Commercial Window Cleaning 

Is commercial window cleaning included with your janitorial service contract? This is an important question for facility managers to ask. Clean windows provide a great first impression to tenants and customers. They also help to let more natural light into your building, potentially lowering electric bills. Hiring a professional company for commercial window cleaning is worth the investment. But what goes into making your windows sparkle?

Window Washing Equipment

The key to a successful window cleaning business is having the right tools to complete the job. You need to invest in a number of different supplies like pure water fed pole systems, water window washing systems, buckets, and squeegees.

Another essential tool is a ladder, especially if you plan on cleaning higher windows that require climbing. Lastly, you need towels that won’t leave behind lint or streaks, such as surgical or microfiber cloths. You should also invest in field service management software, which will allow you to track scheduling, client information, bids, and invoices from a desktop or smartphone. This can make a huge difference in your ability to grow your commercial window cleaning business.

Chemicals

Many commercial window cleaner use a mixture of chemicals to remove dirt and grime from windows. Some have high toxicity levels and should be kept away from people with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities. Others may have lower toxicity levels but can still pose health-related concerns in the long run.

Chemicals used in glass cleaners include surfactants and solvents. Surfactants break up contaminants and make them easier to dissolve. They also help to reduce the amount of residue that is left behind on the surface. Some products also contain bactericides that kill germs.

Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is another common ingredient found in glass cleaner. It effectively cuts through grease and other tough grunge, evaporates quickly, and can kill some types of germs. Some people prefer to use homemade cleaners that do not contain harsh chemicals or are free of ammonia. These options can be less expensive and allow users to select ingredients they are comfortable with.

Squeegees

Window squeegees are essential for making glass windows look shiny and clean. They’re usually used after washing a window with a hose, soapy water, or glass-cleaning spray. The flexible blade of the squeegee pulls off water to leave a streak-free shine. Today’s professional squeegees increase productivity, dry windows quicker, and are ergonomically designed to be more comfortable to use.

Some squeegees come with extension handles, allowing them to be used on windows that are too high to reach without a ladder or step stool. This Unger squeegee is an excellent choice for commercial window cleaning because it has an 18-inch stainless steel blade that’s durable and rust-resistant, and a handle with a click-in connection that fits several types of extension poles.

Other features to consider when selecting a squeegee include channel material (brass is rigid and can handle consistent pressure, while aluminum is lighter but less rugged); handle design (some have rubber-coated materials that improve comfort and grip; others have metal that’s either coated or uncoated, with some having a swivel feature); and size (larger models are best for large windows). Also look for squeegees that have replaceable rubber.

Wipes

Cleaners and squeegees are a must, but a good supply of high-quality wipes can make the job go much faster. These pre-moistened wipes remove grease and oil, dried food spills, dirt, fingerprints, smudges, and even some germs without scratching glass surfaces or leaving streaks. They also contain no ammonia and are lint free.

Another useful cleaning tool is a razor blade mounted in a holder for removing paint specks, labels, and other sticky residue. For deep cleaning, professionals often use a scrubbing pad or wire brush for tougher spots.