- Squeegee Handle(s).
We recommend that you choose a handle with a quick release system. This makes it easy to change squeegee channels.If your budget allows for it buy a handle for each different length of channel.
- Selection of Squeegee Channels
Stainless steel channels compatible with the quick release Choose a selection of lengths for various kinds of work. 6” would be suitable for small Georgian windows, 14” is a good length for most general domestic work and an 18” or even 22” would be good for larger panes such as shop windows. Bear in mind that the longer the channel length, the more skill is needed to turn the blade accurately.
- Applicator T-bar and Sleeves
Again it is handy to have a few various lengths of applicator. To begin with you could get away with just a 14” applicator (or mop, strip washer as they are also sometimes referred to.) If you do lots of Georgian windows then it would be worth buying a short mop. If you do lots of large windows then consider an 18” or 22”. The more water the bar and sleeve retain, the less trips to your bucket you will make to wet the applicator.
- Oblong bucket.
At least 18” long to accomodate the applicator. You may see window cleaners with round buckets but you will find that wetting the applicator is much easier in an oblong bucket which is at least the length of the applicator. A sieve like the one shown is a handy addition and stops the mop handle filling with water which can end up running down your arm! It also helps when cleaning indoors when you don’t want to use too much water on the applicator.
- Cleaning Solution
To start off with you are just as well to use a quality brand of washing up liquid. Don’t overdo it with the soap. The water should be soapy but just enough so that you can see a little froth in the water (not a litle water in the froth!) Although there are specialized glass cleaning products available, washing up liquid does a good enough job to start with until you have good control of the squeegee. Washing up liquid is a good lubricant for the rubber blade on the glass and this makes using the squeegee easier. Some of the more specialised glass cleaning products leave less detailing to do because they create little froth, but they are less lubricative and hence more skill is needed in using the blade.
- Hip Bucket
This is not only a time saving device but also prevents the applicator sleeves from becoming dirty due to placing them on the floor or from dangerously balancing them on upper window sills and ladders where they tend to fall off! It will hold some water but it’s more useful as somewhere to put the mop and squeegee blade. If you do use it to hold water then you likely find that you end up with a wet hip and leg. Look for a one with a quick release clip so that you can quickly take it off when getting in and out of your vehicle.
- Cloths
You can use either scrim cloth or microfibre cloth to effectively clean windows. These are both highly absorbent materials and are useful for leaded windows, Georgian windows and for detailing (tidying up around the edges and mistakes.) Microfibre cloths are more expensive, but they will last a long time and are more absorbent than scrim. We would recommend that you buy a few of each and make your own mind up as to what you prefer. When you first start off you will find that you go through more cloths in a day. With practise, you will find two cloths last you the whole day. A wet one for wiping sills and a dry one (or very slightly damp) for detailing.
- Pouches
You will need a set of pouches (2 pockets) as a place to keep your wet and dry cloth. You can get fancy ones with all kinds of pockets for notebooks, mobile phones etc. but a simple set of PVC pouches are less cumbersome. You are not likely to use all the little pockets anyway. Again, look for a belt with a quick release clip so you can quickly put them on and take them off.
- Scraper Blade
For stubborn dirt and stains such as bird muck, spots of paint and varnish use a sharp scraper blade. They come in various sizes. The smaller ones are very cheap, have retractable blades and fit in a slot on your hip bucket. These are ideal for small areas such as removing bird buck. They tend to rust up quickly so it’s worth buying a spare.. Keep it lubricated with a drop of WD40 or similar and dry the blade after each use to prolong its life. You’ll need plenty of replacement blades. For scraping a whole window it would be quicker to use a 4” scrpaer blade with a handle. Remember to always replace the cap or YOU WILL end up cutting your hand when you reach for it. The 4” scraper blades can often be attached to an extension pole which may come in handy at times.
- Ladders
When buying ladders for window cleaning, look for sturdy trade ladders. You have a choice between wooden or aluminium ladders. Wooden ladders are warmer on the hands during the winter than aluminium. Aluminium ladders are lighter to carry. It is useful to have a set of ‘A’ ladders or ‘pointers’ for ground level work which is out of reach. These are ladders designed with window cleaners in mind. You can also find extendable versions of these pointer ladders. It is recommend that you use a ladder stabilizing device at all times. There are devices available which take seconds to set up and are worth the peace of mind. For more useful information about buying ladders for window cleaning click here. Remember to budget for the roof rack and ladder clamps.
The above list should get you started. In time you may find the following kit will come in handy:
- Traditional Extension Pole
As an alternative to using ladders, consider using an extension pole. It takes a lot of practice to use it effectively, but once mastered you will find it extremely useful. Extension poles are available up to 30 ft long. There are locking cones available which prevent tools from dangerously slipping off the pole during use. For more information on how to use an extension pole click here.
- Angle Adaptor
These are a handy addition to have with you when using an extension pole. You may find yourself using the extension pole in a narrow, confined space or having to reach over a ledge. By using the angle adaptor you can ensure that the squeegee blade rests on the window at the correct angle for optimum results.
- Combination Tools
You can find combination tools which are desined for use with extension poles. These incorporate the applicator and squeegee in one tool which fits on the pole. This enables you to mop the window and then just just flick the pole around to squeegee, saving you time changing over tools. This is particulary valuable when using the pole at a height or if it is a hot sunny day where water dries quickly on the window. The most popular are the Ettore Back Flip and the Unger Vice Versa.
- Pole Clamp
A useful tool for detailing when using an extension pole is the pole clamp. The clamp holds a folded cloth in its teeth which enables you to detail using an extension pole. Although, another tip is simply to use an elastic hairband to keep the cloth in place, folded over the end of the pole.
- Tricket Washer and Blade
If you clean many louvered glass windows then these handy devices will make the job a lot quicker and easier.
More and more window cleaners are starting up by buying a water fed pole system from day one. For more information about water fed pole systems click here. |
