How to start out as a Window Cleaner in Dunfermline and Fife. How to guides and personal experiences.
Saturday, 15 July 2023
Safe Use of Ladders for Window Cleaning in Scotland: A Comprehensive Guide for window cleaners in Fife
Finding the Best Window Cleaning Rubber: A Guide for Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, and Fife window cleaners
Removing Scratches from Glass: An Expert Guide for Fife, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, and Edinburgh Residents
Thursday, 23 December 2021
Window Cleaning in winter
Cleaning your windows in the winter is not only essential to keep your home clean, but it wil also help you attain the most light through the windows. Furthermore, it can benefit your health to keep your windows clean throughout the colder months.
Winter window cleaning can come with a whole host of implications due to slippery surfaces and freezing temperatures. Both of which, can take a huge toll on your body.
On that note, here is everything that you need to know about winter window cleaning, the safety tips, and the implications.
Rain Raining Raindrops - Free photo on Pixabay
The impact winter weather can have on window cleaning services
Winter weather can take a toll on cleaning companies during the winter as people assume they don’t need them cleaned. Or, they might feel that they are putting companies in danger to clean their windows throughout the wet and windy conditions. However, trained window cleaning professionals will be able to clean your windows and stay safe as they will know exactly how to keep safe when the weather changes. Likewise, they will have the right tools to keep your windows as clean as possible while keeping them safe.
Hiring a professional window cleaner, like Fife window cleaning services, will ensure that you can avoid cleaning the windows yourselves, which will keep you protected. Likewise, they will know the safety measures to stay as safe as possible in wet, windy, and slippery conditions.
The safety hazards of cleaning windows in the winter
The safety hazards of cleaning windows throughout the winter are pretty obvious. When the weather is colder, surfaces can become more slippery. Likewise, the wet and windy conditions can result in ladders becoming unstable when high windows need to be cleaned.
Nonetheless, there are also other safety hazards of winter window cleaning that you will want to know about:
Can hinder physical and mental health
The cold and wet conditions can cause a buildup of harmful and toxic bacteria on your windows, which can be detrimental to your health. Therefore, cleaning the windows regularly will free the windows of debris.
Likewise, clean windows will enhance the natural light that comes in, which can boost energy and your mood. The more natural light that enters a home or a workspace can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health.
Furthemore, it is obvious that wintery conditions can be the most unsafe for cleaning windows from the outside. Climbing up a ladder when it’s wet comes with physical vulnerabilities, especially if the surface is unstable or slippery.
Window longevity may be reduced
You will want your windows to last as long as possible to withstand heat and also make the most of your money.
The less care you give to your windows, the shorter their lifespan will be. Therefore, cleaning and maintaining your windows throughout the winter (and every other month) will ensure that your windows will last as long as possible.
Bacteria or damage to windows can cause a breeze to get through, which can impact your health and also hinder the efficiency of your heating.
How to tackle winter window cleaning implications
With the safety hazards in mind, it is important to know about them to tackle these winter window cleaning implications. Therefore, here is how to keep yourself, your cleaners, and your windows safe throughout the colder months.
Take good care of your equipment
Your equipment will be vulnerable to cracking if there is water inside and it freezes overnight or when you are outside in an attempt to clean the windows. Therefore, make sure to keep your equipment warm or always empty it after each use. This will ensure that your equipment can maintain its condition and not crack on you when you try to use it.
Likewise, frozen windows can be vulnerable to cracking. Therefore, make sure to be slow and patient when running water over them. Avoid using hot water first as this could cause a reaction and cause the windowpane to break.
Therefore, making sure to do plenty of preparation, taking things slow, and taking care of your equipment will ensure to keep you and your windows safe throughout the winter when they need a clean.
Dress appropriately
Dressing for the weather will, of course, keep you warm and as cozy as possible when you clean the windows.
Make sure to wear thermals, a hat, and thick gloves to prevent you from getting cold and being vulnerable to frostbite.
