General
Redfin Featured Article
WINDOW CLEANING TIPS FROM THE PROS
GHB Window Cleaning is committed to helping homeowners & business’s in Seattle and around the Washington state by ‘Making Windows Shine.’ Recently, we were invited by Redfin to contribute to their article, Window Cleaning Tips from the Pros.
Here’s what we shared: “Take steps to prevent mold and condensation”
Certain conditions can lead to window condensation and mold. When mold is present, it’s often a warning sign that excessive moisture exists inside the house. Condensation on windows is a result of low temperatures on the surface of the glass and high moisture content in the air. To help prevent condensation and window mold, check all windows for smooth operation and increase interior ventilation. Also, make sure to use exhaust fans when showering or cooking. If condensation persists, consider installing a dehumidifier or ceiling fans to improve air circulation.
Always remember when cleaning windows
Don’t use any caustic chemicals, petroleum cleaners or razor blades to clean windows. This includes not using abrasive pads or putty knives. Instead, Do use mild dish soap, like Dawn, and clean water and always rinse completely and wipe dry with a soft cloth. For best cleaning results, avoid washing glass windows in direct sunlight. If screens are present, remember to remove screens prior to window cleaning which is the perfect time to wash screens with mild soap, rinse and re-install.
Check out Redfin’s article to see what other window cleaning experts had to say about tips for improving your home to sell and to ensure that every aspect of your house looks pristine, especially your windows.
Window Cleaning Safety and Procedures
Over the weekend, our window cleaning technicians were hard at work in Olympia cleaning the windows at the Labor and Industry building. The department of LnI implements many of the safety procedures window cleaners practice day in and day out and they know we take pride in executing a safe working environment for our employees and also for pedestrians that are in the vicinity.
GHB Window Cleaning Inc & Slick Watts Helps Local School
Sonics legend donates money toward local elementary school’s playground
GHB Window Cleaning Inc. and Slick Watts, former NBA Seattle Super Sonic, teamed up to donate money towards new playground equipment. On Feb. 8th 2016, George Brewer, president of GHB Window Cleaning Services INC. presented MLK Elementary School a check to help in their efforts to purchase more playground balls for ‘Square Ball,’ Soccer & Kids Outdoor Games . Since airing, many have joined in the efforts and continue to bless the school with monies to purchase new playground equipment.
It is so great to see the local News take part in sharing the story with the community and giving the story ‘wings’ so other people can give to the local community.
Local Business Preps the VMAC & Draws Up a Winning Safety Plan
GHB Window Cleaning Inc. draws up a winning game plan to help the VMAC prepare for the 2015-2016 Season
Bellevue, WA July 31, 2015 – With Seattle patiently waiting for football season, the Virginia Mason Athletic Center is supporting local businesses as they gear up for training camp. GHB Window Cleaning Inc., a small Seattle Business, has been working hard preforming exterior window cleaning and top –bottom pressure washing services at the facility; helping prepare the VMAC for the return of the 2015 Conference Champions. However, it takes a great game plan to execute work at heights over 120 feet.
Although this game plan may not consist of X’s & O’s or a quarterback sneak, it does include a route to safety that always leads to a win. Prior to work commencing, Labor and Industries requires all contractors to have an Accident Prevention Program and with the technicians working as high as 120 feet a Site Specific Safety Plan or Fall Protection Work Plan is required. This plan identifies fall hazards of 10 feet or more and informs the technicians and the facility of the methods of fall protection being used as well as a detailed rescue strategy if needed. The department of Labor and Industries & OSHA imposes heavy fines for companies that do not follow these regulations. The laws are inforce to keep workers safe & limit liability. Because of the safety preparations executed beforehand and a winning game plan, GHB Inc. has a perfect, flawless safety record; Win!
George Brewer, President of GHB Window Cleaning Inc., recognizes that safety is always priority one and has on-going employee training & offers his expertise to other local business’s in the area. He said, “Falls are one of the most common serious work related accident and so many owners are unaware of their obligations when it comes to laws that govern fall protection both on the State (WISHA) & Federal (OSHA) Level. … Our game plan simple; prepare & train with safety and execute with quality service.”
To learn more about working at heights & fall protection safety, visit us at http://ghbfallprotection.com or call (844) 438-4429.
About GHB Window Cleaning Inc.
