[Duke]

  recently, I've stopped using the traditional method and have started using the pole full time. (I used to use a bit of both, depending on the job) It hasn't happened until recently, but I've had a few customers complain about white streaky deposits left after the windows have dried (watermarks). This has happened on a variety of windows...UPVC (though not as much) woodframed, georgians, etc, etc. But not on all ! The PH is neutral, so why some and not others..maybe it's my technique, maybe some are just sods, I really try and do a good job for everyone, I scrub the whole window and frame, then rinse off. So why are some fine and some not ? Could it be drips off of wet brickwork re-contaminating the glass ?...beats me, but I wish I had something off pat to tell the customer...fact is...I don't know why...ideas anyone ? Another thought was, how can I get dried on birdcrap etc off of high windows (3rd storey) which wont come off with the brush....that's if I can even see it from the floor level....

[Central]

I aint no expert mate but it could be down to the rinsing, but if it didntr hapopen before and just started happening then Id try and think if theres anything your doing differently or maybe rushing a bit as your getting more used to it.  Thats all I can thiunk of

[Pureandclean]

Hi,
Regarding the bird poo, try soaking it before you do the rest of the windows,leave it till last, it is normally softened up enough to shift it.
On some of the older upvc windows, the black seals have soaked up the detergent over the years and release it when the pure water penetrates them.
If upstairs window, don't do the frame above the window.
If downstairs window, give the seal a quick wipe. :

[Duke]

Thanks for the replies guys..I did hear that there was a scraper attachment for the pole...wonder how that works...especially when it's high up...hard enough to see what I'm doing as it is...

[MJCleaning]

I have had all the same difficulties with WFP. Ironed out some of the, others hard to know why? I would recommend attending the WFP training from BWCA. You will get a good explanation of how pure water actually works and what that means for WFP. Why spend thousands and get no training ?

[williamx]

Duke
You can use a scraper which fits onto the pole, I use a Unger one which works quite well as for seeing that far you could always try binoculars

[Jeff Brimble]

Try cleaning the frames and glass right round the house then if you think its going to streak go back round with a clean brush and just quickly rinse the glass after gravity has had a chance to get rid of some of the contaminants.

[Duke]

yes, I think that's probably the problem...I'm trying to be too quick...rinsing after the drips have stopped from the frame certainly helps.....and yes I probably should attend a training course...they just all seem miles away from where we operate...

[AuRavelling79]

Hope you don't mind me doing a BTTT on this, just wondering if Duke sussed out the "streak" problem?

[Duke]

yes...I think so.....seems to me that the answer is...first time round, clean it all, frames, glass and everything....second visit, just the glass, only going up to the top of the highest frame where it meets the glass...no problem now.
I think what was happening is that in my enthusiasm, I was also getting the brickwork/etc wet.....then it was leaching contaminents in the drips...landing on the glass. Since I stopped doing that, it's been fine......
And all I was trying to do was the best cleaning job I could....steep learning curve...ya know....customers don't want REALLY clean.....they just want VISIBALLY clean........bah, lack of knowledge on their part, coupled with ignorance, discrimination and down right stupidity......the new flier has helped though.....stupid public !

[gaza]

maybe you could post a copy of your flyer as Im sure many of us will come across this problem

[mbosticky]

Can pole cleaning be done as a replacement of ladder cleaning?

I would like to get into window cleaning but don't want to use ladder because it doesn't feel safe to me. I need to start quick before run out of savings so I was going to use a pole.

What pole would you recomend?
Should i get a swivel squeegee?

Since reading these pages, i didn't realise there was so much to window cleaning! 

Regards, Martin.

[Duke]

absolutely....but check out all the other threads on the subject first....as for which system....well that's a bit of a jungle....you pay your money and take your choice I guess.....I use the Omnipole and trolley system.....but since buying it, I've seen nicer poles (design wise).....though I'm happy with the Omnitrolley. I stress....this system suits my use and needs....but everyone is different, it depends on lot's of factors....like Domestic/Commercial....amount of customers/type of properties....premises, vehicle......loads of stuff will influence your decision. One thing for me remains constant though....the pole is better and quicker and safer.....no matter what type of cleaning you get involved in....well, that's my ten pence worth anyway.

[Duke]

PS...flier about poles has been posted ! (in Docs)

[mbosticky]

I am sorry. I am new to this site. Where do i find the flier about poles?

Also, I just called a Window Cleaner in my local area (randomly from yellow pages) and he reckons that poles are not as good as when you use a ladder. Can you clean window rim with a pole effectively? I would preffer using pole, perhaps with some clever feature?

I guess ladder vs pole discussion has been talked though in one of the other threads?

Cheers Martin.

PS: I am excited about becoming a Window Cleaner after 5 years of being a software engineer 

[Steve_Richardson]

PS: I am excited about becoming a Window Cleaner after 5 years of being a software engineer  Grin

Window cleaned for 5 years, gave up to work in an office selling computers for 7 years, just started window cleaning again (WFP this time) and been going for 10 months so far and not looked back.

WFP made all the difference. You will love it 

Cheers
Steve

[Duke]

I am sorry. I am new to this site. Where do i find the flier about poles?




Main menu....bottom option...'documents to download'....

[scatman]

i was looking at your question and it could be that the streaks are caused by the frames running with powder as they are beging to break down.

[Duke]

yes, I used to get this before on older UPVC windows.....I guess they need a good rinse...