Ever wondered how professional window cleaners manage to get windows looking crystal clear and streak-free every time? It’s not just a bit of elbow grease! In this blog, our expert commercial window cleaners reveal exactly which tools and products they use to make your windows look as good as the day they got installed.
So, let’s dive in, what do professional window cleaners use to clean windows?
Professional window cleaners use a combination of high-quality tools like squeegees, water-fed poles, and microfibre cloths, along with effective solutions such as dish soap and professional-grade cleaners.
Keep reading to find out more about the products commonly used by experts, which methods are best, and if professional window cleaners are actually worth it.
What Commercial Window Cleaning Tools Do Professionals Use?
Good quality tools are essential for achieving that streak-free shine. Below, we’ve listed the most common tools you’ll find in every expert window cleaner’s repertoire:
| Tool | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Squeegees With a Rubber Blade | Squeegees help to spread the clean, soapy water across the window and leave a fresh finish without any streaks. |
| Water-Fed Poles | Often used in the Reach and Wash method, water-fed poles allow access to high windows from the ground. They’re usually fitted with soft-bristled brushes and connected to purified water systems. |
| Microfibre Cloths | Microfibre cloths are lint-free and absorbent, making them perfect for polishing glass surfaces and drying windows after cleaning for a streak-free finish. |
| Plastic Scrapers | For tougher grime like bird droppings, paint, or stickers, scrapers with replaceable rubber/plastic blades help remove the debris without scratching the glass. This is usually done before washing with a cleaning solution and water. |
What Commercial Window Cleaning Products Do Professionals Use?
Even if you have all the professional tools at your disposal, they won’t be effective without the right cleaning products and highly trained operatives. Here’s what the experts use on your windows to achieve a professional look:
| Product | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dish Soap | Yes, you heard that right! Many cleaning companies use dish soap mixed with water to clean their windows. Dish soap helps to break up grease and is easy to wipe off, leaving windows shiny and streak-free. |
| Professional-Grade Solutions | Professional window cleaning liquids are the most effective way to remove dirt and grime, but are typically more expensive than the window cleaning fluids you can buy off the shelf. Depending on the brand, the solution may have to be diluted with water before use. |
| Vinegar Solutions | Vinegar is a common ingredient that is very effective when it comes to cleaning. Vinegar may be used alongside the professional cleaning solution to remove streaks from hard water mineral deposits. |
| Ammonia Solutions | Like vinegar, ammonia may be added to window cleaning solutions to remove those tougher streaks. However, it is slightly more hazardous compared to vinegar, so should be used with caution. |
| Distilled Water | Some window cleaners may use distilled water to clean windows as it contains less minerals. Minerals can sometimes leave small streaks on windows, so should be avoided for sparkly windows. |
What Are The Most Commonly Used Window Cleaning Methods by Professionals?
Even if you have all the professional tools at your disposal, they won’t be effective without the right cleaning products and highly trained operatives. Here’s what the experts use on your windows to achieve a professional look:
Different commercial buildings and window placements at varying heights call for different cleaning techniques. Here are the most common methods used by the experts here at iClean:
Reach and Wash
Reach and wash window cleaning is a method used for smaller commercial buildings. Using a telescopic fibreglass pole fed with purified water and cleaning solution, we’ll gently clean and rinse each window before allowing them to dry naturally.
Find out more about Reach & Wash Window Cleaning here.
Rope Access
Rope (or Abseil) Access Window Cleaning is the perfect solution to cleaning windows where access is difficult, both from the ground and at an elevated position. A commercial window cleaner will abseil down from the top of your building and traditionally clean each window with an applicator and squeegee.
Find out more about Rope Access Window Cleaning here.
Cradle Access
Cradle access is a method typically used for high-rise buildings in busy city centres, especially where space at ground level is limited. It involves using a suspended cradle (also known as a building maintenance unit or BMU) that moves up and down the face of the building. This system allows cleaners to access large areas of glass safely and efficiently, without needing scaffolding or ground-based lifting equipment.
Find out more about Cradle Access Window Cleaning here.
Post-Construction
Newly constructed commercial buildings are often covered with dust and dirt, which must be cleaned before the site is handed over. The method for post-construction cleaning will differ depending on the height and size of the building at hand, but will more than likely include one of the methods we explained above.
Find out more about Post-Construction Window Cleaning here.
Truck-Mounted Platform Access (MEWP)
MEWP access is a method typically used for high-rise buildings in busy city centres. It involves using a truck-mounted platform and lifting the operative in the basket to the area which is needing to be cleaned. By using a truck mount, you reduce the need to use ladders. It may also be preferable for building managers to use this option as it minimises the need to have cradles/BMUS serviced and insured, which can be a large financial burden.
If you are accessing the windows via truck truck-mounted platform, either cleaning method can be used, reach and wash or traditional methods of applicator and squeegee. Traffic management does need to be considered on public land however, our specialist surveyors are on hand as a one-stop shop to provide all permits and council liaison in-house, which takes the stress away from the client.
Are Professional Window Cleaners Worth It?
Absolutely! By hiring professional window cleaners for your commercial building, whether offices or otherwise, your building maintains a professional and reputable appearance – giving a great impression to staff or customers that may be visiting. Plus, if your building is multi-storey, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to clean the windows yourself. By hiring professionals like iClean, they’ll be able to use various methods to reach those high-up windows.
Not only do professional window cleaners save you time and effort, but if you’re hiring them for a business premises, the cost is often tax-deductible as part of your maintenance expenses. Win-win!
FAQs
Commercial Window Cleaning Success Stories:
Looking for real-life examples of how professionals clean windows? Be sure to check out our customer case studies. We recently completed a commercial window cleaning in Leeds for a city-centre 5-storey building. After assessing the scope of the building, we used a truck-mounted platform and rope access window cleaning to ensure that all windows could be reached. Once we were up there, our team of professional window cleaners used an applicator and squeegee to help the glass shine!
Professional Commercial Window Cleaning Services With iClean
Whether you’re managing a low-rise office block or a glass-fronted skyscraper, iClean has the tools, expertise, and safety credentials to get the job done right. Get in touch with our friendly and professional today to discuss your commercial window cleaning needs and request a tailored quote.
