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  Have you ever cleaned your windows only to see them dry with water spots and streaks? Where did you go wrong? It may have had nothing to do with your technique and everything to do with the water you used. Tap water may be perfectly safe to drink and it’s possible to add to your solution for cleaning floors or counters but using it to clean your windows is a different story. Windows show the impurities in the water used to clean them. What’s the point in taking the time and effort to wash windows only to have them still look dingy after you’re done? Learn why tap water isn’t the best option for cleaning glass and what you can use instead to clean windows like a pro. Related Topic: The Hard Truth About Hard Water Stains

Why Tap Water Isn’t Best for a Window Cleaner

Despite looking clear, tap water contains mineral sediment that can dull the shine of your windows. Depending on where you live, you may have higher or lower mineral content in your tap water. Water in the west is commonly higher in calcium, magnesium, sodium, and copper than in other parts of the U.S., while ­water from the south is moderate to low in the same minerals. Another element that makes tap water less than ideal for cleaning windows is the level of acidity. When the pH is high, it doesn’t bind with particles as it should which makes it difficult to lift dirt and grime off windows. Adding a water softener helps lower the pH and makes it easier to lift grease off windows, but it doesn’t remove all the sediment that leaves water spots and streaks. So, what should you use? Is distilled water good for cleaning windows? Because distilling involves evaporating water and capturing the condensation—which completely separates the minerals from the water—it’s a great way to purify tap water at home.

How to Purify Tap Water for Window Cleaning

To keep your windows sparkling clean, you can purify your tap water at home by distilling, installing a reverse osmosis system, or investing in an ionizing machine or bio-ceramic filter. Distilling Process: You can make your own distilled water at home using a large pot, a smaller pot, and some ice. Here are the steps required to distill water: First, fill the large pot with 8 cups of water and set the smaller pot inside. Place the lid upside down on the large pot. The condensation from the steam will trickle to the center of the lid, where it will drip down into the smaller pot. Place ice on top of the lid. The difference in temperature will speed up the condensation. Finally, turn on the stove and wait. Keep an eye on the water level and replace the water in the bottom pot as needed to prevent damage to the cookware. Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis uses pressure to force water molecules through a semi-permeable mesh that mineral sediment is too large to fit through. This allows you to separate the water from the minerals and purify your tap water for sparkling windows. To do this at home, you will need to install a RO system and run your tap water through it. Ionization: Another purification process that can remove sediment from your water is ionization. One of the simplest ways to do this at home is using an ionizing machine or passing the water through bio-ceramic filters. The process uses magnetism to draw out the minerals and raise the water’s alkalinity, which enables the water to better lift dirt and grime from windows, leaving them spot and streak-free.

What Streak-Free Windows Every Time?

If you would rather put your time and effort into something more enjoyable than making your own purified water, contact the cleaning pros at Window Genie. We’re experts at keeping windows sparkling clean, both inside and out. To learn more, give us a call at 877-243-8624 or request a quote online today. If you have other parts of your home that need some TLC, or you’re considering remodeling your home, contact Mr. Handyman for living room and kitchen remodeling and maintenance services. They are a trusted member of the Neighborly family of home service providers.

Window cleaning may seem like a simple task, but as a homeowner, you know that finding dependable people for the project isn’t as easy as it seems. Not only does the project take time, but it also takes skill. Some windows are very tall and would require leaning precariously over a ladder while avoiding streaks in the process. Since there are no specific requirements or complicated equipment needed to start a window cleaning company, there are more and more young, inexperienced companies popping up every day. Sometimes finding workers who are trustworthy, experienced, and affordable is like searching for a needle in a haystack. To save you the time and hassle of dealing with unreliable cleaning services, we’ve put together a list of what you should look for when hiring someone to clean your windows. Related content: How to Clean Tough to Reach Windows