Use the heating
A cold home will cause the exterior of the home to get cold, which can make window cleaning much more hazardous. You could risk the water freezing while on the job.
Therefore, make sure to use the heating to prevent the external walls and windows from being cold and making the windows dangerous to clean.
Use a hot water system
Whether or not the heating is on, it can help to use a hot water system when working. But remember, don’t add hot water to a frozen window. Gently warm up the ice by using cold water and increasing the temperature as the ice melts away.
A hot water system will ensure that you can clean the windows efficiently and also keep your equipment running effectively without the pipes freezing up.
Avoid spilling water
Spilling water on the job can make it much more dangerous, especially if the temperatures are freezing. Water spills can turn slippery, which can make ladder placement and walk around with equipment risky. If you can, use a reach and wash system during the colder months to avoid using ladders.
Avoid spilling water by being patient and careful while on the job. Should you notice any spilled water, make sure to mop it up before continuing.
Be realistic
You need to be realistic when going about cleaning windows in the winter. There is no use going outside when there is a blizzard to clean the windows as you will be in danger, get ill, and the windows won’t stay clean.
Therefore, always time to window cleaning according to the weather. It won’t matter too much if it’s freezing, as you will have the above safety measures and tips in place. Just ensure it is as dry as possible to avoid slipping.
Tuesday, 14 December 2021
The Best Window Cleaning tools
The Best Window Cleaning Equipment for Your Home or Business
Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/light-city-dawn-sunset-9506409/
Windows tend to get pretty dirty over time. Some windows are just too far out of reach, and so without a professional Window Cleaning service with the tools and expertise to keep them clean those hard-to-reach areas tend to get cleaned less. Of course, there are benefits to regular window cleaning. More natural light gets to come, the exterior of the home looks nicer, and the building for businesses looks more professional. But if you’ve ever cleaned windows, you know how troublesome it can get. The glass surface can leave streaks if you do it wrong, doubling the work, and having to get to those difficult areas isn’t a cakewalk either.
Fortunately, there are solutions to this window-washing situation. Technology has advanced and it’s led to both high-tech and low-tech options that are affordable, and no doubt get the job done. With this in mind, here are some of the best window cleaning equipment that you can buy for your home or business!
Why bother with the best window cleaning equipment when I can hire someone else to do the work for me?
Although you could technically hire a window cleaner Dunfermline service like Caledonia Window Cleaning to clean your windows, it can get expensive in the long run. Window cleaners are not people who work for hours on end cleaning one window after another. They are people who will come in and do a single job, which can range from wiping down the dust to doing a deep clean involving the use of an industrial pressure washer.
Window cleaners have a difficult job that is often overlooked. When going to a new customer, they need to understand what needs to be done and what the customer expects. They also need to do it quickly and with as little fuss as possible so that they can go on to the next job. Some areas are hard to reach or can be dangerous for someone who is untrained. In situations like this, it is best to hire some help, but if your watching the pennies coming up to Christmas there are tools available for you to use.
Tools needed for window cleaning
Window cleaning can be pretty tough, but there are tools for this job that make it much easier. Knowing the basics will help you find the right tools for window cleaning. The following are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing window cleaning tools:
The quality of the material used in making the tools
The weight and grip of each tool (important for optimum balance)
The pressure applied on windows while using these tools (it should be minimal)
The shape and size of each tool (some are specially designed to fit in corners)
These types of considerations are something you can expect to find from Fife window cleaning services.
Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-an-apron-cleaning-the-window-6223032/
What are some of the more traditional cleaning equipment that’s used for windows?
There are various tools when it comes to window cleaning. It’s far more complex than just washing with a cloth and moving it aside with a squeegee. Some of the most basic and traditional cleaning equipment you’ll find for a successful window-cleaning session can include:
Washer, scrubber or applicator
These come in a variety of styles available. Some brands such as ettore make the "porcupine" sleeve which has shards of plastic throughout the sleeve to help scrub thick dirt on the glass without the risk of scratching. We use Moermans Fugu microfibre sleeve.
