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COMMON CENTS

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Pinching pennies. Not an unfamiliar phrase in the midst of inflation as we all try to cope with rising cost of living. But a ‘pinching pennies’ mindset could overwhelm our common sense. One of our most commonly asked questions is, “Can I just have one section of my siding cleaned?”, thinking it will save money. Will it? What are the risks? What is the reality?

Benefits of House Washing:

  • Removes algae, mold, and mildew; Prevents environment fertile for buildup.
  • High humidity and moisture necessitates maintenance in order to protect your investment.
  • Removing algae, mold, and mildew makes your home healthier. House Washing prevents these from negatively impacting your home.
  • It enhances curb appeal and property value.
  • Even a home that appears clean may be dirty. Dust, dirt, and grime may be adhering to the surface. Always wash your home’s exterior before painting it.

Risky Business

‘Spot Cleaning‘ is not recommended, and is a waste of your time and money. Rather than saving money, very likely, if a section of your siding is dirty enough to be power washed, chances are the contamination is not contained to the dirty section. You would soon notice the need to house wash again. Besides that, professionals are trained to use different levels of psi for different types of cleaning. What homeowners do not realize is that quite often dirty siding looks clean to the untrained eye. What is more, they also do not realize that washing a small section will definitely leave “clean lines”, just as you would see when you remove a long-residing picture from a wall. But beyond aesthetics of how it looks, there are far more serious reasons why it makes sense to do more than spot clean.

Common Cents

The bottom line. All businesses have a bottom line. Running a company is a balancing act. Many factors contribute to the costs, including cost effectiveness for the cleaning company AND the customer, and must determine whether it is a waste of both time and money to clean only one small section. For example, the logistics of the cost of business includes not only the labor force, but also the equipment, detergents, hoses, machines, gas for the vehicle, and regular wear and tear of the equipment and vehicle. With a baseline price just to function, it is not enough to be a viable business to merely break even in cost. Not to mention other factors that could weigh in that increase business costs which can not be compensated for by the customer. Therefore, if a customer wishes for say a 5 foot square section to be cleaned, at a minimum arrival cost of $249, whereas an average complete house wash could be less than double that price, you can see why it makes sense for the company and the homeowner to settle on a full service, when the preparation, unloading and use of equipment, labor force cost, and delivery fees are the same.

Common Sense

Our quality standard is to clean properly and efficiently. Just as you wouldn’t think of only washing one spot or one side of your vehicle, as it would likely make sense for you to properly finish the job if you are going to invest the time or money. Our vehicles, just like our homes, are subject to wear and tear, and are constantly bombarded by elements, dust, dirt, and grime which untended can lead to stains, rust, and loss of value. The same principle applies to your home. Just because you only SEE dirt on one side or spot, does not mean it isn’t there on the rest of your home. For example, NORTH facing sides of homes are much more likely to show the most dirt or grime as they are shielded from the sun and typically more humid. However, the elements and organisms involved in creating this “Hot Spot” still exist all around your home and are easily transported by wind, weather, animals, and natural processes. To an untrained eye, it would seem to make sense to only do what is needed. To a professional, it is wise to invest that same amount of cost and energy to keep a quality standard, which protects YOUR investment and OUR reputation.

In short, we respect your time and money as much as our own. By keeping our quality and standards high, we endeavour to keep prices low. Common sense dictates that we act in the true best interest of our community, for we all share our ‘common cents’.

BACTERIA, BAD BRISTLES, and BURNING BRIQUETTES

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OR 10 UNTOLD GRILLING DANGERS and a 5 STAR RECIPE

Near-sapphire skies drenched with sunlight, tempered by soft breezes convey that unmistakable smoky-sweet aroma heralding the ‘Official-Unofficial’ start of summer: Grilling Season.

You’ve regarded your springtime maintenance of House Washing and Window Cleaning. Now its time to focus on what really matters: family, friends, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

Grilling has all the low-key vibes that we love about Spring and Summer… the laid back itinerary coupled with the relaxed menu. Sun-filled afternoons set into twinkle-lit evenings. And whether your party dines pool-side, porch, or patio, one thing is commonly forgotten in cookout preparation. Grilling Safety.

