Getting the best clean possible on every window on a home or cottage requires more than elbow grease. It means choosing the right tools and cleaning supplies for each job. It also means keeping a close eye on the gardens and landscaping, to ensure that they are protected.
Most of the time, that means using a mix of traditional window cleaning methods and newer equipment like a water-fed pole, explains Jonathan Barnard, a window-cleaning specialist and owner of Dreamview Muskoka.
“It’s about picking the appropriate times to use the right tools,” he says. “You must use certain equipment for certain properties … for instance if the windows you need to get to are surrounded by six-foot deep, beautiful gardens, using the water-fed pole ensures you don’t ruin the landscape.”
A skilled window cleaner can do an exceptional cleaning job with a water-fed pole while standing on the path beside the gardens. The other option would be stomping through the landscaping with a ladder and cleaning supplies, then moving that ladder all around the building – the whole time marching through a garden.
“We’ve become experts at using the water-fed pole to really get the best results for our clients,” explains Jonathan. “It’s not always needed, but there are properties where you literally can’t do it any other way.”
Clear those eavestroughs
Summer’s fun will soon make way for autumn’s colours, which also means falling leaves clogging up those eavestroughs.
With that in mind, it’s advisable to schedule an eavestrough cleaning and window touch-up prior to the first snowfall.
Not only will removing the fallen debris avoid clogging that could cause damage to the eaves and other parts of the property, but a final window touch-up done prior to the first snowfall is a good idea since exterior cleaning isn’t an option in the winter.
Jonathan says that this cleaning is part of a good maintenance schedule; keeping eavestroughs clean and clear helps them stay in good working condition for as long as possible.
Plan for 2024
Simone Barnard, who is Dreamview Muskoka’s customer service and administration lead, and Jonathan’s wife, is already planning 2024 cleaning schedules for their clients.
From spring cleaning to event-specific touch-ups ahead of weddings, birthdays, and other gatherings, booking now leaves plenty of time for other essential planning.
“Booking in your window cleaning now for next year takes one thing off of your to-do list,” says Simone. “Our clients who plan a regular cleaning routine or pencil in specific dates ahead of social events are very happy they did so.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN