Natural Sponges

A sponge has the ability to pick up water, release water and wipe up dirt makes the sponge a product the pro window cleaning contractor had to have with them. Looking back to two or three decades ago, a window cleaner would almost always have a natural sponge with them while working.  

We all understand what the purpose of a sponge, but from the window cleaning perspective, here are the 5 top uses of a natural sponge while washing windows: 

1. Wiping off the squeegee blade- Professionals know that the squeegee blade needs to be wiped off from time to time to make sure it is free from debris. Debris on the blade can cause streaks on the glass or spots to be missed completely. Window cleaners use a damp sponge to run the length of the squeegee, wiping the blade clean. This removes debris without completely drying the rubber edge like a dry towel will. The sponge works to help the blade maintain a little moisture in order for the edge to slide on the glass. 
    

2. Cleaning out window tracks- One squeeze of a saturated sponge and the track of the window can be wet to allow for effective cleaning. The sponge can be pressed into the track to agitate debris and then used to “suck” up the water and/or solution. This will allow you to remove the bulk of dirty water out of the track quickly. This motion becomes a quick, one or two motion effort by professional window cleaner. With the sponge, unlike a towel that holds the dirt, a quick dip in the bucket and squeeze will allow the sponge to release all of the debris and be ready for the next window and track. 
    

3. Wiping up dirty water from the ledge and surrounding area- The sponge functions in nature to absorb and then release. Wash the dirtiest of windows, wipe drips and dirty water from the window ledge quickly and with ease. Even in the dirtiest of scenarios, a quick dunk in the bucket allows you to squeeze the sponge and be ready for the next window. The same is true for any puddles left in front of the window area. Simply wipe up the water, rinse, squeeze and move on. 
    

4. Use for washing small windows- The sponge will hold water and release as you squeeze or apply pressure.  For some small cut up windows or deep-set smaller windows, the sponge can be the perfect tool to wash the glass surface. Wet and wipe, applying more pressure as you need more water released from the sponge to clean the window.  Professional window cleaners also have found the ability to wipe the edges and frames of the glass with a lighter touch at the end of the washing process. This will actually help to absorb some of the excess water back out of the edges and trim areas. Like the other applications, with a quick trip to your bucket, the sponge is ready for more windows. 
    

5. Refreshing you window cleaning scrubber- Vintage window cleaners would always carry their sponge in the non-squeegee hand, always ready for use. If you prefer to keep your hand free, consider a pouch for holding the fairly wet sponge (see these choices). The sponge will hold a good amount of water without dripping, because that’s just something that makes sponges so awesome. Place that wet sponge in your pouch and you can refresh your window cleaning scrubber on hot days without having to go back to the bucket. 

These are 5 of the more popular ways that professional window cleaning contractors have told us that they use natural sponges. Sponges are available in a variety of sizes to fit your cleaning preferences. New to sponges? Invest in one today from Detroit Sponge and let us know how you use it and like it. Maybe there is something to the wisdom of the old time window cleaners!