Many people think cleaning windows is a tedious task. Wait until you try and clean the screens!
Window screen cleaning is a project many people put off as long as possible, if they even tackle it at all. Keep in mind, this is not an inside job. We recommend taking down all the screens and taking them outside.
Before you get started, here are some recommended supplies for your window screen cleaning project:
- - Drop cloth or large sheet
- - Scrubbing brushes
- - Rubber gloves
- - Bucket
- - Garden hose for cleaning outside
- - Lint brush
- - Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or cordless handheld vacuum
- - White vinegar
- - Dish soap
- - Soft cloth
- - Toothbrush
- - Sponge
Determine the Dirt Level
Dirt Level One
If your screens are just a little dusty, use a lint roller brush. You probably have one of these in your closet. Roll the lint brush over each screen on both sides two or three times to remove the loose dust. Do a quick rinse with water and let the screens air dry on the drop cloth.
Dirt Level Two
If your screens are covered in dust, loose dirt and maybe even pollen, it’s time to bring in some heavier artillery; a vacuum cleaner or a cordless handheld vacuum. If your vacuum cleaner has a hose attachment with a soft bristle brush, it’s the way to go. Only use your vacuum cleaner if it has a soft brush attachment. Otherwise, use the cordless handheld vacuum. Vacuum against each screen with light pressure to avoid tearing the screens then rinse with a hose and allow to dry.
Dirt Level Three
If you have caked-on dirt and grime all over your screens, they will need a little elbow grease. Mix a solution of one tablespoon dish soap to a half-gallon of warm water and scrub the screens using a sponge. You can also replace the dish soap with a tablespoon of white vinegar. Rinse well with water and air dry.
Dirt Level Four
If you have stubborn dirt (or possibly bird poop) stains on your screens, grab a toothbrush. Using the solution suggested above, wash the screens and gently brush the dirt off the screens. Rinse with the hose and return the screens to the drop cloths and allow to dry.
Inspect for Damage
Taking the screens down and cleaning each one by hand gives you a great opportunity to check the screens for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Holes and gaps can allow bugs or small critters to creep in.
It’s best if you aim to clean your window screens at least twice a year to keep the air flowing and reduce allergens. It can also extend the life of your screens.
If this sounds like too much of a chore, consider hiring a professional like Fish Window Cleaning. FISH provides service to more than 200,000 commercial and residential customers nationwide. Free estimates and customized service plans tailored to each customer’s needs and budget are just a few offered benefits. Click here to see a full listing of our
window washing services and to schedule a free estimate.
Window cleaning is a profitable venture, as owners of residences and businesses are in constant need of these services. Most businesses carry risks and require insurance coverage, and window cleaning is no exception.
Personal injury—to workers and others nearby—is
a common risk in window cleaning, as workers use ladders, scaffolds, and other means to access hard-to-reach surfaces. Insurance is a must for window cleaning companies, and it is important to make sure the policy covers what it should.
Having coverage isn’t just important for your own protection. Many corporate clients entering into a window cleaning contract with your business may require proof of a certain amount of coverage, to protect themselves as well in the event of property damage or personal injury caused in the course of your providing the services.
Here are a few types of policies relevant to protecting a window cleaning business.
General Liability Insurance
Just about every business needs a comprehensive general liability policy to cover loss in the event of property damage, personal injury, and other liabilities that may arise.
If a worker breaks an expensive window or drops equipment onto a pedestrian below and causes bodily injury, general liability coverage will help protect the business against financial loss and make the injured party whole.
This coverage should include legal costs involved with defending against a lawsuit related to property damage or injury.
Workers Compensation
Your employees are your greatest resource. If they are injured while working for your window cleaning business, you may be responsible for the consequences medically and legally.
If an employee is hurt on the job, workers comp insurance will cover his or her medical care and lost income.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Injuries and damage don’t just occur in the course of climbing and cleaning. Your employees must travel to and from jobs, possibly in a vehicle owned by your window cleaning business.
