Before the development of modern, advanced window cleaning technology, professionals relied on traditional tools to tackle jobs of all sizes. Even today, many experts prefer this approach for various reasons, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness compared to using a water-fed setup. If you’re a newcomer to the world of window cleaning, starting with some traditional tools is a great choice.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten traditional tools to assist you in executing your window cleaning tasks efficiently and professionally. These essential tools are:
- Squeegees
- Scrubbers
- Scrapers
- Soaps & Chemicals
- Extension Poles
- Buckets
- Ladders
- Tool Belts
- Towels
- Abrasives
Below, we will dive into each of these traditional must-haves, and provide you with product recommendations to help you get your window cleaning journey started.
1. The Traditional Squeegee
The squeegee is arguably the most famous traditional window-cleaning tool and is meant to remove and scrape away remaining liquid and cleaning solution from the glass. After you’ve entirely soaped up and scrubbed your windows, it’s time to pull out the squeegee and direct the lingering soapy water off the glass. With a great squeegee and quality rubber, this can be done without leaving behind any streaks.
While there are different types and sizes, all squeegees are comprised of a handle, a channel, and a strip rubber. Whether you’re handling residential, storefront, or commercial projects, you’ll discover that the squeegee is the most versatile and indispensable tool to have in your toolkit.
Here are some things to consider when looking to buy a squeegee:
- Size: How big are the windows you’ll be cleaning?
- Handle Configuration: Do I want a fixed squeegee or one that swivels and can be set to custom angles?
- Material: Do I want a brass, stainless steel, or aluminum squeegee?
- Rubber Shape: Do I want a squeegee with a channel that fits round-top rubber or flat-top rubber?
Our Recommendations:
- Best Fixed Squeegee – Ettore Complete Brass Ledge-Eze Squeegee
- Best Swivel Squeegee – Ultimate Squeegee Combo
2. Scrubbers
Another essential element to include in your window cleaning toolbox is a scrubber (also known as a stripwasher), which consists of a T-bar and a scrubber sleeve. T-bars serve as attachment handles that can be used either manually or attached to an extension pole. Scrubber sleeves affix to the T-bar and are typically constructed from synthetic materials like durable microfibers designed to remove dirt and grime from windows effectively.
Before you perform that satisfying, all-encompassing sweep with your squeegee, it’s crucial first to dampen and agitate the surface to loosen any dirt and grime on the glass. Your stripwasher is instrumental in this process. Simply attach your desired scrubber sleeve to the T-bar, dip it into your soap solution, and apply it to the glass.
Our Recommendations:
- Best Fixed Scrubber – Moerman Complete Microfiber Stripwasher
- Best Swivel Scrubber – Pulex Complete Microfiber Stripwasher