Steve Hanson

Before you take your squeegee out and start washing windows, you want to make sure you've got the right tools. Obviously a professional squeegee is the most important tool in your arsenal. You'll also need a window washing bucket, which is easier to use and transport that a regular 5 gallon bucket.

Lint-free cloths, chamois cloths or microfiber cloths are best for leaving your windows free of lint and streaks.

Next you want to choose your window washing cleaner. Many professionals use Dawn or Joy dishwashing liquid. Using dishwashing liquid is a safe and easy solution for basic window washing. The trick is to fill your window bucket with cool water first, then add your soap and swish. If you put the soap in the bucket first and then add water, you'll get too many suds. Use about the same amount of soap that you would to wash dishes.

If you want a professional window washing solution, visit your local janitorial supplier. They will have concentrated solutions to choose from and may have suggestions for hard to clean windows with grease or hard water spots.

In order to wash windows you'll need an applicator, sometimes called a golden glove or a strip washer. This type of applicator is nice because it fits on the end of a broom or extension pole if you have windows that are slightly out of reach. This also helps to avoid the use of ladders unless absolutely necessary.

If you have windows with lots of debris, bugs or construction mud, you'll want to have a scraper handy. You can use either a plastic scraper or a razor blade designed for window washing. You'll find window scrapers at your janitorial supplier.

#0000 steel wool is also helpful for getting debris off windows. The important thing to remember when using razor blades or steel wool is to make sure the window is wet - never, ever use them on a dry surface or you could scratch the window.

And finally, you may want to invest in a window washing tool belt. These tool belts fit around your waist and hold your squeegee, applicator and scraper. Some even come with a solution holder so you can dip your applicator as you go, which makes it easy to keep moving from one window to the next.

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Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.