No one objects the importance of cleaning your teeth every morning (excluding little kids, of course) as we all understand this is a very important part of everyone’s daily routine that saves us from cavity and keeps teeth healthy.
This concept, however, is not applied to other situations for some reason. From time to time we all clean windows in our homes but it is probably not on the priority list for many. A sticky floor is an issue, but dirty windows are usually tolerated for much longer.
Today we would like to shake up your perception about window cleaning and take a fresh new look at it as a service.
So here are the 5 reasons why window cleaning is more important than it seems:
- The Structure of Glass
Glass is porous and collects dirt that over time make it fragile or causes loss of transparency, pigmented spots, which accommodate microorganisms’ growth. In the end, that might ruin the glass completely.Common enemies of your windows and the main reason for the cleaning are:
- hard minerals – from sprinkler systems and building run-off;
- oxidization – from windows encased in metal frames and screens;
- acid rain – they are more common than you think;
- sea spray – salt slowly builds up on the surface of your glass;
- overspray – accidental paint, chalk, mortar particles, etc.
- Subconscious Effect
Did you know windows significantly affect the way visitors perceive the credibility of a business? Subliminally or completely consciously, the majority of people will pay attention the cleanness of your glass front when visiting a store. Dirty windows will testify careless attitude and represent a business as less trustworthy and attractive overall. Clean windows, on the other hand, attract more visitors to the stores. Furthermore, experienced property agents testify increased interest towards the properties with clean windows among potential property buyers. Moreover, clean properties were sold at higher prices than those with the same features but dirty windows. It’s easy as a piece of pie – clean windows make everything look tidy, fresh and simply pleasant.
- House Heat Efficiency
This might be a big surprise for some of us, but it turns out dirty windows affect overall heat efficiency of your house. Dirt particles on the surface and in the pores of the glass simply reflect more UV light, preventing the sun from warming up your apartment during the cold seasons.The things get even worse when a filthy glass is combined with low-efficiency windows. Such a bundle might cause a gradual increase in heating expenses and even issues with mould in the long run.
- Maintenance in the Long Run
Just like with our teeth, it is tens times less expensive to care for them in the short run than to accept the long run restoration expenses. Once your windows start bearing the marks of time, it might be hard to reverse the process if possible at all. Micro-cracks and scratches, glass mould and spots will gradually destroy the glass and force you replacing the whole window pane at some point. Not talking about all the potential damage to the surfaces surrounding the window.
- It Just Works – Clean Windows Look Nice
In the end, you probably felt it for yourself – clean windows make you feel better, they offer a better view. The world in full colour is simply more satisfying. If you don’t understand what we mean, just ask your friend with glasses about their perception of the world before and after cleaning the spectacles. Some might even mention an increase in self-esteem and boost in positive thinking. Don’t let yourself down with smears and smudges 😉
Okay, now when we are clear with the reasons and have our conclusions, the next question is:
How Often Should I Clean My Windows?
It’s a great question. However, to give an objective answer to this question, one has to analyse their specific conditions and the environment they live in. If you live close to a busy road, the gasses and heavy elements will build up much faster than on the windows of a person living close to a park.
First of all, think about a frequency of rain in your area, all sources of pollution (both natural and human-caused).
Secondly, just observe how fast your windows attract dirt. You might take a notice on how often people on your street wash their windows.
Thirdly, re-consider your cleaning solutions. Nowadays, it is easy to fall in love with all those beautiful packagings and promises to gift you with the most beautiful sparkling windows. But the truth is that you don’t need all those chemicals (for the cases of mediocre pollution levels in the area). Just follow our recipe for shiny window cleaning.
Finding an answer to the three points above will give you the perfect timing according to your specific needs.
For highly polluted areas, it might be once or even twice per week. For windows in the most households, the golden ratio might be once or twice a month, depending on how close is the sea, forest, sources of sand, industrial dust and other dirt factors. If you live in a perfectly balanced environment, you windows might enjoy bi-monthly cleaning. The point here is not to leave them on their own for more than 3 months.
Love your windows and they will love you in return.