What Does a Window Washers Do?

Cleaning windows is a tedious job and can be dangerous for those without the right equipment. Using the wrong techniques by window washers can cause streaks and damage the window sills or frames.

Professional Equipment

Professional window cleaners use a variety of equipment to provide their clients with quality service. This includes a ladder that is tall enough to reach the highest windows, a squeegee with a rubber blade that leaves a spotless finish, and a clean chamois cloth for wiping off moisture from the glass.

Ladders are available in different styles and sizes. A ladder that is lightweight and compact can be easier to transport between jobs. The type of water also affects the results, and professionals may add a commercial cleaning solution or softener to their bucket.

Some commercial window washers add ice removal tools to their kit for cleaning hard frost and thin layers of ice. Pure water fed pole systems are also popular among many window washing professionals, as they eliminate the need for ladders and require a small amount of detergent. These systems run water through reverse osmosis, carbon, and deionization to remove minerals and other contaminants from the water.

Chemicals

Professional window cleaners use a wide variety of cleaning chemicals and solutions to tackle different types of dirt, stains, and other contaminants on glass surfaces. Many of these chemicals are ammonia-based, which is effective but can leave streaks or fog on some types of glass, such as car windows, where it could obstruct the driver’s view.

Some common household ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils are also effective window cleaning agents. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which can break down grease and mineral deposits on glass surfaces while also killing some bacteria. However, it should not be used as a replacement for true sanitizers that kill 99.9 percent of disease-causing pathogens on hard surfaces.

Those wishing to use natural cleaning products can make their own solution by mixing one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with two gallons of water and adding some rubbing alcohol, which helps the solution evaporate more quickly on glass surfaces and reduces the likelihood of leaving water spots behind. It’s important to remember that homemade cleaning solutions are flammable, so they should be stored in a safe place out of reach for children and pets.

Safety

Professional window washers take safety seriously, and they often perform site assessments before beginning any cleaning work. This includes a thorough inspection of all climbing equipment and scaffolding to make sure they’re in good condition. This helps to prevent injuries during the cleaning process, which can be costly for businesses.

The team will also test their harnesses and ropes before climbing. They’ll then put on their protective clothing, which usually includes gloves and long-sleeved shirts. They may also wear a helmet and knee pads. They should always carry spare parts for common tools, such as bars for squeegees and a few extra tethers for the harness.

They should also be aware of electrical hazards and keep a minimum 10-foot distance from power and supply lines. Additionally, they should never extend ladders or water-fed hoses out over the edge of a building.

Additional Services

In addition to washing windows, professional window cleaners can also do various services, such as roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, and power washing. They often work for building maintenance firms that do many different kinds of cleaning jobs or have their own businesses.

When choosing a window washing service, check their customer reviews and prices. It’s also a good idea to ask whether they offer free estimates and a guarantee on their work.