An introduction to commercial window cleaning

Window cleaning might sound like a simple task, but if you've ever tried doing it yourself, you'll probably have a real sense of how tricky it can be! That's the value in professional window cleaning, which goes far beyond wiping down panes of glass.

Professional window cleaning is often part of a wider service, in the form of commercial or industrial cleaning (at Vivo Clean, it's part of our industrial division). If you're considering getting help with it, this article is here to help.

What is professional commercial window cleaning?

Professional window cleaning is exactly what it sounds like; the thorough cleaning of windows, done by someone with a high level of competence who is able to provide a specialised service. Commercial window cleaners focus on workplaces, rather than homes, and may work independently or be part of a larger company (like us!).

It's a service that uses specialised equipment and products to give you the best finish - far better than what you'd achieve with a bucket and sponge - and should include cleaning the glass, sill and frames. In our experience, however, this doesn't always happen in reality, and we've often seen sills and frames neglected in so-called professional jobs.

Professional commercial window cleaning gives you a polished workplace aesthetic and ambience that you can be proud of, and allows natural light to flow in, contributing to a healthier and more pleasant working environment.

At Vivo Clean, window cleaning tends to be built into our commercial contract cleaning services, but can also be done on a one-off basis.

How do professional cleaners clean windows?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to window cleaning, and different companies have their own techniques and tools.

A workplace's windows can be cleaned from the ground, or by getting access to hard-to-reach areas, which could be via the roof or by using a piece of equipment like a cherry picker. Cleaners may use tools such as water-fed poles, a squeegees, microfibre cloths, or combinations of these.

Professional window cleaners use a variety of cleaning products, including commercial window cleaning solutions, as well as DIY soap or vinegar solutions. It all depends on the specific company and cleaner.

One thing doesn't change: they are aiming for a spotless finish. This is why many will use a squeegee in a specific technique to remove liquid without leaving streaks, eliminating the need to towel-dry the panes.

At Vivo Clean, our window cleaning professionals use Ultrapure water (sometimes known as UPW), a type of water which has been through an extensive purification process. It gives a far superior finish to pure or distilled water, and is a world away from the result when using water from a tap.

This becomes particularly important during the warmer months, when the windows are likely to dry quicker, and using something other than UPW can be even more prone to leaving unsightly streaks and poor finish.

And we don't forget about what's around the panes either! We always clean the frames too, since if left unattended, wind and rain will soon spread any dirt to your freshly-cleaned windows..

How long does professional window cleaning take?

The length of time a professional window clean takes depends entirely on the size of your windows, how many there are, and your specific needs (for example, whether they are being cleaned externally, internally, or both). If your workplace is a small office building with a few windows, you can expect it to be very speedy. If you have lots of windows, or you have a glass-fronted business such as an estate agency or clothing shop, larger surfaces naturally take more time to clean.

However, a professional window cleaner will always complete the job with as little disruption as possible, and their skills and experience mean that they can often finish the job much faster than you could on your own.

How often should commercial windows be cleaned?

Similarly, the ideal cleaning frequency depends on your business's unique needs.

For some businesses, windows are extremely important. Consider a car dealership, where windows play a central role in marketing; they show off your product, and their appearance has a direct impact on how aspirational the location feels.

Windows can be a key element of attracting clients, perhaps by showing off a particular part of your building, or even hosting customers, such as in high end holiday accommodation.

In these cases it works better to have them cleaned regularly, perhaps each month or every couple of weeks. Less aesthetically-driven workplaces will no doubt find that less often works just fine.

It's also worth considering your location. For buildings that are located in areas with heavy traffic or high exposure to the elements, they may be more likely to get grubby quickly.

There's also the matter of external and internal cleaning to consider, and it might be that these are done on a different frequency that makes sense for your business. For example, we often find that it works for our customers to have the exterior of the windows cleaned every month, whereas the interior glass can be cleaned every other month.

How much does commercial window cleaning cost?

Several factors influence the cost of commercial window cleaning, including:

• The building's size and number of windows.
• The design and material of the windows (e.g. a fully glass-fronted building vs. a standard office block).
• Any specialised equipment or access needs (for example windows that can only be reached with roof access, or by using a cherry picker).
• The specific partner you choose to work with; each will have their own pricing structure.
• Whether the window cleaning is part of a wider cleaning service you are paying for, or is the only element the company is providing.
• The number of visits needed - the more visits there are, the lower the rate (since it's therefore easier to maintain than a one-off clean, and your cleaner will already know the site).

Remember that if you're not sure what to ask for, you can always ask a cleaning company for their suggestion. They will be used to working with business owners to identify their needs and putting forward suggestions and pricing based on this.

Are professional window cleaners worth it?

When it comes to weighing up whether anything is 'worth it', only you can answer that – but there are plenty of reasons to do a good job of window cleaning, and plenty of reasons to leave it to the professionals too!

Studies show that employees are more productive in clean, well-maintained environments, and hygiene is critical to a healthy workforce. It's key for customers too; cleanliness gives a polished and professional appearance and makes your space look more inviting. Regular window cleaning prevents staining and oxidation, and can even prevent long-term damage (in turn saving you an unexpected bill at a later date!).

However, improper DIY window cleaning can cause damage or lead to more work later. Enlisting the help of a professional means that they do a better and quicker job than could be done by someone else, saving time on follow ups or fixing a bad job. After all, when running a business, time is one of your most valuable assets!

There's also the matter of safety and training to consider; working at heights and operating certain pieces of equipment will require specialised training, insurance and even qualifications, and in these circumstances you will definitely want to work with a professional.

Commercial window cleaning with Vivo Clean

At Vivo Clean, we have an experienced team of window cleaners who pride themselves on excellence and thoroughness; as well as giving your windows, frames and sills the care and attention your business deserves, we also tend to clean any signage while we're there, so that you can be sure everything looks perfect.

Need more than just your windows cleaned? Not a problem. We work with businesses in the Suffolk area to manage all of their cleaning needs; one invoice, one point of contact, with top-tier service and swift resolution should any issues arise.

Get in touch today if we can help you.

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