The Reason I Bought A Franchise…Love

A behind the scenes look at why purchasing and running a local franchise is the right decision for me.

John, you say the reason you purchased and run a local franchise is “Love?”

That sounds pretty sappy… What’s up with that?

Owning a Business is Not For Everyone.

Which Path is right for you?

Before getting to the answer, you might want to read last week’s post entitled, “Finding Your Own Path (April 2014)”.  It relates a story that changed my world view and set me on my career path as an Entrepreneur.

Here’s the Cliffs Notes version:

1. We make our own choices.
2. There are two fundamental career choices:
   Path #1 – Work For Someone Else.
   Path #2 – Work for Yourself.
3. My career choice: Path #2.
4. I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life.
5. Underlying Message:  A career choice is a personal choice too.

Are we all caught up now?  Great.

I do believe business and personal decisions are closely related.

When making a career choice, it’s important to evaluate options from both perspectives (business and personal), and weigh the common factors.

Here are 5 common factors that I use to evaluate options: Time, Money, Viability, Skills, Lifestyle.  There are plenty others, these will do for now.

For my latest career decision in 2007, another significant factor presented itself:  My New Wife Cynthia.

So why did I purchase a franchise instead of just starting and running a business like I’ve done before?

The answer:  Love.

I Love Owning My Own Business  

Bah Humbug, 2007 was a tough Christmas

I married Cynthia in 2005 and in early 2006 I was hired as a VP of Product Development for UnitedHealthCare (UHC).

I was responsible for building a new national department to serve UHC’s millions of customers.  It was a large, challenging position.  I traveled frequently and it was an exhausting but extremely gratifying time for an entrepreneur like me.

A dream job.

On Christmas Eve, 2007 UHC laid me off after I’d spent the previous 2 months laying off my entire new department.  I knew it was coming, the economy was crumbling and UHC was entering “Survival Mode”.  Survival Mode = Sole focus on core services, don’t invest in anything new.

Bad economy, I’m out of a job.

My career choices:  Path #1: Find another Product Development Executive Position or Path #2: Start my own business.

What is my next career choice?

Here’s the thought process evaluating my 2007 career choice.

Path #1: Work for Someone Else

• Time: It takes a while to find another executive position, will savings last?
• Money:  Executive pay is great, in this economy are companies hiring executives?
• Viability: If UHC entered survival mode, other companies are too (nothing new built for a while).
• Skills: I can run operations but my resume says I build new things. Tough to get hired.
• Lifestyle: Executive positions require travel and maybe relocation.

Path #2: Work for Myself

• Time: Starting and growing a new business takes time. Can I grow fast enough?
• Money: I have some money and I’m blessed to be able to borrow more if needed.
• Viability: Most new businesses struggle to make it, what could increase my chances?
• Skills: I’m confident I can build a solid company, it’s what I’ve done and can do again.
• Lifestyle: Building a local company means more time at home with Cynthia and family.

In light of the failing economy, the conservative, albeit still risky choice for me was to take Path #2: Work for Myself.

How to I reduce the risks involved with starting a business? Consider purchasing a franchise.

Using the same common factors, here’s how a franchise could reduce my risks:

• Time: Help with Start Up and Beyond – You get a lot of help starting your business and running it afterwards.
• Money: Franchises have higher start up costs but can be immensely profitable. (Think of Macdonalds and Tim Hortons, for instance.)
• Viability: Independent businesses stand a 70 to 80 percent chance of NOT surviving the first few critical years while franchisees have an 80 percent chance of surviving.
• Skills: A franchise gives you a business blueprint – but it won’t give you customers. I can work ON my business (selling) instead of IN my business (doing the work).
• Lifestyle: Starting a business is stressful enough.  Franchising can give you a head start.  Leveraging a proven business idea focuses your efforts on growth.

So, a bit more up-front costs and ongoing royalties but I’m using a proven system with national support and I have a much better chance of surviving.

From a pure business perspective, my choice is clear:  Path #2: Work for Myself and Purchase a Franchise.

I Love My Wife And Family  

In 2005, just before I married Cynthia, my Dad passed away from bladder cancer.

