Guide To Washing Your Windows With Ettore Window Cleaning Products

Caring for windows entails more than just splashing water onto them and watching the dust get washed down. Over time, the exposure to the elements, insect residue, pollution effects, heavy downpours that slam dirt and debris from window screens onto the glass panes, cases like concrete leaching- they all contribute to the build-up of grime on the windows. The occasional bird that perches on the window sill and leaves behind its faecal residue, that sprinkler that has been positioned close to the building, which causes hard water from the mains supply to wind up on the glass panes and leave behind unsightly stains, acid rain effects, residue from construction jobs- including concrete and mortar particles on the glass, paint overspray- they take away the appeal of the windows, dragging down the curb appeal, while putting the structural integrity of the unit at risk. Routine cleaning is needed. The success of this is, in turn, tied to the quality of the products that one works with. Whether you’re a homeowner taking care of your windows, or a professional company that has been hired to undertake window cleaning projects in residential and commercial establishments, you want to work with equipment that you can rely on. That’s where Ettore comes in.

A Reputable Brand With A History Of Performance

The company traces its roots to the 1930s, when Ettore Steccone developed the T-shaped window squeegee. Tired of and disappointed in the traditional heavy steel squeegee which had a double rubber blade that was held in place by 12 screws, he invented the new squeegee that quickly became popular amongst window cleaners in the region. By the 1950s, an actual factory had already been established, manufacturing and shipping out the squeegee. Over the decades, the company has grown into an industrial heavyweight, producing equipment and cleaning solutions that are used for the diverse window cleaning tasks, by individual home and business owners, to professional cleaning companies specialising in window care. Heavy investments into research and development have resulted in optimised tools to address the diverse consumer needs. With close to a century of experience, a global market that relies on their products, and a verifiable track record, you can rest assured that you’re getting value for your money when you turn to the Ettore window cleaning products. Here is a breakdown of how the different tools are utilised in the window care processes:

Get Your Windows Sparkling The Professional Way

This process can be broken down into stages:

Preparation:

Different solutions can be used for the task, and each come with their specific instructions on the product label. Some products come ready-to-use, in which case you can proceed to apply them onto the window directly. Other concentrated units will need to be diluted, which will also be determined by the level of soiling on the windows. Prepare the solution in a bucket. Add water to the bucket, then the product with the stipulated dilution ratio. Usually, you simply need to add the detergent to the solution until it feels slightly slippery to your touch.

For cleaning agents that can be used, you can work with products such as the Squeegee-Off Window Cleaning Soap. This particular formulation has been developed specifically for working on window surfaces, aiding the cleaning process in multiple ways. Firstly, it’s tough on the grime, chemically dissolving it and reducing the amount of effort needed for scrubbing the surfaces with the window washer. Secondly, it increases the slip on the glass panes. This is especially beneficial for when it comes to the squeegeeing process later on, where you get to glide smoothly across the window, and avoid cases of streaks forming. What’s more, it is a concentrated product, thus each unit you purchase gets to be used for longer. Given that it’s also set at an affordable price, you get more bang for your buck, whether you’re an individual homeowner looking for quality window cleaning formulations to rely on, or a professional contactor aiming to cut down on operation costs without compromising on the quality of your results.

The alternative Squeegee-Off Liquid Window Cleaning Soap & Multi-Surface Cleaner also has a biodegradable formulation, and gives you versatility when it comes to working on other surfaces around the establishment. It doesn’t have any harmful chemicals, meaning that the cleaner and other persons around the premises will be safe as you go about the task.

You can also go for the Swipe’n Shine Window & All-Purpose Cleaner. Here, you have a formulation that comes packaged in a spray bottle for easy application. Simply mist the product onto the glass surface and carry on with the cleaning. This approach enables you to target specific sections of the window with the cleaning formulation, and have more control over the specific amount of product that gets utilised.

Washing and scrubbing the window

With the solution that has been prepared, proceed to wash the window. Dip the washer into the bucket, then wring it out. You don’t need to soak the glass panes in the cleaning solution. Besides, drips from the washer will just slow you down, creating more areas that need to be cleaned up before you move onto the next window.

When purchasing window washers, the main considerations made are the material of the sleeve, the size of the component parts- since the sleeve used needs to be compatible with the T-bar, plus attributes like the grip that you get when working with the cleaning tool. There are various kinds of equipment that you can select from the Ettore window cleaning products. Take the Mighty Window Washer for instance. The fine microfibre construction of this unit gives it enhanced cleaning power, and you even won’t have to worry about drips forming as you go about the process. It has a high impact plastic handle, allowing it to hold out under the pressures that come with frequent window cleaning, making it an economical addition to the professional window cleaning arsenal.

With the Ettore ProGrip window washer, you have a highly effective tool that easily removes the dirt that is on your windows. The microfibre washer provides you with the desired cleaning power, while the rubberised grip ensures that you remain comfortable as you work on your windows.

Here are a couple of tips to follow when washing the windows:

Work in a circular motion, as it will be more convenient.
Be keen on the surrounding environmental conditions. It is usually recommended that you avoid working on the windows when they are in direct sunlight, as this will speed up the drying before the squeegeeing can be carried out. Note that this is not a rule. You can still work on warm glass- in which case you simply need to increase the amount of cleaning solution that is used on the window. In addition, break down the task into smaller, more manageable sections, to ensure that you will be able to carry out the squeegeeing of the windows before the detergent dries on them.

It is imperative that the glass panes remain wet, ready for the squeegee to be used. Before getting to that though, there are cases where one encounters really stubborn grime- like tape or paint residue that has stuck on the windows. It may even be a situation where you’re carrying out the post-construction clean-up, where there is cement or stucco on your windows. You don’t have to reach for the screwdrivers or putty knives. There are specific Ettore window cleaning products that have been designed for such scenarios: scrapers.

Scraping the grime off your windows

When it comes to scrapers, features you to be keen on include the functionality of the unit- from the effectiveness of the blade, to the grip that you have with the handle, plus aspects such as the safety designs that the tool has. After all, scrapers are actually dangerous tools, and you want to work with units that come with safety features to protect both the cleaner and the rest of the building’s occupants.

Scraping is usually carried out during the washing stage. This is especially convenient since one of the rules of using these tools is that the windows should be wet. The lubrication is needed to protect the glass from getting scratches. You should always be cautious when using scrapers, due to the inherent risk of injury when they are improperly handled. The blade should always be retracted when the scraper is not being used, or the blade cover put back in place. Different types of scrapers come with their various features to meet the different cleaning needs. Let’s delve into examples of these tools that you can get from this brand.

Ettore window cleaning products here include units like the Pro+ Contour Scraper, well-suited to remove construction debris, paint overspray on the windows, and other kinds of caked-on grime that is adhering to the glass panes. With its rubberized handle, it ensures that you have firm control over the scraper, which is critical for those wet conditions of the cleaning process. The design of this unit is ergonomic, and it is also a lightweight tool, thus reducing the amount of energy expended in the process. The Pro+ Contour Scraper comes with a blade guard, with its characteristic yellow colour that stands out, quickly grabbing the attention of those nearby. Once you’re done working on the window, simply put the blade guard back in place, to avoid nasty accidents from occurring.

The ScrapeMaster Window Scraper also comes with a “safety yellow” blade guard, since the designers of the Ettore window cleaning products are keen on protecting the personnel using their products. The double-edged blades of this unit make it an effective tool for removing that caked-on debris that is on the windows, with the ergonomic design making the process a breeze. This unit can be used with any of the REA-C-H extension poles.

With the compact Ettore Pocket Scraper, you have a lightweight and convenient tool that you can carry around during the window cleaning tasks. This single-edge razor unit is easy to use. The retractable blade design allows you to get the tool ready for scraping by simply pressing forward, and the blade will be out and can be used to remove the gum, tape, and stubborn grit that is on the glass surfaces. When done, simply retract the blade and put away the scraper, making it a safe addition to your Ettore window cleaning product’s kit.

For those really difficult situations, you can turn to the Ettore Heavy Duty Super Scraper. It comes with double edged blades- with a dull and sharp edge. The dull side is used for residue like dried-on cement on the windows and stucco covering the glass panes, while the sharp edge is used when removing substances like tape that are on the installation. This separation of tasks allows each individual blade to last you for longer. Like the other Ettore window cleaning products, safety has also been factored into the design of the Heavy Duty Super Scraper. It comes with the protective blade guard- with its safety yellow colour. The ergonomic handle of the unit contributes to making the scraping process a walk in the park, and the lightweight nature of the product means that there will be less fatigue as you carry on with the task.

