[windows_chepstow]

A week or so ago I asked a local window cleaner (not Squeaks) how he cleans windows.  He's been at it for around 10 years now, and is a hard working guy; but slightly obnoxious too.  He prices on the cheap side also.

Anyway, this is his method for trad cleaning:

1.  Wash Window.
2.  Pre Detail the top left corner of the window.
3.  Squeegie.
4.  Detail with a damp scrim.
5.  Detail again with a dry scrim.
6.  Wipe frames and sill.

I told him that, in my opinion he was fannying about too much and all I did was:

1.  Wash window, not touching top or sides.
2.  Squeegie.
3.  Detail where required.
4.  Wipe sill.

He laughed and insinuated that I was a 'cowboy', yet I (by myself; not with Wor Lass) can hit his daily rate within 3 or 4 hours; as opposed to his seven hour day and I've lost only three or four customers in four years from complaints about my work (and that was because of the WFP).

We both do tops only with a WFP, but I use more water each day ('cos I get through more houses).

Now, am I a cowboy, or is he a cheap pro?

[Ian Lancaster]

Each to his own, Tosh.

You're both professionals, with your own ideas.  If the results are good the jobs done

Many years ago I had a customer complain because I was "ragging" (cleaning with just a slightly damp scrim - nothing else).   I asked her if she could see anything wrong with my work and she had to admit she couldn't.  Then I told her it was my business how I did it, and that if I felt like it I would rub them with the top of my head if I wanted to but provided they were clean I'd done my job and she had to pay

Cheers,

Ian

[Londoner]

If the customer is happy thats all that matters. You are in business to make money. Anything more is Bull S**t.

Considering what some window cleaners I have watched seem to get away with I would describe you as a perfectionist.
 

[brett walker]

Hes fannying about too much

Sounds like hes wasting too much time but if thats the way he likes to do it so be it

Time is money

Brett

[Jeff Brimble]

  Top of my head Ha ha priceless. 

[Ian Lancaster]

Top of my head Ha ha priceless. 

Wouldn't be quite so effective these days - not exactly bald, but well on the way

[AuRavelling79]

1.  Wash Window.
2.  Pre Detail the top left corner of the window.
3.  Squeegie.
4.  Detail with a damp scrim.
5.  Detail again with a dry scrim.
6.  Wipe frames and sill.

I told him that, in my opinion he was fannying about too much and all I did was:

1.  Wash window, not touching top or sides.
2.  Squeegie.
3.  Detail where required.
4.  Wipe sill.


Now, am I a cowboy, or is he a cheap pro?

You're both too much of a perfectionist - here's my method when trad. (only three steps)

1. Take one bucket of soapy water.
2. Measure window using outstretched hand (8")

If window is more than 32" x 32" then

3. Chuck one quarter of a two gallon bucket of water at window.

If window less than 32" x 32" then

3. Chuck a bit less water at window.



Job done! The rain will wash it off eventually although you may get one or two spots.

[macc]

A week or so ago I asked a local window cleaner (not Squeaks) how he cleans windows.  He's been at it for around 10 years now, and is a hard working guy; but slightly obnoxious too. 

I told him that, in my opinion he was fannying about too much and all I did was:

1.  Wash window, not touching top or sides.
2.  Squeegie.
3.  Detail where required.
4.  Wipe sill.



Now, am I a cowboy, or is he a cheap pro?

Your a pro Tosh, thats how i cleaned when trad,  .

Tosh, is it Squeak's twin,  .

Macc

[Ian_Giles]

I'm much the same as you Tosh, that's basically how I've always done it, though now whenever I trad clean I use the two handed technique wherever and whenever possible.

On a dirty window I've washed it up to and including the edges, quickly detailed with a damp scrim and then squeegee-d it off and wiped sill.

By doing so you can be sloppy (and therefore much faster) with your detailing and wipe half the frame at the same time, then after you've used your squeegee you won't (or rather shouldn't) need to detail with your dry scrim.

But if John is happy in his longwinded approach then good for him....I'm sure there are some out there who still swear by using just a chamois leather

Ian

[Richy L]

im the same as you tosh.
whats the point in doing more work for the same results.
Maybe his squeegeeing isnt up to scratch!

[Sir Squeaky]

I usually go with your technique Tosh, but with all the grease this month after the storms it hasn't been possible.
If you don't wash to the edge it means when you detail you're just smudging grease.

Lately I've washed right over the edge and quickly wiped around with damp cloth first.
Then when I've squeegeed (accurately but fast of course) I find it barely needs any detailing.
It's just as quick this way I find.
 
I'm sure in the dryer, less greasy weather I'll go back to the old way though.

[neil100]

If I clean Trad I do it like this,

1. Wash the window, Glass only.

2. Squeegie.

3. Detailing with a Bone Dry scrim ( winter only ) if required.

I dont wipe the sills or frames unless the customer asks. If they ask their is a charge for it.

I am a glass cleaner first and formost, Frames are extra unless they are done with wfp which their is no charge for.

The only time I will wipe the sills or frames without chargeing extra for, is when the wind is really strong and it blows across the glass, if I leave soapy suds on the frame and sills the wind Redeposits the dirty water back on the glass.


 Each to their own. You can only get the glass so clean, The faster you do it the more money you can earn.

Nel.

[Andy@w.c.s]

Thats like cleaning your car and leaving the wheels

a waste of time

 

[KarlJones]

or washing the glass on your car and leaving the rest.

[Paul Coleman]

If I clean Trad I do it like this,

1. Wash the window, Glass only.

2. Squeegie.

3. Detailing with a Bone Dry scrim ( winter only ) if required.

I dont wipe the sills or frames unless the customer asks. If they ask their is a charge for it.

I am a glass cleaner first and formost, Frames are extra unless they are done with wfp which their is no charge for.

The only time I will wipe the sills or frames without chargeing extra for, is when the wind is really strong and it blows across the glass, if I leave soapy suds on the frame and sills the wind Redeposits the dirty water back on the glass.


 Each to their own. You can only get the glass so clean, The faster you do it the more money you can earn.

Nel.

I can understand not doing a full frame clean but I've always taken the view that the liquid on the sills is what I have put there so I've always wiped them off when I worked trad.

[brett walker]

I have always cleaned the window sills as standard and always will as this has bought me so much more business its surprising how much a customer appreciates you wiping the window sill it finishes perfect.  There are some window cleaners in my area that just will not wipe the window sill and i would like to thank them as it has bought me so much more business its the little things like that the customer appreciates, it only takes a few seconds

Brett

[JM123]

ha, if he thinks tosh is a cowboy what does that make me?

I work double handed (Turbo Terry styleeeee) and don't need to detail apart from the bottom edge, very quick wipe of the sill and thats your lot folks.

Never had one complaint.

[Paul Coleman]

ha, if he thinks tosh is a cowboy what does that make me?

I work double handed (Turbo Terry styleeeee) and don't need to detail apart from the bottom edge, very quick wipe of the sill and thats your lot folks.

Never had one complaint.

And you can even get away with the bottom edge depending on the type of rebate.

[JM123]

ha, if he thinks tosh is a cowboy what does that make me?

I work double handed (Turbo Terry styleeeee) and don't need to detail apart from the bottom edge, very quick wipe of the sill and thats your lot folks.

Never had one complaint.

And you can even get away with the bottom edge depending on the type of rebate.

HERE NOW!!  What kind of cowboy wc'er are you!!