Quite a lot happened between then and Christmas 2007 – A wedding, helping my mom through the grieving process, starting and ending an executive dream job, the economy starting to tank and now I’m facing my first career decision as a married guy.

The question of finding another executive position and/or starting a business loomed.  And now I have a wife to consider too.

What would Elvis Do?

To be honest, before marriage, I probably would have trusted my skills (again) and created a business from scratch.

As I considered my 2007 career choice, I looked to my Mom’s & Dad’s great life together (married 45+ years) and how Dad’s company (one he helped build from scratch in the early 70’s) provided financial stability for them, even after his passing.

Cynthia and I met later in life and I haven’t spent 30+ years building a company.

I love my wife and I want to take care of her.

What would happen if I passed away?

• If I take another executive position – there’s my life insurance, but that will only help Cynthia for a couple of years.  Then what?
• If I build a company from scratch, even if she helped build it, could she take over if I’m not there?  Possibly, but it depends on the business.

These options are not what I wanted for her and us.

If we purchase a franchise and run it together, and then I’m not there, she will still have the franchise systems, support, corporate offices and fellow franchisees to help her.

The choice is clear.   We bought a franchise because we love each other and want to take care of each other.

Here’s what a franchise provides Cynthia if I’m not in the picture:

• Time: She just steps in and runs the business, all systems are already in place.
• Money:  The money continues and grows as the business grows.
• Viability: Cynthia has our employees, the franchise system, HQ and fellow franchisees to help her.
• Skills: She’s already running the business with me and understands how to be successful.
• Lifestyle: Though different without me, she’ll have financial security to keep going.

Path #2: Walking and Working Together

I’m not planning on leaving anytime soon, but I can tell you I do sleep better knowing that our choice, Path #2 – Work for Ourselves and Purchase a Franchise, will take care of both of us just fine.

So when a competitor or colleague asks, “why the heck did you buy a franchise when you could have just started a company?”

I smile, look down at my wedding ring and answer…

I bought a franchise because of Love.

So, am I a sap?  Just a guy who loves and cares for his wife?  What do you think about my thought process and decision?

Please leave a comment, I’d really like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for reading and Have a great weekend! 

_______________________

About the Author

John Gran (@JohnSouthBay) is an entrepreneur and management consultant. From 2008 to 2018, John owned and operated local window cleaning franchise and has cleaned 10,000+ windows.

With his popular blog A Clear View Through Clean Windows, John shares his window cleaning expertise and uses window cleaning pictures, inspirations and stories about his business to demonstrate the fundamentals for building a strong, healthy, thriving business.

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA 

Finding Your Own Path

Understanding yourself and the life choices you’ve made enables you to clearly see and choose the path that lies ahead.

Owning a business is not for everyone.

We each need to find our own path in our business and personal lives.  I’m going to stay away from the “personal life” side, except where it intersects with how you function in your “business life”.

Work for Company? Work For Yourself?

The way I see it, in business there are two distinct paths, and the one you choose is personal.

Let’s start with the fact that we are all our own, personal company – a “Company of One.”  As individuals, we all have skills and time, and we choose where to use them.

Being a homemaker, getting a job, starting a business – these are all personal choices we make based upon our free will and circumstances.

You may combine your resources with a spouse, friends and family, but ultimately you choose your own path.  You make the decisions.

The “Company of One” is you.

When you choose to accept money for your time, the paths are:

Path #1:  Work for Someone Else: Perform tasks, get paid. Lower Risk, Measured Rewards

Path #2:  Work for Yourself: Perform tasks, earn money.  Higher Risk, Variable Rewards

The choice your “Company of One” makes is how much risk you are willing to assume. It’s a very personal decision and there’s only one right choice.

Yours.

I’m continually asked, “Why did you purchase a Window Cleaning Franchise when you could have built one on your own?”

The answer:  Because it is the right choice for me.

Becoming An Entrepreneur 

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life.

In fact, I come from a family of entrepreneurs though they’ve never really called themselves such.

