[ecowasher]

Hi.

New WC learning the ropes.

I have read a lot of stuff about cleaning products,  water quality etc,  but I seem to have an issue whereby although i do not get lines,  i can often get what is best described as a residue left on the windows,  almost like a very fine dust.  Normally only visible in reflected sunlight.  Looks almost like a light smoking -  hopefully you guys will know what i mean by this.

What causes this?  is it the water quality ( i use tap,  Traditional method), the cleaning solution (fairy),  or is it that i am  not getting my windows 'wet' long enough the squeegee correctly,  hence a residue being left.

Also, i have read a lot about not wetting right to the edges of windows when applying the water,  whats that all about?  surely you have to get into the corners / edges?

Any advice welcome - and excuse my lack of knowledge,  but im sure you have all been there at some point.!!!

Many thanks again,

Grant

[jeff1]

Hi Grant
your waters ok, and your cleaning solution is ok, this problem happens when there isn't enough water on the window, and it dries to fast,
dont try to do to big an area in this weather if you are new to WC, in this weather use more water on your applicator, cover a smaller area, and blade a bit quiker this should solve your streaks problem (white powder)

[Andrew McCann]

Hi grant

It does sound like your solution is drying out a bit before you blade it. Like Jeff says make sure you use plenty of solution and blade off as soon as you can. Another thing that may be a problem is that you may well be using too much fairy.

Personally I hate the stuff coz of the residue and too many suds. Try to use as little fairy as possible. Just enough to get good slip on your squeegee and no more. Yes soap up to the edges. You only really would miss the top edge on problem windows where you may have to use your squeegee on a pole.

I remember starting out and having ll the usual problems. One question.. are you having to scrim all over the window after using your squeegee? I did in the very early days and had exactly the same problem as you describe.

Keep asking questions.. however trivial you may think they are. You will be amazed how much usefull info and advice you get.

Cheers

Andrew

[david68]

Hi
My window cleaning days are very new.
I was having this trouble my self, due to using scrim after clean on windows.
So now i have learnt different was to blade the window. Also using a chemical called squeegee off.
Stick with it and always ask the guys here questions.
I now have started and enjoy becoming a window cleaner.
Soon as i have done traditional way.
I will be looking to learn wfp way.

Dave

[ecowasher]

Hi Guys, 

Keep the advice coming - many thanks.

Can I ask,  can the condition of a squeegee blade also contribute to the condition i describe in the opening post?

I experimented around the house yesterday afternoon with different squeegees and got different results  (albeit with same water/fairy mix)

Cheers.

[Ian_Giles]

the condition of the rubber, the amount of detergent in the mix, the amount of water on the glass, weather conditions...they all play their part.
Also the type of glass too, some of the modern stuff is horrible to squeegee off.

The light also plays a part, if it is at the right height and the right angle, and you are cleaning modern, plate glass, no matter how perfect your technique, the dilution rate of your detergent you will see these ghosting, smoke-like blooms.

No matter how good you are, you are still leaving a miniscule film of detergent on the glass, if the light is just right, and at the right angle you can see it.

If you can see it in all types of light conditions you are doing something wrong!

Too much detergent and worn rubbers will certainly cause that to happen.


as for technique;
Staying just shy of the top edge and sides is fine on repeat cleans, but on dirty glass you really need to wash right to the edges.
But a tip to save on detailing at the end is to pre-detail with your damp scrim (as against using your dry or polishing scrim to do it).

And of course a 'dog eared' squeegee blade helps no end too  


Ian

[gaza]

angon IAN hes only just learning, dog earing and all that is like driving a formula 1 car the first time you get behind a wheel but dog earing is the dog           earing
buiss,but dont be afraid to ask,

but take no notice of that brett hes some rich kid [now]
use the search tab at the top of the forum

 good luck in your new venture

  gaza

[JM123]

gaza, sorry to ask.  But have you been drinking??

[dai]

The Backflip or Wagtail combi are both all in one tools. I have used all in one tools since the Backflip first came out. We now use the Wagtail combi. [presently being redesigned new model out next month].
With these tools the blade follows the applicator or pad, and the water has no time to dry. As Ian Say's A clean, damp scrim is best for detailing, if you have to.
Both the above tools can be dog eared. Dai