Looking to level up your window cleaning kit? Make sure you're ticking all the boxes with our Window Cleaning kit (or Window Washing Kit) checklist. Join us as we reveal the must-have tools for any window cleaner's arsenal. Scroll down for the Water fed version.
Traditional Window Cleaning Kit
-
Squeegee: Removes soapy water from the glass leaving a streak free finish. Go classic with the no-nonsense ErgoTec, or try something a bit different with the swivelling Excelerator.
-
Washer: Sometimes called a mop or applicator, your washer gets the soap to the glass. On paper it's simple, but the size, material and handle all play a part in it's use. Go super absorbent with the classic Monsoon or abrasive with the Porcupine
-
Microfibre Cloth: These soft and super absorbent cloths are excellent for wiping sills and applying the finishing touch. Go super absorbent with fishscale or get a precise finish with the RazrWipe
-
Bucket: Basic but crucial, your bucket keeps the cleaning solution handy, just make sure it's big enough to fit your washer & squeegee in. Go big with the Unger Big Bucket or practical with a hip-bucket (also known as a bucket on a belt).
-
Soap or Detergent: It's the cleaning solution that helps remove dirt, grime, and marks from the windows. Mix a concentrated detergent with water for cost-effective cleaning or use a direct-to-washer gel for internals where dripping water is a problem
-
Extension Pole: If a ladder isn't safe or convenient then it's time to break out the extension pole. Aluminium is the most popular and cost effective but if you want something lighter and less cold in the winter, try out a Carbon Composite (or Hybrid) pole
-
Glass Scraper: Sometimes, windows have stubborn marks, stickers, paint, plaster and other things that just won't budge. A scraper or blade is a handy tool to remove these. It's worth keeping a pocket scraper handy but you may want to use a larger scraper if it's a recurring problem or you've got builders cleans coming up.
-
Ladder: A sturdy ladder is a must-have for reaching high windows, but ladders are a common cause of injury for Window Cleaners so be careful, that few seconds you've saved by cutting a corner is nothing compared to the cost of time off if you break a leg. We recommend A-frame (sometimes called pointer) ladders for general use and convenience, but working at height may require an extension ladder
-
Gloves: The winter can be tough on your hands, so think ahead and get some good quality gloves now. Go toasty with the JokaPolar™ fleece lined gloves or maintain your dexterity with the popular SealSkinz®.
- Pouch or Tool Holder: Keep everything within arms reach with a well kitted out toolbelt. Pouches, Pockets, Hip Buckets and holsters are necessary items if you plan to work quickly!.
Water Fed (or Pure Water) Window Cleaning Kit
-
Water-Fed Pole: The heart of a water fed window cleaning kit is the water fed pole. These are telescopic and have a narrow hose tubing running through the centre. The major differences between poles can be put down to the various materials they are made of. Carbon fibre is the gold standard, Hybrid is a cost effective option with some of the benefits of carbon fibre and Hi-Mod is a high-grade Carbon fibre that is strong but as light as a feather.
-
Brush Head: The brush head is attached to the water-fed pole and does the actual leg work of scrubbing the dirt on the window. Most use a high grade Nylon bristle at varying lengths. Use an oversized brush if you have XL panes of glass, and try out Horse-Hair for a sponge like cleaning effect
-
Angle Adaptors: Adjust the angle at which the brush leaves the pole so you can clean deep sills and awkward spots. If speed is important to you, consider a quick release option, alternatively try out the standard threaded option.
-
Water Purification System: This whole method falls down without pure water. Pure Water dries completely clean meaning no ladders necessary to squeegee the water from the glass. Follow our Understanding Pure Water Guide for a complete breakdown of this method, the types of equipment and what might work for you
-
Hoses and Connectors: High-quality hoses and connectors are necessary to deliver the purified water from the purification system to your brush head. If using the common Series (or rectus) 21 couplings, use Protecta Pods to stop them from getting damaged as you work.
-
TDS Meter: A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter helps you measure the purity of the water you're using. It's worth keeping a handheld TDS meter close at hand but if you've got a full filtration system, an inline TDS meter will give you a reading at the push of a button.
-
Delivery System: A backpack, trolley, or van mounted system is essential to store and deliver pure water on to the windows.
-
Safety Gear: Always prioritise safety. Equip yourself with appropriate safety gear to protect yourself and members of the public as you work. Items such as safety cones, Zebra Tape, and warning signs are worth keeping in the van
-
Flow Control: Wasted pure water is wasted money, use a Uni-valve or tap coupling to control your flow without having to put the pole down so you can limit the amount of wasted water between windows or while Mr Johnson at number 9 chats your ear off.
Fortunately, if you're new to this, you can save time (and some money) by picking up a starter kit that often cover much of the above. Check out these popular Window Cleaning kits:
That covers it, you're ready to make some informed choices and get the perfect Window Cleaning kit together.
