PH Exterior
Cleaning Services
window cleaning
Which is the best method for cleaning windows – the traditional way or using modern water fed poles and pure water?
What is traditional window cleaning?
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Traditional methods involve the application of soapy water to a window which is then scrubbed clean.
Professional window cleaners use microfiber cleaning sleeves fitted onto a handheld t-shaped bar. The sleeve is then soaked in water mixed with a window cleaning solution and applied to the glass.
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Microfiber sleeves are specially designed for their effective removal of dirt and combined with the cleaning product this cleans the window.
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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 microfiber
cloth.
For many years this was the accepted way of cleaning windows for professional window cleaners and here at PH Exterior Cleaning Services we use this method for cleaning interior windows and some external
windows.
For first floors and higher it is necessary to use ladders and / or extendable poles which
the t-bar and squeegee attach to.
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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 the glass meaning windows get dirtier quicker.
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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 40 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 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 upstairs bedrooms safer for operators ability to reach higher windows and previously inaccessible windows above conservatories.