Brushes are an essential component of a pure water window cleaning system, as they determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the cleaning process. With a variety of bristle materials and shapes available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs. Let’s take a look at the different types of bristles used in pure water window cleaning systems and help you choose the right one for your business.
Nylon Bristles
Nylon bristles are a popular choice for pure water window cleaning systems due to their durability and flexibility. They are gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces, yet strong enough to remove tough dirt and grime. Nylon bristles are also resistant to most chemicals, making them a great option for cleaning windows. By far, these are the brushes window cleaners purchase the most from us. The nylon material is very effective on a variety of challenges while not “dragging” as much as some of the heavier, especially natural bristles.
Often, the nylon brushes will be “bi level”, meaning that the interior bristles are shorter than the bristles around the edges. This provides added scrubbing power when pressure is applied to the brush, with the outer bristles “splaying” out and the interior bristles maintaining their edge. Also the bristles can be oriented in different directions and alignments. A couple of examples would be the traditional nylon compared to the universal sill brushes from Gardiner compared to the unique power brushes from Unger.
Natural Bristles
Natural bristles, such as horsehair or boar hair, are a traditional choice for window cleaning. They are soft and gentle on delicate surfaces, but can become stiff and brittle over time, reducing their effectiveness. Natural bristles are also more expensive than synthetic alternatives. The biggest advantage of the natural hair can best be seen under a microscope. There is a fine ridge that runs the entire length of the bristle. This ridge provides a great advantage with scrubbing as the bristles flatten on the glass.
As mentioned, classic window cleaners have used boar bristle brushes for decades. In spite of the added weight and relatively more drag on the glass, these natural bristle options from Tucker are popular with the professional window cleaners.
Microfiber Bristles
Microfiber bristles are a newer option in the world of pure water window cleaning. They are incredibly soft and gentle, making them ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces. Microfiber bristles are also highly absorbent, allowing them to trap dirt and grime, making cleaning faster and more efficient. The most exciting recent development to the bristle market, the Taper Tec line from Gardiner is a great example of this type of brush and bristle. I wish you could feel the bristles as they feel super soft to the touch. But when placed on the glass, these fibers clearly have micro aggression against dirt and deposits!
Curiously, these brushes still produce less drag or friction on the glass when being used. If you are using your water pole at heights over 15 ft regularly, you will definitely feel the difference. Window cleaners tell us that when they complete a job with a Taper tec, their shoulders, arms and back thanks them. It would seem that the muscles have worked more efficiently and not as hard as when a natural bristle brush has been used.
Abrasive Pad Alternatives
It would seem that some jobs simply need more abrasion for success. Tucker and Gardiner offer tools that combine the white abrasive pads (safe for use on glass) with the continual water flow of your pure water system. The Gardiner Abrasion pads and the Tucker Alpha Scrubber can help when the challenges of bugs, tree stuff and hardened gunk are clearly a challenge. Combining the agitation of the abrasion with the flow and cleaning power of pure water can be just what is needed.
In conclusion, choosing the right brush for your pure water window cleaning system is essential for getting the best results. Each type of bristle has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider the type of surfaces you’ll be cleaning and the level of cleaning power you need before making a decision. Whether you choose nylon, natural, or microfiber bristles, or the abrasive alternatives, the right bristle can make all the difference in your pure water window cleaning system. Shop all the options at DetroitSponge.com today and let us know which brush ends up being your go to favorite!