I have seen this done in other forums, but I haven’t seen it done on the WCR forum yet. (forgive me if I missed it) Seemed like the most appropriate section too. (feel free to move)
Chris & Alex - sticky this.
Tips & Tricks of the Trade -
Share with your fellow window cleaner’s all of your deepest, darkest secrets…okay maybe not all of them. But at least those that may help others. Post here what makes your job that much easier. Time saving tips. Tools you couldn’t work without. Helpful ideas. I know all of you have had the “light bulb” moment which in turn has made you the best darn window cleaner around.
I guess that means I have to start so…
#1
Today while making window count sheets, I took a heavy duty sheet protector (you know the clear three ring binder things) and put my pricing and all of my estimate papers inside one of them. That way, I can use a “overhead projector” type marker, mark down the windows, do my math, fill out the separate estimate form, and wipe it clean. Saves on paper, and it can be reused over and over. Or you could get something laminated, but this works great.
I think I posted this a while back, but in case you missed it. If you are a two man show or more invest in a couple Corba walkie/talkies ($39.00) saves soooo much time on all the larger projects - i.e. ever wonder where your helper is or what he/she is doing when you are in a 12,000 s.f. home? Best time saving/investment I ever make. Hope this helps.
Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser (used dry, not wet) has really been a blessing on numerous homes where there’s silicone all over the glass. It’s quick and eliminates the need for messy solvents.
Also the scrim cloth folded & clamped onto a 6 inch T-bar on an extension pole using 50:50 (DI water & denatured alcohol) to clean interior skylights without a ladder. I recently posted about this and didn’t get much feedback for whatever reason but this method works really well. I just did a home this week with 4 skylights and 2 high transom windows (one that was about 15’ high over a bathtub) and the scrim on the 6" T-bar on an extension pole w/50:50 solution was a definite time saver and eliminated the need for a ladder.
White shoe polish in the sponge applicator bottle. Works great around skylight walls if you happen to get a little dirty drip that wont come clean. Covers it up flawless! It is also great at hiding water stains in ceilings from a roof leak (A little tip for homeowners).
I use a grout brush to clean window tracks, from Home Depot for about 3.99. I also use an auto parts cleaning brush, they fit very easily in my tool pouch and are with me all the time when doing residential.
For screens I use a paint can opener to remove from the outside, 95% of all windows in my area the screens have those little useless tabs that are supposed to be used from the inside, but I have found they come out better from outside.
Small Sharpie pen, to mark the screens for where to put them back after cleaning. I use a F for front, B for back, L for left side of house and R for right, I also mark the floor 1st or 2nd or basement.
So here are couple of just simple timesavers I made for myself. One is a hook that I made from a drywall bucket handle. I sweat so I can’t just throw my rag or my scrim over my shoulder when I’m not using it. The hook goes on my belt and when I’m done w/ my rag, all I have to do is drop it near my hip, and the hook catches it, I don’t even have to look. The second is a retractable key ring that I got at a hardware store. I just zip tied a cheap razor holder to it, I clip it to my suspenders up by my right shoulder, I am right handed. Its perfect for the one little spot, fleck of paint or bug egg I might have missed.
I mop and squeege with both hands…its very useful because you might be up on one side of the window and have to use your other hand. Also, Those of you that have the ettore sidekick…i take the belt loop and use it on my regular pants belt. Then i simply unlick my sidekick and the loop stays on my belt. (those belts tend to unsnap when you lean forward just right) Some one said a magic eraser works good on silicone, orange glo cleaner works well too. I know this is an expensive option here but i use my laptop and printer in the truck with a power inverter. Customers and potential ones are amazed that you can produce printed estimates and invoices on the spot…since i use quick books, i can have it marked paid and print out a marked paid reciept. Not to mention, it makes you look professional too!
