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Window Cleaning Kit
Tools & Equipment Hand Tools: Regardless of how the window or glass surface is being reached (ladder, pole, scaffold, belt, etc.), the basic hand tools remain more or less the same. The hand tools most often used by window cleaners include sponges, brushes, strip washers, squeegees, and chamois. When choosing these tools, be aware that there are a variety of each kind of tool available for different types of jobs. To determine which tools will work best in a particular situation, it is a good idea to test one against the other under actual working conditions. Most of the required hand tools can be purchased from janitorial supply houses. Sponges: There are two basic types of sponges available to the professional window cleaner: natural and synthetic. Natural sponges have been around far longer than synthetic sponges; they were among the first commercially-used window cleaning tools. However, as the cost of natural sponges began to rise, synthetic sponges appeared. Synthetic sponges became cheaper to produce and, therefore, are available at a lower price than natural sponges. Each type of sponge has its advantages and disadvantages. Natural sponges hold more water than synthetic sponges, saving the window cleaner time. In addition, natural sponges usually have a rougher texture, which strips away dirt more easily. Finally, natural sponges tend to leave few streaks on the surrounded surface (the window ledge, for example) when cleaning up after the squeegeeing process. On the other hand, synthetic sponges are cheaper. In addition, they tend to last longer, and are therefore even more cost-efficient. There are also devices resembling sponges mounted on handles designed to soap up windows. They're not as messy as sponges and, being pole mounted, provide greater coverage than hand-held sponges. Brushes: There are many different types of brushes available to the professional window cleaner. The earliest window cleaning brushes were filled with white Russian boar bristle or black China boar bristle and, if properly cared for, lasted for years. When Russia and China stopped trading with the United States, the industry turned to India for boar bristle. Over the years, synthetic bristles were developed. The synthetic bristles allow the use of harsh chemicals, such as tri-sodium phosphate or alkaline detergents, without serious damage to the brush. Regardless of the type of brush being used, it is important to wash it out thoroughly once the window cleaning has been completed. Then it should be set upside down with the bristles up so that it drains properly. This simple procedure will prolong the life of the brush. Brushes seldom wear out - they fall apart when the bristles rot off at the base due to improper use or care. As with any other janitorial tool, proper care is imperative. Strip Washers: Strip washers consist of fiber mounted on a handle or pole. Strip washers do not hold as much water as brushes, and therefore the water is easier to control, making the washers useful when cleaning the insides of windows. Squeegees: Professional quality squeegees have brass, stainless steel, or aluminum handles fitted with interchangeable metal blade channels of different lengths. Squeegee handles are hollow and can fit onto poles of carious lengths. The replaceable rubber blades that fit into the channels should be pliable and have sharp, precisely-cut edges. A good rubber blade will remove the water and detergent and leave a film of water so thin that it dries almost instantly. It is very important to make sure that the rubber blade is not worn or cracked; if it is, it will leave streaks or lines of water on the glass. The better care the rubber squeegee blade receives, the longer it will remain in good condition. Chamois: Many window surfaces, after being squeegeed, may appear to be adequately cleaned. However, it may be necessary to finish the job with a chamois - a natural sheepskin specially treated to be highly absorbent and lint free. The chamois is used to wipe the surrounding window frame, absorbing any remaining water that might otherwise run down the glass minutes later and streak the clean surface. The chamois can be used to wipe the squeegee blade between strokes as well. In addition, it is often used to remove any streaks or spots that may have been left on the window panel. Some window cleaners use a towel instead of a chamois. However, even though the chamois is more expensive it is usually preferable over a towel because of the job it does. Other Tools: In addition to the above-mentioned tools, other items that professional window cleaners use include buckets, holsters, drop cloths, pliers, screwdrivers, and hand-held razor blade scrapers. For the most part, the window cleaning buckets are fairly standard. There are buckets with special heaters to keep the water warm for use in colder climates. There are various types of holsters. Some have a single pocket designed to hold either a squeegee or a strip washer; others have two pockets and are designed to hold both tools (or two squeegees). All holsters, regardless of design, should have slits wide enough to fit onto any window cleaner's belt. This is essential for employees who are cleaning windows on high-rise buildings. The holster allows the window cleaner's hands to be free and, at the same time, offers an alternative to putting the tools on a window sill, which is dangerous and should not be done. When cleaning interior