3 Things We’re Thankful For at ASF Clean Team

by Cleaning Disinfecting and SanitizingPressure and Power WashingWindow Cleaning

Life can get hectic, and it’s been especially hectic this past year. While 2020 seemed to last forever, 2021 has just flown by. One of our favorite parts about this time of year is that in the midst of all the crazy, we get to take a step back and reflect on all of the great things that have happened. Looking back on 2021, here are 3 big things we’re thankful for at ASF Clean Team.

Businesses are Reopening

Do you all remember in March 2020, right at the beginning of everything shutting down, when we all thought things would be back to normal by Easter? It’s almost two years later, and things are still not back to normal. It’s easy to focus on the negative side, but let’s look at the positive.

Now, businesses that were curbside only can welcome guests back into their store or restaurant. Co-workers who haven’t been in the office for almost two years get to see each other face-to-face again. Extroverts can finally start getting re-energized. And though there are still some obstacles, for the most part, this can all be done safely. If your office is getting ready to welcome staff back in, call in ASF Clean Team for a full disinfecting and sanitizing to give everyone a fresh start. 

Families Get to be Reunited

When we look back on positives from 2021, it’s hard not to think of the shift back to regular life. Sure, things started to get back to normal towards the end of 2020, but it really picked up in 2021. Instead of seeing people through smudged windows, we got to start seeing each other in person again socially.

This means that for some people they finally get to see their family members again. After almost two years, they get to hug each other. They get to see new family members in person for the first time. While video chat has been an amazing blessing to have during the pandemic, there’s just nothing like the feeling of being reunited with your family.

We’ve Been Fortunate with Our Business and Family

We have more than 3 things we’re thankful for at ASF Clean Team, but the biggest one on our list is how fortunate we have been this past year. According to PolitiFact, one-third of small businesses have closed over the course of the pandemic. As a small, woman-owned, family business, this was a great concern for us.

But over the course of the pandemic, we’ve been fortunate. We’ve still been able to help our wonderful clients. We’ve provided disinfecting and sanitizing services, as well as our exterior detailing services. People have returned to work safely, knowing that their workplace was clean because of our business.

And through it all, we’ve been able to be together as a family. Not only are we family-owned, but our team and clients are our family as well. It is such a blessing to be able to connect with these people and do the job we love in a time where everyone seems so disconnected. It’s been a crazy year, but we couldn’t be more thankful for everything we’ve been given.

Happy Thanksgiving from ASF Clean Team.

The Importance of Regular Gutter Cleaning to Prevent Water Damage

by Roof, Gutter, and Downspout Cleaning

Your home’s gutters play a crucial role in protecting it from water damage. They direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation, preventing water from seeping into your basement or crawl space. However, if your gutters are clogged with debris, they can’t perform their job correctly, and water damage can occur. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of regular gutter cleaning to prevent water damage to your home.

Prevents Water Damage to Your Home’s Foundation

One of the most significant reasons for regular gutter cleaning is to prevent water damage to your home’s foundation. When your gutters are clogged, water overflows and accumulates around your home’s foundation, leading to foundation damage. Water can penetrate the foundation and cause cracks, which can be expensive to repair. Regular gutter cleaning ensures that water is directed away from your home’s foundation, preventing water damage.

Prevents Damage to Your Home’s Exterior

Clogged gutters can also damage your home’s exterior. Water that overflows from clogged gutters can seep into your home’s siding, causing it to rot and decay. Additionally, the water can damage your home’s paint, causing it to peel and flake. Regular gutter cleaning prevents water from overflowing, preventing damage to your home’s exterior.

Prevents Pest Infestation

Clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and birds. The stagnant water in clogged gutters provides a perfect environment for pests to breed. Pests can cause damage to your home and also pose a health risk to you and your family. Regular gutter cleaning prevents the buildup of stagnant water, preventing pest infestation.

Extends the Life of Your Gutters

Regular gutter cleaning extends the life of your gutters. When debris accumulates in your gutters, it can cause them to sag or become damaged, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Regular cleaning prevents debris buildup, ensuring that your gutters last longer and perform their job correctly.