Note that there are a couple of rules that should be followed when using scrapers on the windows. These include:

Ensure that you have the right scraper for the task. This is for your working convenience. Match the right Ettore window cleaning products to your particular situation. For instance, if you’re just dealing with small stickers, occasional paint spots and gum on the glass, a pocket scraper will suffice. On the other hand, when scraping the whole window, working with a larger scraper whose blade is longer- to cover a wider surface area with each stroke, will cut down the amount of time needed for the task. Scrapers come in different sizes, that way you will be in a position to acquire the optimal tool for your needs.
Always have spare blades. The scraping process by itself is a tough task, and lots of forces and abrasion are witnessed. The blades encounter different loads of grime, be it stickers on the windows to construction debris- which will result in varying levels of wear on the blade. Having replacement blades with you as you carry out the task will enable you to switch the blades as needed. It is imperative that the blade on the scraper is in good condition, for the effectiveness of the task, and the safety of the window itself.
In case you have doubts about whether the window can be safely scraped or not, you can carry out a spot test on an inconspicuous area. After this test run, assess the condition of the area you’ve worked in different lighting conditions, looking at it from different angles.
You should never draw the window scraper backwards. The scraping should only be done with forward motions- like ploughing. When you pull back the scraper on the surface, the debris that is strapped under the blade will scratch the glass- which is definitely not how you want things to go.
As you inspect the blade of the scraper, do not run your finger across it. The sharp edge can easily cause a cut.
Do not leave the window scraper unattended- especially in an area where kids can access it. Also store the replacement blades in a dry area.

After the window washing process, next comes one of the most fun tasks in window care: squeegeeing the contents off the glass.

Squeegeeing

Squeegees are synonymous with the window cleaning jobs. In fact, you’ll find them in the toolkits of every professional window cleaner. They are some of the simplest Ettore window cleaning products to learn to use. Here’s a quick summary of the component parts: The complete squeegee is made up of the handle, channel and rubber. The channel holds the rubber, which will be the part that comes into contact with the window, wiping the cleaning solution and grime off the glass. It is imperative that you get component parts whose sizes are compatible with each other, especially with the channel and rubber blade. Note that the rubber blade being used should be slightly longer than the channel. It should hang out of both edges of the channel by about 5 mm. This is to prevent damage to surrounding structures like the window frames and painted surfaces. For those cases where you’re dealing with windows that are out of reach, an extension pole can be attached to the squeegee.

As you use the squeegee, how you hold it is key. Not much pressure or effort is needed here, especially when working with Ettore window cleaning products. Relax your arm, wrist and shoulder, letting the squeegee settle in your hand. Being all taught and tensed up will simply tire you out faster. It’s recommended that you clean across the window, instead of working from top to bottom. This is advantageous in different ways. Firstly, it enables you to maintain a consistent base distance, to avoid cases of shuddering or the squeegee blade being lifted off the glass surface. It also gives you more control over the squeegee, and lets the moisture fall evenly down the window. In fact, it will be easy to catch the falling water before it gets to the bottom frame- like if you have positioned a window washer under the squeegee. The lubrication provided by cleaning products like the Squeegee-Off Window Cleaning Soap will make the process easier, allowing you to work on the windows without swirl marks or streaks being left behind.

There are some precautions that should be taken before squeegeeing the windows. These include:

Inspecting the blade. Simply run your finger down its edge. It should be straight, without any nicks on it. The rubber blades should also not feel too tight or stretched.

In case there is a nick on the edge of the rubber, you can pull out the blade and use the other edge. If there is extensive damage, or the blade has worn out, replace it with a new one.

Check the condition of the squeegee channel, as it should also not be bent.

When selecting the squeegees to use for your particular situation, there are various factors that you should consider. They all come down to the component parts.

Material:

This has a bearing on how heavy the squeegee will be, the rigidity of the channel, and the durability of the unit. Brass is a popular option. In fact, the original squeegees were made out of brass. It is both rigid and heavy, giving you extended usage. Stainless steel squeegees can also be used, in which case they are lighter than brass, and are also less expensive. Aluminium Is used for the extremely light squeegees, and is a common feature for the wide-body channels. Less energy is required when working with them.

For the blade, materials used include rubber and silicone. Rubber blades can be broadly categorised into two: soft and hard. The soft rubber blades are versatile, working in most climates. However, their functionality is affected at higher temperatures, especially those exceeding 90°F (32°C), as the material gets more pliable. On the other hand, hard rubber will retain its effectiveness at the high temperatures, but more pressure tends to be needed when gliding the squeegee across the window. Silicone blades are the least common type, but their durability enables the blades to last for long, with a higher ability to withstand high and low temperatures, and aspects like UV radiation.

Pole fit:

In a nutshell, you want a squeegee that will be compatible with the extension poles that you’re using. There are different designs here. For instance, there are poles that come with tapered ends, in which case the compatible squeegee handle will simply need to be pushed into the end of the pole until it gets a snug fit. There are also those that have a threaded design. Branded units, including the Ettore window cleaning products tend to have mechanisms that ensure compatibility with their poles, featuring aspects like locking mechanisms that will get into the squeegee handle, securing it in place.

Design features

Specialty designs vary, adapting the Ettore window cleaning products to different scenarios. For instance, squeegees that come with swivel handles allow you to work around those troublesome spots, giving you more flexibility. The swivel designs also allows one to “fan” their way down the glass surface, as opposed to the usual straight-line motions. However, the fanning approach will take some practice to get it done right- which is why it is mainly used by professionals.

Quick-release heads, on the other hand, allow you to make those channel and blade switches much faster. Here the channel and blade are removed altogether from the handle, and then replaced with the suitable components for the particular task. There are also units that come with adjustable channels. Here, you will be able to modify the size of the contact area, which is particularly handy when dealing with windows that have smaller glass panes.

The handle grip also factors in here. Basically, you want to work with units that give you optimal control during the window cleaning process. Since there is a lot of wetness involved, plus soapy solutions being dealt with, a tool with enhanced grip will enable you to focus on the task without worrying about the squeegee slipping out of your hand. This is also key to ensure that you will make proper stokes when working with the squeegee, and get the desired results.

Working With The Super System Squeegee And Washer

In the long line of Ettore window cleaning products, you will encounter combo units. Here, the design has allowed different tools to be put together to yield one powerful tool that cuts down on the amount of time and energy that is spent on the task. This particular Super System features two combination tools- the squeegee and washer. With one pass, you can wash and wipe the windows- making it a favourite amongst the active DIYers looking to get their windows sparkling in a fraction of the time. The tools can also be used separately as needed. The swivelling head adds to your flexibility during the cleaning, and the ergonomic handle of the Pro Series – Super System Squeegee & Washer, plus the rubberised comfort grip, contribute to enhancing your operational efficiency.

A Look At Ettore Extension Poles

When attending to those high-rise windows, using a ladder can be tedious. From hauling it around the property, climbing up and down the rungs carrying the bucket with cleaning solutions and the tools to work on the window, the holes that the ladders dig into the ground- messing up the landscaping, to the damage that is meted out to the building’s exterior- from the stucco to the paintwork- cleaners are increasingly turning away from them. This is especially the case due to the risk of fall accidents that are occasioned by working from heights. Sprains, broken bones, concussions- no one wants to experience these. Extension poles come in to take away the risk, and make it a convenient approach for working on the windows. In fact, with these tools, the setup time is reduced, and you will be in a position to move from one window to the next much faster- making them a vital asset to any window cleaner. Here, there are different options of extension poles to pick from the range of Ettore window cleaning products.

For this category of products, there are units like the REA-C-H extension poles, and the Ettore All-Purpose extension poles. Their rust-proof aluminium tubing increases the durability of the products, allowing them to be used for multiple cleaning sessions while withstanding the stresses and strains encountered during the job. They extend to different lengths and come in single-section and multi-section poles. Features like the click-lock mechanism ensure that the Ettore window cleaning products that are attached to the poles have a firm and secure fit- that way you won’t have to worry about issues like window washers, scrapers or squeegees coming off on the middle of the job. The compatibility of these units with the rest of the cleaning tools also reduces the amount of costs that go into acquiring supplies for your cleaning task, as each pole can be used for multiple tools.

After care

Here, the focus is removing moisture residue- typically on areas like the window frames, or those sections of the glass that were missed in the process. It’s an easy bit, and all that’s needed is a clean dry cloth. It is recommended that you work with microfibre cloths, since these come with high absorbent capacities, with the ability to hold multiple times their own weight in the liquid. Simply wipe the target section. What’s more, the clothes can trap dust, allergens, and particles that are too small for the naked eye to see, enhancing the integrity of the cleaning process.

Ettore provides a wide range of microfibre cloths, with their different colours. The cleaning power of these units is attributed to the mechanical action by forces of attraction that are generated when the cloths pass over the surface. This lifts the particles off the area being worked on. In fact, dry wiping can be carried out, reducing the reliance on water. This means that you can use them for the occasional quick-wipe of the window, without having to bring out all the gear, thus reducing your workload for when the top-to-bottom window washing will be carried out later on.

Products from this brand include the all-purpose MicroSwipe Cloth 6 pack that’s popular for cleaning without using chemicals, where it easily removes the dust and dirt particles when dry, and when damp it has a high efficacy to get rid of grease and stubborn soiling on the surfaces. There’s also the MicroSwipe Cloth 10 pack alternative, which comes in red, blue, green and yellow colour options. The 16″ x 20″ Ettore MicroSwipe Cloth is a premium quality unit, constructed with plush terry microfibre. This one particularly has a high rate of absorbency, holding up to 6 times its own weight in water- and also works effectively whether wet or dry.

Guide To Washing Your Windows With Ettore Window Cleaning Products