What is traditional window cleaning?
Traditional methods involves the application of soapy water to a window which is then scrubbed clean. Professional window cleaners use microfibre cleaning sleeves fitted onto a hand held t-shaped bar. The sleeve is then soaked in water mixed with a window cleaning solution and applied to the glass. Microfibre sleeves are specially designed for their effective removal of dirt and combined with the cleaning product this cleans the window. A squeegee is then wiped over the glass similar to a car windscreen wiper and this removes the soapy water, leaving a nice clean window. Any water runs are wiped up with a dry microfibre cloth.
For many years this was the accepted way of cleaning windows for professional window cleaners and here at Yorkshire Window Cleaners we use this method for cleaning interior windows.
For first floors and higher it is necessary to use ladders and / or extendable poles which the t-bar and squeegee attach to.
A disadvantage of the traditional method is that cleaning products leave a clear film on the glass that can’t be wiped away. This attracts dirt which sticks to it meaning windows get dirtier quicker.
WFP & Pure Water Window Cleaning
During the 1990’s water fed poles (wfp) and pure water technology was introduced to the UK having been developed in the US. Long reach poles that typically extend to around 30 ft but can go much higher have purified water pumped through them onto the glass. A brush on the end of the pole scrubs the window clean as pure water washes dirt away and also cleans frames and ledges. WFP is operated only from the ground.
Purified water has had all its natural impurities removed as explained in our window cleaners Leeds page. As a result it dries to a crystal clear finish and is ideal for window and conservatory cleaning.
Advantages of wfp include:
no film is left on glass so windows stay cleaner for longer
pure water ensures a clear, streak-free finish
no ladders required protecting your privacy n upstairs bedrooms
safer for operators
ability to reach higher windows and previously inaccessible windows above conservatories
Customers are sometimes resistant to the change but after a few cleans they invariably appreciate their cleaner, clearer, shiny windows.