My mom opened a cake decorating store, my sister started her own architectural firm and my Dad joined his fellow PHD graduates and started a prominent scientific research firm.

I even married an entrepreneur.  My wife Cynthia is a musician and actress and it’s called show “business” for a reason.  You are your own company and definitely your own boss.

Though as a child I sold lemonade and mowed lawns, I became a entrepreneur during my first “real” job in my senior year at college.

The Secret Key to Success

Working for a small computer consulting firm, the owner told me the following story that changed my life forever.

What is Success?

An enterprising young man is working for a large corporation and he really wants to know what success is and how to achieve it.

He works late every day and one day around 7pm he sees the company’s Founder/CEO walking down the hall.  With some nerve and a good amount of naivete, he approaches this successful man and says, “good evening, sir.  My name Mark and I’ve been working for this company for two years.  I admire you and I would really like to know what success looks like, and how I can achieve it.”

The CEO looks at his watch, sees they are the only two still in the office, and realizes this kid is giving his all to this company.

“OK”, the CEO says.  “Meet me tomorrow evening at 7pm, on this building’s helicopter pad.”

The next day, Mark wears his best suit, puts in a full day and at 6:50pm walks onto the roof.  At 7pm sharp, the CEO arrives, they board the helicopter and take off.

The CEO pulls out the Wall Street Journal while Mark looks out and reads the CEO’s name on the building.  He looks at the city below and just smiles.  Yes, this is success.

They land 20 minutes later in a grassy area and get out of the helicopter.

Mark is very excited and the CEO begins to speak.  “Mark, imagine up on that hill a large ranch-style home with swimming pools, tennis courts and horse stables.  In this area, there’s a gated community and we are standing on the private golf course.”

Marks is awed and very impressed.  “Yes, yes.  These are all examples that demonstrate a successful life.  How does one achieve these?”

The CEO answers.

How do you define Success?

“Work hard every day, listen to your manager and exceed at your assignments.  Focus on moving up in the company and take on more responsibility.”

“Yes, Yes.”  Mark is soaking in every morsel of this wisdom.

“Motivate and inspire your fellow workers to also work hard and contribute to the company.”

“OK, I can do this!” Mark says with a smile.

“Find ways to innovate and grow this company and make it great.”

Mark nods and waits with baited breath, listening for the secret key to success…

The CEO points to the imaginary house, pools and golf course and concludes:

“Give everything you have to this company, and one day… all of this will be mine.”

I was changed. 

The CEO (and my boss who told me this story) had clearly demonstrated his own Risk vs. Reward relationship.  He started and owned a business and pointed to his Path – Path #2: Work For Yourself.  

There are many secret keys to success, just as there are many paths to success.  This one resonated with me.

Path #2 had worked for them and it could work for me too.

I worked with this computer consulting firm until graduation then joined the working world with a new focus – Being an Entrepreneur.

Do you have a similar story that changed your life?  Please share in the comments below.

Next week I’ll answer why my wife and I chose a franchise and share with you our thought process.

Thank you for reading and have a great weekend! 

_______________________

About the Author

John Gran (@JohnSouthBay) is an entrepreneur and management consultant. From 2008 to 2018, John owned and operated local window cleaning franchise and has cleaned 10,000+ windows.

With his popular blog A Clear View Through Clean Windows, John shares his window cleaning expertise and uses window cleaning pictures, inspirations and stories about his business to demonstrate the fundamentals for building a strong, healthy, thriving business.

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA 

How Often Should I Replace My Window Screens?

Many home owners regularly clean their windows but pay little attention to their window screens.

Screens Are My Business – But I Don’t Like Them  

One big reason my wife Cynthia and I got into the window cleaning business is because everyone loves clean windows.

One big reason we almost didn’t get into this business is because of window screens.

Screens are Not John’s Favorite Subject

Working with residential window screens is a basic, necessary part of our jobs as window cleaners.   We work with them every day and have become quite adept at dealing with them.  We even smile and maintain a professional demeanor while cleaning and handling them.

But we don’t have to like window screens.

Window screens are often neglected and replaced infrequently and become brittle over time.  Once the neglected screen is touched and/or removed to clean the window, many fall apart right in your hands.

