Your Guide to Finding the Right Type of Bucket

Buckets-What style works best? Round or Rectangular? Lid or no lid? Sieves or no sieve? Wheels or no wheels?  

When it comes to window cleaning, the choice of equipment can significantly impact efficiency and ease of use. One of the key decisions is selecting the right bucket. Should you go for a round or rectangular bucket? Each shape has its benefits: round buckets are often more stable and easier to carry, while rectangular buckets are better for holding squeegees and larger cleaning tools. All the 6-gallon buckets we carry will fit an 18-inch squeegee along with an 18-inch scrubber fully submerged, eliminating the double dipping necessary when wetting your scrubber in a round bucket.  

Another consideration is whether to opt for a lid. Lids can help prevent spills and keep cleaning solutions fresh but might be cumbersome for quick access. Sieves and or hangars are another optional feature, aiding in dirt separation and keeping your cleaning solution cleaner for longer. Lastly, the decision to add wheels can make a significant difference in mobility, especially for larger 6-gallon buckets filled with water. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of each option and highlight the most commonly purchased setups, explaining why they are favored by professional and amateur window cleaners alike. 

Round or rectangular bucket? 

Rectangular Bucket: 

Pros: 

1. Efficient Use of Space: The rectangular shape fits neatly in corners and against flat surfaces, maximizing storage and working space. 
2. Stability: Flat sides and a broad base provide stability, reducing the risk of tipping over. 
3. Versatility: Ideal for holding larger tools like squeegees and scrubbers up to 18-inches due to its shape.  

Cons: 

1. Limited Maneuverability: The corners can make it more cumbersome to carry and maneuver in tight spaces. 
2. Difficult Cleaning: Corners can trap dirt and make the bucket harder to clean thoroughly. 

Round Bucket: 

Pros: 

1. Ease of Maneuverability: The round shape is easier to carry and move around, especially in tight or awkward spaces. 
2. Simple Cleaning: The lack of corners makes it easier to clean out thoroughly. 

Cons: 

1. Inefficient Space Usage: It can be harder to fit neatly into storage spaces and might not utilize space as efficiently. 
2. Less Stability: A round base may be less stable, increasing the risk of tipping over when filled with water. 
3. Having to Double Dip Your Scrubber: When dipping your scrubber into a round bucket for a rinse, you will need to dip twice on each end as neither a 14 or 18-inch will fit into a 3 ½ or 5-gallon round bucket in one singular motion. 

• Most commonly purchased= Rectangular 6-Gallon Buckets  

Benefits of using a bucket lid:

Using a bucket lid for window cleaning offers several benefits: 

1. Reduces Spills and Mess: Whether you’re using a round or rectangular bucket, a lid helps prevent water and cleaning solution from splashing out, reducing the risk of spills and messes on your customer’s floor. 
2. Keeps Water Cleaner: The lid keeps debris, dust, and dirt from falling into the bucket, ensuring the water stays cleaner for longer. This can improve the effectiveness of the cleaning process. 
3. Portability: A lid makes it easier to carry the bucket without worrying about spilling the contents. This is especially useful when moving between different areas or floors. This can be very helpful when onboarding a new team member when they are working indoors as it will minimize the risk of spillage.  
4. Prevents Evaporation: A lid helps to slow down the evaporation of the cleaning solution, maintaining its effectiveness over a longer period. 
5. Storage Convenience: When not in use, a lidded bucket can be stored more securely, preventing accidental spills and keeping the cleaning solution ready for the next use. 
6. Safety: Reducing spills and maintaining a cleaner workspace can help prevent slips and falls, contributing to a safer cleaning environment. 
7. Maintaining Warm Water: A bucket lid helps keep the water warmer during the winter months by providing insulation, which reduces heat loss and maintains the water temperature for a longer period. 

• Most commonly purchased=Bucket’s without lids 

 Using a bucket sieve/hanger for window cleaning has several pros and cons. Here’s an overview: 

Pros: 

1. Efficiency: The bucket sieve helps in wringing out excess water from your scrubber, maintaining the right moisture level for effective cleaning without leaving streaks. 
2. Convenience: Having a hanger allows for easy access to tools, reducing the need to bend down or carry multiple items, which can speed up the cleaning process. 
3. Organization: The hanger keeps all necessary tools in one place, ensuring that squeegees, scrubbers, and cloths are easily accessible and well-organized. 
4. Portability: Many bucket sieves are designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to move around while cleaning multiple windows. 
5. Professional Results: By maintaining the proper water-to-cleaner ratio and keeping tools in optimal condition, a bucket sieve can help achieve streak-free, professional-looking results. 

Cons: 

1. Initial Cost: High-quality bucket sieves and hangers can be relatively expensive compared to basic cleaning supplies. 
2. Storage Space: Buckets with attached sieves and hangers can be bulky, requiring more storage space when not in use. 
3. Setup Time: Setting up the bucket sieve and organizing the hanger with tools might take extra time compared to simpler cleaning methods. 
4. Cleaning and Maintenance: The sieve and hanger themselves need to be cleaned and maintained to prevent buildup of dirt and grime, which can add to the overall cleaning workload. 

• Most commonly purchased=Buckets without sieves or hangers 

Wheels or no wheels for my window cleaning bucket? 

Using wheels for your window cleaning bucket can offer several advantages. Continue reading for a list of all the pros and cons to consider when it comes to purchasing wheels for your window cleaning bucket. 

Pros: 

1. Mobility: Easier to move around, especially when the bucket is full and heavy. Can be great to use for storefronts! 
2. Efficiency: Saves time and effort by reducing the need to lift and carry the bucket.
3. Ergonomics: Reduces strain on the back and arms, minimizing the risk of injury. 
4. Convenience: Allows for smooth movement over various surfaces, making the cleaning process more seamless. 
5. Accessibility: Simplifies reaching different areas without repeatedly relocating the bucket.  

Cons: 

1. Stability Issues: Buckets with wheels can be less stable, especially on uneven surfaces, leading to potential spills. 
   Maneuverability: Wheels might not perform well on carpets, gravel, or grass, making it harder to move the bucket around. 
2. Durability: Wheels and axles can wear out or break over time, especially with frequent use, requiring repairs or replacements. 
3. Cost: Wheels are an additional cost. If you are on a budget, wheels might be worth waiting for until you have the necessary capital on hand. 

• Most commonly purchased=Buckets without wheels 

In conclusion, choosing the right bucket involves weighing the specific needs of your tasks against the features of various designs. Round buckets offer greater durability and are easier to clean, making them ideal for heavy-duty work. Rectangular buckets, however, provide better stability and are more efficient for tasks that involve pouring or organizing tools. 

When considering a lid, the decision hinges on the need for containment and protection versus ease of access. A lid offers spill prevention and keeps contents clean, while going lidless allows for quick access and easier filling. 

The inclusion of a sieve or hanger adds functionality for tasks like washing or storing tools, but it might be unnecessary for simpler tasks, potentially adding to the cost and complexity of the bucket. 

Finally, wheels can transform a bucket into a mobile workstation, saving effort in moving heavy loads. However, they also add weight and bulk, which could be a drawback if you prioritize a lightweight and compact design. 

Ultimately, the best bucket for you will depend on your specific needs, whether that means durability, accessibility, or mobility. By considering the pros and cons of each feature, you can choose a bucket that will serve you well in your work. Feel free to call or email anyone of our friendly knowledgeable team members at Detroit Sponge who are waiting to assist.