FREE - A Woman’s View: Professional Window Cleaning

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Nov 12 2008

FREE - A Woman’s View: Professional Window Cleaning

Published by chatobstewart at 8:16 pm under Window cleaning Edit This

A Woman’s View: Professional Window Cleaning

Written by: Judy Suval
Contributed & Edited by:Cleaning Solutions Magazine

Last week I post two free reports that gave you some basic ideas for the business. Then I posted the Spot X guide and now I will start posting this guide. I must say at first I was was not sure about it since window cleaning has always been a male dominated service. The fact is that most women do a better job at cleaning then guys do… Sorry but it’s true! Judy Suval has written a number of books on window cleaning and other services. This guide will be posted a little at a time and I’ll review it as we go. (My reviews will be in blue.)

Window Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
In The Beginning

When I began this business, I had little idea what was needed in the way of equipment, so I went to a large janitorial company in the city and asked for their recommendations. That initial purchase included a Pro squeegee handle, two lengths of metal channels (8″ and 12″) with rubber blades, a brush, a telescoping pole that extended 14 feet, a strip washer, and some generic window cleaning detergent. That initial investment was under $50 in 1978, and would cost under $100 today.(2008 start-up cost is around $200 to $500. Still you could really just get by with a squeegee, strip washer and bucket.) I experimented with various equipment through the years and purchased new equipment as it became available.

Squeegee

I recommend beginning with a 12″ squeegee channel until you become proficient. (The channel of the squeegee is the strip of metal, shaped like the letter “J”, that holds the rubber strip used to remove water from windows.) I primarily used one 18″ long but used 22″ or longer for commercial windows. Squeegees now come in many lengths, from 4″ to 50″! Its best to be equipped with the right length channel for the job. I carried many different length channels with me and changed them in the handle as needed. A label stuck on the channel identifies the job for which it is needed.

Always carry extra rubber blades to replace worn ones. I know some window cleaners who replace their rubber blades daily. I sometimes used one for a week or so before it needed to be replaced. Turn them over in the channel to get extra mileage. Don’t let the “sharp” edge of the rubber get too worn down before you change it as it will lower the quality and efficiency of your work. When installing a new rubber blade in the channel, cut it with a razor, leaving 1/8″ on each end of the channel. There is also a tool available that cuts a fresh edge on worn out blades.

Squeegee rubbers make all the difference, make sure you you invest in a good rubber. Starting out you might want to use a soft rubber like the type Unger makes.

The squeegee I used has a handle with a snap-locking device for quick change of channels. Its very easy to use. With a flip of the lock, the channel slides in and out, or the handle converts into a scraper using a 5″ blade in a holder. The handle adjusts to lock anywhere on the channel. You can position it to provide maximum length on the right or left sides for a little extra reach. Several companies offer mail order catalogs, and more and more local window cleaning supply companies are opening up.

Today there are very few “local window cleaning supply” stores. You will get a better deal at any one of the top national supplie companies.

Several manufacturers now produce handles that automatically adjust to any angle. These enable you to reach difficult corners and unusual angles without contorting your body, or clean store-front windows without moving merchandise.

Squeegee handles also provide a quick release button now. Its on the back side so you don’t have to turn it around to change the channel. Also, many handles now come with a soft rubber grip to keep them from getting cold. You can also attach an adjustable handle to an extension pole and clean and squeegee those same higher up, hard to reach areas.

To Be Continued

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