How to Do Window Cleaning Like a Pro: Part 1 – Equipment:
First of all, it’s really important to have good equipment to be effective in window cleaning especially if you’re going to be doing this a lot. Here’s a list of tools and equipment you’ll need:
1. Wooly: This is a tool with a hard plastic handle which forms a T with the working end of the tool. A wool covering goes over this part. It’s what you wash the glass with and it’s also what i use to clean the screens. I use the 18″ size. Some of my fellow window cleaners like to carry a smaller one too.
2. For smaller panels of glass i use a sponge that is wrapped in a nylon mesh which gives a gentle scrubbing advantage but does not scrach the glass. Great for french doors and divided window panes.
3. Squeegees: I recommend you get an 18″, a 12″ and a 6″. There are a number of manufacturers. All are very good as far as i can tell. I use the most popular system, Etore and recommend them.
4. Replacement rubber for squeegees from the same manufacturer of course.
5. Wide razor: I use a 6″ wide by Triumph brand. Many window cleaners rarely take out their razors but i use mine a lot especially outside. It makes for 2 addiional steps to the 3 step cleaning process but if it’s been a year or more betweeen cleanings, it’s well worth it in terms of results. Change blades often especially while working on tempered glass as it scratches very easily. Tempered glass is required by building code for new construction in doors, and some windows too. If tempered glass breaks it shatters into tiny pieces rather than splintering so it doesn’t cut. But it’s more prone to scratching so extra care needs to be taken with it.
6. Replacement blades for your razor tool.
7. Steele wool: This is useful for touching up any small areas after the job is done and the glass is dry. Use only very fine steel wool to avoid scratching (Coarseness 00 works great.) Steele wool can also be used for cleaning leaded windows or stained glass windows and may be used wet for extra scrubbing power where needed.
8. Clean dry towels and lots of them.
9. Tool belt to hold everything and keep it all within easy reach.
10. Bucket on a belt to hold your wooly and keep it wet.
11. Large bucket for soapy water.
12. Soap: Dish washing liquid works best for window cleaning. I use Myers biodegradable as it seems to be easy on my hands and smells really good to as it has essential oils.
13. Ladders: I carry a 6′ step ladder, a 16′ and a 24′ extension ladders. These sizes are ideal for window cleaning and positioning your self just under almost any 1st or second story window. I have a 32′ also which i only bring out for special occasions (high places).
14. Stabilizer: I use a stabilizer attached to the top of my bigger ladders in order to keep them away from the house a bit so i’m not straining my back up there. They’re also great for setting up to get on the roof because the stabilizer will pass over the gutter and be supported by resting on the roof which is much more stable. Yes, that’s why they’re called stabilizers.
15. Pads on the top ends of the ladders and stabilizers to keep from damaging the walls and siding.
That’s about it. You should be all set up and ready for window cleaning now.
Watch me on youtube for a quick window cleaning demo.
I have been in business in Boulder for over 9 years and have over 900 happy clients here, most of them are repeat clients.http://www.boulderwindowsandgutters.comhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FjgdUricEs
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If you feel that you can do it by yourself cleaning your gutter then it would be great. The Steps above would surely help you and guide you for your cleaning.