Tools of the trade

Hmmm. Tools of a window cleaner: squeegee, wetter or scrubber, pole, ladder . . . oh, water, cleaning solutions, and don't forget towels.

Recently my Dad told me, "The cheapest tool you can buy is the most expensive one." I think he meant two things:

1. The better quality tools cost more. The quality of the tools used have an impact on how quickly and effectively a job gets done. Each of us have used poor quality tools around our own homes with results that were, let's say, 'less than optimal'. 
2. A tool may be expensive on the front end, but if it lasts longer and does a better job, that tool has saved you money. (The counter-point is that cheap tools will not last as long so replacement costs will get you in the end.)

This morning I was cleaning the windows at a Tires Plus store in Athens, GA when a man with a bucket and squeegee approached me from behind and offered, "You didn't really buy those tools at Wal Mart did you?" My Dad would have been proud.

We at Hardwick Window Cleaning are particular about the tools we use. Some of the squeegees, rubber squeegee blades, wetters, and other tools may be a bit more pricey that those that can be found in many home improvement stores, but their quality is considerably higher. We have scores of people who can attest to the quality of our work. When you need your windows cleaned, and cleaned well, give us a call.

When to Green Clean

When might you consider cleaning your windows with 'green' products?

• If a family member has a sensitivity to certain smells or cleaners.
• If your clients expect you to use natural and environmentally friendly cleaners.
• If you want to minimize the use of chemicals around you.
• If your concern for the environment compels you to choose 'green' whenever possible.

Post a comment if you want to add to the list.

"It's not easy being green"

Apologies to Kermit, but it is pretty easy to be green (when cleaning windows). We do this by using natural, environmentally friendly cleaners on your windows to beautify your world (translation: clean and clear windows make it easy to view nature). Using these cleaners helps you protect the environment without sacrificing a view of the great outdoors. Today Hardwick Window Cleaning cleaned the windows at Urban Sanctuary Spa in Athens, Georgia.

We used clean water and two natural cleaners, just ask us in person and we'll tell you what they are, to create a cleaning mixture that removed dirt and grime from the windows while remaining eco-friendly.

When you have your next appointment at Urban Sanctuary take a good look at the windows.

My windows are "different"

I get occasional questions about cleaning non-standard windows like:
- Historic glass (wavy and brittle).
- Low E windows (are filled with Argon or Krypton gas and have a coating which can be damaged by normal window cleaning solutions).
- Windows with a film tint to block the sun.
- Stained Glass (ok, I can't recall if I have been asked this one or if I bring this one up, but I have cleaned historic stained glass)

I welcome your questions about any "different" windows you have. I will not claim to know the answers to every window question, but I have several resources locally that have helped me with my questions in the past.

"Cleanin' in the Rain"

Can you clean windows in the rain?

Logic may say no but in reality it is sometimes possible. I'll explain. We have established that rain is not the major culprit in making windows dirty (see previous post Rain and spots on your windows). The rule of thumb we find safe to use is that the inside of a window can be cleaned rain or shine; and if not being splashed by rain the outside of a window can also be cleaned - more on that below.

Two examples of windows that can be cleaned even while it is raining are Depalmas on the Eastside or Transmetropolitan in downtown Athens, Georgia. Because the windows on both of these businesses are set back under a cover we can clean them even when it is raining.

Transmetropolitan downtown Athens, Georgia. Notice that the windows are covered.

The windows at DePalmas on Athens' Eastside are behind this covered outdoor seating area.

Ok, back to the issue of cleaning the outside of a window that is not covered even while it is raining.

Here it gets a bit tricky. In order to avoid leaving streaks, the windows need to be completely dry after cleaning. One of the cleaning agents we typically use aids in drying the window - so no problem. The tricky part is when the rain is actually hitting the window. Then it is time to get in out of the rain and clean the outside of those windows a little later.

Holiday Cleaning

Hardwick Window Cleaning is already receiving requests to schedule cleanings before the holidays. We just booked a home in a golf community for cleanings twice a year. We will clean before visiting family arrives prior to Thanksgiving and again prior to Memorial Day.

A country club also just booked so they can be clean during the holidays.

Rain and spots on your windows

Does rain leave spots on your windows?

Many people believe that rain leaves streaks and spots on their windows, but that is not exactly the case. Rain on a dirty window collects the dust and muck already on the window and consequently leaves spots. However, rain on a clean window has less grime and dust to collect, so the spots are minimal or in some cases nonexistant.

If rain leaves major spots on your windows it may be time to call a professional window cleaner.

"Stand By Me"

I rarely induldge in internet version of "Hey, you gotta check this out", but I was struck by the composite video and sound engineering of the classic standard "Stand By Me" recorded by folks such as The Staple Singers and the Drifters.

I'm a Staple Singers fan personally, but this one rivals the love they put into it and I'll bet Mavis Staples would appreciate the human connections displayed here. Enjoy, Stand By Me.

Walkaround

Of course I am going to tell you to get your windows cleaned, but for an unbiased opinion I suggest the following:

1. Walk around the outside of your business or home and view your windows as if through the eyes of a potential customer/visitor from the outside. Look at your windows from the street or sidewalk. Then go inside and look out of your windows. How does a visitor or potential customer see them?
2. How about this: the next time you go into a restaurant or retail store take a look at the windows, not just the fingerprints on the door, and see what you think. Are the ledges dusty, are there cobwebs around the windows?

