Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the fundamentals of window cleaning. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling household chores or looking to hire a new team member with little to no experience or a seasoned professional looking to refine your skills, mastering the basics of window cleaning is essential for achieving sparkling, streak-free results. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to elevate your window cleaning game, from selecting the right tools and cleaning solutions to mastering proper techniques. The team at Detroit Sponge wants to help you get started, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to achieving crystal-clear windows that enhance the beauty of any space.
- Gather the right tools:
Before diving into your window cleaning task and or training, ensure you have all the necessary tools at your disposal. This includes:
- Squeegee: Sure, you can purchase a squeegee at a big box store, but these are intended for retail with infrequent use. Commercial grade squeegees from an authorized window cleaning distributor will serve you best as they will hold up better with daily wear and tear. Plus, those big box stores will not typically carry replacement parts for your window cleaning tools as a distributor would.
- Scrubber/Mop: A quality t-bar and scrubber are essential tools for window cleaning, ensuring thorough dirt and grime removal. The t-bar allows for efficient application of cleaning solution, while the scrubber effectively loosens tough stains, ensuring a streak-free finish. Investing in quality tools ensures faster, more effective cleaning and professional results.
- Detailing towels: A good detailing towel is essential for window cleaning as it plays a crucial role in achieving streak, and lint free results when detailing the edges of the windows after you’ve squeegeed the glass clean. So, whether you prefer recycled cotton surgical huck towels or a high-quality microfiber towel, they are critical in producing the results both you and your customers are looking for.
- Window cleaning solution: The proper window cleaning solution is a must. Whether you are using a concentrated soap that was specifically developed and designed for window cleaning or Dawn dish soap, the proper amount is imperative. Concentrated soap requires less due to its high concentration levels and when the correct amount has been added this allows your squeegee to glide cleanly across the glass reducing friction, rubber wear and streaks.
- Bucket: Your window cleaning bucket is multi-purposeful in the sense that it holds most of your hand tools along with your water and whatever soap solution cocktail you prefer. Buckets can come in all shapes and sizes, but most prefer either round or rectangular buckets. Either size will have their benefits: High-rise technicians tend to prefer the round buckets because of weight balance while route workers typically prefer the rectangular buckets.
- Choose the right time:
We don’t always get to handpick the days we clean windows, but it’s easiest on cloudy days. Until you gain the experience and mechanics of cleaning windows in an efficient and effective manner, the sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind. There are additives you can add to your existing soap solution that not only gives the glass a little extra slip, but it also slows down the evaporation time giving you those precious seconds needed to achieve those streak free results.
- Prep the Surface:
Remove any dust, dirt, or cobwebs from the window frames and sills using your favorite towel or sponge. In some situations, it may be necessary to use a small handheld shop vac to remove any heavy debris trapped in the tracks. This will help prevent a runoff of debris trapped on the window frames leaching back onto the clean window during inclement weather while also ensuring windows continue to open and close properly now that the heavy debris has been removed from the window encasement.
- Technique Matters:
Start by wetting the window with your preferred cleaning solution using your scrubber, spray bottle or sponge. Then, using the squeegee, work top to bottom, or side to side with minimal pressure overlapping each stroke slightly to ensure complete coverage. Wipe the squeegee blade with your sponge or towel after each pass to reduce streaks. Finish by drying the edges with your detailing towel, then using an alternate towel and or sponge to clean the sills.
- Pay Attention to Details:
Don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside of the windows for a uniform finish. Pay special attention to corners, edges, and any stubborn stains or spots that may require additional scrubbing.
- Regular Maintenance:
To keep the windows looking their best, many technicians will recommend establishing a regular cleaning schedule. In most cases those maintenance programs will be a slight discount as an incentive to your customer. Depending on the environment, it’s most often recommended to clean the windows inside and out, twice a year. Typically spring and fall. Promptly address any smudges or marks as they appear to prevent buildup and make future cleaning easier.
7. Safety is a Top Priority:
When cleaning windows, whether it’s on the upper floors or ground level, use a sturdy ladder and ensure its placed on a flat and stable surface. Consider using a ladder stabilizer along with ladder levelers for those uneven surfaces to help prevent accidents. If you are uncomfortable with heights and prefer to clean the glass with your feet safely planted on the ground, it’s time to consider using an extension pole. You can choose from either a less expensive aluminum pole, or a much lighter and rigid waterpole typically made from carbon fiber. Keep in mind, both versions of these extension poles can conduct electricity. Always be aware of your surroundings when using a ladder or extension pole.
Conclusion:
With the right tools, techniques, and a little elbow grease, achieving streak-free, sparkling windows is within reach for any apprentice window cleaner. By following these top tips for window cleaning, you’ll not only enjoy crystal-clear views but also enhance the overall beauty and cleanliness of your customers’ home or place of business. So, roll up your sleeves, let the sunshine in, and both you and your clientele enjoy the results of your window cleaning endeavors!
If you still have any questions about top recommended products, please feel free to reach out to one of our knowledgeable and friendly team members at Detroit Sponge at 1-800-535-6394 or drop us an email at customerservice@detroitsponge.com.