Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Stuart Webster on March 04, 2005, 01:15:36 pm

Title: Detergent
Post by: Stuart Webster on March 04, 2005, 01:15:36 pm
So what do you use?

Why do you use it? Value for money? finish?
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Steve_Richardson on March 04, 2005, 01:29:39 pm
GG3 - because this is what I put in my bucket that I carry my WFP brush around in. It's great for celaning the grit from between the brush filiments.

So when I ahve to do a few windows by hand I put a few drops of GG3 in my water and clean away. Leaves a nicer finish, less soapy bubbles, and you don't have as much detailing to do afterward.

Cheers
Steve
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: AuRavelling79 on March 04, 2005, 07:33:56 pm
If your wfp brush is in GG3 doesn't it cause detergent runs and spotting when you use the pole?
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: replacement on March 04, 2005, 07:38:31 pm
If your wfp brush is in GG3 doesn't it cause detergent runs and spotting when you use the pole?

No It helps in a massive way reducing spotting and alot more. The above is user error.

Justin
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: AuRavelling79 on March 04, 2005, 07:40:49 pm
Sorry Justin I'm posting the same thing in two threads here I'll stick to the other one from now on!
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: easycleanwindows on March 04, 2005, 08:53:08 pm
Iive used gg3 on wfp too.I use tucker poles and you can actually use detergent tablets through a detergent dispenser giving a low foaming cleaning solution to the brush so yes you can use detergents without running or smearing
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Neil on March 04, 2005, 09:03:16 pm
Has anyone tried adding gg3/4 directly to their pure water ?
Neil
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: karlosdaze on March 04, 2005, 09:40:20 pm
Yes, gives even better finish.
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Stuart Webster on March 05, 2005, 10:57:25 am
Thanks guys,

Any comments from traditional method cleaners??
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Ian_Giles on March 05, 2005, 11:11:27 am
I am WFP, but I use Unger liquid for trad cleaning, well either that or Unger gel.
I intend to give GG3 a go at some point too.
I prefer the specialist detergents over washing up liquid, they leave far less 'invisible' residue on the glass for dust particles to stick too, and therefore the windows stay cleaner for longer.

Ian
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Jeff Brimble on March 05, 2005, 11:41:23 am
Neil I have used 7 drops from a medicine rubber bulb dropper per 20 litres direct into tank. 14 drops is too much and foams and leaves white marks
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: AuRavelling79 on March 05, 2005, 11:43:20 am
All you Pole Guys that use GG3/4 with your pure water - what ratio GG3/4 do you mix with your Pure water or do you do as Justin Ruggles does and dip your brush in a bucket of traditional "mix"?
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Stuart Webster on March 05, 2005, 11:45:18 am
Thanks Ian,

My reason for asking, is that, after 15 years i've switched from "fairy" to Ettore. It seams a bit expensive though. Keep posting and polling as my next liquid will depend on what this forum suggests.

  
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: AuRavelling79 on March 05, 2005, 11:51:36 am
Sorry Jeff - I sent my post before I saw yours. Thanks.
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Ian_Giles on March 05, 2005, 12:15:47 pm
Stuart,
All of the specialist detergents are more expensive, and take some getting used to as they use far less than the likes of fairy, and you don't get as much 'slip' as you do with fairy.
You can also add them to a sprayer for use with scrim or microfibre cloth too.

Ian
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Stuart Webster on March 05, 2005, 04:23:21 pm
Ian, I have started to use it in spray. very impressed. I dont mind the extra cost as so far i am well impressed. I should have used it years ago, guess were creatures of habit.
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Neil on March 05, 2005, 06:02:07 pm
Neil I have used 7 drops from a medicine rubber bulb dropper per 20 litres direct into tank. 14 drops is too much and foams and leaves white marks

Thanks Jeff I will give it try.

Neil
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Steve_Richardson on March 05, 2005, 07:25:46 pm
The GG3 in the bucket is just to clean the brush between jobs, and on the first window after taking the brush out the bucket, I have to rinse loads to get rid of the foem...

I will also try the 7 drop per 20 L thang...if it helps I am all for it.

Cheers
Steve
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Duke on March 06, 2005, 11:31:27 am
I thought one of the big selling points for WFP, is how 'green' it was, using no detergents or chemicals....why guild a lilly ?
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Duke on March 06, 2005, 06:56:45 pm
well it is....cant get much greener than pure water I'd have thought ! Got to be better for the environment, if only in a small way......a few of my customers like the idea anyway....
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: windows_chepstow on March 06, 2005, 08:54:48 pm
I read on Pros about weils desease, it can kill you if it gets in your blood stream.

