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Writer's pictureScott Britton

First Rule: Do No Harm

Updated: Aug 28, 2020

Happy Window Cleaning's number one priority when working in and on someone’s home is that we do no harm even before delivering value. The first part of it is obvious, being cautious and considerate around flooring, furniture walls and woodwork. We have booties for our shoes, use a special sectional ladder that is easily transported through tight spaces without getting into contact with painted walls and woodwork. There is a soft cotton bonnet at the top of the ladder to protect molding when we set up the ladder to clean windows up high on a home’s interior walls.


Doing no harm, extends further than just the present tense. It also has to do with the Happy Window Cleaning process, tools, cleaning agents, and skill set training.


To explain what I mean in layman’s terms think about a $180 pair of Calvin Klein jeans. Perhaps you have noticed that some folks can buy a designer pair of jeans and keep them looking like new for decade or more. Ever wonder how this can be? Well, they use a gentle agitation cycle on their washing machine. They are careful to use just the right amount of detergent. They are conscious when they are out about what they allow to come into contact with their clothing, and if something does get onto it, they treat it immediately. The same pair of jeans might only last three years in different hands.


Cleaning windows (or anything for that matter) follows the same principles. One must understand the properties of material to be cleaned and the effect that the tools and cleaning agent will have on the material, not just immediately, but over time. Over aggressive cleaning, using the wrong or too concentrated of a detergent, using the wrong agitation device or dwell time, will cause extensive wear prematurely over time. In practice, there are many materials and surfaces, plastics, metals and woods. It is important to understand the best practice to all.


As a homeowner you might be wondering what you can to do to avoid damaging your home between professional cleanings. A good place to start is to read your window manufacturers cleaning recommendations. You might even want to call the toll-free number and ask someone to explain them to you. Here is another tip, document the conversation. This can go along way if you ever need to put in a claim on a warranty. For example, many glass manufactures warn to stay away from products containing ammonia (Windex). Follow the guidelines, consider how you will protect all the surfaces from drips, and what type of scrubbing device you should use on your unique set of windows, frames and sills.


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26 comentários


Convidado:
23 de jan. de 2023

This is a great philosophy to have as a professional window cleaner. Always treat the client's property as you would your own.

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Convidado:
23 de jan. de 2023

I like the idea of documenting the conversation you have with a professional cleaner as a property owner before they commence their job. Makes it easier to make a claim in future should there be need to.

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Convidado:
23 de jan. de 2023

You guys take so much care to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. that makes you among the best in the business.

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Convidado:
23 de jan. de 2023

It's vital that as a contractor you take care not to damage of of the clients installations when doing maintenance or cleaning. That's the mark of a true professional.

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Convidado:
23 de jan. de 2023

When I saw the title of the article, I was thinking about something else until I went through the article. I love the example of the Calvin Klein jeans you used in your article. Of course, some people know how to maintain a jean just because they know the right amount of detergent to apply and also cautious of what come in contact with their jeans. Applying these same principle in our business will make it boom . I love the analogy you used. I guess that's why Happy Window Cleaning franchise is moving higher . thanks for the article

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