It is critical for your operation to have commercial auto insurance coverage, which will cover damage and injuries caused in vehicular accidents as well as theft, vandalism, fire, or other damage. Without this coverage, your business could be stuck paying out of pocket.
Inland Marine Insurance
“Inland marine” insurance is not the same as “marine insurance,” which would cover losses suffered when transporting items across water. Instead, inland marine insurance covers products, materials, and equipment when transported over land, such as in a window cleaning van, or when temporarily stored.
Your business will invest in expensive equipment. Inland marine insurance will protect it from damage or theft.
The cost of these various types of window cleaning insurance policies will vary based on the size and scope of the business, what kind of equipment and vehicles it uses, how much coverage you need, and other factors.
If you are opening a franchise window cleaning business, your franchisor can help guide you and connect you with insurance companies familiar with the window cleaning industry—and possibly help you get a good corporate rate. If you are opening an independent venture, consult a local insurance agent to evaluate options.
About Fish Window Cleaning®
Fish Window Cleaning was founded in St. Louis in 1978 and is now the largest window cleaning franchise in the country, with over 275 locations nationwide. FISH provides service to more than 200,000 commercial and residential customers nationwide. Free estimates and customized service plans tailored to each customer’s needs and budget are just a few offered benefits.
For more information, visit
www.fishwindowcleaning.com, or call 1-877-707-FISH (3474).
At a time of increased scrutiny of cleanliness, the already promising window cleaning industry takes on added strength.
The overall cleaning services market—encompassing window cleaning and other services used by residential and commercial customers—is on track to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% by 2022, according to a
report by Allied Market Research. The data evidences a consistent demand for cleaning services among commercial consumers (such as retail buildings, offices, hospitals, public buildings, etc.).
According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall cleaning industry is growing at a faster rate than many other industries. The average growth in other industries is projected to be 7% from 2016 to 2026, but
research puts the cleaning industry at a rate of 10% growth by 2026.
Solid, Ongoing Business
Commercial window cleaning can be especially lucrative, because a window cleaning business can develop recurring, regular work. Overall, commercial cleaning companies are the
most profitable segment of the cleaning industry, capturing 55% of the market in 2019.
General cleanliness is at more of a premium, perhaps, than ever before, as businesses are now hyper-vigilant in cleaning measures as employees begin to return to the workplace. This change in protocol toward enhanced cleanliness is expected to stay.
A Low Risk Venture
A window cleaning industry analysis reveals that risk is low in the window cleaning industry, as it is
a relatively recession-proof business; clean work spaces are integral to productivity, and as more people work remotely and from home, that concept bleeds into residential business. Even people who don’t work from home place more importance than ever on cleanliness at home.
The specialty segment of cleaning windows is strong, since many general cleaning services do not clean or do not adequately clean windows.
Risk can be reduced exponentially more by partnering with a franchise system rather than opening a window cleaning business from scratch. The arc toward break-even level and then profitability is much shorter than when going the independent path.
Franchise companies in the industry have invested in extensive window cleaning industry analysis and developed efficient best practices. This may include operational software as well as systems for assistance with lead generation and follow-up.
Fish Window Cleaning provides franchisees, for example, with web-based proprietary software that handles routing, scheduling, and accounting of profit and loss, accounts receivable, and more. They also provide extensive training and support, including a corporate call center to capitalize on leads.
Whether you open a franchise-branded or independent window cleaning business, you will enjoy a low-risk, profitable endeavor.
About Fish Window Cleaning®
Fish Window Cleaning was founded in St. Louis in 1978 and is now the largest window cleaning franchise in the country, with over 275 locations nationwide. FISH provides service to more than 200,000 commercial and residential customers nationwide. Free estimates and customized service plans tailored to each customer’s needs and budget are just a few offered benefits.
For more information, visit
www.fishwindowcleaning.com, or call 1-877-707-FISH (3474).
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