Weils disease is caught by coming into contact with water that has been contaminated by an infected animal's urine.

Have a look here:

http://www.srcf.ucam.org/cucanoe/paperwork/weils.pdf

I think as long as you keep your pure water in a container where animals can't wee in it; you'll be safe.
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Ian_Giles on March 06, 2005, 11:19:48 pm
good grief :-\
Weils disease is one disease that is no threat whatsoever with WFP, and legionaires is little more than a theoretical probability.
The rate of usage combined with having the right conditions for the bacteria to breed make it unlikely in the extreme.
Legionaires disease, even in circumstances where the conditions are potentially favourable is a rare enough occurence.

Ian
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Duke on March 07, 2005, 04:05:17 pm
lol...it's not April the 1st yet already yet is it ?   :)
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: windows_chepstow on March 07, 2005, 07:40:42 pm
Rats can get in anywhere.

I like you Graham Gould.  You make me laugh. 

Unless there's a rat called Harry Houdini - with Weils disease - who can unscrew the tops of water bowsers, then cleverly perch themselves in a safe position and wee, without falling in and drowning, then I reckon the chances are NIL.  However, I'd pay good money to watch it, if anyone knows of such a rat!

And, if rats get everywhere, then they can wee in your house's water tank.  The water might be chlorinated, but I haven't studied what germs that will kill.  I mean it's not ruddy bleach is it.  Tap water doesn't 'Kill all germs dead', like the 'blue stuff' claims.

As for Legionellosis - I hear WFP window cleaners are dropping left right and centre from it!

If you read in another forum that Weils and Legionnaires disease was a realistic danger to WFP users, AND you actually believed it, then send me £100.00 and I promise I will send you a vaccine that you can drink (it tastes just like orange juice), and you will never ever, contract Weils or Legionaires disease through using pure water.

As an afterthought.  It must be a far greater danger from disease from standing in dog and cat poo, then walking it up and down your ladder!



Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Duke on March 07, 2005, 07:43:48 pm
LOL...stop it, me guts hurt...
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: windows_chepstow on March 07, 2005, 08:34:52 pm
Pride comes before a fall.

Graham,

I have no pride.  If you've ever followed my posts, you'll see I've been regularly spanked by various people (mostly Philip).  I've been told in appraisals, when I used to have a 'proper job' that I have a well developed, self-depreciatory and inapropriate sense of humour (not all in the same appraisal mind - it depended on who my boss was.  Some times, on purpose, I even leave myself open to abuse.  It could be interpretted that I like to look stupid.  It makes me grin.

Rarely though, (apart from one occasion on this site, and a few on another) there's any malice in me directed towards an individual, and when I have made fun of people, it's in a very general sense; like the Scottish for example.

However, with one of two of your posts, most notably the 'No' to the lad new to window cleaning - you just seem to be bordering on the obnoxious.  No-one on this forum has developed a high earning business overnight.  Not all of us are Bill Gates or Richard Branson.  I won't argue with you!  Not here.  If you are a high flying window cleaner, share how you did it with us.  I honestly would like to know what sort of work you do, how you got it and your opinions and views on various subjects.

Now I'm going to do the decent thing, and welcome you to this forum! 

Welcome mate. 

I hope we can be 'friends', the way I am with many other people that frequent this site, that I've never met properly, but hope too one day. 

Regards.

Tosh (to my mates).
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: windows_chepstow on March 07, 2005, 09:14:40 pm
I'm only obnoxious when the situation warrants it.

Quits!
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: John Walker on March 07, 2005, 09:51:59 pm
I have used a very weak GG4 soution in my pure water for first cleans for a while now.  I'm convinced it makes a difference and helps sheeting.  After the first clean, providing you are doing a four week cycle there's no need to add GG4.

Also, I believe GG4 is environmentally friendly so doesn't go against the grain.

To be on the safe side, I add a small qty of Milton to all of my stored water,  Makes no difference to the finish.  I've no idea if it will make a difference from a health point of view but at least I'm doing something that seems sensible to me until we have some professional advice.

Regards

John
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: AuRavelling79 on March 07, 2005, 10:59:32 pm
Rats can get in anywhere.

I'm in two minds as to whether I alert my local council about the threat.

Anyway, as I'm on ladders only, it's up to you wfp boys to sort yourselfs out.

