Our Cleaning Methods

We use two highly effective window cleaning methods based on your building type and window access:

1. Traditional Cleaning

2. Water Fed pole (WFP)

Here’s the details:

1. Traditional Window Cleaning (“Trad”)

Best for interior windows and detail work:

• Uses squeegees, mops, extension poles, towels, scrubbing pads, and razors.

• Great for storefronts, entrances, and interior windows up to 2 stories.

• Minimizes water runoff and allows for high-precision detailing.

Squeegee Techniques:

• Reverse S-Pattern (high skill, fast and clean)

• Straight Pulls

• Snake Stroke

• Overlap Method

Often to referred to as “Trad” in the industry, Traditional cleaning methods are highly effective in safety cleaning window both indoors and out.

Equipment used with the traditional window cleaning method:

• Traditional squeegees, Mops and solution buckets

• Cleaning towels for drying, buffing and detailing

• Extension poles which reach up to 2 stories

• Scrubbing pads of the Walnut and ultra-fine steel wool variety

• Precision razors for safety scraping  off adhesives and stubborn debris 

• Micro abrasive solutions for the safe removal of mineral deposits

When the method is deployed:

• Inside:

• For the high level of detail that can be achieved.

• Low volume of liquid required for cleaning and the low volume of resulting run-off when compared to the Water Fed Pole Method.

• Outside:

• High speed cleaning of windows which are accessible within reach from the ground level, often 8’ in height or less.

• High precision areas. For example, high precision cleanings of the building’s main entrances.

The Art of the Squeegee

Various patterns can be used to remove the cleaning solution and grime from the glass surface. These require various levels of skill and result in different production speeds. The most common are as follows:

1. Reverse S Pattern: Starting from the top left corner, make an "S" shape by pulling the squeegee downwards and then reversing the direction at the bottom, creating an "S" pattern. Repeat across the window. This window cleaning method requires high skill, but when performed correctly is extremely effective and quick. This is the mark of a true professional.

2. Straight Pull or Straight Stroke: A simple vertical or horizontal straight line from top to bottom or left to right, using the squeegee blade to remove the cleaning solution in a single, continuous motion.

3. Snake Stroke: Similar to the reverse S pattern, but instead of reversing at the bottom, continue in a zigzag motion across the window, resembling a snake's movement.

4. Circular Stroke: This pattern involves moving the squeegee in circular motions, starting from one corner and working towards the opposite corner, covering the entire window in circular sweeps. This method is also very fast and effective.

5. Overlap Stroke: Use a standard straight pull stroke but overlap each stroke slightly to ensure complete coverage and removal of cleaning solution from the entire window surface.

These patterns are used to efficiently remove cleaning solution and achieve a streak-free finish when cleaning windows using a squeegee in the traditional method. Different patterns may be preferred based on the size and shape of the window, as well as the cleaner's personal technique and comfort.

Here's a summary of the traditional technique:

1. Tools and Equipment: It involves using a squeegee, a scrubber or mop, a bucket filled with a cleaning solution (often a mix of water and window cleaning detergent), and a cloth for drying and buffing.

2. Preparation: The process starts by preparing the cleaning solution and filling the bucket. The solution is applied to the window using a scrubber or mop.

3. Scrubbing: The window surface is scrubbed thoroughly to loosen and remove dirt, grime, and other residues.

4. Squeegeeing: A squeegee is then used to remove the cleaning solution and dirt from the window surface. The squeegee is dragged horizontally or vertically across the window, starting from the top and moving downwards in overlapping strokes. This process helps in removing the solution and achieving a streak-free finish.

5. Drying and Detailing: After squeegeeing, a cloth or chamois is used to dry the edges and any remaining moisture on the window to ensure a completely clean and clear surface.

Traditional window cleaning is effective but can be labor intensive, especially for larger or multi-story buildings which is why we often choose our second method, WFP.

2. Water Fed Pole (WFP) System

Water fed pole, often abbreviated to “WFP” in the industry, is the most ecofriendly and high capacity cleaning method in our arsenal. It utilized standard water from a well or municipal water supply, and makes t usable for spot-free shine on hard to reach exterior windows. Due to water runoff this method is reserved for outdoor use.

A waterfed pole window cleaning system typically consists of several key components designed to facilitate the cleaning of windows using purified water delivered through an extendable pole. Here are the main components:

1. Waterfed Pole: The primary tool used in the system, it's an extendable pole usually made of lightweight materials like aluminum, fiberglass or carbon fiber. The pole's length varies, allowing window cleaners to reach windows on multiple floors without the need for ladders. It often features sections that can be extended or retracted to adjust its height. We have the capabilities of cleaning exterior windows 6 stories in height from the ground utilizing our water fed pole systems.

2. Brush: Attached to the end of the waterfed pole, the specialized brush has tightly packed bristles, often made of boars hair or nylon, that are specifically designed to aggressively agitate and scrub the window surface, loosening dirt and debris.

3. Water Purification System: This system filters and purifies regular municipal or well water to remove impurities, minerals, and dissolved solids. It typically includes a series of filters, such as sediment filters, carbon filters, and a reverse osmosis (RO) or deionization (DI) unit, ensuring the water used for cleaning is free from contaminants that could leave streaks or spots. In phoenix the total dissolved solids in the tap water often exceed 500 parts per million. The water fed pole system, when functioning properly can filter that down to around 0-5 parts per million resulting in spot free windows.

4. Water Source: Municipal or well water supplies or water tanks (filtered or unfiltered) can feed the system. The unfiltered water is forced through the purification system under the municipal pressure (often 30-60+ psi at the spigot) or via a pump. In order to run multiple operations for reach significant heights we utilize booster pumps to increase pressure and flow.

5. Hose and Tubing: The system includes hoses and tubing that transport the purified water from the storage container to the waterfed pole. These hoses are lightweight and flexible, allowing for easy maneuverability during the cleaning process.

6. Pumps & Booster Pumps (Optional): Pumps increase either the flow, pressure or both of the water flowing though the system. selecting the correct sized pumps requires understanding delivery requirements for the operators, the source output capabilities and the comments in between. Generally speaking, higher flow and pressure is preferred for clean quality and speed.

7. Flow Control and Valve: A valve or flow control mechanism allows the user to regulate the flow of water from the reservoir to the brush head. This control is typically located near the base of the pole for easy access.

8. Optional Accessories: Some systems may include additional accessories like quick-connect fittings, angle adapters and goose necks for the brush head, and specialized nozzles for different cleaning purposes.

The watered pole window cleaning system has revolutionized exterior window cleaning by enabling professionals to clean windows from the ground with greater safety, high quality and unmatched speed, all without the need for chemicals.