The Various Window Cleaning Tools

Since the introduction of glass, all kinds of ways were experimented to successfully clean it. To date, the most highly used cleaning implement is the squeegee. The very first one was not even intended for window cleaning, since it was the fisherman who first used this to scrape from the deck all the fish guts. It was then called a squilgee, which was simply a tool with a wooden blade. Later on, the Chicago squeegee evolved from this simple fisherman’s tool.



The Chicago squeegee was first seen in the 1900s by expert cleaners. It was rather a hefty tool using twelve screws, which have to be loosened when the two pink blades need to be changed. It was an Italian immigrant by the name of Ettore Steccone developed the modern squeegee when he moved into the United States. In 1936, he applied for a patent for his creation. Eventually, he shared his ideas to be able to profit from his concepts. Many people especially the professional cleaners soon discovered that this new squeegee is much easier to use than the Chicago squeegee. Due to popular demand, the Ettore company was established.  These days, the company is still known for being the leading creator of window cleaning implements with profit amounting to millions every year.



In 1990s, many window cleaning companies widely used the squeegees as their number one tool. However, technology made way for the creation of a water fed pole cleaning device. This equipment makes use of the pure water technology, or the use of deionized and purified water. The water passes through the poles with a brush at its tip. It rinses the dirt away with no use of soap. It is believed to be a major environmental breakthrough, reducing the pollution that soap leave to the environment. It allows for the windows to dry with no streaks or any mark, a ususal problem with glass windows.



The pole is typically made of fiber glass material and can extend up to seventy feet. This enables the cleaners to clean tall buildings within the safety of the ground. Long gone are the occupational hazards accompanied with a window cleaner’s job especially those assigned in corporate offices. In addition, these poles are very durable and versatile, making it popular for various uses by a professional window cleaner. any window cleaning companies are using poles since the government has introduced stringent laws on the use of ladders. There have been many accidents in using rickety ladders that its use has been regulated and in most cases, prohibited. These laws are intended to keep the window cleaners safe.



With more innovative ideas, there are companies investing in robotic window cleaners. these robo-cleaners are only a handful and not practical for use by many companies. It may entail some time for it to be widely used. The expense of developing robo-cleaners is pretty high, which may not be affordable for many companies and even the clients, who will surely shoulder a portion of the burden. Another useful innovation is the self-cleaning glass, created by Pilkington and some other glass makers. This is accomplished by applying on the surface of the glass a thin layer of titanium oxide. This substance has a photocatalytic reaction with the UV rays of the sun, leading to the breakdown of the dirt. Even more amazing is that the glass becomes hydrophilic or simply prevents any moisture or rain to form water droplets. Water slides off as if the glass has a protective layer. When the water flows, it brings the dirt as well. Using this kind of technology, the glass windows stays clean. However, when it comes to glimmer and shine, nothing beats a good washing and rinsing by a professional window cleaner. Plus, you do not have to spend that much in having all your window panes replaced.