And whose hand is touching the screen?

The window cleaner’s.

Welcome to my world.

When Was the Last Time You Noticed Your Screens? 

Do Your Screens Look Like This?

One of my first blog posts was “How Often Should I Clean My Windows? (Dec 2011)” because it is my customers’ most frequently asked question.

I followed it with “How Often Should I Clean My Awnings? (Jan 2012)” because it’s the #2 question I hear most.

The #3 most frequently asked question, and today’s topic, is about one of my least favorite subjects, window screens.

When we clean residential windows we always remove, clean and replace the screens.  It’s an important element of professional window cleaning and just part of the package.

It’s easy to notice homeowners that pay attention to their windows and screens because every window works and the screens are all in pretty good shape.

Or Do they Look Like This?

Do we wish all customers were like this?  Yes.

Is this what we see in the real world?  No.

Quite often, the only time homeowners even notice their screens is when they finally get around to cleaning their windows.

Infrequent window cleaning is one thing, dealing with neglected and corroded screens is rarely done before they break.

Herein lies my issue with screens.

How Often Should I Replace My Window Screens? 

Each screen is exposed to different elements, and therefore lasts longer or shorter

As with most things in life… it depends.

There are a number of structural and environmental factors that determine how often you should replace your window screens.

Here are some factors that will affect your screen’s longevity:

• Structure – Is it well-built or kind of flimsy?
• Screen mesh type – Steel, aluminum, fiberglass, other
• Frame type – Steel or aluminum
• Corner type – Plastic or mitered
• Usage – How often is the screen moved or handled?
• Water damage – Sprinklers and/or continually damp area
• Little Ones – Dog and Cats and Children can punish screens
• Environment – Sun Exposure, severe weather, proximity to the ocean

Add 5 -10 years by maintaining your screens regularly!

So, no one answer will fit every screen.  It depends.

OK, so how long should a screen last?

A normal screen that is primarily in shade, remains relatively dry, gets cleaned semi-regularly and is not subject to lots of handling (except at window cleaning time) should last you 10 to 15 years before it begins to break down and need replacement.

With regular maintenance and care, you can add 5 to 10 additional years to your screen’s life.

Maintain Screens And They Will Last Longer 

Here are 8 screen maintenance tips to increase the life of your screens:

1. 

   Drew Performs Maintenance on a Window Screen

   Wipe the frames regularly (every 3-6 months) and check for corrosion

2. Keep the window track free of water and dirt
3. Check plastic corners.  If they look faded, the plastic is getting ready to break.  Replace.
4. Inspect the screen mesh for holes and replace if you find some
5. If the screen mesh looks shiny, this means it’s getting old and needs to be re-screened
6. Inspect the spline to see if it’s coming out of the frame, use a spline tool to press it back in.
7. If the spline continually slips from the frame, it may be dry and needs to be replaced
8. Make sure the screen mesh is taut within the frame, re-screen if necessary

In most cases, maintenance costs are less than replacement costs.  You can do most of these tasks yourself and save money while keeping your screens in working order.

One note: When we surveyed our customers, we found that cost is not generally the reason for infrequent maintenance.  It’s the time and hassle.

If you are not a Do-It-Yourself type of person, your local hardware store can inspect and maintain your screens for you. You just have to bring the screens into their store.

Also, there are also many excellent on-site screen companies that will come to your home and maintain them on the spot.  These companies tend to be a little more expensive, but they really reduce the time and hassle factors for you.

Whatever method you choose, regular maintenance increases the life of your screens.

An Ounce Of Prevention = A Pound of Cure 

Screen Graveyard 

Over the last couple of years, we’ve unfortunately had dozens of situations where a 20+ year old screen falls apart in my cleaner’s hands and the customer, rightly so, asks what we are going to do about it.

Yep.  We touched it without noting it first, and we now own it.

And, as a professional service provider, we replace it for the customer free of charge.

Here’s a helpful tip to prevent customer/service provider issues before they happen.

