Hi
Well.....I've done it now. Jacked my job in, worked my notice. So me and my partner look to the future as Window Cleaners. We're not in a bad area plenty of villages, holiday camps and caravan sites. Got our flyers printed, ready to buy the tools but before we do can anybody check our list to see if we've got it right. If we've missed anything or are getting stuff we might not need please be honest and say. The list doesn't say makes of tools cos we're not sure yet so recommendations welcome.
Some questions.
What do you use for a proper UPVC clean i.e. frames etc? I've notice there are some UPVC cleaners on the market are they any good?
Do I need a stamped duplicate book for receipts and quotes as I imagine that some customers may well ask for this? What do people here use? (Bearing in mind our round will be residential to start with)
We intend to start off with traditional method but will research more about WFP Systems. Is it possible to clean a first floor window in the traditional way but using an extension pole with tools attached rather than a ladder. My first thoughts are that it would be too difficult, but I just thought I'd ask just in case there some of you that do and are successful.
What is the best way to clean a Conservatory roof what additional tools will we need?
Many thanks to those who can take time and answer our message. We appreciate your help. Technology is amazing this will probably save us weeks of trial and error.
Spanner (in the Manor).....soon!!
Just suggestions as everyone works a bit differently:-
Get smaller and larger squeegees as well.
Get small applicator(s) as well as the normal ones (they do come in useful on occasion).
Re: window scrapers - make sure you get the proper window ones as paint scrapers can sometimes scratch glass. Get the ones that swivel rather than the retractables. I find that the retractable scrapers can rust up and be hard to retract or push out (maybe I shouldn't be so lazy and put some oil on them) :-) . Also, the swivel scrapers can be inserted into a squeegee handle. This is useful if you need to remove bird poo from a window where you are using a pole (sometimes soaking the bird poo just takes too long).
The pre washed grade "A" scrim. I suggest you get stitched (hemmed) rather than unstitched (it's only a few pence more.)
I only use microfibre cloth for leaded windows if there are bits floating around from the scrim (usually worse on a very hot day).
Lint free cloth. Never used it. Not sure what you mean by it.
I've tried other detergents ages ago and fairy seems to be the one I stick with. I find that other detergents are all very well being sudless, but if I screw up and miss a little bit, I want to be able to see it to put it right.
MDR?? I've never used it.
As for ladders/steps. I have a 3.4 metre double. A 4 metre double point. A 2.5 metre double point. A medium stepladder. A milk crate. They all have their uses. Beer crates are usually better than milk crates as they are stronger (and usually a bit taller).
Ladder mats/stoppers. Just place the stopper under the ladder. If you are working as a team, you would probably be better off having someone foot the ladder just for windows where you may otherwise be unsafe. I find that a damp, heavy duty oven cloth is a good stopper too. I've also heard of coconut matting and beach towels being used.
All the above were just suggestions. The next bit isn't, OK - and I'm deadly serious now. DO NOT USE SOCKS ON THE END OF THE LADDER. USE THE LADDER MITTS. There can be severe sideways slipping if you use socks - especially if the ladder's resting on a UPVC sill. You often don't get any warning of it either. You only have to lean one way and the top of the ladder wants to go the other. Even with ladder mitts, beware in Winter if the sill is iced up.
Other suggested items for you are:-
A long extension pole to get to those windows that may be difficult or unsafe to access any other way.
A vice-versa (I think this is called backflip by some). This is an applicator on one side and a squeegee on the other. Great for saving the hassle of switching tools over. Pretty much essential on a very hot day when switching tools would let the glass dry before you can squeegee it off.
Also, "swiv-loc" tools are good. I have a swiv-loc applicator, a swiv-loc squeegee, and another swiv-loc squeegee with a zero angled head. Not tools that I use a huge amount but so useful when they are needed. I think the swiv-loc squeegees can only have brass channels so you will need clips to hold the ends of the rubbers (Americans avert your eyes
).
You probably won't need all that to start with but you will need them all eventually - at least until you get WFP anyway.