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Showing posts from 2011

How to Remove Solar Film from a Window.

Often window cleaning involves removing solar film.   At first glance removing solar film seems like a simple task.   Do not take this job lightly. If not done properly, a window can easily be scratched, and left as a splotchy mess.   I was recently hired to remove Solar film from seven windows in a local shopping center. The film seemed like a good idea for the store to reflect sun.   The solar film served its’ purpose in the sunlight but at night the store looked black. Customers passed by thinking they were closed. Now it is time to tackle the removal. Follow these steps for the best results. There is no easy process. You will need the right tools, a lot of patience and about two hours per window (3 ft X 6ft) in optimal conditions. Tools needed: Needle nose pliers, 6 inch Ettore professional razor blade, Lots of extra blades, 0000 steel wool, Ettore Squeegee-Lint free towels-Lemon ammonia, lemon joy Step 1-Soak and heat   Spray the solar film with straight ammonia. Soak it

Gutter Cleaning; Annual Maintenance Help

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The first rains have come for the season and your gutters are overflowing. You need gutter cleaning.Some promote GutterGuards to keep your gutters clean. Gutter guards are heavily promoted at home shows with fancy demos of pure water flowing into the gutter guard while the leaves magically float over and to the ground. The debate of adding gutter guards or leaving the gutters open has valid points on both sides. In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons of gutter guards. I will also discuss the dangers of clogged gutters and the importance of ensuring that your gutters are clean and flowing freely when the rains hit. I went to a house to clean the gutters. It looked like a simple job at first glance. The owner had installed gutter guards. There were visible leaves resting in the roof valleys and on the gutters. When I took a closer look from the top I could see that the gutters were full of debris. In this case, the leaves were not getting in but all of the small sticks an

How to Clean Window Tracks

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When was the last time you looked in to your window tracks? Tracks are a collecting place for mold, dust, bugs, and insects. The best way to clean tracks takes time, proper tools and supplies. The supplies and tools are most likely things you will find in your garage or tool kit. It is important to clean the tracks before you clean the windows. If windows are cleaned first, the water will mix in the tracks and make cleaning window tracks more difficult. Tools and supplies • Vacuum with crevice attachment and small brush attachment • Paint brush • Screwdriver • Cotton towel • Dish soap • Toothbrush Steps to success 1. Remove window from frame when possible. This will allow for the most thorough cleaning in the center of the track. 2. Vacuum loose debris from tracks with crevice tool 3. With a stiff paint brush or tooth brush, loosen all additional debris. 4. Vacuum additional debris with you brush attachment. 5. Wipe clean with a wet towel soaked in hot soapy water. 6. Use a screwdr

How to Clean a Neon Sign

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Have you ever noticed how many “Open” signs flash in neon to draw attention to dust, bugs, webs, grease and mold? This is not exactly the message intended ,leaving the patron to wonder what condition the kitchen is in……………… Cleaning a Neon sign takes time patience, finesse and a few basic tools/utensils to get the job done right. Here’s some cleaning suggestions and methods: Removal Most signs are supported from the window frame with a chain link and “S” hooks. Often the “S” hooks are open and can fall off when taking the sign down. Keep a close eye on them to avoid a later trip to the hardware store. Always hold the sign by the metal or acrylic frame. Never lift the sign holding the neon tube. It will definitely brake. Find a flat surface with no traffic and lay the sign facing up. Dusting Remove as mush dust as possible before the washing stage Start with a feather duster to remove the majority of loose dust and debris. An air compressor is very useful and can take the place of t

How to Clean & Remove Scratches from Plexiglass

Here are some bits of wisdom to help you get the most value out of your Plexiglass ACRYLIC. The Number 1 Problem with caring for Plexiglass acrylic is using the incorrect cleaner Never use cleaners containing ammonia. Cleaners such as Windex or 409 will harm your new piece of acrylic. Use only products specifically recommended for cleaning acrylic and a soft cloth. Never use a dry cloth or your hand to clean your acrylic! This can rub the dirt and dust INTO the acrylic. Always blow the dust or dirt off, or use water and a soft cloth to float the dirt off. Then use a recommended cleaner to complete the job. Note: a mild solution of dish detergent and warm water takes off stubborn dirt easily without harming the acrylic The Number 2 Problem with acrylic care is stressful handling Tweaking or dropping your acrylic can cause cracking: From large cracks to small chips that can spread. While Acrylic is incredibly resilient, a fall, strike or even a bend beyond the sheets range will cause d

How to remove hard water spots from windows and shower doors

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Are you tired of looking through a cloud of water spots on your windows and shower doors? There are several methods and tools that will help prevent and eliminate unsightly water spots Four Simple prevention tips 1.     Adjust sprinkler systems to avoid overspray on to your windows. 2.     Never hose down your windows. Dust and dirt on your windows will turn in to invisible mud. When the water dries, it will form a hard water stain. The next time you hose down your windows there will be a small etched water spot that will collect additional mineral deposits. Water spots form like moguls on a ski hill. 3.     Wash your windows before the next rain. Many people wait to wash their windows after the rain season. The best way to prevent hard water stains is to have your windows cleaned before the next rain. This gets the minerals off and allows the next rain to dry spot free through the winter. 4.     Use a squeegee on shower doors after each use. Removal of water stains wil