Traditional Window Cleaning refers to using a squeegee or other manual methods of window cleaning as opposed to WFP cleaning systems. In this section you will find information relating to traditional window cleaning equipment. You will also find helpful tutorials, reviews and advice regarding the tools used for window cleaning traditionally. These links will be useful resources of information.
Traditional Window Cleaning Tutorials
Traditional Window Cleaning Articles
Traditional Window Cleaning Tools and Reviews
Buying and using your first set of window cleaning equipment
Traditional Window Cleaning Equipment
A simple set of window cleaning equipment to start off with would likely include a rectangular bucket (round buckets make it difficult to dip and wet the applicator evenly), a window cleaning squeegee, an applicator for soaping up the windows, scrim or microfibre cloths for tidying up and detailing and a ladder or pole for access to the windows.
The size of window cleaning channel and strip washer (also called an applicator or mop) depends on the kind of work to be done. Residential work often involves cleaning smaller sized windows whereas commercial shop work usually entails cleaning larger areas of glass. It is recommended to have a selection of window cleaning channels which can be easily interchanged if you use a quick release squeegee handle.
A tool belt is not essential to get the job done but a well organized tool belt does have many advantages. A well organized tool belt would have a couple of pouches for cloths and a holster to place the strip washer and squeegee. You don’t want to be placing the washer on the ground where it can pick up gravel and dirt which is one of the potential causes of scratched glass. For indoor work the holster (commonly known as a bucket-on-a-belt BOAB) prevents the washer from dripping on the floor. There are many choices of cleaning solution available ranging from household dish soap to bespoke chemical solutions.
Recommended Basic Start Up kit for a Window Cleaning Business
Domestic or Residential Work:
- 14″/35cm Squeegee with hard rubber
- 14″/35cm Applicator and sleeve
- Tool belt with holster and 2 pouches.
- 22L rectangular bucket
- Selection of 80cm x 60cm Large microfibre cloths
- Quality dish soap or professioanl window cleaning solution
- Small glass scraper with retractable blade (+set of spare scraper blades)
- 2 Section aluminium trade ladders BS EN131
Commercial Window Cleaning:
- 18″/45cm Squeegee with hard rubber
- 18″/45cm Applicator and sleeve
- Tool belt with holster and 2 pouches.
- 22L rectangular bucket
- Selection of 80cm x 60cm Large microfibre cloths
- Quality dish soap or professioanl window cleaning solution
- 4″/10cm Glass scraper blade (+set of spare scraper blades)
- 8ft/2.5m Telescopic extension pole
In recent years many window cleaners have adopted the use of water fed pole systems. For more information regarding the use of pure water for cleaning windows please see our Wfp Window Cleaning articles.