Most of our clients don't even notice their windows anymore, and for good reason. They're all dirty. We don't know if it is simply human nature or the fact that New Yorker's enjoy the added privacy of a dirty window, but taking care of this small job will spruce up your home and your spirits instantly.
Apple Cleaning is the service we use often. They are friendly, efficient and do an excellent job. Cleaning costs anywhere from $10-12 per window and there is a minimum of $55 per visit. They usually book 2-3 days in advance, but during the busy months need 4-5 days to get to you.
All windows are cleaned with a soap and ammonia (ammonia cuts oil) solution and wiped down by squeegee (paper towels only wipe the dirt around).
If you want to do it yourself, and want to use a more environmentally sound solution, try vinegar but throw in a dash of soap if you want it to work (read this for full instructions).
We've been cleaning ours ourselves these days, as we have handy tilt-in windows that save us from climbing around outside.
(Re-Edited from 2004-05-05 - MGR)
(Re-Edited from 2006-05-02 - MGR)
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Comments (4)
How timely! I just cleaned my windows (which sound like they're the same kind as dIANE's) two weeks ago.
I STILL have bruises on my thighs from it. Those things are heavy and I just couldn't trust them enough to let them hang out into my apartment with no support (for next time I hope I'll have some sort of step ladder or chair or something the right height to rest them on). It was a surprisingly big undertaking and I only have four windows! And one is the frosted one in the bathroom which I didn't even bother with! And one I didn't do the top pane because it seemed to be missing a support part at the bottom and I was afraid it would break if I tried to slide it down and in! So I basically did two and a half windows and was exhausted and bruised. I'm in the prime of my life and very healthy and not a girly-girl, either. So I only recommend taking that kind of window on if you have someone to help you or you are pretty strong yourself. Also, be sure your lower pane is not all the way down when you try to lean it into the room; you could bend or break the frame. Lift it up so it clears the frame first.
After all that I was thrilled with the result (I used vinegar and newspaper, on a friend's rec). Until one week later, when it rained and I guess the rain was 50% dirt because now I'm looking at tons of dirty spots again and I'm dying to wash them again but I know that way lies madness and severe hemotomas. Still, the current dirty spots are a vast improvement on three year's worth of grime, so I agree: even if the project is too much for you, get it done. It's worth it.
m-
fabracleen are amazing for cleaning sofas & rugs. family owned business that take pride in their work. get this... a few days afterwards, they send a thank you note. here's the
link:
http://www.fabracleen.com/
For all you UWSers out there, Stevens Windows is a great alternative - they are very nice and reliable and your windows are spotless afterwards. Pricing is similar but do note that large multipaned windows may count as double, so I paid over $200 for six 5'x6' windows plus my terrace doors/side windows.
I also had chemical etching on some of my windows due to improper installation so he had to use a special solution that also upped the price (maybe this is what you had, p2?) but it was SO worth it. Here's his info: http://nymag.com/guides/springcleaning/2006/16718/
I don't understand why it's so difficult that people can't just clean the windows themselves. we clean ours a couple times a year. Unless you have crazy window operating devices that make it so you can't access your windows, it's really not that difficult.