FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers to frequently asked questions, and the questions you should ask

In our years of experience at Guard Window Cleaning working with both residential and commercial customers, we have found that the same questions crop up again and again — they are, indeed, Frequently Asked Questions! At the same time, there are other questions that as professionals, we think are important — but that customers rarely, if ever, ask. Before you hire a professional window cleaning service for your property, check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and our list of Questions You Should Ask (SAQs). Knowing what to look for and getting our answers will save you time, effort, and money, while providing you with peace of mind. Just click on any of the questions to view the answer.

It is best to use a mild, environmentally-friendly, and biodegradable soap that is tough on dirt, grime, grease, and oil, but easy on sills and wood or vinyl frames. At Clean Guard Window Cleaning, we use a plant-based formula that is made from bio-renewable sources and is cruelty-free (never tested on animals).

 

As an option, at the customer’s request we also offer a protectant barrier. This is applied to the glass following cleaning. It helps keep your glass clean longer by placing an artificial hydrophilic coat on the glass. This facilitates a sheeting action for any moisture or condensation.

Our basic or routine window cleaning service includes:

  • cleaning of the inside and outside of all glass window and door surfaces;
  • basic cleaning of window and door tracks, removing all loose debris, dust and dirt, and dead insects;
  • and cleaning of all screens and borders or frames that are within 3 inches of the window pane.

The basic cleaning will remove dust and dirt, spiderwebs and cobwebs, pollen, bird droppings, and dead insects (and their splatters) from all glass surfaces. Additionally, paint overspray, adhesive residue, and other hard-to-clean particulate can be removed.

 

If your glass has been stained by hard water, mineral deposits, or oxidation, it requires restoration which is not part of a routine cleaning. Both remediation of the cause and repair of the glass is required immediately.

Interior cleaning of windows that are difficult to access is often a concern, as it means more equipment needs to be brought in — which often worries customers, due to the increased risk to their furnishings and belongings. We use extra caution in such situations. While our technicians always wear booties to protect your floors from any dirt or debris being brought inside, booties are also placed on the feet of the ladder to avoid any scratches or catching the feet in carpet. A bonnet is also placed over the top of the ladder to keep its edges from scratching or otherwise damaging walls and paint.

The exact time required for window cleaning service varies depending on what exactly the property requires. As a rule of thumb, a well-trained, professional crew member should take 2.5 hours to clean a 2,000 square foot, two-story home. Larger properties will require multiple crews, but this allows the duration of the cleaning to be kept to a maximum of 4-5 hours. We want to clean your property as thoroughly and efficiently as possible, minimizing disruption and distraction for you.

Though we don’t have much rain here in sunny San Diego county, precipitation isn’t out of the question, and it is a good idea to ask what plans are put in place to accommodate weather. Although rain does not actually make windows dirty — only dirt can — ideally you should be able to count on one of two things from your window cleaning service. One option is that your service provider actively monitors the 10-day weather forecast, and can advise you accordingly should the service need to be rescheduled (all with your convenience in mind). Alternately, a rain guarantee of at least 7 days should be in place.

Cleaning windows is about more than about appearance, beautification, or even cleanliness. It is also key to your windows’ maintenance and function. Here in San Diego county, particularly in the coastal regions, the main threat is the corrosive impact of salt. Even more than the glass itself, other elements — including the frames, sills, and molding, as well as any moving parts like hinges or locks — need to be kept free from damaging elements. A detrimental level of buildup can occur in just a matter of months, so we recommend no more than a maximum of six months between professional window cleanings.

This is a matter of your personal preference, and the service to be performed. If only the window exteriors are being cleaned, the property owner does not need to be present. For interior cleaning, you need to trust your judgment and your familiarity with the company. While it is not a catch-all security provision, hiring a professional window company that is bonded is strongly recommended whether or not you will be present while the service is being performed.

Most window cleaning companies will accept payment in the form of cash or a check at the time of service. Today, many service providers accept credit cards — something you might look for even if you intend to use a different payment method, as this speaks to the credibility of any business and may indicate viability as well. Ideally, you should be able to pay on the terms that are most convenient for you, the customer.

Have a question that hasn’t been answered here, or want to hear our answer to one of the SAQs? Call Clean Guard Window Cleaning today at (760) 4556-6677!

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