Bucket
This may be the most obvious as buckets of water and traditional cleaning solution are needed for getting a spotless shine. There are a range of buckets on offer we use the ettore 10L bucket that is available with a lid. Always useful but essential in winter as it keeps the water warmer for longer.
Squeegee
Something that you’ll find at the local petrol station, and it’s also used by the professionals too. These will dry your windows, leaving them scratch-free.
Scraper
Sometimes bird dropping or other unwanted residue gets stuck on the window. This scraper has a very sharp razor blade attached to it to remove gunk. This is better suited for professionals as there is the possibility of you damaging and scratching your windows.
Additional equipment
Some other tools and equipment are available to make your life a little easier. As professional Window cleaners in Dunfermline and across Fife we use things like bronze wool pads to clean hard to move spots, sticky residue and other marks from glass. Although this isn't advisable unless competent in use because if used incorrectly it can risk scratching the glass.The pro's and cons of different squeegee channel designs and their applicators
It may come off as a surprise that there are a variety of different squeegees and brands. Squeegees are one of the most powerful tools for professional window cleaners, and it’s a tool that has to get everything just right or else risks doubling the work. Squeegees are essentials, one of the fundamentals for a clean window and it’s a tool where quality should not be compromised.
If you’ve ever purchased one from a pound shop, then you may understand that you get what you pay for. Several popular brands are the biggest on the market. They each have their own model which has pros and cons. This list will explain to the brand what makes their squeegee channel great and what needs improvement.
Moerman
Pro
The Moerman tools are known to be one of the best on the market. This is our main tool of choice. They are far superior due to their exclusive design. The zero detailing capability of the channels once the technique has been developed saves time to maximise earning potential and reduce the risk of smears. The Excelerator 2.0 is a great example of how great they are as their handles are flexible for those needed swivels.
Con
A tight grip may be needed depending on the tool
Unger
Pro
Unger squeegees have this convention S-channel chape that gives it a perfect distinction from its competitors.
Con
Examples such as the S-Channel PLUS prove that only a certain amount of pressure can be applied across the whole blade or else risk getting streaks on the glass.
Ettore
Pro
Perfect for swiveling left to right, and it’s useful for even the most awkward of angels. Most of the channels such as their Contour Pro+ prove that it’s corrosion-resistant.
Con
End clips tend to not be included and need to be securely locked for the rubber to stay in place.
Wednesday, 3 November 2021
Driveway and Patio Softwashing in Fife
Driveway and Patio Soft washing in Fife
If you are looking for an effective cleaning solution for your driveway or patio, soft washing could be the answer. In this guide, we’ll explain what soft washing is and outline the benefits it offers over pressure washing.
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/luxury-home-upscale-architecture-2409518/
What is soft washing?
If you are looking for a company with expertise in driveway cleaning in Fife, you may be wondering which techniques are most effective. Many people automatically think about pressure washing when searching for solutions for a dirty patio or a driveway that is crying out for a deep clean, but this is not always the best option. Soft washing provides an alternative, which produces incredible results.
Soft washing is a process, which involves using a non-abrasive, low-pressure water stream combined with chemicals, including biocides, to eliminate dirt and debris, target discolouration and remove potentially harmful algae and lichen. Soft washing is a gentler form of driveway and patio cleaning, which helps to preserve pathways and exterior surfaces.
What does the soft washing process involve?
If you’re interested in soft washing and you are looking for reputable cleaners in Fife, it’s natural to want to know more about the process and how it works. In the most basic terms, soft washing is very similar to pressure and power washing, but there are key differences, which offer benefits for home and business owners.
The process works as follows:
The area is cleaned thoroughly and prepared
The solution is prepared by mixing chemicals, including biocide, with water
The solution is loaded into the sprayer and applied to the surface
The specially-formulated chemical solution works to break up debris and dirt, which are removed by low-pressure water jets
The cleaning process is repeated until the driveway or patio is sparkling
What are the benefits of soft washing?
