Window Cleaning Set-up

[Jamie Biles]

Looking at getting set-up for window cleaning. Can anybody advise on good start-up kit for using wfp. Not very clued up on industry but what would i need to connect to outside taps,is it di vessels and RO systems for storing pure water in tanks. i do have 2 heavy duty wheel arch tanks in van already but not sure 'roughly' how many litres used for say average 3-bed.Got several clients with large country houses/mansions eg 6-8 bedrooms....who want me to take over for them,so assuming on-demand system better. Also would anybody willing to either have chat or give me crash-course in few basics etc.

 

[Andrew Evans]

Hi Jamie I tried this last year and to be honest wish I hadn't, domestics do not like wfp in general. It takes 3 cleans to get a good result and they don't like windows left wet.

On the plus side you will find lots of work as good reliable window cleaners are like rocking horse etc, it is just charging the right amount of money for the work which is a problem.

I have a 250 ltr tank in the van and 2 big plastic containers which I used to carry to fill/top up with, to be honest that would last me most of the day say 4 or 5 houses.

If you can it is better to blade downstairs and wfp upstairs (not in that order)

I have an RO system in the back of the van with 2 Poles a Leisure Battery & Charger without a control box which costs about £140 if youre interested you can have the lot for a couple of hundred. ono.

Good luck hope it goes well a friend has a 400 ltr tank van mounted which lasts him all day, but he blades to.

Andrew

 

[Jamie Biles]

Many thanks for your reply and offer of equipment etc Andrew. I'm keen to see and discuss the various options/systems first before making decision as whats fits my needs best as understand both have pros cons and i gather alot depends on like you mentioned what methods customers pref be used and willing to pay well etc, and softness of water currently in area (tds) got bit more homework do yet

 

[Andrew Evans]

James I would seriously consider just learning how to use a blade if you intend doing domestics. Good luck either way.
Andrew

 

[Jamie Biles]

My main concern is that at least 4 properties concerned are large country houses/mansions with at least 90% of all glass being small panes,approx 6x8" so feel blading if nothing else very time consuming or at least on externals.Most are quite bad and paintwork surrounding not best condition.Although no master,im fairly confident blading large internals/shower screens etc using my 6" ettore pro.This is why i feel wfp may be more suitable or at least few 'cleans' until at maintenance stage etc.Hopefully this details my problem bit more

 

[Joe Hatton]

Before you go any further, spending time on research, then possibly spending money.... have you an indication what these potential clients in 6-8 bed country houses/mansions are willing to pay.
With 90% of glass being small pains, this is likely to take some time, time is money. Is the venture likely to pay well, or may you be more productive marketing your carpet cleaning such that you get more c/c clients that pay a higher hourly rate.
Time spent cleaning windows is time away from your core business.
If it pays ok, if it doesnt......

 

[Lee Breen]

My main concern is that at least 4 properties concerned are large country houses/mansions with at least 90% of all glass being small panes,approx 6x8" so feel blading if nothing else very time consuming or at least on externals.Most are quite bad and paintwork surrounding not best condition.Although no master,im fairly confident blading large internals/shower screens etc using my 6" ettore pro.This is why i feel wfp may be more suitable or at least few 'cleans' until at maintenance stage etc.Hopefully this details my problem bit more

Need to learn the old leather & scrim method then Jamie.

I did it for 10 years back in the 90's.

 

[Jamie Biles]

Looking that way Lee Any tips for blading technique,way i understand is to 'mop' then wipe top and left side pane then blade either S-pattern or simply straight down lines,wipe bottom.Any advice on best cloths as currently use fishscale MF from paragon,pretty good but not sure what material/benefit scrim is to other MF. Also anybody know good 'solution' additive etc or ones to avoid

 

[Jamie Biles]

Before you go any further, spending time on research, then possibly spending money.... have you an indication what these potential clients in 6-8 bed country houses/mansions are willing to pay.
With 90% of glass being small pains, this is likely to take some time, time is money. Is the venture likely to pay well, or may you be more productive marketing your carpet cleaning such that you get more c/c clients that pay a higher hourly rate.
Time spent cleaning windows is time away from your core business.
If it pays ok, if it doesnt......

Thanks for reply Joe and i understand/agree with what your saying to an extent but after little research today i may go traditional and have spoken to 3 main clients this evening and they pay between £140-160 in/out and have done every 4-6 wks,no longer so looks like quite good prospect when can improve on the 'Art' of window cleaning Efficiently. All customers concerned have asked if i could do them due to access/reliability etc as on site weekly anyhow so am simply pursuing the avenue of providing a service that meets my clients needs

 

[Richard Cole]

Jamie, still have my trad gear for sale if you are interested, see for sale section for details