Tips For Window Cleaning

Nothing ruins the impression of a room or patio quite like dirty windows. Thankfully, there are some great tips for cleaning windows to leave them sparkling clean.

Window Cleaning

Start by removing any screens or shutters from the window. Wipe down the frames and grids first, using a dry cloth. If you have mineral deposits on your windows, use a commercial cleanser. Visit Website to learn more.

Whether they are wood, vinyl or painted, window frames collect dust and debris that can make them appear dull and unattractive. Incorporate regular cleaning of the frames into your window-cleaning routine to prevent buildup and extend their life. With minimal time and effort, you can maintain the beauty and functionality of your window frames.

Prior to washing your windows, start by removing any loose dirt particles using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a soft-bristled scrub brush and a damp cloth. A light sanding of the frames with 60- to 80-grit sandpaper can also help smooth out rough surfaces. Be careful not to scrape the frames or get the sandpaper too wet, as excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew.

Once the loose debris is removed, apply a nonabrasive cleaner such as mild soap and water or a mixture of vinegar and water to a clean cloth and rub the frame surface in small circles. Be careful not to get the solution or solvent on the sill or tracks, as it may discolor them. Alternatively, mineral spirits and acetone can be used to remove stubborn stains and deposits.

To wash the glass, begin at the top and work your way down. Use a T-bar scrubber and your solution to rub the window up-and-down and side-to-side with light to moderate pressure. After each section, wipe the glass dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Before you start squeegeeing, tip the squeegee so that only the top edge contacts the frame. Starting at one of the upper corners, gently squeegee horizontal strokes to the opposite corner. Then, repeat the process on the other side. Continue squeegeeing in this pattern until the entire glass is dry, wiping the squeegee dry between strokes.

Now that your glass and frames are free of dirt and stains, it’s important to thoroughly dry them. Drying the frames and sill is a crucial step to preventing the growth of mold, mildew and unsightly water marks on the glass. To thoroughly dry the frames, a microfiber cloth is best.

Wipe Down the Screens

It’s easy to overlook your window screens, but they should be cleaned as well as the windows. Dirty screens can blow dust into your house and aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments. Screens also harbor bacterial growth and a musty, sickening smell. If not cleaned properly, black mold can form on screens and contaminate the indoor air.

Before you begin to clean your screens, sweep off all loose dirt and debris with a broom or the dusting attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If your screens have been stained, mix a solution of 1/4 cup (59 mL) of all-purpose dish soap with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. If your screens are very dirty, you may need to use more than just soap; vinegar is an effective deodorizer and will help remove the sticky residue from screens.

Using a sponge or washcloth soaked in the soap solution, wipe down your window screens. Start at the top of your screen and work your way down, using small circular scrubbing motions. After you’ve finished scrubbing your screen, rinse it off with the hose on the lowest pressure setting to avoid damaging it. Allow your screens to dry completely before putting them back in place.

If you’d rather not go through the hassle of removing your screens for a soapy cleaning, try this trick:

Gently run a lint roller over your window and door screens to pick up any dirt and dust particles that have collected. Be careful not to push too hard, as this can stretch or poke holes in your screen. This will keep your screens clean in between soapy cleanings and will help reduce the amount of dust and dirt that blows inside your home.

If your screens are particularly dirty, consider purchasing a product like Screen Magic, which is designed to be used on window and door screens without requiring them to be removed. This product works by soaking into the screen, making it easier to wipe away grime and stains. It is available online and at most home improvement stores.

Clean the Glass

Before you wipe down the window glass, sweep away loose dirt and dust from the frame using a broom or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. This step will prevent the dirty debris from getting mixed up with your cleaning solution and smearing it around your windows.

Next, mist the windows with your homemade cleaning solution and start at the top of the window. Work down the window, making sure to wipe the screen and sill as well. Be sure to switch out your cloth wipes as needed, especially if they become damp or begin to streak. If your screen is particularly grimy, use a soft scrub brush to remove stubborn buildup.

If your windows have mineral deposits, you can try using a mixture of water and a mild soap. A few tablespoons of vinegar will also work to eliminate stains and leave your windows clean. Avoid harsh chemical solutions, as they can damage the glass surface and cause streaking.

After you’ve rinsed the windows, dry them with a clean, lint-free cloth. If you prefer, you can use a squeegee with a rubber blade to create a smooth finish. Be sure to wipe the squeegee clean between passes, and wipe the frame, sill and trim with a dry, lint-free cloth as well.

A squeegee is the best way to dry your windows, but you can also use a clean towel or crumpled newspaper pages. Be sure to avoid wiping the windows with a paper towel, as the ink can discolor the glass and leave behind streaks.

Dry the Glass

Before you start wiping your windows, make sure they’re well-dried. This will prevent your cleaning solution from mixing with dust and grime, which would otherwise cause streaks.

To quickly dry the window, use a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel. A lint-free material is ideal, but you can also use an old t-shirt or newspaper pages (again, not too many). It’s best to work on one window pane at a time and wipe the corners and edges last.

If you want to avoid using chemicals, a simple vinegar and water solution is an effective and inexpensive option. You can also purchase commercial window cleaners that are free from harsh chemicals and offer a streak-free finish. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

Using a hose to rinse off the exterior windows is a good idea, especially if they’re in direct sunlight. Before you start cleaning the glass, however, place a towel down under the window to catch any drips.

Next, mix a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to 10 parts water in a spray bottle and apply it to the surface of the window. You can also try adding a capful of ammonia to the mixture for extra-dirty windows, but it will leave a stronger smell behind.

If you have a high window that’s difficult to reach, you can use a telescopic pole and sponge mop to get the job done. The key is to apply the cleaning solution liberally, but to be careful not to oversaturate the glass. Oversaturated glass can leave streaks and leave soapy residue behind, which will attract dirt, dust, and mildew.

For a streak-free shine, be sure to dry the glass after each pass with the squeegee. Wipe the squeegee with a clean microfiber cloth or a lint-free material (such as the black-and-white pages of a newspaper).

For more tips on how to wash windows, check out our complete guide to window cleaning.

Increase Curb Appeal With Parking Lot Resurfacing

Whether you own commercial property or a residential driveway, a well-maintained asphalt surface can increase your curb appeal and make a positive impression on visitors. Lot Resurfacing restores damaged blacktop to its previous shine and strength, while being less expensive than replacement.

Parking Lot Resurfacing

However, it is important to know the difference between resurfacing and repaving so you can choose the best repair service for your business.

Getting cracks repaired is one of the most effective ways to extend your asphalt parking lot’s lifespan and keep your business or property looking great. If left untreated, cracks can widen and create tripping and slipping hazards for people walking on the blacktop or driving on it. Keeping up with regular pavement maintenance also helps you avoid expensive repair bills that can result from neglected damage.

While most cracks in a parking lot can be repaired using asphalt patching, resurfacing is required if the cracks are large or if they have been left unchecked for an extended period of time. Resurfacing will return your parking lot to its original condition and improve curb appeal. To prepare for resurfacing, the surface must be cleaned, and structures like wheelchair ramps and concrete speed bumps must be removed or adjusted as needed. Structures for utility companies, such as wires or pipes, will also need to be removed or adjusted if necessary.

Simple cracking caused by cycling seasons and heavy traffic can quickly grow into potholes, crevices or sunken-in areas that are difficult to drive through. Left untreated, these issues can increase your maintenance costs and create safety hazards for both pedestrians and drivers.

Fatigue cracks are another type of crack that can be challenging to repair. They typically form due to long-term wear and tear, a poor asphalt installation or a subsurface drainage system that isn’t well-designed or maintained. This type of crack is often found near driveway entrances or in the corners of your parking lot.

Asphalt crack filler works to seal these small holes and extend the lifespan of your asphalt surface, making it a good option for parking lots that require regular maintenance. It also prevents moisture from penetrating the surface and creating further damage.

Potholes

Asphalt parking lots are exposed to the elements, so they can get damaged over time. The weather can wear away at asphalt in different ways, depending on the region’s climate and how often it rains. The high volume of traffic that parks endure daily can also cause distortion in the surface and lead to uneven services.

A common issue that can occur is potholes. These are big, deep holes that form when water seeps in through cracks and erodes the asphalt. It’s important to be vigilant about noticing signs of pothole damage and address them right away because they can quickly become a safety hazard for drivers. They can damage cars and create unsafe conditions for pedestrians, especially those using mobility aids like wheelchairs.

In order to repair potholes, you must first clean the area and fill it with a hot asphalt mix. Then, compact the material and finish it off with a smooth ride to prevent vehicles from hitting the pothole again in the future. The surface should be closed for 24 hours to allow it to properly harden.

While the above tips will help with some of the more minor issues, you’ll still need to consider resurfacing or replacing your parking lot in order to fix serious problems and improve its curb appeal. A professional commercial paving contractor can help you decide which option is best for your parking lot.

Infrared asphalt repair is a long-lasting solution for potholes. Infrared technology heats the current asphalt to soften it and then blends in new asphalt to create a smooth, cohesive surface. This method eliminates unwanted joints, preventing moisture from infiltrating the foundation and causing more damage.

Uneven Surfaces

A well-maintained parking lot is a clear statement of a business’s commitment to safety and convenience. A well-surfaced parking lot provides comfort and ease for visitors, making it more likely that they’ll linger longer and return regularly. This heightened satisfaction contributes to a positive customer experience that is amplified by word-of-mouth marketing and serves as a hallmark of the brand.

Over time, asphalt surfaces are subject to a variety of elements that can create unevenness. Uneven surfaces aren’t only unappealing, but they can lead to tripping hazards for pedestrians and vehicles. Asphalt cracks that are left unattended can grow in length and width, causing tripping accidents. Moreover, as these cracks expand, they can cause the surface of your parking lot to become loose and crumble, exposing underlying aggregates.

Another sign of an uneven parking lot is the presence of low spots in the asphalt. These are typically caused by a faulty drainage system that results in water pools and puddles in various areas of the lot. Aside from their unappealing appearance, these puddles pose safety risks for pedestrians and can damage a vehicle’s undercarriage.

Additionally, the signs of a parking lot that need resurfacing can include faded markings and fading paint lines. Due to constant exposure to sunlight, weather, and traffic, these markings can lose their brightness. This can be a problem for drivers who may have trouble finding their vehicles in the dark. It’s important to have these markings redrawn and repainted during the resurfacing process to ensure that they are visible and clearly delineated.

Uneven Services

The average lifespan of a parking lot is 7-10 years, but routine maintenance can help you get the most out of your asphalt. Keeping your lot in good shape can help you avoid the costs of replacement and keep your customers happy. A professional paving company can evaluate your parking lot and recommend the right services for its condition. From resealing to full repaving, a parking lot resurfacing project can restore your blacktop to a new look.

Cracks and potholes are obvious indicators that your parking lot needs repair. But resurfacing can help with other issues, too. Uneven surfaces indicate pressure from vehicles that can warp the asphalt, and resurfacing can help prevent this problem.

Parking lots can also become uneven due to drainage problems. When water pools in the asphalt, it causes damage to the surface and can lead to tripping accidents and liability issues for your customers.

Uneven pavement can be caused by a number of factors, including weather, environmental conditions, and traffic patterns. Depending on where your parking lot is located, temperature changes can cause the asphalt to expand and contract, resulting in cracking and other imperfections.

Other problems that call for resurfacing include faded parking stripes and lines, which can make it difficult for customers to park safely or find their vehicle. Resurfacing your parking lot can include redrawing these essential lines so they are bright and visible to visitors. This can also help prevent confusion and accidents. In addition, stains in your parking lot are another indication that it’s time for resurfacing. These stains are often caused by industrial solvents or vehicle fluids, and can seep into the asphalt and erode its binding agents.

Uneven Curb Appeal

A commercial property’s parking lot has a significant impact on the property, from creating a first impression to influencing traffic patterns. As such, it’s essential that it is well-maintained. However, parking lots wear out over time due to heavy use, chemical exposure, and weather. When your commercial parking lot begins to show signs of wear, such as small cracks or faded colors, it can give a bad impression to customers and turn them away from your business.

If your asphalt is damaged, you should consider parking lot resurfacing. It’s a great way to refresh the look of your parking lot and improve curb appeal without the cost of replacing the entire surface. Parking lot resurfacing involves placing a layer of new asphalt over the existing surface, which gives it a smooth, jet black appearance that looks brand-new. It also helps to extend the lifespan of the parking lot, saving you money in the long run.

Parking lots with cracks, potholes, and fading colors can leave a negative impression on visitors, even before they enter the building. Keeping your parking lot in good condition through services like resurfacing can create a positive first impression and make your business appear professional and legitimate to customers.

If you’re looking for a parking lot repair company to help you with your commercial property, contact Interstate Paving today! We offer a variety of services to keep your parking lot in top shape, including sealcoating, patching, and crack filling. Our team of professionals will work with you to choose the right maintenance options for your property to ensure it lasts a long time. Call us to schedule your service or request a quote online!