Cleaning windows is easy when you use the right tools and techniques. Start with a lint-free rag or microfiber cloth to wash the window, and then squeegee it clean.

If there are any stubborn stains, use a scrub pad or a commercial cleanser, such as CLR, to remove them.
Safety is a non-negotiable aspect of any window cleaning project. Workers should always have the proper equipment to ensure their own safety and the safety of others around them. This includes a harness and other personal protective equipment to avoid falls. It is also important to know how to properly use ladders and other tools. Finally, they should always have a first-aid kit available for any accidents that may occur.
When hiring a professional window cleaner, it is important to verify that they have the necessary insurance to cover any possible injuries. This can be done by contacting the company directly or checking their website for reviews. It is also a good idea to ask about their cleaning process, as well as their guarantees and warranties.
Working at heights can be dangerous for anyone, especially when the weather is poor. Rain, high winds, and extreme temperatures can cause a loss of balance and control, leading to a fall. This can result in severe injury or even death. It is therefore important for window cleaners to always work in a team and never go alone when working at heights.
Another important aspect of safety is to always be aware of electrical hazards. This can include power lines, extension poles, and other electrical fixtures. It is important for workers to maintain a minimum of 10-foot distance from any exposed outlets or wires to prevent electrocution.
A fall arrest system is a vital component of any high-rise window cleaning project. These systems are designed to catch a worker in the event of a fall, which can help to prevent serious injury. They should be tested before use and regularly inspected for wear and tear.
Other safety measures include having a rescue plan in place, providing training on how to use the fall arrest system, and having a communication system in place. It is also important to make sure that the building or structure is secure before beginning work and to use barriers to limit access to the area. Additionally, workers should always take a break after 30 minutes of being on a ladder and should have someone hold the ladder for them.
Equipment
Window Cleaning is an industry that requires a variety of equipment to ensure the job is done properly. It is essential to have all of the necessary tools to get started and also keep them organized so they are easy to find when needed. Some of the most important items for any professional window cleaner include a ladder, squeegee, scrubber, bucket, de-ionized water and a wiper.
A good quality ladder is required in order to clean high windows. It is recommended to choose one that has a built in platform at the top so that it is easy to stand on while you are working on the windows. It is also a good idea to invest in a pair of ladder mitts that help prevent scratches on the building’s fascia or UPVC wall cladding.
Having a hip belt and pouch is another must for any professional window cleaner. This helps you carry around your tools and supplies while you are on the go. A pouch is used to store smaller items such as towels and a tool belt keeps all of your main tools (squeegee, scrubber) within reach. It is also a good idea to have a bucket on a belt or BOAB (more info on this later).
The type of scrubber you will need depends on what kind of cleaning you do. If you have to clean a lot of windows with hard grime such as bug droppings or tree pitch, a scrubber will make the job much easier for you. Typically these are made of microfiber and can be machine-washed for repeated use. You will also need a set of sleeves that go with the scrubber that vary in size and are designed for specific types of work.
You will need to have a bucket for washing your squeegee blade and to dump soapy water into. The best buckets are ones that are portable and easy to carry, like the ones that come with handles you can grab onto. They are also easy to wash and will hold up well over time.
Training
If you have a good head for heights and are comfortable cleaning windows, window cleaning can be a rewarding career. Having the right training is essential, though. There are a variety of courses available to learn the necessary skills. The Cleaning to Perfection Window Cleaning Training Program is one example. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other training options and was designed by a professional who has owned two successful window cleaning businesses. It’s also endorsed by a Cleaning Industry Third Party Assessor.
In addition to specialized training, window cleaners should have knowledge of basic health precautions. This is especially important if they plan to work on high-rise buildings. This is because high-rises are a specialized environment and require extra precautions. Additionally, window cleaning can involve the use of chemicals that can cause harm if they come into contact with skin or lungs.
There are several different ways to access high-rise windows, including supported scaffolding and suspended platforms or cradles. Supported scaffolding is a temporary platform that workers can stand on. It rests on a surface below, unlike a suspension scaffolding, which hangs from above.
Many people think of the job of a high rise window washer as rock climbing for a paycheck, and that’s a fair description. They’re experts at knots, ropes and safety harnesses. And they spend a lot of time on the edge of buildings, often looking down at the street below. The standard training for a high-rise window cleaner is a course called SPRAT, which teaches rope descending and ascending and advanced rescues. It takes a week to complete, and it requires a specialized set of gear that not everyone has.
For those who want to work on higher buildings, but don’t want to take a SPRAT course, Peak Rescue offers a Controlled Descent & Training for Window Cleaners course. This is shorter, costs less, and focuses on the equipment used by highrise window cleaners.
Once you’ve completed your training and have the proper equipment, it’s time to start your business. Creating a business plan is a crucial step in establishing a new window cleaning service. It includes a competitive analysis, marketing strategy and financial projections. It’s also a good idea to network with other local services, such as landscaping and remodelers, and create a referral system.
Insurance
Many window cleaning businesses need insurance coverage to protect them from financial losses. Some of the primary types of business insurance that a window cleaning company needs are general liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto.
General liability insurance for window cleaners helps pay for lawsuits, damages and settlements if someone is harmed by your products or services. For example, if a customer claims the cleaning solution your employees used scratched their windows or that your advertisement about leaving windows sparkling clean was libelous, a general liability insurance policy can help cover legal costs and judgements against you.
Workers’ compensation insurance is required by law in most states, and it helps cover employee medical expenses, lost wages and disability benefits if they are injured while working for the business. Workers’ compensation is an important part of any business, and it is especially vital for a window cleaning company where workers frequently climb and work on high surfaces.
Other policies that a window cleaning company may need include contractors pollution liability, inland marine and hired and non-owned auto. Pollution liability is necessary for any window washing business that uses chemical solutions, because they can pose a risk to the environment, people and animals. This type of business insurance can pay for clean-up costs, environmental damage and third-party bodily injury or property damage caused by chemicals.
Inland marine insurance covers equipment that is moved between job sites. It might include items like ladders, lifters, and other tools. If a worker leaves their company truck and trailer at their home, or if they bring tools and equipment in their personal vehicle to a job site, this kind of coverage can help pay for stolen equipment or damage while it is being transported.
Most window cleaning companies use a variety of vehicles to get from job to job. If your company has utility vans, box trucks or any other vehicles in your fleet, you need a commercial auto policy to help pay for the cost of repairs or replacement if those vehicles are damaged or destroyed in an accident. This policy is also essential if your employees drive their own personal vehicles or use a rental car for business purposes.