Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Joseph Michael on September 17, 2012, 06:29:00 pm
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Hi guys
I am having a problem sometimes with a few 'older' windows, single and double glazed. When I have finished cleaning there still appears to be water spots, or stains left on the glass. I go over it again and give it a bit of 'elbow grease' too but they don't seem to clear, and then other times it looks as if I my have wiped a few off.! It might be just my eyes playing tricks.!!!?
Now are these just 'ground-in' stains that cannot be cleaned? Are they, as they sometimes appear, on the inside.?? Or is it more a case of (and I feel this could be it) that my technique is wrong, or I am not using enough Fairy Liquid in my bucket? I am sorry if this seems a bit of a stupid question but any help/advice would be much appreciated.
Regards
Joe
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I thought this was going to be a spoof thread: something about stains in Staines ;D
About your problem: If you've given the glass a good scrub and squeegeed before the soap/water mix starts to dry on, then any marks left are most likely to be between the panes of double glazing or on the inside of single glazing.
When you try to rub them off, look very closely at the spot - you should be able to see if it's on the outer surface or not.
It also helps to look at the glass 'obliquely' - look along the glass from one side, not straight at it. That way you can see any imperfections (spots/smears etc) on the surface.
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Thank you Ian. I still seem to see a few stains which seem to be on the outside so it can be very frustrating. Thanks again
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Thank you Ian. I still seem to see a few stains which seem to be on the outside so it can be very frustrating. Thanks again
hard water stains maybe ?
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The glass is stained,I see this all the time and 95% of my work is new builds.
I just clean the glass but if you want to repair it you could try ettore water spot remover and/ or 0000 wire wool.Personally I would'nt bother unless asked,and then would charge lots of dosh!
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You do get marks on older windows. I wouldn't worry about it unless the customer says something in which case, clean the window while they're watching.
I've only ever had one customer who complained about some strange marks on the glass. After a few months of me turning up each month with something different to remove the marks unsuccessfully, he stopped worrying about them.
I also do a house each month that has some Victorian glass and most of it is seriously marked and in some places, the bottom of the glass has gone opaque.
As to what causes these things, I havn't a clue.
If you try wire wool, only ever use a fresh bit once. It oxidises with amazing speed and the carbon in the rust can scratch windows very easily. I prefer to use one of those green scouring pads.
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Thanks guys, very very helpful.
Joe
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go back later up a ladder and check the glass you will then know. i had a cosy who said marks left on window when dried. just started to do them wfp, he asked me to clean trad way, i said ok, 2 months on he still thinks i use trad way, been cleaned wfp sometimes neighbours who get them cleaned trad way stick their nose in, bad imfo from there window cleaner who is not looking forward to the WINTER COLD using alluminium ladders, watching there fingers go pink then blue. memories are great, roll on cold weather, this is when rounds gets sold for different career