GHB Window Cleaning Services Inc., provides affordable quality window cleaning services in Seattle, Bellevue and Washington State. They specialize in residential window washing and commercial midrise and high-rise window cleaning and clearly shine in customer service. Their elite Safety Division focused on Fall Protection and exclusive employee training separates them as the best. Visit https://ghbwindowcleaning.com// to learn more about their services.
Contact:
Dawn Houg
GHB Inc., Media Relations
Web. https://ghbwindowcleaning.com//
Email: office@nullghbwindows.com
Tel. (425)250-1044
Red Tagged Fall Restraint Roof Anchors
In a recent fall restraint system anchor inspections for a client in Seattle, it was discovered that the system had to be red tagged due to the anchor not withstanding proper load limits which could cause massive injury or death to an employee using this system. The anchors on the system were not secure to the roof and loose. OSHA 1910 governs fall protection systems and states (10) Anchorages to which personal fall arrest equipment is attached shall be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two, under the supervision of a qualified person.
If a fall arrest – restraint system or roof anchors are on any building, building owners are required to have them inspected at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
OSHA 1910.66 | WAC Chapter 296 Annual Inspections of Roof Anchors, Fall Protection System Inspection and tests – Periodic inspections and tests. OSHA 1910.66(g)(2)(i) Related building supporting structures shall undergo periodic inspection by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
1910.66(g)(2)(iii) The building owner shall keep a certification record of each inspection and test required under paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section. The certification record shall include the date of the inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection, and the number, or other identifier, of the building support structure and equipment which was inspected. This certification record shall be kept readily available for review by the Assistant Secretary of Labor or the Assistant Secretary’s representative and by the employer.
Building owners Responsibility – Separate from the annual inspections, building owners shall ensure equipment or anchors be re-certified 1. At periods not to exceed 10 years, 2. When equipment shows excessive wear or damage, 3. When re-roofing or renovation 4. When equipment is modified or removed from the structure.
Window Cleaning Safety & Education
Is Your Current Window Cleaning Team Safe? Are you liable for any accidents that occur on your building?
With Spring Time just around the corner, it’s important to re-visit safety information about window cleaning safety & fall protection. With the recent news stories in New York & Seattle it’s beneficial for property owners & management companies to ask the right questions when it comes to safety. Below are a few simple questions to ask your current window cleaning team to ensure proper safety rules & OSHA standards are being followed.
- Q: How many feet up is considered a fall hazard? A: 4 feet (OSHA 1910.23)
- Q: When is Fall Protection Required? A: Any heights over 6 feet (OSHA 1926.500)
- Q: How close to the roof’s edge can you be without being tied off in a full body harness? A: No person can be closer than 10 feet to an edge without fall protection gear. OSHA 1926 Subpart M (fall protection)
- Q: Do you have a site specific safety plan? A: Per WAC 296-878-14005 a safety plan is mandatory.
- Q: How often should roof anchors be inspected by a qualified person? A: OSHA requires that all building owners must have the roof anchors inspected annually (OSHA 1910.66)
At GHB Window Cleaning Inc. we believe that education is the first step to safety! That is why we are the only Window Cleaning Company in the Seattle area that has a division focused on fall protection safety and education plus our safety record is flawless. Also, most building owners are not aware that they are responsible for inspections & certification for any fall protection & fall restraint system. Our goal is to heighten awareness for owners, employees & property management companies of their obligations when it comes to fall protection.
Please visit GHB Fall Protection Inc. and GHB Window Cleaning Inc. to learn about the services & training we offer.
Cleaning Window Tracks
The typical window track never gets cleaned and 99% of the time has at least one dried dead fly or bug. Window tracks are rarely cleaned and often neglected because most people just don’t have the time to spend or don’t know an efficient way to make them look new again. By having the right tools and systematic approach, you can be a professional window track cleaner.
Get the right tools.
- A good vacuum cleaner with the right the crevice tool or brush attachment. Most standard retail vacuum cleaners come with attachment tools but if you don’t have an attachment, no worries! Just use the end of the vacuum hose and get as close to the base of the window track as possible.
- A thin cleaning brush or an old toothbrush.
- A clean bucket of warm water with slight squeeze dish soap or Dawn Soap – GO GREEN!
- And finally 2 towels or 2 old rags. One towel will be a wet towel to clean excess dirt and the other towel will be designated to dry. Make sure these two towels stay separate.