Saves You Money

Regular gutter cleaning saves you money in the long run. When your gutters are clogged, water damage can occur, leading to expensive repairs. Repairing foundation damage, replacing rotting siding, and repainting your home can be costly. Regular gutter cleaning prevents water damage, saving you money on repairs and replacements.

Improves Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Clean gutters improve your home’s curb appeal. Clogged gutters can be an eyesore and detract from your home’s appearance. Regular gutter cleaning ensures that your gutters look their best, enhancing your home’s overall appearance.

Ensures Your Safety

Clogged gutters can also be a safety hazard. Water that overflows from clogged gutters can pool on the ground, leading to slippery walkways and driveways. Additionally, climbing a ladder to clean clogged gutters can be dangerous. Regular gutter cleaning ensures that your gutters are functioning correctly, ensuring your safety.

In conclusion, gutter and downspout cleaning is crucial in preventing water damage to your home. It prevents damage to your home’s foundation and exterior, prevents pest infestation, extends the life of your gutters, saves you money, improves your home’s curb appeal, and ensures your safety. It’s essential to have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year, or more often if you live in an area with a lot of trees. Don’t neglect your gutters; it can lead to expensive repairs and replacements in the future.

Prep Your Business for Re-Opening with a Deep Clean

by with No Comment Pressure and Power WashingWindow Cleaning

With the announcement from the CDC that it is safe for vaccinated individuals to resume normal life without a mask, you may be feeling more comfortable about re-opening your business soon. But, what is this going to look like? Your business space has been sitting unoccupied for over a year now, with dust and grime everywhere. Where do you even start to clean? Don’t stress; we can help you prep your business for re-opening with a deep clean.

Put on the Pressure

Before you re-open your business, you’re going to want to have a cleaning team come through and do a deep clean. Our power and pressure washing services can help get that job done. We’ll clean your space while wearing suits and masks to make sure that everything stays safe and sanitary, and that you and your employees do too. Once we’re done, we’ll walk through the building with you to make sure everything looks as good as new. 

Not only will we clean your space with this service, but we’ll also disinfect and sanitize it. You can feel confident in returning to a safe work space.

Wash the Windows

Windows may be last on your list of things to clean when re-opening your business, but we promise it will be worth it. Your windows have been getting dirty for over a year now, with no one to clean them. You’re going to get back to the office and your natural light will be dimmed by all of the dust and grime. So, be sure to incorporate window washing into your deep clean to keep your serotonin levels up all summer.

Sparkling Solar Panels

Does your business run on solar energy? If so, you’ll also want your solar panels deep cleaned before you re-open. Dirty solar panels produce less energy, and ruin any savings you had on your utilities bill. But, with just a quick clean, they’ll be sparkling and working as good as new. 

It’s important to have a professional perform this service, not just for safety, but because the wrong supplies can make your solar panels dirtier. Our state of the art equipment leaves your solar panels sparkling and our filtered water dries clear, so there is no residue to block your energy.

Prep with ASF Clean Team

Are you looking for a clean way to prep your business for re-opening with a deep clean? At ASF Clean Team, we only use the best equipment and really hot water to get the job done. We don’t use any chemicals because the water, at the temperature we use, gets all three jobs (cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting) done without them.

If that hasn’t sold you, we are also insured and will take before and after photos so you can be confident in the work. And you don’t even have to remember when we’re coming — we’ll text you reminders! Contact ASF Clean Team today to learn more about what we do and how we can serve your business. Don’t waste your time with a subpar clean; ASF Clean Team only provides the best.

 Above and Beyond: Challenges and Solutions in Skyscraper Window Washing

by Window Cleaning

Skyscrapers are architectural marvels that dominate the skyline of modern cities, offering breathtaking views and impressive aesthetics. However, keeping the windows of these towering structures clean and well-maintained is no small feat. Skyscraper window washing presents unique challenges that require specialized skills, equipment, and techniques. In this article, we will explore the challenges faced by window washers in skyscrapers and the solutions employed to ensure a sparkling and safe result.

Height and Accessibility Challenges One of the primary challenges in skyscraper window washing is the height and accessibility of the windows. Skyscrapers can rise hundreds of feet above the ground, making it difficult for window washers to reach the windows safely. Traditional ladders and scaffolding are often inadequate, as they have height limitations and can be cumbersome to set up in tight urban spaces. High-rise buildings also pose challenges in terms of accessing windows that are located in corners or hard-to-reach areas.

To overcome these challenges, professional window washers use specialized equipment such as window cleaning poles, also known as water-fed poles, which are extended to reach the windows from the ground. These poles are made of lightweight materials and are equipped with brushes and water jets to clean the windows effectively. Another solution is the use of swing stages, which are suspended from the top of the building and allow window washers to access windows at different levels and angles. Rope access techniques, also known as abseiling, are also employed, where window washers descend from the top of the building using ropes and harnesses.

Safety Challenges Safety is of paramount importance in skyscraper window washing, as the height presents significant risks to window washers. Working at such great heights exposes window washers to the dangers of falls, strong winds, extreme temperatures, and other environmental hazards. Additionally, working with water and cleaning chemicals at heights can be challenging, as they can create slippery surfaces, making it difficult to maintain balance and stability.

To address safety challenges, professional window washers are trained in specialized safety protocols and techniques, including the use of fall protection equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points. Rigorous safety inspections and assessments are conducted before each job to ensure that all equipment and systems are in place and functioning correctly. Weather conditions are closely monitored, and work may be suspended during adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety of the window washers.

Environmental Challenges Skyscraper window washing also presents environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas with high pollution levels. Dust, dirt, and pollutants in the air can accumulate on windows, leaving them grimy and dull. Rainwater can also leave streaks and spots on windows, further diminishing their appearance.

To combat environmental challenges, professional window washers use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for both the windows and the surrounding environment. Water used in the cleaning process may be purified or filtered to remove impurities and prevent streaking. Proper waste disposal and recycling of cleaning materials are also essential to minimize the impact on the environment.

Conclusion Skyscraper window washing is a specialized field that requires expertise, experience, and advanced equipment. Overcoming height and accessibility challenges, ensuring safety, and addressing environmental concerns are key considerations in this line of work. Professional window washers are trained to handle these challenges effectively, ensuring that skyscraper windows are kept clean, sparkling, and safe for occupants to enjoy the panoramic views. With their skills and dedication, these window washers go above and beyond to maintain the beauty and functionality of skyscrapers, contributing to the modern skyline of urban cities.

Eco-Friendly Exterior House Cleaning Solutions

by Window Cleaning

Maintaining the cleanliness of your home’s exterior not only enhances its curb appeal but also prevents damage from dirt and debris buildup. However, traditional cleaning methods can have harmful effects on the environment, leading to soil erosion, water pollution, and other ecological problems. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly exterior house cleaning solutions that can help you maintain a clean home without harming the environment.

Pressure washing and chemical cleaners have long been the go-to methods for exterior cleaning. While these methods are effective, they can harm the environment. Chemical cleaners contain toxic ingredients that can seep into the soil and water systems, while pressure washing can cause soil erosion and damage plants and wildlife.

Fortunately, eco-friendly alternatives are available, and they are just as effective at cleaning your home’s exterior. Here are some eco-friendly exterior house cleaning solutions that you can consider:

Use Biodegradable Cleaners

When cleaning your home’s exterior, opt for biodegradable cleaners instead of traditional chemical cleaners. Biodegradable cleaners are made with natural ingredients that break down quickly and don’t harm the environment. They are free from toxic chemicals, making them safe to use around plants and wildlife.

Use Natural Cleaning Agents

In addition to biodegradable cleaners, you can also use natural cleaning agents to clean your home’s exterior. For instance, white vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that can remove dirt and grime from different surfaces. Baking soda is also a useful natural cleaner that can clean outdoor furniture, grills, and even garage floors.

Use Soft Washing Techniques

Pressure washing is a popular cleaning method for exterior surfaces. However, it can cause soil erosion and damage to your home’s exterior surfaces. Soft washing is an eco-friendly alternative that uses low-pressure water and biodegradable cleaners to clean exterior surfaces effectively. It is gentle on surfaces, prevents damage, and is effective at removing dirt, grime, and stains.

Use Reusable and Recyclable Cleaning Materials

When cleaning your home’s exterior, consider using reusable and recyclable cleaning materials. For example, instead of using disposable cleaning wipes, use a washable cloth or a microfiber cloth. You can also use a reusable spray bottle to mix and apply cleaning solutions instead of purchasing a new one every time.

Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and it’s essential to conserve it whenever possible. When cleaning your home’s exterior, you can use water-conserving techniques such as using a bucket instead of a hose to wash surfaces, using a broom to sweep dirt and debris off surfaces, and collecting rainwater to use for cleaning.

Hire a Professional Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service

If you’re unable to clean your home’s exterior or prefer to have a professional do it for you, consider hiring a professional eco-friendly cleaning service. These services use eco-friendly cleaning methods and products, ensuring that your home is cleaned without harming the environment.

In conclusion, maintaining the cleanliness of your home’s exterior is essential, but it doesn’t have to harm the environment. By using eco-friendly exterior house cleaning solutions, you can keep your home clean and protect the environment at the same time. Biodegradable exterior house cleaner, natural cleaning agents, soft washing techniques, reusable and recyclable cleaning materials, water conservation, and hiring a professional eco-friendly cleaning service are all excellent options to consider when cleaning your home’s exterior.

How Clean Solar Panels Boost Clean Energy

by with No Comment Window Cleaning

Ah, solar panels. You probably got them thinking they would help save money on your electric bill, and are better for the environment. Those points are true! But, you may have also thought they were something you could get and then forget about. This, unfortunately, is not true. If you want your solar panels to truly fulfill their purpose, you have to give them some attention in the form of cleaning. Why? Well, here’s how clean solar panels boost clean energy.

Why Clean Solar Panels are Important

When you first got your solar panels, you probably noticed amazing performance. But, as time has gone on, that output has slowly gotten less impressive. This is because your solar panels have progressively been collecting dirt, even if they’re positioned at an angle. And this is especially true in California, where we get limited rain, so solar panels get very dusty here. Think about any surface in your home. If you leave it alone without cleaning it long enough, it’s going to collect dust, no matter what angle. So, the same is going to happen with your solar panels.

Now think of your phone’s camera lens. If you have a fingerprint or dirt on it, your picture is going to be blurry until you clean it off. The same concept applies to solar panels. If there is a layer of dirt, they are going to have a harder time getting energy from the sun, which then affects your energy. But, with clean solar panels, they will be able to receive energy like they did when they were brand new.

Cleaning Solar Panels

So, now that you know how clean solar panels boost clean energy, how do you get clean solar panels? Unlike cleaning surfaces in your home or your phone’s camera lens, solar panels are pretty picky about how they like to be cleaned. You can’t just use any old cleaner, or even hose water, to clean your solar panels. Cleaning with the wrong materials can leave a residue or mineral buildup on your solar panels, leaving you with solar panels that are no cleaner than before.

So, how do you get clean solar panels if you can’t clean them yourself? Leave it to the professionals. At ASF Clean Team, we know that clean energy is important to you, so we use chemical-free cleaning methods to clean your solar panels (and everything else). We only use state-of-the-art equipment and very hot water to clean your solar panels. 

But how is this different from doing it yourself? Our equipment filters the water so there is no mineral buildup or residue left after the cleaning. It also dries clear, so there aren’t any spots left like after it rains or you use hose water. Your solar panels are left sparkling like they are brand new, boosting your clean energy.

Are you ready to boost your clean energy? Contact ASF Clean Team today to get a free quote. We service both residential and commercial buildings, and since your solar panels are outside, you don’t even have to be there when we come clean.

How We Get a Chemical-Free Clean

by with No Comment Cleaning Disinfecting and Sanitizing

“Chemical-free clean”. You’ve heard that phrase, but how can that actually be true? There is no way something can be clean without chemicals, right? Wrong! At ASF Clean Team, we’ve found that 99% of cleaning can be done without chemicals. But, you may be wondering, how do you do that? We’re here to explain how we get a chemical-free clean.

We Use Really Hot Water … Like Really Hot

Think about when you’re cleaning or cooking and you need hot water. You turn on the faucet, stick your finger in the water, and wait for the water to get hot enough that you can’t keep your finger in there any longer. You’ll probably see some steam coming from the faucet as well. That water’s pretty hot, right? Well, the water we use is much hotter than that. In fact, it’s hot enough to kill bacteria. Your sink water won’t get that hot, even when you can’t hold your finger under it any longer. That’s why you still have to boil water when under a boil advisory instead of just turning your faucet to the hottest setting. Without professional equipment and training, this level of hot water isn’t safe for you to clean your home or building with.

We Use State of the Art Equipment

Think of the last time you washed your windows or your mirror. Did you use the typical blue window cleaner with a paper towel or a rag? How well did that work? Probably not super well. Even though your window or mirror was clean, you were probably left with streaks on the glass. 

To help prevent this, ASF Clean Team uses state-of-the-art equipment, like the “Little Beast” from Pure Water Power. This equipment is designed to give your home the best clean with only water. The water dries clear and evenly, leaving you without streaky windows or mirrors.

This dry clean with no chemicals is especially important for solar panels. When your solar panels are dirty, the energy production is less efficient. So, if you use chemicals or non-professional equipment, your solar panels may end up with a film or residue that will still keep your solar panels from working as efficiently.

How You Can Get a Chemical-Free Clean

Now that you know how we get a chemical-free clean using really hot water and state of the art equipment, you may be wondering how you can get a chemical-free clean. Just contact ASF Clean Team! ASF Clean Team has been serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 2012, and we provide both residential and commercial cleaning services. The best part is, if you are only requesting exterior services, you don’t even have to be home! We’ll come and clean your building’s exterior, and when you return, you will see the sparkling finish. And, if you do need to be there during the service, we’ll text you reminders when we’re on our way.

If you’re ready to get a chemical-free clean, request an online request today. We can’t wait to provide you with the best clean you’ve seen.

Spring Cleaning Checklist – Get it All Done in One Job!

by with No Comment Window Cleaning

Ah, spring is finally here. The sunshine, the birds, the breeze, the green grass…and the dreaded spring cleaning. It’s something we have to do every year, but no one enjoys on their own. But what if there was a way you could get it done all in one day? And what if you didn’t even need to do it yourself? That’s where the ASF Clean Team comes in. We’ll complete your spring cleaning checklist and get it all done in one job!

Wash the windows.

Every year you try to clean your windows, and every year you are left with a streaky mess. Plus, if you live in a two story home, you can’t even get to the outside of the higher windows without a tall ladder. With our professional help and state-of-the-art tools, that won’t happen. Your windows will be streak-free, inside and out, and you won’t have to climb that ladder again.

You’ll want to let the fresh spring air in. But as soon as you go to open your windows, you’ll find dust build up on your screens and in the tracks. So, all that will do is blow in more dust. Our services include a thorough cleaning of your entire window system — not just the glass — which includes the screen and tracks. So you can let the spring breeze blow freely into your home.

Grapple with the gutters.

Next on the spring cleaning to do list also involves a ladder: cleaning the gutters. Debris and dirt build up over time in gutters, thanks to high winds, shade trees, and even squirrels and birds packing away goodies during winter. And when it does rain, all that dirt and debris gets gunked up and clogs your gutters. Then quickly dries in the sun, cementing the mess into place and making it hard to remove. Not very fun to clean up! So, we completely understand why you wouldn’t want to clean them. While it’s a necessary chore, cleaning gutters is a risky one, especially if you have a two-story or more home. You can trust our insured cleaning company to climb that ladder for you and thoroughly clean your gutters.

Power wash the patio; soft wash the stoop.

Has the outside of your house gotten a good power wash or clean recently? What about your deck, roof, or patio? Treat your house to the cleaning it deserves this year with a professional hot power wash or pressure wash. We’ll get all the grime and dirt off of your home’s exterior and leave it shining like it’s brand new.

