Efficiency is essential in any manual service industry. If you want your window cleaning business to be profitable, you need the right tools.
WorkWave has worked extensively with cleaning service professionals, and we are familiar with their needs. By helping you to identify the right tools for your job, we want to make it easier for you to enter this industry.
We will start with the basics and then move on to the more advanced equipment to scale your business.
Starter kits are available at many local hardware stores for window cleaners to get started in the trade. Prices can vary, but the total cost of entry is lower than other cleaning professions depending on the items included by the supplier.
We will also discuss commercial window cleaning equipment when you feel it’s time for a bigger client base with more windows.
Squeegees
You could use simple towels to clean windows, but it’s not efficient and can leave streaks. The best tool for streak-free glass cleaning is the squeegee.
The squeegee is made up of three parts:
- You use the grip or base to guide your squeegee.
- Disposable rubber that glides across the glass to remove soap.
- The channel that holds in place the removable squeegee Rubber.
For more experienced professionals, a traditional brass squeegee may be preferred. This weight can apply pressure to the window to prevent it from sliding and give a clean stroke.
Lighter plastics available can do the same job faster and cheaper. This makes it easier to replace rounded rubbers with lighter plastics. The preference is ultimately up to the individual doing the work, so we recommend trying both.
There are even options for attachments, such as a microfiber head.
Duster & Extension Pole
An extension pole is a must if you have tall windows to wash. A few extension poles can also help speed up the process of setting up a ladder. This will allow you to complete more appointments per day.
You will find many that come with additional attachments, such as a removable duster or squeegee. These can be used for smaller jobs at home and are easy to remove from the pole. The duster is used to remove fine particles from a window.
T-Bars with Sleeves
Before applying the soap, you’ll need to use the T-bar to coat your window with soap.
You will need different sleeves depending on what you are doing, but microfiber sleeves are a good option as they can be extremely absorbent. There are many sizes available, some as large as 24 inches. You can machine wash them for reuse.
A scraper
Your windows may be too high for you to maintain properly. They can collect dirt, pollen, and grime. You can quickly get rid of any dirt or grime on your windows with a good scraper to make them crystal clear.
A lightweight scraper with a removable blade is a great choice. Scrapers, like the windows they clean, can become dull and brittle from gunk and grime. To continue working efficiently, they will need to be changed over time.
Solution and buckets
To achieve that level of transparency, you would assume you needed an industrial cleaner. But it’s not true. Professionals recommend keeping basic dish soap in their vans. To save money, buy in bulk at large-box stores.
You don’t even need to have anything fancy for a bucket. You can buy buckets at most hardware stores by the dozen. It would help if you looked for buckets that are easy to carry around and empty quickly for soap refills.
Towels
Microfiber towels are recommended for the same reasons as microfiber sleeves. They are extremely absorbent and can be used to remove soap slashes and particles from the windows.
A few regular shower towels can be handy if you need to cover the work area and not leave any mess at your client’s home or office. You can also use them to clean up the area before you go, which will show your professionalism and help you gain repeat clients.
You can also use towels to wipe down your squeegee. To avoid particles sticking to the surface, use lint-free rags. This will prevent you from rushing to finish the job.
A belt with a Squeegee Holster
A belt allows you to carry your window cleaners with you, rather than having them lugged back and forth from your truck.
Notice how we used an image of a traditional belt for our tool belt. This is because you don’t have to use a specific window washer-specific belt. It should be able to hold your tools. We recommend padding belts, however, for ergonomic reasons.
A squeegee pouch is also available for purchase. This makes it easy to grab and carry a difficult tool at your hip. Depending on their type, you can use them as rubber strip cleaners or mini buckets.
Ladders
A reliable ladder is necessary for those jobs where a long pole can’t reach the area you need to give your window a professional look. It will likely be the most expensive professional window cleaning supply, but its reliability and efficiency will be well worth it. It will be lightweight and versatile.
There are many types of ladders available today that can be bent at various angles and locked in place. This makes it easier to access windows in awkward or high-level positions.
Leave a Reply