Almost every building has windows and these windows eventually become dirty and require regular cleaning. There are many ways to do this. This article will look at a few of the methods employed by commercial window cleaning companies to do their job.
For every window-cleaning job, the choice of equipment to be used will first be determined by the height of the building, the site conditions and the amount of work to be accomplished. As a rule, the safest and less complicated way is the best way. This could mean accessing the windows from the inside of the building, alleviating the need for equipment required to reach extensive heights.
The most popular method for reaching high windows in a residential job is the tried and true extension ladder. Other equipment required for this job will be a good squeegee (commercial grade), a bucket to hold water and the cleaning agent, a scrubber, a sponge and some lint free towels (micro-fiber works best). While dish soap is most often used as the cleaner, there are better options available that don't leave behind a residue. Vinegar can also be added to the water to reduce streaks.
Extension ladders are a good means of accessing higher windows but are only appropriate to about three stories. Taller buildings will require some other method of reaching the upper windows. Rope access is a popular way of achieving this, using a configuration called a 'cradle' or a 'bosun's chair'. This is also the method used to suspend someone working on the side of a ship or boat but works just as well for window cleaners.
Another device common for reaching higher windows is something called a water fed pole (WFP). As the name implies, this is a telescoping pole hooked up to water which can deliver a cleaning stream up to 70 feet or more. Frequently, purified water is used and does a good job of cleaning without leaving behind any residue.
Government regulations and guidelines exist regarding safety and proper window washing operations. However, these regulations are typically not enforced in most countries. Window cleaning is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the UK, and every year sees deaths occur for those in this occupation.
As earlier mentioned, easier and safer are better in this line. Those who will be using scaffolding or hanging from ropes should receive proper training before they try this work. Technological advancements are continuing to improve the methods employed by commercial window cleaning companies but, as always, using the right equipment and employing accepted safety precautions are paramount.
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