As a general approach, for a once-yearly residential clean with sliding windows, a full clean inside and out includes tracks and screens.

1. I like to inspect tracks, ensure windows are closed and look watertight, place towels on sills of any suspect windows or doors, or rule them out.
2. Spray exterior windows and screens with soap, then spot-free rinse (this also pre-soaks tracks).
3. Spray interior brush and wet-vac frames and tracks.
4. Mop glass.
5. Towel frame and seal.
6. Squeegee glass.
7. Towel bottom ledge.
8. Remove sliding pane, place on a towel, clean the exterior, and place it back in the window.
9. Rinse and repeat.

OHS and Safe Work Methods:

• ▸ Height access and roof structure
• ▸ Cleared drain ways and window drains
• ▸ Diverted rain water
• ▸ Visual defects—cracked glass, the condition of window seals
• ▸ Property protection assess need for drop sheets, plastic sheets, extra towels

"Assuming no formal Quote"

1. Set up safe access and egress as per OHS.
2. Assess materials and condition for the use of appropriate solutions, ratios, and equipment.
3. Communicate the safest and most efficient approach, along with corresponding needs.
4. Proceed with work or set a time and date, booking into the calendar with email or text notifications.
5. Set up any required property and personal protection as per working-at-heights, windows and or soft wash/pressure cleaning requirements.
6. Ensure completion of all tasks from pre-checks.
7. Proceed with window cleaning and/or exterior cleaning.

During and Post-Work Checks:

• ▸ Review the function and management of property and personal protection.
• ▸ Restore all property protection, like water tank diversions.
• ▸ Deliver a report of successfully completed jobs and recommendations for future maintenance.

Invoicing is done through Xero Accounting. Payment options include:

• ▸ bank transfer
• ▸ credit card
• ▸ cash
• ▸ cheque.

Payment remittance has a grace period until the end of the day after invoicing.

"Typical Adelaide Windows"

Main Window Materials:

• ▸ Float glass: The most common and cost-effective type of glass, known for its smooth surface and clear, undistorted vision.
• ▸ Tempered safety glass: A type of safety glass that is four to five times stronger than float glass. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces.
• ▸ Eco smart glass: Glass treated with a coating to improve thermal performance and reduce energy costs.
• ▸ Tints & films: Applied to glass to reduce heat, glare, and UV radiation while offering privacy.
• ▸ Alloy powder coated and anodised: Common finishes for aluminium window frames, offering durability and resistance to corrosion.

Less Common Materials:

• ▸ Lead glass stained windows: Decorative panels of glass held together by lead cames. These are often found in older homes and require a gentle, specialized cleaning approach.
• ▸ Asbestos: This material was used in some older window frames and requires a special, careful approach due to health risks.

Common Window Types:

• ▸ Sliding: The most common window type, with one or more sashes that slide horizontally within the frame.
• ▸ Sash: Windows with one or two movable sashes that slide vertically. Often found in older homes, they provide a classic look.
• ▸ Colonial Box: These windows feature a box-like frame that extends from the building's exterior, adding a classic, decorative element.
• ▸ Louver (Floor to Ceiling): A modern design where glass panes are arranged horizontally like louvers, opening to create a floor-to-ceiling opening for maximum airflow.
• ▸ Storm Windows: An additional window installed on the exterior of an existing window to provide an extra layer of insulation and weather protection.

Source: This information is based on the official cleaning guide from Evalock.

Evalock Glass Cleaning & Maintenance

To maintain the clarity and appearance of Evalock glass products, it is important to follow a few simple cleaning guidelines. These recommendations help prevent damage and keep your windows looking their best.

Key Cautions:

• ▸ Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they will scratch the glass surface.
• ▸ Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or high-pressure water blasting.
• ▸ Be careful to avoid any window frame components or sealants.

Cleaning During Construction:

• ▸ Protecting glass from construction materials will simplify cleaning.
• ▸ If not protected, clean glass and frames frequently to prevent damage from dust, concrete leachate, and rust from steel.

Toughened Glass & "Pickup":

• ▸ Toughened glass may have tiny glass particles, known as "pickup," on its surface from the manufacturing process.
• ▸ Blades or scrapers can dislodge this pickup and cause scratches.
• ▸ Use a soft cloth to avoid dislodging these particles and scratching the glass.

For a full, detailed guide, you can view the original PDF document here: Evalock Glass Cleaning Guide.

"Viridian Eco Coating"

Source: This information is based on the official cleaning guide from Viridian Glass.

Eco-Friendly Glass Cleaning & Specialist Care

For a safe and eco-friendly approach to cleaning your windows, a simple solution of warm, soapy water with a small amount of non-abrasive, household detergent is a great option. This method is effective for most types of glass and helps protect the environment by avoiding harsh chemicals.

Application and Care:

• ▸ To prevent streaks, avoid cleaning in direct sunlight.
• ▸ Always use a soft cloth, sponge, or squeegee.
• ▸ Rinse the glass thoroughly with clean, fresh water after cleaning.

This method is safe for your glass and the environment, ensuring a streak-free finish without the use of harsh chemicals.

Specialist Hand Cleaning for Low-E Glass

When cleaning the specialized coated surface of Low-E glass, it's important to be aware of a specific recommendation from the manufacturer regarding squeegees. While the rubber blade is safe, the metal channel of a squeegee can potentially deposit metal particles on the glass surface, which are difficult to remove. This is a common issue with hard coatings and can be avoided with proper care.

Key Takeaways:

• ▸ Always use non-abrasive tools and cleaning solutions on coated glass.
• ▸ Avoid using sharp razor blades or metal scrapers.
• ▸ The manufacturer specifically advises against using a squeegee on the internal coated surface.