Ask the Right Questions 

What to ask for when hiring a professional window cleaner might seem as simple as, “how much does your service cost?” But there is a lot more than price that will determine if you hired a good, professional cleaning service to clean your windows. To determine if the company you are considering provides quality service and is worth your time, here are some questions you should ask: Request to see license and insurance. Because it’s so simple to set up a window cleaning company—and there are companies that try to cut corners—it’s important to ask if the company has a license and is insured. A reputable company won’t hesitate to provide the requested paperwork. If a company is unable or unwilling to provide a license, that’s a red flag. And if they also don’t have insurance, it can create an even bigger issue. If an employee is injured on your property, you could be responsible for their medical bills. Therefore, it’s important to ensure the company you are considering is both licensed and insured in case a worker is injured. Providing these documents in advance of any work will assure you that the company is covered, and you are protected in the event of an accident. Ask about their services. You should ask what services are offered, what rate they charge, and the cleaning method(s) they use. Many companies will offer additional services outside of window cleaning. If you want your blinds cleaned, or the deck pressure washed, some companies may do it all. This way you can check several ‘to do’ items off your list with one call. Evaluate their experience. Ask how long the company has been in business. While there are young companies that offer good services, they could also be more of a gamble. Companies that have been in business for a while and continue to thrive in a competitive market usually have done so for a reason—excellent customer service. Look at customer reviews. Reviewing past and present customer reviews can be very helpful. Research Google, Facebook, and Yelp to get a consensus of the service. Although there may be some negative or poor reviews, a good company will have a lot more satisfied customers who are willing to talk about and share their experiences. You can find testimonials for most companies on social media. Another good way to gauge customer satisfaction is to request a referral from some recent customers, or better yet, from someone in your neighborhood who may have used the service. Inquire about their employee vetting process. Asking whether the employees have passed background checks is another important question to ask. When you bring people onto your property or into your home, you want to make sure you and your family feel safe. A reputable company will perform a thorough background check on an individual prior to hiring them to represent the company. Ask about ongoing safety training. Window cleaners work with high ladders and in some precarious situations. The World Health Organization noted that each year in the U.S., there are 300 deaths from ladder falls and over 164,000 trips to the emergency room. You can determine whether the company puts safety first by asking about their safety training programs for workers. Reputable companies welcome the question and will walk you through how they keep employees safe. Discuss availability. If you’re happy with what you learned from your research, you can begin to talk about scheduling. A good window cleaning service will stay busy, so understanding their schedule and communicating your desired start day will help reduce the chance of schedule conflict and miscommunication. But, even with a full schedule, a good company will usually try to work with you to accommodate your schedule—or make a concerted effort to come close. If the company seems inflexible, you may want to look elsewhere.

How to Find a Good Window Cleaner

Now you know what to ask, but where do you look to find the best companies in your area? Personal references are perhaps the most trustworthy. When your friends and family are happy with the service they’re getting, they’re happy to share it with you. But maybe friends and family don’t know where to find a good window cleaner either. What do you do then? A good start is researching companies on Google, followed by checking out the company’s social profiles, and then evaluating their website to see if they can deliver the quality service you’re looking for. These are also a few characteristics that can help you narrow your search. Transparent pricing: Ask for a quote. Is the company upfront about what they will charge you? Beware of companies that dodge the question and try to sign you up before they give you a quote. There shouldn’t be anything shady about getting a cost evaluation for the job. Reliable companies will be upfront about their pricing. Some may give you a quote over the phone or online, most will set up an appointment to evaluate the project before giving you a price. Positive reviews: As we noted earlier, a company that gives quality service is going to have several customers that have plenty of good things to say about their experience. The company may have some of these testimonials on their website, but even if they don’t, you can ask for references. As you sift through reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp, keep in mind that no company will please everyone. There will likely be some negative reviews out there, but a good company should have more positive than negative feedback. Long-established business: There’s nothing wrong with new, upcoming businesses. But when you’re looking for quality service, you want a company that has proven itself and can withstand a competitive market. It assures you that you won’t have to go searching for another company each time you have work to be done. You can also have more confidence knowing that the technicians washing your windows are skilled at what they do and have extended knowledge about caring for all things related to windows. Now that your windows are squeaky clean, what about your fence and deck? Window Genie offers pressure washing services that can get your deck and/or fence clean and ready for a fresh coat of paint. Once that job is done, consider Five Star Painting for your fence and deck painting needs.

Never Have Dirty Windows Again

Weeding through all the companies to find one that is skilled, reliable, and offers cost-effective service can sometimes be a headache. While there are several questions you can ask to see if a company is a good fit for you, make sure they are transparent with their pricing and have positive customer reviews to prove they provide good service. It's also important to evaluate their business experience to assess how trustworthy they will be with your home. Your local pros at Window Genie do their best to make the entire process as effortless as possible for you. You can trust our experience and exceptional service to keep your home looking it's absolute best. To learn more, give us a call at 877-243-8624 or request a quote online today.

