What to look for when buying window cleaning equipment
February 1st 2004

The right tools are essential for any task, especially for cleaning windows. Inferior quality, or poorly designed window cleaning tools can make the job much more difficult, producing mediocre results, decreased productivity and worker fatigue. Dave Rogers, general manager for Unger UK, one of the largest manufacturers of window cleaning products, was recently interviewed. We asked him what he felt window cleaners should look for when buying window cleaning equipment

What are your first suggestions to a new or experienced window cleaner looking for window cleaning products? The most important thing they must determine is their individual needs. What type of work are they handling? Will they be working with small or large plate glass windows? Will they be climbing ladders or using lifts, or will their work be at ground level, maybe using extension poles for hard to reach areas? Window cleaners should work with a reputable distributor that sells quality window cleaning products. The distributor is important; he or she is knowledgeable about the latest tools and will have a continual supply of professional equipment from which to select.

Once the cleaners needs have been established, what are the next steps in choosing window cleaning equipment?

Look for equipment that appears innovative as such products are extensively tested before they are brought to market.

Plus, look for equipment made of robust materials, such as steel, aluminium and new age plastics. These are tough and will make the products last a long time. The use of high-tech plastics has enabled the combination of superior durability with light weight giving the window cleaner functional design without sacrificing weight or quality.

Window cleaners must realise that all of their tools are really part of a window cleaning system, working together to get the job done well. The bucket, the squeegee and the solution should all complement each other and work together smoothly. Lots of window cleaners like to tie the whole system together by carrying all of their tools in a Bucket on a Belt. It holds most of the equipment needed for the job and is handy, easily accessible and comfortable to wear.

Q. You say window cleaners should look for innovative, lightweight products that are easily accessible. You also mention that the window cleaning tools should work together as a system. This seems to suggest that there is a bigger picture here than just the individual tools. Can you expand on this?

Yes, the picture is bigger. There are three overriding issues that window cleaners should consider when purchasing tools. They are time savings, ergonomics and safety.

Look for the time saving products. Window cleaners charge by the window, or square foot of glass. The more glass they clean the more money they make. Equipment that helps save the cleaners time and increases productivity is a major benefit.

The Bucket on a Belt is a good example of a time saver. Continually reaching in and out of a bucket for a strip washer and squeegee becomes a time factor. Moving the bucket to the window cleaners belt saves time.

Also, always remember, quality tools save time poor quality tools cost time.

Ergonomics is a big issue. Window cleaners make lots of repetitive movements. They do the same tasks over and over again and these movements add up. Doing these tasks every day for years takes a serious toll on the body.

Window cleaning is hard, physical work. Thats why ergonomically designed tools are so important. The window cleaner must look for tools that are designed to lessen fatigue and reduce wear and tear on the body. Ergonomically designed tools help the cleaner work more efficiently, comfortably and with greater speed.

Safety and good working practices are vitally important. A good ladder is mandatory. Even safer than using a ladder: window cleaners can use telescopic poles. Using an extension pole is safer, it saves time, is less tiring and can increase productivity.

So, it looks like tools that save time, are ergonomically designed and contribute to window cleaners safety are the major items to consider. Correct?

Yes. Few professions require people to bend, lean and stretch

their bodies in so many different ways as cleaning windows.

Window cleaners are a tough, independent group, taking risks and hanging from buildings that the average person would never

consider. However, they must also be practical. Choosing tools that save them time, are less stressful on their bodies and contribute to their safety is probably the best advice that one window cleaning professional can ever offer another.

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