Most people are familiar with pressure washing, but soft washing is less well-known. If you are looking for incredible results when cleaning your driveway or patio, soft washing offers a host of benefits over pressure washing. These include:
Enhanced aesthetics
Soft washing enhances the external aesthetics of your home by making patios, pathways and driveways look spotless. The unpredictable weather in the UK can take its toll on roofs, porches, patios and driveways. With regular soft washing, you can keep dirt at bay and ensure your home looks smart and inviting come rain or shine.
Adding kerb appeal
Kerb appeal is one of the most important factors when looking for a new home. If you are selling your house, hiring professional soft washing services can make your house more saleable and even add value. Statistics suggest that almost 70% of buyers consider kerb appeal important, with 59% of adults looking for a well-maintained drive. Research in the US shows that houses with kerb appeal sell for around 7% more (source).
Boosting health
Soft washing is an effective cleaning method for external areas and surfaces, but it can also be beneficial for reducing health risks. Soft washing can remove potentially harmful algae, mould, mildew and lichen.
Prolonging the lifespan of driveways and patios
For most of us, our homes are our most valuable and expensive investment. It is understandable to want to protect and shield your assets, especially if you have spent money on home improvements, such as driveway sealing, laying a new patio or replacing pathways. Soft washing can help you to make your money stretch further by prolonging the lifespan of patios, driveways and other external structures and surfaces.
Preserving external surfaces
One of the main differences between soft washing and pressure washing is the intensity of the cleaning process. Pressure washing can be effective when tackling stubborn debris and staining, but there are risks. Powerful jets of water can cause damage to external surfaces. Soft washing, a gentler form of cleaning, offers the best of both worlds. It tackles dirt, algae and mould while preserving patios and driveways.
Eco-friendly cleaning
At Caledonia Window Cleaning, we use advanced techniques and state of the art equipment to achieve impressive results while also protecting the environment. We are committed to using eco-friendly methods to reduce water consumption and provide cost-effective, safe, green solutions for our customers.
Summary
Soft washing is an effective way to clean patios and driveways. Utilising low-pressure jet streams combined with chemical solutions, soft washing offers deep cleaning benefits while preserving and protecting external surfaces and structures. If you’d like to learn more about soft washing and driveway cleaning in Fife, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Friday, 29 October 2021
Why use a local Fife pressure washing company
Why to use a local Fife Pressure
Washing company
So why should you turn to a local fife
pressure washing company? Well, one might first ask themselves what exactly is
pressure washing? The idea here is to focus the spray and thus the pressure of
water coming out of your equipment. It is released with such force that the
water actually pushes away dirt on hard surfaces.
This is a great way to get your cleaning
done on some areas of your home. All without having to get on your hands and
knees and end up scrubbing down everything piece by piece.
Is pressure washing the same
as power washing?
They are very similar in nature, but
power washing is actually using heated water when used for cleaning. This
allows for it to be used on different surfaces than on pressure washing. These
include wooded areas with soil and dirt, to help break it apart. However it can
also end up being harsher on some surfaces specifically due to that heat.
What types of areas can I
clean with pressure washing?
There are numerous areas of your home
exterior that you can use to clean with a pressure washer. You can clean the
siding of your home easily, which can be a necessity as the weather in Fife
isn’t always agreeable. That weather buildup needs to be cleaned off, and
there’s no better way than with a pressure cleaner.
Additionally, you can use this to clean
wooden or concrete outdoor patios easily after all the wear and tear it gets
from the elements. Whether you notice it or not, those patios are affected by
the daily outdoor elements. These can really ruin the aesthetics of your outdoor
areas. Eventually, due to these effects, corrosion can start to take place that
can easily lead to repairs and expensive replacement costs.
The best way to handle this is to
schedule consistently (at least 1-2 times per year) a professional pressure washer
locally. This is due to the fact that when that cleaning happens, it will make
the wood and concrete look new, as you easily push away all the scum.