We also offer “soft” washing for all fragile facades and stoops. Restored historic homes weren’t made for ultra strong power washing like concrete sidewalks are, so we offer. Our tools for soft washing have lower psi but higher water temperature, so we get the deep clean without the damage. When you’ve worked hard to fix up the exterior of an antique home and add curb appeal to your stoop, you’ll want to protect your investment with soft washing!

Clean the solar panels.

Did you know that solar panels work better when they’re cleaned regularly? If you’re having low charge with your solar power, your solar panels may need to be cleaned.. However, it’s not advised to do this yourself: water from the hose can create calcium build-up, meaning you’ll need to clean them again anyway. Instead of going through all that work, just let the professionals take care of it.

Our tools were made to provide the best clean for solar panels. We use a waterfed pole with a bristle brush and filter the hard water from your spigot through a high-quality filter purification system. So we wash your solar panels with purely clean water and gentle tools.

Double down on disinfectant

Disinfecting household surfaces isn’t something reserved for spring. However, it’s always good to have your home and business professionally disinfected at least once a year. Spring is the perfect time to do this because it comes right after cold and flu season (plus, now, COVID).

We know it’s been a long year, but we’re in this together with you! It’s not just about cleaning but having peace of mind. Whether you want your home to feel fresh after months in quarantine or you’re working hard to re-open your business, we’re here to help you. 

Check off your to do list

Are you ready to finish your spring cleaning checklist and get it all done in one job? If you’re looking for someone to wash your windows, consider having us perform a variety of services while we’re there. From window washing to power washing to disinfecting, and everything in between, we can check off your to do list all at once.

If you’re looking for the best window washing and other services around, look no further than the world-class pressure washing ASF Clean Team. Get a free quote today.

Never Use Hose Water on Solar Panels

by with No Comment Solar Panel Cleaning

You bought solar panels to save yourself money. But, you’ve started to notice that they’re not working as well as they did when you first got them. Well, that’s to be expected, because dirt’s going to build up on them just like it does on everything else. You’ve heard that a lot of times rain will clean off solar panels, but we all know how rare rain is in California. So how do you clean your solar panels? Maybe you could just use your hose to wash them off? Not so fast! Before you break out the hose — stop. We’re here to tell you why you should never use hose water on solar panels.

How Do Solar Panels Get Dirty?

Before you even want to know how to clean your solar panels and why you should never use hose water, you’re probably wondering how your solar panels even get dirty. Have you ever leaned against the side of your house and noticed dirt on your body? There is just always dirt in the air that will dirty your solar panels, not to mention the bird poop and debris, such as leaves. All of this creates a layer of build up on your solar panels, which can greatly affect their energy efficiency.

Why Can’t I Clean Them with Hose Water?

As convenient as it would be, you should not clean your solar panels with hose water. Think about it. Where does your hose water come from — not the same place as your purified drinking water. Hose water is unfiltered, which means it will leave behind mineral deposits like calcium. So while you may be getting some of the dirt off, you’re just replacing it with something else that will block the sunlight.

So can’t you just use soap with the hose water? Again, no. Think about your soap. Do you ever actually get all of the soap off something? That answer is probably no, even if you think you do. If you use soap to clean your solar panels, you’re going to have the same issue. Soap will be left behind, and your energy will not be any more efficient. There is just no good way to use hose water and get spotless solar panels.

The Right Way to Clean Your Solar Panels

Now that you know why you should never use hose water on solar panels, it’s time to learn how you should clean your solar panels. If you live in the Sacramento area, ASF Clean Team can help. ASF Clean Team offers both residential solar panel cleaning and commercial solar panel cleaning. We will come to your location and do the cleaning for you — you don’t even have to be there!

But how is our cleaning different from hose water, you ask? Well, our tools are made specifically for solar panels. This includes a filter, so you don’t have to worry about any calcium build up. And, your solar panels will dry clear, with no sticky residue like soap, bringing back maximum energy efficiency. 

Are you ready to get your energy savings back? Contact ASF Clean Team today.