Tips for Waterfed Brushes and How to Care for Them

Waterfed cleaning technology has been helping professional window cleaners’ efficiency while on the job. Window cleaners can get jobs done faster and easier. To really get the best benefits of pure water cleaning, you need to make sure your equipment is in good working condition. Checking to make sure your system’s filters are putting out low TDS numbers, your hose is not kinked, and also your brush is in good working condition.  

In recent years, the advancements of waterfed brushes has changed the industry. There are soft and hard bristles, there are square and round brushes, synthetic and natural bristles and more. Check out all the waterfed brushes from the top brands like Gardiner, Tucker, Ettore, and Unger. Gardiner is a leader in the synthetic waterfed brush market, they are constantly coming up with new innovative options for scrubbing. No matter which brushes you choose, it is important to take care of the brush to extend its life. Depending on how often it is used, the pressure put on the bristles and the bristle composition itself will all play into how long each brush will last. 

Check out a few of our tips about caring for your waterfed brushes

  1. Smart storage of your water pole in your vehicle: It is important that you are traveling with your brushes safely. Most of the time your brushes will be attached to your waterfed pole. Be sure there is not too much pressure is put on the bristles when driving. We recommend not leaning the bristles against anything for a long period of time. You do not want to bend the bristles or cause them to fall out. That being said, you also do not want any other tools putting weight on the brushes as well. 
  1. Cleaning off debris: Depending on the windows you are cleaning; debris may get stuck in the bristles or around the block. This is especially common on houses with lots of cobwebs. A large amount of debris will be cleaned off just with the water that flows from the brush. We recommend brushing off any remaining debris at the end of the job for the best cleaning results. It may take a quick hose off when you are cleaning up the job site in cases where cobwebs are stuck. 
  1. Rinse any oils: Window cleaners have reported instances where oils have stuck onto the brush bristles. This may go away on its own but for immediate change you will want to rinse. In difficult cases you may even want to use a simple degreaser on the bristles. It is best to take care of oils on the bristles in case it carries onto other windows. 
  1. Look for signs of bristles not working: Over time, it is natural for bristles to start breaking or bending. Depending on the material makes a difference. It is normal for a natural bristle to fall out in the beginning of use, less common for synthetic bristles. If you are constantly putting a lot of pressure on the brush when it is touching the glass, it will not last as long. Although you want to make good contact with the glass, it does not need a ton of pressure on the glass. 
  1. Replace when needed: Depending on your preference and the type of brush you use, the life of the brush will vary. Many window cleaners use a brush for a season and choose to switch to a new brush. It is most important when you notice the brush not cleaning as efficiently to switch it out. It is better to invest in a new brush than continually using a brush that keeps you from working quickly. 

Shop all the top brands for waterfed brushes at Detroit Sponge. To learn about the different types of brushes and bristles, please reach out to our knowledgeable team. We are dedicated to helping you find the right product for you.