For those who want to voice an opinion . . . post your comments here. For those of you who like to observe and ponder quietly . . . ssshhhh. (whisper) Observe and ponder away. We'll keep the noise down.

$2.13 per hour

I meet new people every week as I market my services. Recently I was speaking to the owner of a couple of the nicer restaurants in downtown Athens. Concerning window cleaning he said, "That's what I have waitstaff for."

Really? Is that what he hired waitstaff to do? I was shocked that this businessman was willing to relegate the upkeep of the most visible portion of his properties to people who do not have the tools, time, or training to do an appropriate job. Thousands of people drive and walk past his restaurants every day, each of them can see and decide independently how good a job is being done on the windows.

He brought our conversation to a quick close with, "I pay them $2.13 an hour to do that (i.e. keep the windows clean). Do you want the job (for $2.13 an hour)?" I chuckled and said, "Nah, not really."

Let me insert here that I worked in many restaurants from high school through grad school and the waitstaff, servers, bartenders, and hosts/hostesses in our local restaurants are worth every dime they make in tips.

I hope that this busy business owner was just trying to find something to end our conversation quickly and used a jab of humor to do the trick. Nonetheless, I will continue to meet new people and show them how the excellent services offered by Hardwick Window Cleaning can help keep their properties communicating visually to the world that theirs is a quality location.

"How often should I clean my windows?"

This question is sort of like "How often should I see a doctor?" Well . . . as often as needed to remain healthy. Here are a few guidelines to think through.

Basic Guidelines:
- Some commercial clients clean their windows every week. This makes sense for:
      *Restaurants
      *Boutiques and retail spaces
      *Spas and hair salons
      *Locations with high traffic
- However, other commercial clients choose to clean their windows every other week or every month.
- Residential clients typically have their homes cleaned once or twice a year.
- Special occasions increase the frequency.

The point is that your windows are a vital part of the look-and-feel of your company, its products, its people, and its services. (Does this sound like a post on branding?) Let me encourage you to look at your windows the way your clients look at your windows - from the inside and from the street. Do what it takes to keep your place looking and feeling the way you want your clients to view you.

Haircut?

I once read that a man should get a haircut often enough that no one can tell he has received one. I understand that former President Ronald Reagan used to have his hair trimmed every week to ten days. Think about it: have you ever seen President Obama when his hair looked too long one day and cut short the next?

Windows are like that too. You can wait to clean your windows until people say, "Wow! This place looks so much better now that you cleaned your windows." Or you can keep the windows and doors clean and send a constant positive message to your guests and customers.

Clean your windows often enough that people won't be surprised.

Want to make more on your home sale?

Found this at the Master Window Cleaners of America Association website.

According to 2000 real estate agents surveyed by the real estate website HomeGain.com and published in the June, 2003 issue of Money magazine washing windows is the number one presale improvement that generates the best return on investment as measured by a higher selling price.

The survey found that cleaning the windows alone brought over a 700% return on investment. Prices have increased since 2003, but the return on investment remains truly amazing.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Hardwick Window Cleaning clients who earned an Athens Banner Herald 2009 Reader’s Choice Award!

Food and Drink Atmosphere:
1st Place- Last Resort

Beer Selection:
1st Place- Trappeze Pub

Chef:
1st Place- Hugh Acheson, Five and Ten

Dessert:
1st Place- Last Resort

Family Restaurant:
2nd Place- Locos Grill & Pub

Ice Cream Shop:
1st Place- Hodgson’s

Italian Food:
1st Place- DePalma’s Italian Café

Margarita:
2nd Place- Taqueria La Parrilla

Mexican Food:
1st Place- Taqueria La Parrilla

Pizza:
1st Place- Transmetropolitan
2nd Place- DePalma’s Italian Café

Restaurant Overall:
1st Place- Five and Ten
2nd Place- Last Resort

Sunday Brunch:
1st Place- Last Resort

Upscale Dining:
1st Place- Five and Ten
2nd Place- Last Resort

Wine Selection:
1st Place- DePalma’s Italian Cafe
2nd Place- Five and Ten

Happy Hour:
2nd Place- Trappeze

Trivia Night:
2nd Place- Locos Grill & Pub

Bulldog Memorabilia Store:
1st Place- University Spirit

"Why should I have my windows cleaned?"

I'm glad you asked. You chose your home or place of business based on location, location, location. So, you already have a vested interest in keeping the property looking good.

• Do you display merchandise in your windows? It only makes sense to help people see the display, not the windows.
• Do you look out of your windows and actually see your windows? You should see your yard.

These photos were taken from a home window about three minutes apart.

Why window cleaning?

John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to us while we're busy making other plans."
While in graduate school, I worked with a professional window cleaner. Upon graduation, I worked for many years as a corporate training consultant and sales executive while keeping a few window cleaning accounts on the side. I have always wanted to work for myself so I decided to leave the corporate world and grow my window cleaning business. The business has grown very quickly.

This business is a family effort. My wife is the bookkeeper and web-designer. My 4 kids are my cheerleaders. I love working for myself and making people happy. I can't imagine having this much fun doing anything else.