You can take it a step further and use it
to clean your walkways and driveways. The pressure cleaner just wipes it
directly off these areas. You can also get your car cleaned with a pressure
cleaner, but make sure to definitely consider an expert for that option. This
is because you don’t want to accidentally do it with too much pressure and hit
your windows.
Really – anything that is on the exterior
of your home is a great candidate to be cleaned by a pressure washer. This can
include fences, gutters, and even your outdoor equipment. From your gardening
tools to your lawnmower, they can all come up sparkling
again!
This sounds great – and a lot
of fun! Why would I need to hire a professional?
The first major reason to hire an expert
is for the safety factor. This is a potentially dangerous piece of equipment.
If used incorrectly it can cause a lot of damage to your home, property, and
even to your loved ones.
This water is under such high pressure it
is scraping the dirt off of hard surfaces. Imagine that pressure hitting
something it shouldn’t, such as skin. You want to make sure that only a
professional handles it. This also removes the liability of causing damage off
of your shoulder, as you transfer that potential problem to the professional,
who usually has a license and has proper training.
Another major benefit of using a
professional is that you don’t have to do it yourself. Hiring a professional
pressure washer in Fife is not an expensive endeavour. You’re also not needing
to hire them more than a couple of times per year unless the weather in the
area has been really bad, or you plan on selling your property. Take away the
hassle of handling all that heavy equipment and all those moving parts, and
hand it over to a trained professional.
A pressure washer is also not a low-cost
item, and you don’t want to skimp on the quality of it. This means a
professional grade pressure washer can set you back a couple of hundred pounds.
Not to mention the maintenance required to keep it operating efficiently. It
doesn’t seem worth it to have such a purchase when you can hire a professional
to handle it.
Leave it to the Professional
Another reason why you want to hire a
professional is that they will do a better job than you will. This is a fact,
because of their experience in handling the equipment and knowing how to use it
best. You will get a much cleaner home. One which has all of the details
checked and scrubbed than if you were to do it yourself. It will also end up
taking you longer as you may not understand the most effective way to handle a
pressure washer. You also may not know the specific tips on doing the job fast
and quick.
So honestly, for such a simple thing that
can easily go wrong, avoid the broken windows, the bruised skin, or a home that
didn’t have a proper clean. Always consider hiring a professional pressure
washer.
Ok – but do I need a Fife
pressure washing company at all?
Only if you want your property in good
condition. The weather in Fife can be ever-changing and will eventually cause
damage to the external parts of your property. From the constant rain pouring
on your patio or your gutters clogging up, you will always need a professional
pressure washer cleaning.
It will actually help raise the value of
your home since you are literally washing away all the dirt. Also the dust and
all the natural elements off of your property, keeping it in pristine
condition. It doesn’t stop there, but maintains your curbside appeal, by
keeping it clutter-free and full of lustre. Another way of raising your
property value.
It’s also considered preventative since
that’s what cleaning is actually doing for your home. It’s helping to eliminate
the possibilities of bigger issues happening to your home, such as a mould
explosion. There’s no solution to this with a professional pressure washer
cleaning as it requires a much more specialised expert and a much higher cost
to fix it. Fife is a haven for mould and mildew with the right temperature and
conditions so do keep that in mind.
Make us your go-to Fife pressure
washing company
As you can see, giving your exterior home
a professional clean with one of our pressure washer cleaning experts, can be a
lot more beneficial. It won’t feel like you’re spending a lot of quid where you
don’t have to. Take a step back and have some professionals make your home look
new again. Prevent outbreaks and discolouration on your home, and have that
nice sense of clean feeling after every time you hire us for your services.
We also want to make you feel comfortable
and are always there to have a chat about anything related to pressure washer
cleaning. All to get you to a point where you’re ready to work with us. As
always, we serve primarily in Fife, Scotland, and know exactly what the climate
can do for your home. This adds an extra level of expertise to ensure that when
we clean your home with a pressure washer, we do it right the first time, and
leave you smiling. We’re the only Fife Pressure Washing company you need to
take care of your cleaning needs in the most professional manner.
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