Firstly, whatever type of grill you have, it is important to know how to safely operate your grill. Grill fires account for 10,600 fires annually, according to NFPA. These are almost entirely preventable. But there are other hazards associated with grilling season that may be overlooked or ignored. Here’s a helpful list of prevention and safety reminders, ensuring the only thing to dampen your dinner will be the weather.

10 GRILLING SAFETY TIPS:

  1. Grill Operation: Each grill is unique and has specific operation requirements. Know the hazards of lighting/igniting and keeping the heat/fire steady.
  2. Propane: Beware of propane leaks. Always follow your grill’s instruction manual on properly igniting and maintaining. A buildup of gas can lead to explosion.
  3. Distance: Keep your grill away from your home, garage, trees, shrubs, and anything flammable.
  4. Damage to your home: Leaving a grill unattended can quickly lead to a hazardous situation, especially if proper distance is not observed.
  5. People: A relaxed atmosphere may loosen the normal attentiveness to caution and safety. Hot grills, Hot tools, and Hot coals can all lead to injury of those unaware of their surroundings.
  6. Drinking: In short, drinking while grilling can lead to accidents. Unwind Responsibly.
  7. Inhaling Smoke: Grill smoke vapors include Carbon Monoxide and PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons), AKA, stuff you don’t want in your lungs, which can lead to a host of serious health issues with repeated exposure.
  8. Sanitation: Cleanliness of your grill and grill tools ensures you won’t be ingesting harmful substances like bacteria, or last week’s blackened chicken.
  9. Bad Bristles: Grill tools that are weak or shed bristles are in need of replacement. Bristle breakage can cause injuries to hands or worse, be ingested through your food. A real hazard is posed by metal bristles, which, if swallowed, mean a trip to the ER!
  10. Bacteria: Bacteria lives up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to keep uncooked foods refrigerated until ready to cook. Refrigerate cooked leftovers immediately. If you’ve ever had food poisoning, this one’s a no-brainer.

Our house opens Grilling Season with a celebratory Surf & Turf staycation day, shared with dearest friends. While it’s a no-holds-barred food fest, we also appreciate the beauty in simplicity. Here’s a 5 STAR rated recipe on ‘How to Grill the Best Steak’, with tips from Steven Raichlen, Master of Barbecue.

May your grilling be great!… and safe!

Planting Community Seeds…

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“You cannot stop the death that comes in the winter nor the life that comes with the summer. You can contribute your intelligence and will to the intelligence and movement of a dynamic larger than you. You can plant the seed that will sprout in the spring. You can lay the foundation for a different winter to come after the summer that has yet to arrive. You can only do this for yourself.” -Gary Zukav

We readily acknowledge that we cannot control the dynamic of the changing seasons… how autumn softly lulls us into the sleep of winter. But we also acknowledge the dynamic of being a part of something bigger than us as individuals. At Grime Fighters, we recognize that we are part of a whole. Without our loyal customers, we could not ‘contribute our intelligence and will‘ into the dynamic of our community. And just as the seasons change, our customers’ needs change.

While freezing temperatures may temporarily limit the amount and type of work we do, we by no means stop working. During Winter, Grime Fighters is still working behind the scenes to provide for you, our customer, with improved quality and effort. This is an ideal time for us to ‘plant the seed’ for Spring, making repairs and improvements on our Rig and Equipment, utilizing our maintenance portal, to provide a systematic check for parts, readying our team for Spring.

As we approach the slow season of January, February, and March, we will have reduced cleanings. All outdoor work is weather and temperature dependent, working only above 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, bookings are made only one week in advance.

Work that can be scheduled during this time:

INTERIOR WINDOWS

CHANDELIER CLEANINGS

HOUSE WASH *above 37F

GUTTER CLEANING *above 37F

FLAT SURFACE CLEANING *above 37F

All Exterior Window Cleaning and Roof Cleaning will be postponed to Spring.

We wish to thank our community for a successful 2021 season! Thank you for your patience and persistence in these challenging times. We look forward to continuing our dynamic relationship together, improving and contributing to a better, cleaner community.