Quick Tip: The next time you have your windows cleaned, talk with your window cleaner before they start, and ask them to inspect the screens and indicate those they recommend maintaining or replacing.  You both can then determine how to handle any repairs and/or replacement.

This up-front communication saves a lot of headaches and reduces the possibility of “after-the-fact” situations.

Be safe and have a great weekend!

_______________________

About the Author

John Gran (@JohnSouthBay) is an entrepreneur and management consultant. From 2008 to 2018, John owned and operated local window cleaning franchise and has cleaned 10,000+ windows.

With his popular blog A Clear View Through Clean Windows, John shares his window cleaning expertise and uses window cleaning pictures, inspirations and stories about his business to demonstrate the fundamentals for building a strong, healthy, thriving business.

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA 

How to Remove Paint From Window Glass (Without Scratching)

Stores paint their windows to celebrate holidays and advertise sales.  Ever wonder how they get that paint off?  Here’s how.

Window Paint Is Serious Business 

Valentine’s Day Paint

I look at windows all day (it’s my job) and my favorites are the stores that paint hearts for Valentine’s day, Shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, Basketballs for March Madness and Firecrackers for the 4th of July.

These seasonal graphics put me in a fun mood to celebrate and often reminds me that I haven’t bought flowers for my wife yet!  (Thank you!)

Seasonal topics can be fun.  For stores, these painted windows are serious business.

Reminding me to get flowers puts me into a psychological “need mode“, and the advertised deal 20% off on a dozen roses entices me to enter the store and buy them (“action mode“).  We all do this every day – no big deal – but what if it’s mid-March and a store still has Valentine’s Day decorations?

Removing the Paint

Am I supposed to get flowers to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? No. Get flowers for my wife so I can watch college basketball?  It helps, but probably not necessary.

Now I’m confused.

And I begin to question if this store cares about me.  It’s sending the wrong message, and I might be less likely to visit their store because of it.

Serious Business.  Subtle, but serious.

Removing Paint is Messy 

In response to one of my blog posts “First Impressions Matter…What Does Yours Say? (Nov, 2011)“, I received the following question:

Charles W. from Redondo Beach writes:  “My store’s image is very important and we paint our windows to keep up with each holiday and event.  We change our windows graphics about 10 – 12 times per year and when we remove the paint it sure is messy. Any tips on how to remove it properly and efficiently – my son Matt really wants to know.  Thanks! “

45 minutes later:  Ready For St. Patrick’s Day

Well Charles, the least messy way to remove paint is to have someone else do it!  If you are (or most likely Matt is) going to remove the paint, here are some pointers to remove paint from your windows without scratching the glass and without a big messy clean up job.

The following techniques address commercial storefront windows with standard metal frames.

In future articles I’ll provide information on removing paint, stickers, over spray, etc.  from residential  windows.

The removal techniques for commercial and residential windows are generally the same.  The differences reflect the size and scale of the jobs, plus residential windows requires a lot more detail work since you live with those windows every day.

A Quick Word About Razors

Mini Glass Scraper

For small paint removal jobs like drips, small lettering and over spray, start by using #0000 fine-grade steel wool.

Fine steel wool is safe, works great and it gets the job done fast.

You can also use a Mini Glass Scraper.  They are safe and handy for small clean up jobs and you can get them just about anywhere.

For large jobs, you are going to need a professional grade window scraper / razor or you’ll be there all day and your arm is really going to hurt from overuse.

Using a Razor to Remove Paint From Windows

Warning!  Using razors can be dangerous.  Do not use a razor without reading the instructions and receiving proper training.

As with any project, it’s important to always start with the right equipment.

Triumph 6in Angled Scraper

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bucket of Soapy Water – Dish washing soap works great. Use about as much soap as you would use when doing the dishes in a sink.
• Professional Grade Window Scraper – Your local hardware store carries many brands, we like the 6-inch Triumph Angled Scraper.
• Painters Tarp & A Broom – This tarp catches the paint “sheets” and shavings.  The broom, well it’s a broom.  What do you think it’s for?
• Window Cleaning Equipment – We recommend using a squeegee, mop and some clean dry towels.  Have some #0000 fine steel wool handy too.