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Take your vacuum + attachment and suck out all the loose debris in the window track. This includes all..
- Dead Flies
- Bugs
- Cob-webs
- Dust
- Dirt
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Dip your skinny brush or old toothbrush in the soapy water. Use the wet brush and scrub the inside of the window track to loosen the dirt & debris. Pay special attention to the corners to ensure all dirt is properly loosened by the soapy brush.
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Then take your 1st towel and moisten in the soapy water. Make sure you squeeze all the excess water out. You don’t want to have the towel soaking wet, just damp enough to collect the loosen dirt & dust.
- Take the moist towel and wipe down the inside of the window track where you previously used the brush to loosen the dirt.
- You may have to circle back and use the brush to loosen the dirt as you wipe down the window track with your wet towel.
- Repeat this step until you reach your desired results.
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Take the dry towel and wipe down any water drips or wet spots in the window track. Then move to the next window in the room.
You can also see the published article at http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Window-Tracks
Take Back FREE TIME! Window & Gutter Cleaning Services
GHB Window Cleaning Inc. has been hard at work giving back WEEKENDS to families in the Northwest. We want to check off your ‘to do’ list…
Window Cleaning =DONE
Roof & Gutter Cleaning = CHECK
Pressure Washing = COMPLETED
In the most recent TV Commercial, GHB Window Cleaning Inc. gives local resident & loyal client Mark M. his weekend back for family time. GHB Inc. completed house hold chores which included: Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Roof Cleaning & Pressure Washing. Every family is faced with the balancing act of work vs. family time and GHB Inc. wants to empower each family to take back their weekend for family not ‘to do lists’.
Services included – window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, roof cleaning & moss control. And with our Maintenacne Program, eliminate the hassle of finding time to clean your gutters or remembering when you had your windows cleaned last. Our new Reoccurring Maintenance Program lets you sit back, relax and let us worry when it’s time for your next cleaning. Suddenly the hassle of perfect windows all year round became a whole lot clearer!
Eastside Market Place – Bellevue Chamber of Commerce
Seller Spotlight: GHB Window Cleaning Services
Bellevue Chamber of Commerce is Powering the Eastside with The Eastside Marketplace. The Marketplace is in partnership with the Bellevue, Kirkland and Issaquah Chamber of Commerce and a great e-commerce solution connecting local seller’s with local buyer’s. This season GHB Window Cleaning Inc. was selected as the ‘Seller Spotlight‘ by the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce for the Eastside Marketplace.
What a great privilege to be selected! With so many awesome local companies in the Bellevue Chamber, we were just delighted to be the Spotlight Seller! Take a moment to read about what the Eastside Marketplace learned about GHB Window Cleaning Services Inc. …
Eastside Marketplace: What should we know about your company?
GHB Window Cleaning: GHB Window Cleaning is more than just a window cleaning company. Our services include gutter & roof cleaning, moss removal, pressure washing & graffiti removal. And we know that first impressions are lasting and when your building & home sparkle, people notice.
Eastside Marketplace: Please share a bit about your services – what sets you apart?
GHB Window Cleaning: The GHB Difference. With over 25 years of experience, you can rely on our fast, professional on time service – neat and courteous professionals with full uniforms and shoe covers. All employees have gone through background checks. Clearly the right choice you can trust for your home.
Eastside Marketplace: What keeps you inspired and moving forward in your business?
GHB Window Cleaning: We are encouraged when it rains and motivated when the sunshine is out! We know that everyday windows are losing their shine and buildings are getting dirty. Our work is never ending and maintenance will always be needed.
Eastside Marketplace: What special offers have you introduced for the Spring?
GHB Window Cleaning: Spring Cleaning Madness – $15.00 off any one service – activate the coupon here.
Eastside Marketplace:What does “buy local” mean to you and your business?
GHB Window Cleaning:“Buy Local” = Keep the Dollars in the Pacific Northwest. Every person works hard for each penny they earn and to keep that penny in the Northwest equates to job growth, prosperity & consumer confidence. Every person deserves an opportunity to work and thrive in Seattle & Bellevue and we help give people that chance.
Eastside Marketplace: What do you like most about Spring as a small business owner?
GHB Window Cleaning: Spring Time for GHB Window Cleaning Inc. means Spring Cleaning Madness…Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning & Roof Cleaning, Pressure Washing & MORE! Customers are ready to spruce up their homes & let the Sun Shine In!