windows, the cleaner should carefully wipe the squeegee blade before putting it into the holster. Otherwise, dirty water may drip onto the floor as the cleaner walks through building. It is also a good idea for the cleaner to use drop cloths or carpet squares when cleaning interior windows. These can be set under the bucket and spread in front of the windows so the cleaning solution won't spot the carpet if it spills. Many window cleaners also carry pliers and screwdrivers. Screwdrivers can be use to change squeegee blades or to remove screens or wire mesh protection grids from the windows. If the squeegee is accidentally dropped, pliers may be used to bend it back into shape. Pliers and screwdrivers are also helpful in turning on old water faucets, or faucets that have had their handles removed. (Some window cleaners even carry several different water faucet keys for these types of situations.) Finally, a variety of hand-held scrapers and replacement blades are available from most suppliers for removing foreign matter from glass when normal washing doesn't work. Paint, plaster, and cement are commonly found on windows after remodeling or on newly-constructed buildings. Tape is used liberally in retail shop windows to hang signs. All of these, along with dried bird droppings, etc., may have to be scraped. Cleaning Solutions: Professional window cleaners have different opinions about which window cleaning solution works best. Recommendations include everything from tap water to distilled water; from powdered detergents to liquid cleaners; from vinegar to ammonia; from mild acids to TSP. The most important consideration is determining whether it does the job. If the solution effectively cleans the window, then it's the correct solution. However, there are certain advantages and disadvantages inherent in each type of solution and, more importantly, different situations require different types of solutions. Most window cleaners start with regular tap water and work from there; distilled water is rarely used. Regardless of what is added to the water, the end result should be a non-sudsing solution. Many cleaners use regular dishwashing liquids. The advantages are that they allow the squeegee to glide across the glass smoothly, don't have a strong odor, are inexpensive, and are gentle on hands. Others use a powdered cleaner; these are also inexpensive and may be easier to handle. Either way, the cleaning solution is used primarily as a wetting agent. Most of the soil removal comes from the brush, sponge, and squeegee. Acidic solutions can be used when extra cleaning power is necessary. Although some windows cleaners try to avoid using any type of acidic solution, solutions of vinegar, a mild acid, and water are frequently used. Alkaline solutions should be handled with care as well. Some cleaners prefer non-sudsing ammonia, an alkaline solution, mixed with water. Strong alkaline cleaners should only be used in specific situations in which they are absolutely necessary because the solutions can be so caustic they can damage building surfaces. When more than a mild detergent is required, one of the most commonly used cleaning solutions is TSP and water. One teaspoon of TSP per two-gallon bucket is usually the recommended concentration. Although some window cleaners feel that TSP leaves creepage (solution left behind by the squeegee), most feel that it is an effective grease cutter. TSP solution is often used to remove residue on windows of houses near golf courses, or on windows that are frequently sprayed with water from home sprinkler systems. These windows, subjected to spray from the city's water supply system, often require solutions containing TSP because of the alkaline nature of the residue left behind. When salt from ocean mist is deposited on windows, and not cleaned off frequently enough, the same type of situation occurs, and a strong cleaning solution like TSP and water is required. Because TSP is such a good stripper, window cleaners need to be especially careful with it when working on interior cleaning. Note: Do not mix detergents. This can cause unpredictable results. And some mixtures, such as ammonia and bleach, are especially dangerous. Regardless of what type of window cleaning solution is used, the windows should be cleaned efficiently and regularly. The more often they are cleaned, the easier it is to clean them with a mild detergent. If windows are left uncleaned for long periods of time, stronger solutions may be necessary. Source: Janitor USA
Some feedback from our valued members: "Dear Maribel, I would like to thank you for the lead that we received from the window cleaning directory. I appreciate your website and directory. We have received a couple of different leads, it helps our business with new continued growth!! Thanks!! Sincerely, D.Day, Owner Streakfree Window Cleaning & Maintenance" "I get a lot of leads form you guys thanks a lot. Doing great Thanks so much." - A to Z Cleaning "Thank you for the lead. I really appreciate all that you are doing for our company." - Seth Brown Panes & Drains Dear Maribel, I want to thank you for the great job you do. I recieved a lead for a large disribution center. This turned out to be a win-win situation for both me and the customer. We owe it all to you. Thank you again for all your efforts and helping our company grow in a direction we can be proud of. Troy Nelson Xtreme Cleaning Janesville, WI When Quality Counts www.1xtremecleaning.com |
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