I don’t offer free screen cleaning. Washing screens takes as long or longer than cleaning the windows.
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I agree!
I would suggest offering a “basic” level of screen cleaning for FREE, and then try and upsell the client into a “premium” screen cleaning once they’ve committed to the window cleaning service.
I’ve had good success doing that.
I am offering free screen service this month in an advertisement meant for the pollen season. It’s that time here. I have gotten a really good response but everyone wants to be booked in june which I can’t fit. I might start sending out my guy on his own for this work. But anyway we clean with a WFP. Not the ones for windows. We use an RV cleaning pole, place all the screens on a hard surface like concrete or driveway and wash them. I was using simple green to clean them but I have found a good scrub with the WFP and then wiping the frames with a rag does very well. It takes a little bit more time then just brushing but I think the customers see it as a major value and this could put you ahead of your competitors. If everyone is charging roughly the same price in the area it’s going to come down to referals and the little extra things that will get you the job. Doing good detail work is what will set you apart from the rest. There is not much else you can do to seperate yourself other then drop your prices so low you get every job.
I’m not looking to bust your balls here but if cleaning screens takes you as long as or longer then cleaning the windows you are doing something wrong. a 20 window house with screens will take me and my guy 1 1/2 to 2 hours with screens. The screens take about 2 to 3 minutes each, 1 minute per side with a frame wipe. 30 minutes tops to complete 20 screens. Try a WFP that you can buy from walmart. This is not the brush we use but you get the idea.
http://www.greatrvstuff.com/uploaded_images/brush-box-727202.jpg
The one I use is silver and has a something inside the pole to focus down the water so the preasure is stronger. Really works nice when you push it up against the frames, it gets all the crap out of the corners. We clean the screens 1st on the job and then tap them out and let them dry outside for the remainder of the job. We stand them at an angle to drip all the water out of them.
This is always an interesting topic.I also offer “free screen cleaning” of course its merely brushing & wiping the frames,if…i like the client i may even hog hair there screens but thats the extent of that.
That’s where pushing “deep cleaning” of screens is vital its an upsell that sells itself 100 times over.Everyone that was doubtful is NO more,they are usually FLOORED with the results.
In actuality…you spend more time fiddling with them if it be brushing or whatever as opposed to just deep cleaning them from the get go.
I’ve been seriously considering not offering a freebie but rather just adding it into the over-all bid this way…there is no issue’s on dingy looking screens.
Screen brushing ≠ screen cleaning.
To a certain extent! You remember Troy’s detailed description of various screen cleaning methods? Therefore not all are considered equal in my book but…you make a valid point.
Personally if the screens are well maintained then yes…brushing would be adequate but…not for screens that are tattered,as im sure your well aware of!
Too many times in the past i spent WAY too much time just brushing filthy screens only to have them look so so.Now…i push the deep cleaning on any gig where the screens are hammered just because for me its a BIG time saver & produces more a bit more profit to boot!
Adequate is below my standards.
Over the last 10 years of my correct method of screen washing, I typically dry brush only on repeats. until they NEED a re-washing.
By the way I think I have the Green cleaner down! 
When I meet a customer, I tell them about my service. I remove the screens and brush and vac frames and tracks. I sponge and wipe during wet work. I take the screens out to washing rack I built to hold screens and wash both sides with soap and soft brush and wipe frames with scrub sponge. I rinse and set in rack to dry. Then I wash the exterior windows and wipe frames and tracks. Then I change my shoes(from black pair to white pair) and come inside to wash interiors. I will then put the screens back in and be finished…Here is my price for this service for your home…
I have only been asked a few times to do windows only…and that is all I do…I don’t wipe or brush or clean tracks, I do the glass.
Here in Florida, most of the new home construction is using windows where the screens have to be removed and put back from the inside.
how about a picture of your rack:D
