine to the nation’s glass.

However, they were never a safe option, with around ten fatal accidents and numerous injuries every year.

There weren’t many sensible alternatives unless the job was an industrial one, until new regulations in 2005 restricted the use of ladders in window cleaning, leading to rumours that they had actually been banned altogether.

Window Cleaning Safety

There is no truth in this at all, but the Health and Safety Executive does restrict them to circumstances considered low in risk and duration, which must be assessed.

There are sites where it may be impossible to dispense with ladders in certain situations, for instance.

Low heights, or windows above flat roofs, are two other examples of cases where they might be deemed necessary and acceptable, but on the whole, a good job can be done from ground-level with a water-fed pole.

These lightweight carbon-fiber tools clean by way of a brush, while jets of water do the rinsing.

Being light and easy to manipulate makes them suitable for people who are not too strong or who dislike heights, and who had probably ruled out this particular job in the past.
As far back as 1974, the law regarding the use of ladders stipulated that employers must make sure employees and those in the immediate vicinity should not be open to danger.

It also covered self-employed window cleaners where there was a chance that their activities might pose a risk to others, so the most recent changes were the next logical step and a sensible development.
Ladder-less reach-and-wash systems are just as effective as the old method. In addition, they make the trade accessible to more people, including those who had not considered becoming self-employed before.

This is healthy for the job market as window cleaners are always in demand, with some householders finding it hard to get a regular service.

So, anything that opens up this field is to be welcomed on both sides, and good health and safety guidance will build the confidence of new workers and their families.

Ladders are being phased out where they are not needed or where there is an element of risk attached. There is no need to ban them outright, but the directive has forced users to think about and to develop safer practices, which can only be a good thing for the well-being of all.

The post Why window cleaners don’t use ladders anymore appeared first on Jet Wash Seal.

Driveway & Window cleaning services

Pete Lewis — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 13:31:10 +0000

Jet Wash Seal clean Driveway & Window cleaning services

are the helping hand for Wolverhampton’s elderly

Getting older is no joke if you own your own property and you have got a limited support network. Just keeping on top of everyday tasks can seem impossible. And trying to do everything yourself can even prove dangerous.

You need someone you can trust to do the jobs you struggle with. Why take risks when you don’t have to? Jet Wash Seal is a friendly, reliable and honest business providing essential homeowner services throughout the Wolverhampton area. It can help you stay on top of jobs around the home and help to keep you safe.

Window cleaning in Wolverhampton

Falls are a major cause of death and disability in older people. And many trips and falls occur in the home or garden. Have you ever stood on a stool or chair and worried about falling?

Jet Wash Seal provides a courteous, reliable window cleaning service in

The service uses telescopic equipment to reach even the highest windows, providing the total window cleaning solution. Safely.

You may know someone who would benefit from this service. Perhaps you have a relative or friend who struggles to keep on top of garden maintenance or window cleaning. Why not call Jet Wash Seal on 01902 655 499 and find out more about their helpful services?

Garden maintenance in Wolverhampton

Even if an older person is housebound, the garden can still provide great enjoyment. A comfy chair by a window is often a source of immense pleasure. A view of a freshly mowed lawn, bulbs poking through the earth or birds visiting a water bath can be a highlight of an older person’s day. That is why maintaining a garden is important.

If you know a homeowner who needs their Wolverhampton Jet Wash Seal clean Driveway–Window cleaning services, call Jet Wash Seal for a free, no obligation chat. Everyone at Jet Wash Seal will go out of their way to make an older person feel at ease and safe.

Jet Wash Seal can reduce trip hazards

For the mobile elderly, avoiding trips and falls outdoors is extremely important. Getting in and out of the car can be particularly difficult if mobility is restricted or a person is frail. That is why it is important to keep driveways and paths free of moss, algae and other slippery debris. Jet Wash Seal removes these hazards with a specialist cleaning service.

Its cleaning and sealing service for driveways has made it a household name in the West Midlands. This popular service has many benefits. If you want to find out more, visit https://jetwashseal.co.uk/driveway-cleaning/ or give Jet Wash Seal a call on 01902 655 499.

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Exterior Cleaning Specialists Jet Wash Seal West Midlands

Pete Lewis — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 18:12:38 +0000

Exterior cleaning specialists

Dealing with the aftermath of extreme weather in the West Midlands

There is no escaping it… 2018 got off to a particularly stormy start. With gusts of wind exceeding 80 miles per hour in many parts of the country, the New Year left many homes and business in the West Midlands looking rather weather-worn. Thank goodness, Jet Wash Seal can help.

The rash of storms followed hot on the heels of a cold snap that left lying snow in many parts of the Midlands. If your home or business took a battering, now is the time to act. Putting things in order can prevent problems later on and stop your premises from looking neglected.

Businesses in the West Midlands

If you own a business, you should use this checklist to ensure your premises remain safe and compliant, as well as look smart:

Check the property for any loose tiles or fixtures
Ensure windows are cleaned (especially if grit has been laid locally). Call Jet Wash Seal now on 01902 655 499 to book an appointment
Pick up loose objects which may have blown onto public spaces to avoid a trip hazard
Call Jet Wash Seal to jet wash paths, car parks and loading bays. This will remove mud, grit and other debris.
Tidy up garden areas with Jet Wash Seal’s great new garden maintenance service

Homeowners in Wolverhampton

Homeowners can reduce the risk of accidents in the home and garden and get their property back into shape by following this advice:

Ensure patios, decking, driveways and paths are free of debris with Jet Wash Seal’s specialist cleaning services
Book Jet Wash Seal to clean your windows
Give the garden a tidy up with Jet Wash Seal’s garden maintenance service

Call Jet Wash Seal after extreme weather

If you are selling your home, have just opened a new business or manage a public service, putting things right as quickly as possible after extreme weather should be a priority. Your home will lack kerb appeal if it is looking battered. Image is everything for a new business and public safety is paramount if you manage a service.

To find out how Jet Wash Seal can help you look after your property or garden, visit www.jetwashseal.co.uk

Businesses in the West Midlands

If you own a business, you should use this checklist to ensure your premises remain safe and compliant, as well as look smart:

Check the property for any loose tiles or fixtures
Ensure windows are cleaned (especially if grit has been laid locally). Call Jet Wash Seal now on 01902 655 499 to book an appointment
Pick up loose objects which may have blown onto public spaces to avoid a trip hazard
Call Jet Wash Seal to jet wash paths, car parks and loading bays. This will remove mud, grit and other debris.
Tidy up garden areas with Jet Wash Seal’s great new garden maintenance service

Homeowners in Wolverhampton

Homeowners can reduce the risk of accidents in the home and garden and get their property back into shape by following this advice:

Ensure patios, decking, driveways and paths are free of debris with Jet Wash Seal’s specialist cleaning services
Book Jet Wash Seal to clean your windows
Give the garden a tidy up with Jet Wash Seal’s garden maintenance service

Call Jet Wash Seal after extreme weather

To find out how Jet Wash Seal can help you look after your property or garden, visit www.jetwashseal.co.uk

The post Exterior Cleaning Specialists Jet Wash Seal West Midlands appeared first on Jet Wash Seal.

How clean windows can help you sell your home

Pete Lewis — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 08:34:25 +0000

Preparing to move home can be one of the most stressful situations any of us has to go through.

Minimising that stress should start as soon as you decide to put your home on the market. The greater the number of lookers who come and go, the more the anxiety increases each time a prospective buyer turns up at the door.

So how do you give your home that ‘must-buy’ appeal to those early visitors who come to view?

Your house exterior is as important as the interior:

Rightly or wrongly, we all know that first impressions count. In the property market that means ‘kerb appeal.’

By the time they pull up outside your house and walk to the front door, most prospective buyers will have already made a sub-conscious decision whether they are interested in buying or not.

Making the exterior of your home as appealing as possible will greatly increase the chance of a sale.

A little effort can reap big benefits:

Spending a little time and effort getting the outside of your property up to scratch will not only help sell it faster, but increase its value far beyond the few quid you need to spend.

Start at the top and work down. Check the roof for slipped or missing tiles or slates, and chimney flashings and valleys for damage.

If you live in an old property and the roof is covered with accumulated moss and debris, getting it professionally cleaned by jet washing is well worth considering.

Blocked and damaged gutters and downpipes can cause major problems, and at the very least look unsightly. Make sure your gutters are working properly and look presentable.

Give the outside of the gutters, downpipes, fascias, soffits, and bargeboards a good clean if they are plastic, or a lick of paint if wood. Window and door frames also should receive some tender loving care.

uPVC frames should be washed down and wooden ones have given a fresh coat of paint. Check window sills, especially if brick or concrete and repair and repaint if necessary. And finally – little things mean a lot.

Clean the Windows:

It’s surprising after all that effort, how many think a quick wipe over of the windows with a damp cloth and it’s job done. It isn’t.

Having your home’s windows properly cleaned can make or break the overall appearance of your property’s exterior.

With the excellent cleaning aids on the market today, freshly cleaned windows will shine and sparkle in the sunlight. Not only do they provide the piece de resistance of an attractive and welcoming exterior, but allow the maximum level of natural light into the home’s interior.

Bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens all take on a natural hue of their own. Their visual appeal is increased.

And prospective buyers see things in a whole new light.

If you’re considering selling your house, minimise those early anxiety attacks by ensuring your home’s exterior is as buyer friendly as you can make it, with glistening paintwork, and gleaming windows.

The post How clean windows can help you sell your home appeared first on Jet Wash Seal.

Why window cleaners don’t use detergent anymore when cleaning windows

Pete Lewis — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 13:52:20 +0000

The traditional window cleaning method involves the use of water and detergent with an applicator, and a squeegee is used to remove the water, detergent, and dirt.

An absorbent cloth is then used to wipe off excess water from the surface of the glass to ensure the window is dry.

In contrast, modern window cleaning utilises the water fed pole, a system that uses pure water and a special brush head without detergents.

As the quality of running water varies from one area to another, it is essential that only purified water is utilised if water fed pole window washing is to be fully successful.

Particulate and inorganic content such as dirt, silt, and other fine particles can smear the surface of the glass or leave marks and spots behind.

Treatment of water for use with the water fed pole

The water purification system utilises a variety of water system products designed to remove water hardness and produce contaminant free water.

Purified water does a better job of removing dirt from windows and it does not leave any residue behind that can smear the glass surface.

Water softeners remove hard water scale and scum minerals through an ion exchange process. When the hard water is passed over a resin material, the hardness minerals are exchanged for sodium to make the water soft.

The system is equipped with a brine tank which provides the salt for the softening process. Sodium, the by-product of the softening process and the other inorganic contaminant are removed by reverse osmosis, a membrane technology.

Deionisation is another water treatment system which works similarly to water softeners. They are popular because of their low initial cost, but if large quantities of water are required on a daily basis, it may become expensive to use a deioniser as the sole water purifier.

The water fed pole cleaning system is also preferred to the old method of using a rag and a water filled bucket with detergent because window cleaning can be done at ground level without the need to work at a height.

This improves safety in window cleaning and reduces the incidence of injuries that can occur with the use of ladders, platforms, cradles, and scaffolding to access windows in high rise buildings.

The window cleaning process with water fed pole

The water fed pole is a telescopic pole fitted with a brush and a means of delivering purified water for cleaning the window. The water fed pole is connected to a water treatment system through a trailing hose.

The building should provide reasonable access so that the windows to be cleaned can be viewed without obstruction.

The water fed pole is raised vertically and if the windows to be cleaned are low lying, the pole can be operated by the movement of the arms alone. If this is not possible, the pole can be extended horizontally to the desired length on the ground and then raised vertically from this position.

Two people may be required to carry out this operation as one person will be required to stabilise and steady the base of the pole while the other person raises the pole vertically.

Cleaning of higher level windows requires some training to learn the techniques for working to maintain the natural balance of the pole so that less effort is expended when the operator goes through the cleaning task.

It is desirable for new operators to acquire some experience in the use of shorter poles before moving on to longer poles so that acceptable standards of cleaning can be delivered.

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