This new year is ushering in a simplified and more relaxed trend in window treatments. With people spending more time at home, they are turning to minimalistic looks that soothe the eye. Warm neutral colors are also on the rise as opposed to the cool grays we’ve seen in the past few years. Another theme homeowners are embracing is sustainability. They’re choosing recycled and natural materials, such as cotton, linen, and wood. Homeowners and interior designers are also using bold shapes and patterns, including vintage floral patterns, as accents to give interior spaces personality and texture. Related Topic: Window Treatment Ideas for Sliding Glass Doors

Current Window Treatment Trends for Your Home

We’re letting go of perfection this year. Your home doesn’t need to look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens. Rather, it should embody what feels relaxing, energizing, or homey for you and your family. If you’re looking for new ideas to inspire you this year, these top window treatment trends are definitely worth considering: Embrace minimalism: Bring peace to your space by opting for a modern look with clean lines and neutral colors. Some homeowners are employing Roman shades for smaller kitchen windows and Japanese blinds for larger or floor-length windows. Focus on natural light: Natural light maximizes our intake of vitamin D and may increase productivity for those working from home. However, with natural light comes issues of privacy, glare, and damaging UV rays. That’s where light filtering treatments come in: Tinting your windows or adding sheer shades or sheer curtains can offer some privacy and protection from UV rays, while not damping your natural light. Choose natural materials: Choosing classic materials, such as cotton and linen, for window shades and drapes is popular this season. This embrace of a natural look also protects indoor air quality (from the off-gassing that can come from artificial materials). Wood and faux wood blinds are also popular choices—with an emphasis on lighter woods that provides an easy, airy feel. Recycled and sustainable products are in demand this year as homeowners want to feel good about their home’s impact on the world. The colors to highlight: As with the choice in wood tone, the larger trend in 2022 is leaning toward more neutral colors, but not the dull grays you’ve become bored with. The hot neutrals for 20222 are lively and warm, making the home feel like a soft burrito blanket you could roll yourself up in. Buttery creams, milky tones, and soft beiges are on the rise. But that’s not all. Designers are using natural greens, browns, purples, and blues to emphasize the beauty of nature. Bold accent colors are also popular. For instance, using chocolate tones, deep blues, and peach colors to make a statement.

Get the Help You Need to Bring Your Window Treatment Ideas to Life

Giving your windows a fresh look can transform a few rooms and your entire home—and things like window tinting can even help improve energy efficiency. If you would like to learn more about window tinting and some of the other services we offer, contact your local Window Genie today. You can request a quote online or give us a call us at 877-243-8624.

Dirty windows are a nuisance, but it’s even more obnoxious when they’re covered in condensation. No one wants to wake up and try to peer out cloudy windows. But the condensation does more than block your view. It may be a sign of a potential air leak or the foreshadowing of damage to your windowsill. Here, are some useful tips for dealing with condensation that should help clear things up. Related Topic: How to Clean Double-Pane Windows

Window Pane Cleaning Tips

Of course, keeping your windows clean and maintained helps the appearance of your home, but it also can increase the lifespan of your windows. By caring for your windows, you can reduce mold and rot in your windowsills and maintain energy efficiency. Here’s how: 1. Manage condensation buildup. It’s common and natural for condensation to develop on your windows when the humidity is high and the temperature outside is distinctly different from the temperature inside. This type of condensation only becomes an issue when it becomes exaggerated and regularly condenses moisture on the window frame and windowsill, encouraging mold growth and rot. You can easily reduce this risk by minimizing the moisture in your home and keeping it well ventilated. This includes making sure your humidifier isn’t up too high during the winter months. You can also use a cloth to absorb the condensation when you see it. 2. Clean condensation between window panes. Because double-paned windows are designed to be airtight and offer insulation, cleaning between window panes shouldn’t be necessary. When you notice a fog forming inside a double-paned window, it indicates the insulating seal is broken. This could be due to a crack in the window, water retention in the frame, or too much exposure to direct sunlight that caused the frame to warp. Your best option to clear the fog is to try to pull out the moisture with a dehumidifier or with a water snake moisture absorber and repair or replace the window if it’s broken. Although it may be possible to reseal the window, replacing it with a new window may be more effective.

Best Window Pane Cleaner

Contrary to what many cleaning ads will tell you, you don’t need a special product to get sparkling clean windows. You can make a simple solution with ingredients you probably already have in your home: Vinegar or Lemon Solution ¼ cup vinegar or lemon juice 2 cups distilled water ½ teaspoon dish detergent 10-15 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional) Avoid alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners. While you can make a solution from simple things at home, know that harsh cleaners—including alcohol, ammonia, and products that use them—will not only leave a film on your windowpane that is bound to collect dust and condensation, but they also wear down on the integrity of your glass over time and can cause staining to your trim.

Get Your Windows Professionally Cleaned

Caring for your windows can improve the beauty, comfort, and energy efficiency of your home. but keeping them clean takes time, the time you may not have. Your local Window Genie professional is ready to help. We offer expert window cleaning services that can help keep your windows looking their best. To learn more, give us a call at 877-243-8624, or request a quote online.