Tag Archive for: dirt

How Do Dust Storms in Phoenix, Arizona Affect Window Cleaning?

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Most residents in Phoenix, Arizona’s Valley of the Sun know that dust storms are just a part of life here. These storms often hit with little warning and can be very intense. They dump huge amounts of dirt and debris everywhere, including on your windows. Dust storms create big challenges when it comes to keeping windows clean and well-maintained, whether at home or the office.

What Are Dust Storms and How Are They Formed?

Dust storms, also called haboobs, can best be described as strong winds that pick up loose dirt and sand. They usually occur when hot air rises during the day, creating gusty winds. These winds toss dirt into the air, forming a thick cloud that stretches across the desert landscape. The dirt gets carried far and wide, reducing visibility.

Frequency and Seasonality

Here in the Valley, dust storms generally happen several times a year. Most occur between March and September, during the hot, windy weather. During peak season, it’s not unusual to see several storms each month, making flying dust and debris a concern for residents and businesses alike.

Impact of Dust Storms on Local Environment

Dust storms hurt air quality and reduce visibility, creating health risks especially for allergy sufferers and those with respiratory issues. They also impact property by dirtying homes, cars and of course, windows. Over time, the accumulation of dust from these storms, leads to the need for more frequent cleanup efforts.

Effects of Dust Storms on Window Cleanliness

Accumulation of Dust and Debris

After a dust storm, windows quickly get coated with a thick layer of dirt. Wind-blown dust settles on glass surfaces, sometimes within minutes. This build-up blocks sunlight and detracts from your view. The more frequent the storms, the faster your windows get dirty, requiring more cleaning.

Greater Wear and Tear

Abrasive particles in dust storms can scratch window glass when wiped or cleaned improperly. Fine dirt can also wear down coatings and seals over time. This damage shortens the lifespan of your windows and reduces their ability to insulate or protect your home.

Increased Cleaning Frequency

Because dust storms deposit dirt so fast, homeowners and business owners often need to clean windows more often. Regular cleaning prevents dirt from building up and keeps windows clear. Cleaning costs go up with increased storm activity, whether you hire pros or attempt to do it yourself.

Challenges for Window Cleaning During and After Dust Storms

Safety Concerns for Window Cleaning Professionals

Cleaning windows during or right after a dust storm can be dangerous. Limited visibility and slippery surfaces mean accidents may be more likely. Wind can also blow debris around, making it risky for workers. Safety gear like goggles and gloves becomes essential during storm cleanup. That’s why it’s best to leave dust storm window cleaning to the professionals.

Effectiveness of Cleaning Methods

Standard methods like wiping with cloths or using simple cleaning solutions often aren’t enough after a dust storm. Heavy dirt requires stronger cleaners and specialized tools. Using the right equipment can prevent scratching and remove stubborn dirt more effectively.

Residual Dust and Ongoing Maintenance

Dust doesn’t disappear after a storm passes. Tiny particles linger on glass surfaces, making windows look dull. Regular, targeted cleaning helps keep windows spotless and clear from stubborn dust residues. Doing routine checks and cleanings is the best way to stay ahead of dust buildup.

Recommendations for Cleaning Windows in Dust-Heavy Environments

Regular Maintenance and Scheduling

Set a cleaning schedule based on how often dust storms hit your area. Clean windows before and after storms when possible. Quick rinses during storm season can prevent dirt from setting in deeply.

Hire a Professional Who Used the Appropriate Cleaning Products and Tools

Choose a professional window cleaning company, such as ClearPro, who will use dust-repellent cleaners designed for sticky dirt and grime and other specialized equipment such as microfiber cloths that lift dirt without scratching glass.

So, as you’ve just read, dust storms in the Phoenix area, impact window cleanliness more than most realize. They cause dirt buildup, potential damage and higher maintenance costs. Planning ahead ensures your windows stay clear, durable, and beautiful despite the occurrence of dust storms.

If you would like to learn more about how dust storms in Phoenix, Arizona affect window cleaning, call the ClearPro window cleaning team today.

Should you Hire a Professional Window Cleaning Company or a Maid Service?

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When it comes to maintaining a clean and beautiful home, it can be difficult to decide between professional window cleaning company and a maid/housecleaning service. Of course, both offer unique benefits, but understanding the differences between the two can help you decide which is best for your home.

Professional Window Cleaning

Professional window cleaning services focus specifically on keeping your windows clean and streak-free. By using specialized equipment and cleaning solutions, professional window cleaning technicians, who themselves should be very experienced in cleaning windows, can effectively remove dirt, grime, and water stains from your windows, leaving them sparkling and clear. It goes without saying that professional window cleaning services can truly enhance the overall appearance of your home and allow more natural light to enter, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

Maid Service

Another commonly thought about option is, of course, hiring a maid or housecleaning service. Maid/housecleaning services are not focused on solely cleaning your windows, such that maids or housecleaners will divide their time, effort and attention to doing other things as well, which include dusting off furniture, vacuuming carpets, cleaning bathrooms and other rooms of your home. Also keep in mind that a maid/housecleaning service usually lacks the specialized equipment and technical experience to clean windows as thoroughly as a professional window cleaning service.

