Which is Right for You?

Window cleaning is a task every homeowner should include in their regular home maintenance routines. It comes with many benefits that allow your home to age gracefully. But when it comes to window cleaning done right, you may be considering the pros and cons of DIY Window Cleaning vs professional services. This blog post will help you determine which is right for you.

DIY Window Cleaning vs Professional Services

It’s important to consider all the facts when debating whether to clean your windows yourself or hire a professional. Here are the pros and cons of DIY window cleaning vs professional services:

Benefits of DIY Window Cleaning

• You get to control what goes on your windows. DIY window cleaning gives you full control over your products, which is especially beneficial if you aim to use eco-friendly products to keep your home and family safe.
• You can choose the schedule. With professional cleaning services, you’re bound by their schedule, which can be an issue if you have specific availability.
• You’ll save a bit of money.. Just remember the cost of purchasing cleaning supplies and a ladder to reach taller windows.

Benefits of Professional Window Cleaning

• You get to leave the hard parts to the professionals. They’ll worry about the safety hazards of climbing ladders and mixing appropriate cleaning chemicals. All you have to do is sit back and relax, knowing your windows are getting clean.
• Professionals will have the tools to tackle those hard-to-reach spaces that would be costly to purchase for yourself.
• Professionals have the training and experience to know what your windows need to get a deep clean. Many will also maximize their services by offering sill and screen cleaning.
• Professionals often use eco-friendly products to keep your home, family, and yard/garden safe. However, not every window cleaner offers this, so be sure to ask.
• You don’t have to worry about safety protocols. Professionals will take on the hazards of climbing up ladders with equipment and cleaning from rooftops.

To sum up, you get more control with DIY window cleaning and some cost savings, but you’re taking on all the risks and dangers without the cleaning experience to remove tough grime.

DIY Window Cleaning: Tips to Get You Started

Committed to doing a DIY window cleaning? Here are some tips to help you out:

What Do Professional Window Cleaners Use to Clean Windows?

Get the best DIY window cleaning by using the products professionals use. Fortunately, the best products the pros use are easily accessible:

• Distilled water
• Dish soap
• Vinegar

Distilled water is the preferred choice among professionals due to the minerals found in tap water which lead to unwanted streaks. Even water softeners add chemicals to your water that can leave unwanted streaky residue as your windows dry. Be sure to clean your windows with distilled water instead of tap.

What Should You Not Use to Clean Your Windows?

Avoiding abrasive cleaners and sponges is essential to maintaining the life of your windows during your window cleaning. These can permanently scratch your windows and damage the integrity of them. This potentially leads to a costly replacement down the line. Here’s what to avoid:

• Abrasive sponges, steel wool, magic erasers, and the like can leave abrasions in your glass.
• Abrasive cleaners. Many of these will have a gritty texture to them to clue you into recognizing their abrasiveness.
• Scrapers to remove dirt, grime, or paint from the glass. These can scratch and damage your panes.
• Newspaper can leave unpleasant residue behind.

How Often Should You Get Your Windows Cleaned?

It’s recommended to clean your windows twice a year to remove buildup and keep your windows clean and operational. You may need to have your windows cleaned more often if your house sits under large trees, or you live in an area where dirt and grime accumulate more often.

If twice a year isn’t feasible for you, you can get away with window cleaning once a year. Just keep in mind that if you don’t keep up with cleaning your windows, it may lead to a costly window replacement in the future.