A Complete Squeegee

You will definately need one of these

This is a Unger ergotec squeegee with a 14 inch Unger S channel and Soft Unger rubber.

You will notice that all the window cleaning tools I use are from Unger and this is because I think that Unger is the best make.

You can buy a complete squeegee but you usually buy them in their seperate parts

Disassembled Squeegee

A squeegee seperated into its different parts. At the top is the rubber, in the middle is the channel where the rubber sit,s and at the bottom is the handle.

You'll usually buy all the parts seperately but you can buy complete squeegees at some stores.

The channel you buy normally comes with one strip of rubber, but if you are cleaning a lot of windows the rubber will wear out fairly quickly so you will need replacements. Make sure the rubber you buy is long enough for your channel.

Tip Regarding Rubber: When one side of your rubber wears out (its no longer picking up the water properly) take it out of your squeegee channel and flip it over before placing it back in. You are now using the other side against the window and this will double the life of your window cleaning rubbers.

An Extra Tip: Dog Earring

If you look closely at the outside of this squeegee channel you will notice the end has been bent in slightly towards the rubber.

This is referred to as dog earring and it apparently helps keep the rubber close to the glass, thus preventing the water bleeding out from the edge of your squeegee so you can work faster.

I used a pair of pliars to bend the tips of my squeegee channel.

I'm not really sure if dog earring makes a massive difference to squeegee performance to be honest, but it can't hurt.

Glass Scraper

This is my 4 inch Unger Ergotec glass scraper

Look on the Window Cleaning Technique section to learn the correct way to use glass scrapers.

Scraper Blades

Here's a 10 pack of Unger 4 inch scraper blades.

You should get a blade fitted in your scraper when you buy it but you'll need spare blades because they can get damaged and wear out.

Scrim or Microfibre

The photo to the left is of a Unger Microfibre cloth and they are what I use for my window cleaning round..

They're quite expensive but I would definately recommend them.

A lot of other window cleaners use scrim instead which is the cheaper option for those on a tight budget..

Complete T-Bar

This is what you will be applying your cleaning solution (water and washing up liquid) to the window with. These are far superior to just using a sponge.

This is an Unger 10 inch T-bar with a Unger 10 inch Monsoon sleeve covering it.

Disassembled T-bar

This is the T-bar seperated from the sleeve. You usually buy the T-bar and the sleeve seperately.

Make sure you buy a sleeve that is the same length as your T-bar.

Sleeves do wear out after a lot of use so make sure you keep an eye on it for wear and tear.

Bucket

Of course you'll need a bucket. Some window cleaners use a specific window cleaners bucket that are usually square or rectangular in shape to accomodate your T-bar more easily.

I use this builders bucket which cost me 99p from Do It All which does the job.

Window Cleaning Pole

This is traditional window cleaning pole not a water fed pole.

This pole attachs traditional tools to it like the squeegee and t-bar.

Don't think however that you will be able to get rid of your ladders because I think you should only use this for conservatory roofs or when you can't reach a window by a ladder.

Despite their limited use they can come in handy. This pole is produced by Unger.

Ladder

Important piece of equipment this. You are entrusting your life to your ladder so this is one area you shouldn't scrimp on.

My ladder is a triple combination ladder.

Although I rarely use its step ladder capability because I have a seperate step ladder it is a good idea to have a triple.

If you know you don't need the third extension that day you can detach it and leave it at home making your life easier. By the end of your day the ladder will begin to feel quite heavy so if you can leave any of it behind it's a good idea..

Stepladder

You will find you don't need your stepladder half as much as your normal ladder but it is a good thing to have because you'll find it comes in handy for the occassional job where there is a succession of really high ground level windows.

Steps

You might think these won't be all that neccessary but I assure you they will, I use mine just about everyday.

A lot of ground level windows are just a bit too high for you to reach unless you are very tall. You might think that is why you have a stepladder, but taking a stepladder out with you is a hassel and it's much easier to take a little set out like this that will allow you to reach almost every ground level window.

I have heard of window cleaners who use milk crates as a cheaper alternative to buying a set of little steps

Water Storage

You won't always be able to get water off your customers because they will not always be in to give you some. You'll need to bring your own.

I use these two jerry cans to carry my water with me

One of them is plastic and one is metal, it is probably best to buy the metal ones although they're more expensive because I had another plastic one and it sprung a leak.

I don't usually ask my customers for water because I think it looks more professional to have your own and it can take ages for them to get it for you as well.

Business Cards

It's always good to have a supply of your business cards on you, not only when you're out canvassing trying to pick up more business but when you are at work as well.

Often when you're out window cleaning you pick up more customers when other people see you so its handy to have a business card to give them.

I use my business cards as the ticket I leave after I've cleaned the windows of a customer who is not in. I write on the blank side, 'cleaned your windows today,' and then I write the date.

Roof Rack

To transport your ladder you will need a roof rack fitted to the top of your car or van

Ladder Clamps

You could use rope to tie your ladders to your roof rack but by far the easiest way is with ladder clamps because they're quick and very safe.

Carrier Bag

You will need a carrier bag or something to put your dirty, wet cloths/scrim inside.

You will be surprised at how filthy your cloths will become as you work so you need the plastic carrier bag to keep them seperate from the rest of your dry, clean ones.

Backpack

I like to take a backpack out with me to place my tools inside, my microfibre cloths, my carrier bag filled with dirty cloths, a pair of gloves, a bottle of water to drink from, mobile phone and wallet.

Personal Bag

You will need some kind of bag or holster that attaches to your side that you can use to hold your tools while you're up on the ladder.

This is the bag I use, it's called the Unger Personal Bag. It's good because it allows you to carry all your cash with you as it has a large zipped pocket.

I also like to use an Unger Ergotec Pouch hanging off my belt.

Waterproof/Ski Gloves

Don't succumb to frostbite

It's a good idea to keep a pair of these in your car because in Winter your hands will get very, very cold.

Washing Up Liquid

Make sure you have a bottle of this with you because you won't be able to clean windows very well without it.