Special Window Washing Technique - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Richard R. · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-01

Hey everyone,

I know there are probably some who will think I'm crazy after reading this, so I will tell you up front, those of you who don't know me, Yes I'm crazy plus I don't like to do windows.
I know that all I have to do is say no to the customer, but I hate to do that about as bad as I hate to do windows. It seems as though there are a lot of requests for residential and commercial window washing lately in my area and since there is only a few people in the area that does this, I decided to try a new technique that I feel would make the job more interesting and hope for the best.
If any of you have any input, please feel free to comment.
I may be biting off more than I can chew, but I thought I would try it just the same.
I plan to mix my shurflo with a warm cascade and (Jet Dry) spot free soapy rinse. After applying this to the windows, I plan to rinse the mix off with about 800psi to 1000psi 212 degree with my hot water rig. I then plan to follow this up with using a squeegee with hopes this will be sufficient.
On this particular residence, there are small medium and large windows which I plan to price right around $6, $8, and $10.
The residence has approximately 14 medium windows, 4 large windows, 2 small windows and a large front door with about 17 small window panes. I have estimated this job at about $240.00 plus tax and believe it will take about 4 hours by the time I finish taking off the screens and putting them back on.
If anyone has tryed this technique or has any input, please let me know.

Thanks

Richard

Fairway · #2 (**permalink**) 06-01-01

This sounds like it will take longer and get worse results than if you did it the right way. Take a window washing mop, soap up the window with a window wash soap(we use glass gleam) then squeegee off. Check windowcleaningsupplies.com for different soaps and tools.

Richard R. · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-01

Sounds like your way is better.
I will definitely check it out.
Thanks

Richard R.

Mike Hughes · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-01

Richard,

The only way it really is effective to use a power washer to wash windows is if you rinse using DI water..............that allows you to skip the squeege..........with DI water, the window will dry with no spots. You do however have to rub the window with a scrubber or something before you rinse it.

As much as it sucks, just do it the old fashioned way!

Mike

Poster · #5 (**permalink**) 07-17-01

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike Hughes
Richard,

The only way it really is effective to use a power washer to wash windows is if you rinse using DI water..............that allows you to skip the squeege..........with DI water, the window will dry with no spots. You do however have to rub the window with a scrubber or something before you rinse it.

As much as it sucks, just do it the old fashioned way!

Mike

Mike Hughes · #6 (**permalink**) 07-24-01

DI water is "De-Ionized" You need a system that you either rent or buy to filter your water and make it DI.

Do a search on the board on "DI water' for more info.

Also, check out www.culligan.com I think there is a company called Ionics that sells systems also.

Mike

Jon · #7 (**permalink**) 07-25-01

Richard,

I know I will be jumped on by others for what I am about to say but are you not taking on more then you can handle?

Windows I do not do, some of my accounts ask if I would just rinse them as I clean the concrete and I tell them I can but they will spot.

I have also been told how to avoid some of the spots without the DI water system but I just don't do windows.

Nothing hard about smiling and telling the customer as much as you would like to do them it is not what you do.

I have two window cleaners I can recommend to them, one also passes my name around too.

Network with the few window cleaners in your area, if need be have them bill you and you add a couple bucks to it for your profit.

Besides with all that dust there just how long are these windows going to stay clean?

Richard R. · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-01

Jon,
Your very right. Windows are not my specialty either.
This was something I did back on about May 31st and believe me, I needed the work. This was a high profile neighborhood and was the house next door to one of the first houses I washed on or about the first of the year, so I had to do somethng to keep my business name going in this neighberhood.
Believe it or not, it worked out great. At least they seemed to be real happy about it. After I started taking off the screens, I realized why this couple wanted their windows done. I think the Family was tired of raising their windows and seeing all the dirt that was trapped inside the exterior frames and the visual dirt on the exterior glass.
I mixed a water, vinegar, cascade, and spot free solution and pressure washed the dirt off of the windows and frames. I also washed the large 3 car garage doors that seemed to uniform the wash or ice the cake so to speak. The helper I had back then, came in behind me and quickly sprayed and wiped the light spots, if there were any, with a streak freak window spray and the glass sparkled like brand new. I think it gave them a sanitized feeling since the house was mostly brick and seemed to be clean anyway except for the dirty windows.
I would do it again if the money is right. It felt the same as merely doing a regular house wash. If I seen anything else that needed cleaned such as places on the eves, I cleaned it too.
It was pretty neat how it turned out. Kind of gave me another chance to advertise in this high profile neighborhood and try a new technique at the same time.

Richard R.

Jon · #9 (**permalink**) 07-25-01

Richard,

Keep that up and you will end up buying a house there in a couple years.

That will truly be a good day for you.

Just think of the all the key players living there saying hey my WINDOW GUY LIVES NEXT door to me!

Glad it worked out for you Richard, heck you might become the window cleaner for all those businesses and forget pressure washing.

Richard R. · #10 (**permalink**) 07-25-01

Jon,
I didn't say I like it that much.
I'm not going out looking for thoughs kind of jobs. Besides,
I've already had that life style once in my life. It was wisk away by one divorce.
The way I look at it, if all it takes is a divorce to change my life style to the degree it is now, it wasn't worth it.
The chances of me ever living in a neighborhood like that one again, is slim and none.
I have a lot more friends now than I did back then.
I guess it's more fun working toward that life style than it is being in it.
That doesn't compute does it?

Hey, but it is the truth.

Richard R