House Washing to Winterize

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WHY YOU SHOULDN’T NEGLECT HOME MAINTENANCE IN AUTUMN.

Autumn seems naturally to be the season when life slows down. Days begin to grow shorter. Temperatures begin to lower. We, like our natural environment around us, are ready to take a break. However, this environment actually creates its own potential hazard to our homes.

It is commonly believed that a home’s exterior should be cleaned only once a year, or only if there is a problem area suffering from mold, mildew, or algae. The folly in this assumption is thinking that the problem is isolated, and not ongoing. The truth is, your home is constantly being bombarded by elements, both seen and unseen. And the combination of these elements creates a perfect storm of unseen damage to your home.

High humidity, dust, dirt, excess moisture, and lack of sunlight are the big offenders when it comes to fostering an environment conducive to algae, mold, and mildew growth on your home. So Autumn and Winter can make your home especially susceptible because of the decrease of sunlight, as well as humid and moist weather. And if its been a while since your last house wash, say a season or two, (or more), the accumulated dirt that naturally clings to your home has just laid out a welcome mat of food for fungus.

Both vinyl and wood siding are equally susceptible, though for different reasons. While wood siding is a natural food source for algae and mold, vinyl siding that is covered in dust or dirt, is equally at risk. And, as the North side of your home receives the least amount of sunlight, this is where the problem will most likely be noticed. However, any area of your home that is consistently shaded is in danger. This can include shade from trees, shrubs, awnings, and porches.

So what can be done to remove the problem of mold, mildew, and algae, or better yet, to prevent it?

Prevention is all about what you do right NOW. It costs nothing to take an inspective stroll around your home. First, look for clear evidence of mold, mildew, or algae growth, indicated by spots or streaks of green, brown, black, or red on your siding. Next, check your sources. Are the Gutters clean, in good repair, with water flowing away from your home? Check that any trees, shrubs, or plantings are pruned away from your siding so as not to encourage excess debris or moisture, that could serve as fast food for algae. Finally, check for cracks or damage to any areas of your siding, including covered porches and soffits. Address immediately anything that looks like a danger zone, including the danger of putting off a professional house wash.

Growth that is left untended isn’t just unsightly, it actually causes structural damage to your home’s exterior and interior. Algae and mold thrive and feed on these surfaces, breaking down structural integrity. Consistent, effective cleaning is the only solution to removal of this insidious problem. Regular house washing, preferably every spring and every autumn, is essential to removal and prevention of buildup as it sterilizes surfaces, making them less prone to these dangers.

Before and After House Washing in Lehigh Valley, PA by Grime Fighters

Take advantage right now to ready your home for winter. Scheduling a professional house wash will benefit you in many ways.

  1. Protect your Investment. Damage to your home will not just cost you money in repair or replacement. It actually devalues your property.
  2. A clean home increases curb appeal, and shows that you respect your home and community.
  3. Protecting your home’s exterior also means protecting your health. Keep potential for allergens and respiratory problems at bay.

Ready your home for winter. Schedule your professional house wash service today.

Why September is the Perfect Month For House Washing and Gutter Cleaning:

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Gutter Cleaning in Macungie, Pennsylvania by Grime Fighters


While the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas of Bucks and Montgomery have had a fairly mild summer, it has, however, had its fair share of storms.  As summer ends with the arrival of September, it is important to use this opportunity to remove the stain of summer from your home.  

High humidity fosters a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow on your home’s exterior, especially in wooded areas.  Pollutants, especially in urban areas, are carried in the air and settle into this hospitable environment, as well as debris carried by strong winds, delivered to gutters, clogging them and preventing smooth flow of water away from your home.  All of these factors harbor potential damage to your home…and that means a great expense to you. 

 
By taking advantage of our “2021 Summer Blowout” special for the month of September, you are making the wise and responsible choice of maintaining your home, while saving money now, and in the long run.  

Why not save 10% NOW on all HOUSE WASHING and GUTTER CLEANING booked for the month of September, while saving hundreds or thousands of dollars from the high cost of neglect.