Welcome to Pat’s Top Traditional Window Cleaning Tools for 2024! With over 25 years of hands-on experience in the window cleaning industry, I’ve seen the evolution of tools firsthand. I’ve personally tested every piece of equipment in this lineup through years of rigorous work on the job, from residential to commercial work. In an age where technology is reshaping so many industries, there’s something timeless about the reliability and control of traditional window cleaning tools. This year, I’m sharing the tried-and–true essentials that deliver consistent, streak-free results. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, these tools were, and still are, my favorites. Let’s get into the list!
- Favorite Scrubbers and T-Bars
Unger’s Micro Stripwasher Sleeve was my day to day go to. Its all-microfiber construction delivers outstanding scrubbing power, making it ideal for tackling tough dirt and grime. The microfiber material not only ensures a thorough clean but also offers excellent water retention, allowing for less trips to your bucket for rewetting. Durable and efficient, this washer sleeve is perfect for anyone seeking professional-level results in their daily cleaning routine.
For those jobs that require a deeper scrub, I really like Moerman’s FUGU Sleeve. It has plastic bristles to power through the toughest dirt but still has superior water retention with its microfiber base material.
My favorite non-pivoting T-Bar is Ettore’s ProGrip. This T-bar has a large ergonomic rubberized grip for maximum comfort. It features hollowed out grooves on the “T” portion which helps hold water keeping your washer sleeve wet. This T-Bar in my opinion is a top-of-the-line tool for its simple, yet effective design.
The Moerman Swivel Master T-Bar is quickly earning its place as one of my favorite pivoting T-Bars, thanks to its thoughtfully designed features. Its ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, even during long cleaning sessions, reducing strain on the hands and wrists. The adjustability of the tool allows for precise control and makes it versatile for various cleaning angles. Additionally, the swivel lock adds an extra layer of convenience, enabling both fixed and swivel movement for seamless transitions between surfaces. With its combination of comfort, adaptability, and practicality, the Swivel Master T-Bar has become an indispensable part of my cleaning kit.
- Favorite Squeegee Channel and Handle
I have used a wide variety of squeegee channels throughout my window cleaning career, but I always seem to gravitate to Sorbo’s Quick Silver Squeegee Channels. Sorbo channels are made of lightweight, heavy-duty aluminum which essentially eliminates dealing with bent channels. This allows you to use longer length channels with greater accuracy and control. The Sorbo Quick Silver Channels feature 40-degree tapered ends with end clips to secure the rubber in place. These channels are excellent for use with the S-technique since they clean closer to the frame and into the corners.
My top pick to pair with my Sorbo Quick Silver Channel is Ettore’s Super Channel Handle. This handle was specifically designed to pair up with a wide body style channel. I have always found it helpful using a pivoting squeegee handle along with a quick release for the versatility it offers for a wide range of challenges we window cleaners face in the field.
- Favorite Squeegee Combination Tool
Moerman continues to push the envelope with their innovative designs within the window cleaning industry. When you can purchase a tool that saves you time but continues to offer brilliant results, that’s a window cleaner’s dream come true. This brings us to Moerman’s Ultimate Squeegee Combination Tool. Its 45-degree channel ends significantly reduces the need for detailing, saving time and effort. With the ability to wet and squeegee the window in one seamless motion, it streamlines the cleaning process. Additionally, the 2.0 Moerman Squeegee Handle adaptable angles and radial pivoting make it easy to snake the glass effectively, even when using an extension pole, ensuring streak-free results on hard-to-reach windows. There is a learning curve using this tool, so be patient and give it a fair shake and soon you too will enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
- Favorite BOAB (Bucket On A Belt)
The Moerman Drywalker Flex is a unique, modular bucket on a belt system, meaning it has multiple pieces you can take apart and put together in the way that works best for you. It is designed to keep your tools close at hand in a configuration that works best for you and the best part of all, it keeps your leg dry! Made with abrasion resistant, waterproof, lightweight materials, it’s designed to be adaptable and maneuverable. It’s less likely to nick your squeegee rubber with its padded entry point where your squeegee seats and it also comes with a drip tray that eliminates excess drips. This BOAB will fit both traditional style channels as well as the thicker wide body channels which I believe enhances its versatility.
- Favorite Window Cleaning Soap
This is a specially formulated, highly concentrated, and never duplicated window cleaning chemical. I have spent a considerable amount of time through trial and error using just about every type of soap our little industry has to offer, and I always end up coming back to Titan’s Dazzle-100. It is designed specifically for cleaning glass without leaving any residue or film on the glass surface. Tests with the country’s leading window cleaning companies who switch to Titan’s Dazzle-100 show conclusively that this is the formula window cleaners prefer over most other brands. Unlike dish soaps, Dazzle-100 leaves no residue, will not foam up, stays wetter on hot and windy days, and will not leave white marks when dry.
- Favorite Detailing Towels
There are plenty of options to choose from for your detailing towels. During my time in the field, I finally landed on a towel I like most and that’s the Super Green Recycled Surgical Huck Towels. They are incredibly absorbent, leaving surfaces streak-free with ease. They produce little to no lint, ensuring a flawless finish every time. Plus, their tight weave makes them exceptionally durable, allowing them to withstand repeated washings without jeopardizing their effectiveness.
I believe having a few options for detailing towels can be very beneficial depending on the task at hand, which brings us to another I liked to carry in my arsenal. I love the performance of the Blue Microfiber Soft Waffle Towel because of its high-quality microfiber making it incredibly absorbent, while the waffle design adds just the right amount of abrasion for polishing glass to perfection. It’s also fantastic for cleaning delicate surfaces like light fixtures and chandeliers, making it a versatile and reliable tool for any detailed cleaning job.
- Favorite Scraper
I have always appreciated Ettore’s Scrapemaster Scraper for its simplistic yet highly effective design. Its compact size ensures consistent contact with the glass, while the fixed angle provides excellent leverage, making it a reliable and efficient tool for any job that requires scraping.
- Favorite Pad Holder/Microfiber Pad Combo
The IPC Eagle Techno Pad with Handle is designed as an optimized cleaning tool for cleaning tables, walls, and indoor windows or skylights with a comfortable grip. It can also be used on an extension pole with a friction fit to extend your reach. If need be, you can slap a synthetic abrasive pad on when you need some extra scrubbing power.
Whether you’re looking to clean skylights, mirrors or partition glass, I have always liked the consistency of how Unger’s Microfiber Pads have performed. They come in two styles: a fluffy pad that’s perfect for the initial clean and a thinner pad that excels at the final buff. Both are made of highly absorbent microfiber, making them incredibly effective for achieving a streak-free finish.
- Favorite Winter Gloves
Over my years of cleaning windows in Michigan’s harsh winters, I was always searching for the perfect winter glove-one that offered warmth, waterproofing, dexterity, and durability. After years of trial and error, I finally found Showa’s Winter Gloves, which met all those requirements. An added bonus was how easily they slipped on and off, which was ideal since I’ve always preferred to detail windows with my bare hands.
In the world of traditional window cleaning, having the right tools can make all the difference. From scrapers to microfiber pads and winter gloves, each item I’ve highlighted has been carefully chosen based on years of hands-on experience. These tools have consistently delivered performance, efficiency, and reliability, helping tackle the challenges of window cleaning with ease. I hope my Top Picks inspires you to try these trusted tools and elevate your craft. Here’s to cleaner windows and smoother workflows-happy cleaning!
Please reach out to talk with me or one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members at Detroit Sponge by calling us at 1-800-535-6394. Or if you prefer, you can drop us an email at customerservice@detroitsponge.com.