Which Service Should You Get?

The decision between professional window cleaning and a maid/housecleaning service ultimately depends on your particular needs and preferences. If your top priority is the cleanliness and appearance of your windows, hiring a professional window cleaning service may be the best choice for you. However, if you instead wish for a more comprehensive cleaning of your entire home, including windows, where the windows do not have to be spotless, then hiring a maid/housecleaning service could prove to be a better fit.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of hiring a professional window cleaning company, rather than a maid/housecleaning service, contact our experienced window cleaning team at ClearPro today.

How to Clean Your Skylights

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To take advantage of our approximately 300 days of sunshine that comes from living in the Valley of the Sun, many homebuilders have incorporated skylights in the kitchens, hallways and even bathrooms of their floorplans.

Skylights not only bring additional natural light into certain areas of a home, they also create a greater ambience and enhance a home’s value.

That said, just as with any window in your home, for skylights to look and perform their best, they should be cleaned and checked for any wear and tear, on a regular basis. The problem for most homeowners is that skylights are difficult to clean because of their elevated location.

So, without further ado, here are a few skylight maintenance tips we recommend as it pertains to how to clean your skylights.

Clean Dust, Dirt and Other Debris from Exterior Surfaces

It’s should come as no surprise that skylights are notorious for their accumulation of dust, dirt and debris. That is because skylights are cut through the roof of a home and face upward into the sky. As such, Monsoon rain, bird droppings, dirt, dust and environmental debris (e.g. from leaves and tree branches) can collect on the skylight’s external glass or plexiglass surface.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that along with your home’s windows, you have your skylights cleaned on a regular basis.

Clean Dust, Dirt and Other Debris from Interior Surfaces

Did you know that the interior surface of skylights should be cleaned regularly? That is because dust, dirt and grime can also accumulate on the skylight’s interior surface. So, to avoid any potential damage of obscuring of light transmission, it is wise to main a clean interior surface for skylights.

Cleaning Various Types of Skylight Materials

As mentioned earlier, skylights can utilize glass or plastic (acrylic) in their design. Plastic tends to scratch more easily that glass, so it’s important to know which you are cleaning before hand.

Check Your Skylights for Damage

Before, cleaning your skylights, you should have a qualified professional examine them to assess their condition. That’s because you should know whether or not they are leaking, due to cracks or holes, and then determine if they need to be repaired or replaced. No sense in cleaning your skylight if you determine they need to be replaced, right?

Hire Professional Window Cleaners

Hiring a team of trust window cleaning professionals is the best way to effectively and safely clean your skylights. That’s because window cleaning professionals have the experience, training and proper equipment to do the job correctly.

If you would like to know more about cleaning your skylights the right way, contact the Arizona window cleaning pros at ClearPro today!

Why Get Professional Solar Panel Cleaning for Your Commercial Building?

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With the continued advancements in sustainable energy, more and more commercial property owners have opted to install solar panels. That’s because they see the value in solar panels as a viable option for not only reducing energy costs, but for making a positive contribution to the environment.

However, did you know that the efficiency of solar panels can degrade over time, due to the accumulation of dust, grime, and other debris? This in turn, can significantly reduce the cost saving benefits from solar panel usage.

Benefits of Professional Solar Panel Cleaning

As a leading, professional window cleaning company in the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro area, ClearPro understands the importance of keeping your solar panels clean to maximize their efficient production of energy while reducing energy costs.

Here are just a few excellent reasons why you should hire ClearPro to clean your Solar Panels:

Improves Efficiency

The fact is, when your solar panels are clean, they are able to more efficiently absorb sunlight, which can then be converted into usable electricity.

Dirty solar panel surfaces reduce the amount of sunlight that can reach the solar cells. Less sunlight reaching the solar cells means less converted, energy (electricity) for your commercial building to use.

Professionally cleaning your solar panels on a regular basis ensures that your solar panels can work at peak performance, thereby maximizing the amount of sunlight that can be absorbed through them.

Extends Lifespan

Over the months and years, your solar panel can accumulate dirt, bird waste and other debris, that can cause corrosion of your solar panels. This in turn, can result in irreversible damage to your solar panels, thus reducing it’s useful life and leading to costly repair and/or replacement of parts.

Protects Your Investment

Professional cleaning not only removes such harmful residues from your solar panels, it also helps to mitigate your long-term operational costs, thereby protecting your investment. The bottom line, professional solar panel cleaning is good for your bottom line.

Is It Time to Clean Your Panels?

When was the last time, you had your building’s solar panels professionally cleaned?

Can’t remember? Several years ago? Never?

If you answered yes, to any of the above, we highly recommend that you contact our solar panel and window cleaning team at ClearPro to get your solar panels cleaned on a regular schedule. In so doing, your solar panels should be operating at their peak capacity, thus maximizing the savings on your electricity bill while doing your part in creating a more sustainable future.