Windows and glass, frosted glass, accents and window
coverings call for frequent and specialized cleaning methods.
The building management usually contracts for window cleaning
on the outside of the structure, to be performed once or
twice a year. During this procedure the windows inside are
cleaned.
The glass walls and doors, both frosted and clear, are
in need of more frequent attention. While the janitorial
company is contracted to clean the interior space, glass
doors or walls are cleaned only as high as arm's reach.
This leaves an area above arm's reach that seldom gets attention.
In addition, there are many facilities where transoms are
in place above the doors and occasionally the window offices
have transoms affixed at the top of the separating wall
to allow for a brighter, airier, more "open" feeling
throughout the space. These transoms and glass partitions
in atrium areas necessitate ladders and often scaffolding
to facilitate cleaning.
Frosted glass may be sandblasted or there may be a film
of vinyl, a sandblast lookalike, bonded to the glass. The
products required to clean the different types of frosting
differ according to the type of finish. A petroleum-based
product cannot be used on the vinyl covering. The vinyl
will melt. Lint-free fabric must be used for the cleaning
procedure since the little sharp particles of glass resulting
from sandblasting rip paper toweling and catch lint from
fabric. Experience with cleaning these surfaces helps to
eliminate these problems.
It is imperative that with any glass partitions, only clean
cloths be used for cleaning. These cloths should be changed
frequently. Dry cloths must then be used to polish the glass.
When talking about glass it's natural to extend the conversation
to window coverings and glass wall coverings. It is not
uncommon to see glass walls closed in by draperies. Mini
blinds and draperies shield outer windows to keep out the
sun.
Draperies are often forgotten when it comes to regular
cleaning services. The rough finish of the fabric used to
make most draperies are responsible for accumulating dust
and soil. Vacuuming, especially at the pleats, helps to
keep these soils at a minimum. Removing the draperies, dry
cleaning followed by blocking, and replacing them is a chore
that should be programmed at two or three year intervals.
The mini blinds or verticals, while they appear to need
a simple dusting will begin to accumulate grease-laden soil
from the heating and air conditioning vents. Removal, washing
and replacement on a two to three year rotation is advisable.