Got everything?  Ok, let’s get started.

Step #1:  Spread the Tarp & Apply Lot’s of Soapy Water 

Lot’s of Paint to Remove

Start by laying down the tarp along the glass.  Next, drench the paint and glass with soapy water.  Wait about 2-4 minutes and then re-apply more soapy water before proceeding.

Always make sure the window’s surface is slippery or you can scratch the glass.  Using lots of soapy water causes the paint to stick together as you scrape instead of flaking off in small pieces.

Step #2: Scrape in a Small, Inconspicuous Area First

Remove a little paint with your scraper to make sure the glass isn’t scratching. If you hear a coarse, gritty sound stop immediately and check your blade – it may be dull or broken.  If so, replace it with a new one.

Also, if you see scratches, there may be imperfections in the glass and you should either stop the job or apply even more soapy water and proceed with extreme caution.

Important Note: As you stroke, always push your blade forward and lift it from the glass as you finish and reload for the next one.  Scratching may occur if you drag the blade across glass during an unnecessary back stroke.

Step #3: Scrape Around the Window’s Perimeter

Halfway There – 2.5 Hours

Angle your razor 30° – 45° away from window’s frame and remove the paint along the frames.  The angle prevents the blade from catching and scratching the frame and caulking.

If the window has been drenched, you’ll notice the paint comes off in big pieces, or “sheets”, as you move across the glass.

Try to keep the “sheet” intact as you finish your stroke and gently put it on the tarp.  It’s efficient and much cleaner.

Step #4: Scrape the Rest of the Window

Once the frames are clear, keep your razor’s 30° – 45° angle and use overlapping horizontal or vertical strokes to remove the remaining paint.   If the glass/paint is getting dry, use more soapy water – you want big sections of paint to come off as described above.

Some newbies use their blade at a 90° or “right” angle to the paint as they try to “chip” the paint off.  Do this and you’ll create flakes and probably break your blades frequently.  Using a 30° – 45° angle efficiently “slices” the paint off the glass and reduces flaking.

Tip: If the paint is flaking, apply more soapy water and make sure you are keep the razor’s proper angle as you stroke.

Step #5: Clean the Glass and Clean Your Work Area

Looking Good Sonya! Total Job: 4.5 hours

You’ve removed most of the paint off but small pieces remain.  Re-apply soapy water and use a combination of the Razor and the #0000 fine steel wool to remove what’s left.

Once complete, remove & fold your tarp with the paint “sheets” and flakes, you should have caught about 80% – 90%. Discard the paint appropriately.

Use your mop and squeegee to clean the windows and remove any remaining flakes from the glass.

The remaining 10% – 20% of the paint flakes need to dry on the ground.  Attempting to sweep them while wet only rubs them into the ground. It should dry in about 30 minutes.

Do you remember the broom?  Good, let’s use it!

Follow these 5 efficient steps and you’ll have paint-free windows with less hassles!

Now Let’s Get Ready for the Memorial Day Sales!

Razor Safety Tips 

Razor Safety – Always Use Caution!

As noted above, razors can be dangerous if not used correctly.

Because we use razors during our normal business day, we constantly train our cleaners on how to use a razor properly.

Here are some razor safety rules: 

• All razors are to be inspected prior to each use and at the end of each day.
• All scrapers are to be carried in a safe manner or put in a safe place.
• All protective covers must be in place at all times when the razor is not in use.
• Two cleaners should never work side by side when scraping glass. A safe distance (approximately 5 feet) should be maintained.
• Razors should be discarded appropriately so no one can come in direct contact with the blade.
• If at any time a razor is broken it should be discarded in a safe manner immediately.
• If the protective cover is broken a new properly functioning cover must be provided prior to continued use of the razor.
• Razors should never be placed in buckets that have water in them or pockets without the protected cover.
• Razors must be kept away from children at all times.
• Always place the cover on the razor when not in use.
• If at any point your razor falls let it drop. Never attempt to catch a falling razor.

Be safe everyone!