 ;D

Graham! You naughty man - telling us you are a ladder man - and all that stuff about the diseases you can get from pure water and chamois too, - and in that other thread on scrim v microfibre you say you've got a van mounted wfp system! Tut tut! You really are a card!;D
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: windows_chepstow on March 08, 2005, 05:07:37 pm
ooooooh get you!

Sounds like you and me are alike. 

I can't believe I missed the above line.  Haddaway and sh@te!  I'm funny on occassions.  Probably better looking too!
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: windows_chepstow on March 08, 2005, 05:20:42 pm
lol
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Philip Hanson on March 08, 2005, 05:26:08 pm
You can both be obnoxious and invite ridicule if you wish.

Just don't do it here please, I'm tired of deleting things.

-Philip
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: windows_chepstow on March 08, 2005, 06:35:16 pm
Point taken and accepted, Philip!
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Moderator David@stives on March 08, 2005, 06:41:05 pm
i thought this was a survey on cleaning liquids not a debate on wfp's
why do all non related topics always get highjacked by wfp users  if you want to go off topic you should start your own threads
thanks
dave
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Stuart Webster on March 08, 2005, 08:37:15 pm
So then, detergent. i've used squeegee off for 2 weeks. better than fairy, friend of mine uses gg3 says you need more than recommended. do i try unger gell next or glimmer clean?
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: rosskesava on March 08, 2005, 08:54:44 pm
I've tried the unger gel. I give it a big thumbs down. I think the idea is that you put a few drops on your applicator and off you go.

The problem I found is the then the 'few blobs' end up on the window at the first pass undisolved.

I tried to add it to water but it wouldn't disolve either in that either.

I can't work out just how it is supposed to be used.

I've used squeegee off and I think it's really good stuff but a bit expensive.
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Stuart Webster on March 08, 2005, 09:05:56 pm
Thanks Rosskesava,

I'll take gel off my list, I don't want to have to keep applying to applicator.

Is the unger liquid any better?

Price of Squeegee off is high, cheapest at  http://cleantech.co.uk/catalogue/index.php?cPath=26_44

Can't work out how it works but I am well impressed, brill in full sun.
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: windows_chepstow on March 08, 2005, 09:33:49 pm
Ahem!  Apologies for earlier!

I've used Unger Fluid, GG4 and Fairy; but tend to choose what's kindest to my hands.  I'm Fairy liquid intolerant and have once been to see the doctor with cracked and broken hands.

It's not a problem in the Winter because I wear gloves as a barrier, but in Summer, when the heats beating down, I have to use a milder detergent like Unger.

I've used all sorts of barrier creams, but none seem to work. 

So for me it's Fairy in the Winter, because I can wear gloves, and I prefer it.

In Summer it's Unger, because it's gentler on my sensitive skin!
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: rosskesava on March 08, 2005, 09:34:47 pm
Hi Stuart

Thanks for the link. That is under half the price I'm paying locally at a supplier.

The only unger stuff I tried was just called 'unger liquid'. For some reason around here (Brighton) I can't get gg3 or gg4.

The unger liquid stuff I tried was really excellant except for one thing - it stank the van out and at night time, I'd wake up during the night and could still smell it on my hands.

My missus told me to stop using it..............
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Stuart Webster on March 08, 2005, 09:40:10 pm
Tosh,

I use nutrogena (sic) norwegian stuff made from fishermen i think?

Morning and night, hands like a baby now.

Fairy now longer mild and green for me.
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: karlosdaze on March 08, 2005, 11:58:07 pm
good grief :-\
Weils disease is one disease that is no threat whatsoever with WFP, and legionaires is little more than a theoretical probability.
Its the storage area conditions that's the problem with Weils disease. If you are storing in a shed or outside damp area, its likely you might have a few rat visitors.
They said the same about bird flu......
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: Crystal Cleaning Services on March 09, 2005, 08:43:14 am
We don't use a Wfp system, traditional ladders and scrim etc.
We use washing up liquid and car screen wash. The screen wash is great for cutting thru all the dirt and grease. wroks great for us.
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: The Bear on April 08, 2005, 02:11:32 pm
Tis is the poll I was talking about
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: sham33 on April 08, 2005, 05:16:09 pm
Is Squegee off still in production?
Title: Re: Detergent
Post by: The Bear on April 08, 2005, 05:36:41 pm
Yes

http://cleantech.co.uk/catalogue/product_info.php?cPath=26_44&products_id=615