_______________________

About the Author

John Gran (@JohnSouthBay) is an entrepreneur and management consultant. From 2008 to 2018, John owned and operated local window cleaning franchise and has cleaned 10,000+ windows.

With his popular blog A Clear View Through Clean Windows, John shares his window cleaning expertise and uses window cleaning pictures, inspirations and stories about his business to demonstrate the fundamentals for building a strong, healthy, thriving business.

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA 

How Often Should I Clean My Awnings?

Most home owners and business owners pay regular attention to their windows but we find that awnings are sometimes forgotten.

Do Your Awnings Project a Positive, Healthy Image?

Residential Awnings

Well, your awnings are “front and center” for your house guests and/or customers to see.

And yes, they do notice.

In response to one of my blog posts “How Often Should I Clean My Windows? (Dec 2011)”, I received the following question:

Jennifer C. from Hermosa Beach writes:  “Thanks John for the advice on how often I should clean my windows, it’s very helpful to understand what the professionals recommend.  Question: I also have awnings for my home, how often should I clean them? “

Commercial Awnings

Thanks Jennifer, great question!  Well-kept awnings are important for making a great first impression, but did you know that cleaning them regularly also helps them last longer?

The following recommendations apply to most types of commercial and residential awnings, back-lit awnings, canopies, gazebos, patio coverings, signs and shade structures – including canvas, vinyl, metal and other materials.

As always, contact your manufacturer and/or installer for detailed information on the care and maintenance for your particular awning.

So…How Often Should I Clean My Awnings?

Clean Awnings Every 3 to 6 Months

Awnings can be expensive and regular cleanings and maintenance help protect your investment.

I recommend cleaning your awnings every 3 to 6 months to remove dirt and debris and prevent mold and pollutants from embedding in the material and causing premature deterioration.  The longer dirt remains, the more likely the stains will become permanent.

Also, the brighter the awning, the more dirt it shows.  If you have light-colored awnings (yellow, white, stripes, etc.) , you should consider cleaning your awning every 1 or 2 months.

Professional Cleaners use various techniques, including water-fed poles, industrial detergents and sometimes good old soap and water to remove dirt, mold, pollen, mildew, fungus, bird droppings, etc. that can, over time, deteriorate and break down your fabric, seams, and bindings thereby shortening the life of your awnings.

Ask your cleaner to check for tiny holes and rips, and also inspect the metal structure and wall fasteners too. If they find some issues, call your awning provider to make these minor, cost-effective repairs before they become large, costly ones.

You’ll prolong the life of your awning and save money in the long run too!

Remember: Cleaning is Not Restoring.

Set your expectations appropriately

Regular maintenance keeps your awning clean and helps slow the deterioration process, but once your awning is “neglected,” cleanings only do so much.  If your awning has not been cleaned in years and it’s really faded, stained and dirty, even advanced techniques and solutions may not be able to restore your awning to it’s “New Look”.

Quick Rule: Set your expectations on how proactive you’ve been.

That’s why starting a regular cleaning & maintenance program for new and existing awnings is highly recommended.

Protect your investment by scheduling regular cleanings and inspections to keep your awnings safe, clean and looking great!

Top 10 Reasons to Clean Your Awnings!

Water-fed Pole Technique

1. PROJECT a positive, healthy image.
2. INCREASE awning life expectancy.
3. REMOVE embedded soil, grime, mildew and pollution.
4. REVITALIZE neglected awnings.
5. REDUCE fading and color loss.
6. RESTORE image effectiveness.
7. REPLACE plasticizers and protectants.
8. ENHANCE advertising value and professionalism.
9. SAVE MONEY replacement costs are what?!?
10. FEEL GOOD as you make a great first impression!

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About the Author

John Gran (@JohnSouthBay) is an entrepreneur and management consultant. From 2008 to 2018, John owned and operated local window cleaning franchise and has cleaned 10,000+ windows.

With his popular blog A Clear View Through Clean Windows, John shares his window cleaning expertise and uses window cleaning pictures, inspirations and stories about his business to demonstrate the fundamentals for building a strong, healthy, thriving business.

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA