Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: MisterC on May 27, 2014, 08:28:42 pm
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Have been asked a few times recently when pricing to clean exterior windows for a price to clean the inside as well. So far I have always declined but am beginning to think I am missing out.
Do you guys recommend getting involved and what is the best method of cleaning ?
Also what sort of price do you charge ?
Many thanks for any advice guys
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Windolene and tissues work well.
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Well of course its worth doing...I usually charge a bit extra and get the custy to move everything off cills....mop and squeegee is the best ;)
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Same as outsides blade & app.
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Well of course its worth doing...I usually charge a bit extra and get the custy to move everything off cills....mop and squeegee is the best ;)
Same as!!
25% extra on external price and everything off the sills is a must
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I charge exterior price plus half. If it's those little square windows or very large panes then it's at least double.
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I charge exterior price plus half. If it's those little square windows or very large panes then it's at least double.
about the same i do unless smokers then i wont do it, and everything off the sills before hand
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I charge exterior price plus half. If it's those little square windows or very large panes then it's at least double.
Same here.
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You also need to make sure the customer knows what your charging for.
Is it just the glass or glass and frames including inside the openers.
These can be a time consuming pain to get clean especially if they haven't been done in a while.
Plus its best to clean them before doing the outsides.
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You also need to make sure the customer knows what your charging for.
Is it just the glass or glass and frames including inside the openers.
These can be a time consuming pain to get clean especially if they haven't been done in a while.
Plus its best to clean them before doing the outsides.
I prefer outsides first if possible. My thinking is that sometimes there might be a leak when cleaning with WFP - so no problem if insides last. Also, it's easier to see how well the WFP is working and if any outside bits need re-doing.
I'm sure you have equally good reasons for doing insides first. Just wondering what your thinking is on this?
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Im with David on that one......
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You also need to make sure the customer knows what your charging for.
Is it just the glass or glass and frames including inside the openers.
These can be a time consuming pain to get clean especially if they haven't been done in a while.
Plus its best to clean them before doing the outsides.
I prefer outsides first if possible. My thinking is that sometimes there might be a leak when cleaning with WFP - so no problem if insides last. Also, it's easier to see how well the WFP is working and if any outside bits need re-doing.
I'm sure you have equally good reasons for doing insides first. Just wondering what your thinking is on this?
+1 but i charge double for insides.
And want cleared ledges
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Makes me laugh. If I had a window cleaner who couldn't clean inside I'd get someone else. Bit embarrassing if u ask me
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So say you get a one off clean, a 3 bed semi in a nice area.
From what I read on here thats gotta be a score on a regular, but you double it because its "one off " . They then ask if you can clean the insides as well, so is that then double the already doubled one off price for the outsides ? ??? £120 total, well done if ya feeling that brave and can sleep at night ! ;) :D ;D
I've always just charged the same for ins as outs, granted it can take a bit longer and I probably am a bit slack about my pricing, but I tend to price well for the outside anyhow.
I use a fairly dry applicator and squegee with microfiber towels and scrim, don't carry a bucket around , use a spray bottle with fairy ( keeps water and drips to a minimum )
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Makes me laugh. If I had a window cleaner who couldn't clean inside I'd get someone else. Bit embarrassing if u ask me
i refuse inside work generally as i cant be bothered.i dont like going inside customers houses.i relent on a few large posh houses but thats about it! ;) :)
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Makes me laugh. If I had a window cleaner who couldn't clean inside I'd get someone else. Bit embarrassing if u ask me
i refuse inside work generally as i cant be bothered.i dont like going inside customers houses.i relent on a few large posh houses but thats about it! ;) :)
but at least u can clean insides.
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I charge double for insides, mainly because I can't be arsed with it and the higher price means fewer takers but when I do get one, all sills cleared and sofas pulled out of the way beforehand etc.
It's not pleasant though, constantly watching every step that you don't knock over something and some houses can be complete dumps inside:-[
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You also need to make sure the customer knows what your charging for.
Is it just the glass or glass and frames including inside the openers.
These can be a time consuming pain to get clean especially if they haven't been done in a while.
Plus its best to clean them before doing the outsides.
I prefer outsides first if possible. My thinking is that sometimes there might be a leak when cleaning with WFP - so no problem if insides last. Also, it's easier to see how well the WFP is working and if any outside bits need re-doing.
I'm sure you have equally good reasons for doing insides first. Just wondering what your thinking is on this?
You have a window with a large fixed pane of glass below two smaller openers.
To clean around the inside of these frames you need to open them out.
This runs the risk of dirty water dripping onto the glass below.
Its also very easy to touch the outer glass with the dirty cloth when cleaning the opened frame.
Im talking about a full frame clean including the parts you cant get at with the openers closed.
If your just cleaning the inside glass then certainly do the outsides first.
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wagtail combi or pure water, in a spray bottle and microfibre cloth
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We charge loads more for insides just let them know there carpets are getting cleaned as well, so we charge erm for carpets cleaned. We wash all the frames inside and cills With the pole. We do ask for items to be removed ie pictures as they will get ruined with all the water pouring down. Lol !!!!! ;D
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Cleaning internals can be a simple task and a nice earner, when it comes to homes most women try to clean the insides with traditional type glass and mirror cleaners which is a disaster as all they do is leave behind streaks and smears, its a fact one of the worst products used for cleaning glass and mirror surfaces are traditional type glass and mirror cleaners as they contain IPA,ammonia,solvents,etc, and its these ingredients that end up leaving behind all the greasy residues, a good solution to this problem is first use a magic eraser pad damp with water to break down all the greasy residues, then use a damp microfiber cloth to remove all the loosened residues, then use a dry microfiber cloth to polish off for a streak free finish, this method is far more effective than using an applicator and squeegee and will leave a superior finish, anyway just some different thoughts on cleaning internals, why not try it you might be surprised.
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Cleaning internals can be a simple task and a nice earner, when it comes to homes most women try to clean the insides with traditional type glass and mirror cleaners which is a disaster as all they do is leave behind streaks and smears, its a fact one of the worst products used for cleaning glass and mirror surfaces are traditional type glass and mirror cleaners as they contain IPA,ammonia,solvents,etc, and its these ingredients that end up leaving behind all the greasy residues, a good solution to this problem is first use a magic eraser pad damp with water to break down all the greasy residues, then use a damp microfiber cloth to remove all the loosened residues, then use a dry microfiber cloth to polish off for a streak free finish, this method is far more effective than using an applicator and squeegee and will leave a superior finish, anyway just some different thoughts on cleaning internals, why not try it you might be surprised.
Twaddle.
Applicator and squeegie every time for the best finish and speed.
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If it works for you Tadgh then great but I find the applicator & squeegee is still the best method for internals. Cif window cleaner spray is also great for inside windows that are cleaned on a regular basis.
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Cleaning internals can be a simple task and a nice earner, when it comes to homes most women try to clean the insides with traditional type glass and mirror cleaners which is a disaster as all they do is leave behind streaks and smears, its a fact one of the worst products used for cleaning glass and mirror surfaces are traditional type glass and mirror cleaners as they contain IPA,ammonia,solvents,etc, and its these ingredients that end up leaving behind all the greasy residues, a good solution to this problem is first use a magic eraser pad damp with water to break down all the greasy residues, then use a damp microfiber cloth to remove all the loosened residues, then use a dry microfiber cloth to polish off for a streak free finish, this method is far more effective than using an applicator and squeegee and will leave a superior finish, anyway just some different thoughts on cleaning internals, why not try it you might be surprised.
to much faffing about. Blade & app a lot quicker.
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I did not say that it was quicker than app and blade, i said it was a more effective way and would leave a superior finish, its just about sharing different methods, one of the reasons for having a forum about cleaning.
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I did not say that it was quicker than app and blade, i said it was a more effective way and would leave a superior finish, its just about sharing different methods, one of the reasons for having a forum about cleaning.
Speed has to be considered when measuring 'effectiveness'.
If a subby of mine turned up and started fannying around with waffle cloths and magic potions i'd send him home.
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I did not say that it was quicker than app and blade, i said it was a more effective way and would leave a superior finish, its just about sharing different methods, one of the reasons for having a forum about cleaning.
Speed has to be considered when measuring 'effectiveness'.
If a subby of mine turned up and started fannying around with waffle cloths and magic potions i'd send him home.
I didnt mention anything about waffle cloths, i did say for deep cleaning internals that its a more effective way.
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I did not say that it was quicker than app and blade, i said it was a more effective way and would leave a superior finish, its just about sharing different methods, one of the reasons for having a forum about cleaning.
Speed has to be considered when measuring 'effectiveness'.
If a subby of mine turned up and started fannying around with waffle cloths and magic potions i'd send him home.
I didnt mention anything about waffle cloths, i did say for deep cleaning internals that its a more effective way.
For regular internal cleans on smallish windows I find microfibres quicker. Quite possibly because I wasn't trad before & never developed sufficient speed.
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On mingers though I'd use a squeegee.
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spray mist bottle with washing up lquid and small drop of ammonia
pound shop microfiber towel for small panes, a wringed out applicator for larger ones, squegee, let dry and detail with a good scrim or unger mirofiber, no bucket or excess water to leave puddles to mop up, working for me ;)
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2 x the exterior cost and a mug of tea for the insides. If they say so thanks, OK with me, if they say yes its worth the cuppa
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I did not say that it was quicker than app and blade, i said it was a more effective way and would leave a superior finish, its just about sharing different methods, one of the reasons for having a forum about cleaning.
Sorry Tadgh but a cloth will never leave a 'superior finish' to a squeegee. Never.
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I did not say that it was quicker than app and blade, i said it was a more effective way and would leave a superior finish, its just about sharing different methods, one of the reasons for having a forum about cleaning.
Sorry Tadgh but a cloth will never leave a 'superior finish' to a squeegee. Never.
Hi PoleKing looks like this is another one we will have to agree to disagree with
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I did not say that it was quicker than app and blade, i said it was a more effective way and would leave a superior finish, its just about sharing different methods, one of the reasons for having a forum about cleaning.
Sorry Tadgh but a cloth will never leave a 'superior finish' to a squeegee. Never.
Hi PoleKing looks like this is another one we will have to agree to disagree with
Fair enough.
How's that TFR research coming on?
I'm doing a little experiment myself.
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Sorry Tadgh but a cloth will never leave a 'superior finish' to a squeegee. Never.
I'd disagree with this . Jewlers cases, crystal glasses, picture frames, mirrors are NOT cleaned with a squeegee. Aside from which your comment, roughly, the same was said about WFP when it first came out, and to an extent still seems to cause debate even today.
I'm very profficient with a mop and blade and yet i have reverted to cloths on some interiors. For the sole reason they are quicker and do the same job. Also to add some of the shop fronts i do i am having to go round and spot remove finger prints because a mop and squeegee has not removed them. Thats how good a mop and squeegee is as a 100% cure all, its just not. Aside from which, most of us indeed using cloths to detail edges, remove the odd blade mark etc. Apparently if we all dog eared our channels so we didn't need to detail we wouldn't even need a cloth ?
A basic fact of using a squeegee is that it needs lubrication to move, and that ends up running down everywhere, no matter how much you try to catch it. Yes i'm aware you can do that and i do it, i'm also aware there are situations where you just cannot do it, so use a cloth !!
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Sorry Tadgh but a cloth will never leave a 'superior finish' to a squeegee. Never.
I'd disagree with this . Jewlers cases, crystal glasses, picture frames, mirrors are NOT cleaned with a squeegee. Aside from which your comment, roughly, the same was said about WFP when it first came out, and to an extent still seems to cause debate even today.
I'm very profficient with a mop and blade and yet i have reverted to cloths on some interiors. For the sole reason they are quicker and do the same job. Also to add some of the shop fronts i do i am having to go round and spot remove finger prints because a mop and squeegee has not removed them. Thats how good a mop and squeegee is as a 100% cure all, its just not. Aside from which, most of us indeed using cloths to detail edges, remove the odd blade mark etc. Apparently if we all dog eared our channels so we didn't need to detail we wouldn't even need a cloth ?
A basic fact of using a squeegee is that it needs lubrication to move, and that ends up running down everywhere, no matter how much you try to catch it. Yes i'm aware you can do that and i do it, i'm also aware there are situations where you just cannot do it, so use a cloth !!
Sorry CC, you're right. I should've been more specific, on a large pane of glass, like the thread started out on, the cloths will never be as good.
There's always the shine marks from cloths in the wrong light.
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I did not say that it was quicker than app and blade, i said it was a more effective way and would leave a superior finish, its just about sharing different methods, one of the reasons for having a forum about cleaning.
Sorry Tadgh but a cloth will never leave a 'superior finish' to a squeegee. Never.
Hi PoleKing looks like this is another one we will have to agree to disagree with
Fair enough.
How's that TFR research coming on?
I'm doing a little experiment myself.
As you know I have a total aversion to TFRs because of their caustic and corrosive ingredients which cause detrimental damage to surfaces, I am collecting pictures of this damage caused to different surfaces from the use of these harsh chemicals, I will be there very soon and hope when I post the pics it will be of benefit and especially to the new guys joining our industry.
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So I think you have decided a cloth is the best way to go. Now what is the best chemical to use
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I did not say that it was quicker than app and blade, i said it was a more effective way and would leave a superior finish, its just about sharing different methods, one of the reasons for having a forum about cleaning.
Sorry Tadgh but a cloth will never leave a 'superior finish' to a squeegee. Never.
Hi PoleKing looks like this is another one we will have to agree to disagree with
Fair enough.
How's that TFR research coming on?
I'm doing a little experiment myself.
As you know I have a total aversion to TFRs because of their caustic and corrosive ingredients which cause detrimental damage to surfaces, I am collecting pictures of this damage caused to different surfaces from the use of these harsh chemicals, I will be there very soon and hope when I post the pics it will be of benefit and especially to the new guys joining our industry.
I am genuinely interested to see any damage it does.
I'm only interested in UPVC and glass though tbh.
Obviously it's fine on cars, that's why it was designed.
Can't think of anywhere else I'd use it...
Just for clarity, I know TFR is acid but is it caustic? Is there a difference?
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I am genuinely interested to see any damage it does.
I'm only interested in UPVC and glass though tbh.
Obviously it's fine on cars, that's why it was designed.
Can't think of anywhere else I'd use it...
Just for clarity, I know TFR is acid but is it caustic? Is there a difference?
Darren, i've no idea about the do's or don'ts of TFR's on UPVC or windows, but i can tell you 100% they DO NOT work on vehicles, even though thats what they are designed for. If they where i would not be (an neither would anyone else) using brushes and sponges on them if the TFR worked !!! We just use soap to make everything glide easier !!! I clean a good few vehicles.
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I am genuinely interested to see any damage it does.
I'm only interested in UPVC and glass though tbh.
Obviously it's fine on cars, that's why it was designed.
Can't think of anywhere else I'd use it...
Just for clarity, I know TFR is acid but is it caustic? Is there a difference?
Darren, i've no idea about the do's or don'ts of TFR's on UPVC or windows, but i can tell you 100% they DO NOT work on vehicles, even though thats what they are designed for. If they where i would not be (an neither would anyone else) using brushes and sponges on them if the TFR worked !!! We just use soap to make everything glide easier !!! I clean a good few vehicles.
Brake dust on alloys though CC? I've not found anything better...
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Sorry Tadgh but a cloth will never leave a 'superior finish' to a squeegee. Never.
I'd disagree with this . Jewlers cases, crystal glasses, picture frames, mirrors are NOT cleaned with a squeegee. Aside from which your comment, roughly, the same was said about WFP when it first came out, and to an extent still seems to cause debate even today.
I'm very profficient with a mop and blade and yet i have reverted to cloths on some interiors. For the sole reason they are quicker and do the same job. Also to add some of the shop fronts i do i am having to go round and spot remove finger prints because a mop and squeegee has not removed them. Thats how good a mop and squeegee is as a 100% cure all, its just not. Aside from which, most of us indeed using cloths to detail edges, remove the odd blade mark etc. Apparently if we all dog eared our channels so we didn't need to detail we wouldn't even need a cloth ?
A basic fact of using a squeegee is that it needs lubrication to move, and that ends up running down everywhere, no matter how much you try to catch it. Yes i'm aware you can do that and i do it, i'm also aware there are situations where you just cannot do it, so use a cloth !!
Hi Mike, I am glad you mentioned detailing as there is huge potential for offering this service to high street retailers, we promote detailing to retailers for their shop front windows (both interior and exterior) plus for their glass display cases,mirrors,lighting,crystal,etc. this service is very well received and they are happy to pay well as the results are so impressive, many of the high end retailers have told us one of their pet hates is when their merchandise is on display at night there is nothing worse than seeing squeegee marks on the windows as when the window lights are on at night these streak marks can look awful, for this reason alone they are happy to pay as a window which is sparkling clear makes their merchandise stand out more, this service generates plenty of referral business as most good retailers will tell their colleagues about the improved results, when we detail large shop windows we always clean with microfiber cloths then use a blade to wipe down excess moisture but always polish the whole window with a dry microfiber to achieve a streak free finish, its worth pointing out never use any wash up liquid or traditional type glass and mirror cleaner as they expect perfect results when they are paying the extra for this window detailing service, again this is a market that is wide open with willing clients as they will stay with you because of the results. its just a matter of explaining the benefits to the owner or manager and when you can guarantee them the no streak finish they will def give it a try.
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I am genuinely interested to see any damage it does.
I'm only interested in UPVC and glass though tbh.
Obviously it's fine on cars, that's why it was designed.
Can't think of anywhere else I'd use it...
Just for clarity, I know TFR is acid but is it caustic? Is there a difference?
Darren, i've no idea about the do's or don'ts of TFR's on UPVC or windows, but i can tell you 100% they DO NOT work on vehicles, even though thats what they are designed for. If they where i would not be (an neither would anyone else) using brushes and sponges on them if the TFR worked !!! We just use soap to make everything glide easier !!! I clean a good few vehicles.
Brake dust on alloys though CC? I've not found anything better...
To be honest i've never had a problem getting it off with just soap and water, or even with my wfp System and brush. But there is an acid we use for alloy occasionally, its probably about as environmentally unfriendly as you can get !!! But if you spray it on an alloy (truck ) tank, or a wheel then guaranteed they come up like you've been scrubbing them with brasso. This won't apply to modern alloy wheels which are painted silver and have a layer of laquer on, but all the other stuff, yeah its great. I've no idea what harm it does, but it stands to reason that it at least "takes a layer off".
Going back to UPVC, in my opinion if a solvent is not removing ingrained dirt, then it needs a layer taking off, whether thats an abrasive cream, fine wire wool whatever.......i've yet to find anything else to truly whiten up or rejuvenate UPVC.
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I am genuinely interested to see any damage it does.
I'm only interested in UPVC and glass though tbh.
Obviously it's fine on cars, that's why it was designed.
Can't think of anywhere else I'd use it...
Just for clarity, I know TFR is acid but is it caustic? Is there a difference?
Darren, i've no idea about the do's or don'ts of TFR's on UPVC or windows, but i can tell you 100% they DO NOT work on vehicles, even though thats what they are designed for. If they where i would not be (an neither would anyone else) using brushes and sponges on them if the TFR worked !!! We just use soap to make everything glide easier !!! I clean a good few vehicles.
Brake dust on alloys though CC? I've not found anything better...
Hi again PoleKing just to let you know TFRs do not contain acid they are high alkaline based usually with a pH value of between 12 to 13.5 which makes them very corrosive , its the continuous use of these harsh chemicals that cause the detrimental damage to surfaces, when it comes to alloy wheels TFRS will really cause detrimental damage from continuous use again because they are very corrosive and will end up etching the alloys, if you want a solution to this problem i can offer you a product which you can apply to clean alloy wheels, once you start using this product every 3 months on your alloys thereafter you only have to use a microfiber cloth and water to keep them clean, if this solution would be of benefit to you send me an email and i will share some info with you.
Regards
Tadgh
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So I think you have decided a cloth is the best way to go. Now what is the best chemical to use
Hi Duncan, one of the benefits of using microfiber technology is that you can use them without any chemicals so we just use them damp with water unless we are detailing glass and mirrors then we would use them with a special cleaning solution that wont leave behind any streaks,smears, or residues.
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Hi Tadgh, just wanted to thank you for your genuinely knowledgeable,informative and constructive comments.As you rightly say that's the whole point of a forum,but of course,some ignorant idiots always think they know best.
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Hi Tadgh, just wanted to thank you for your genuinely knowledgeable,informative and constructive comments.As you rightly say that's the whole point of a forum,but of course,some ignorant idiots always think they know best.
Hi Keiron, thank you for your kind comments, i have to admit there was a time when i was ignorant myself to this industry but now after being involved for more than 30 years i have copped on to the large chemical manufacturers who are producing all the harsh chemicals which cause all the detrimental damage, when i started there was no one really to give you proper advice and the manufacturers reps did not know any better as they were being spun the same BS as they were spinning to us.now thankfully today technology has moved on and there are plenty of companies producing safer and more effective cleaning solutions, its just a matter of keeping an open mind use the internet as your source to find these safer solutions ask for or pay for samples and test them out, having a forum like CIU is a great resource for sharing experiences and ideas which can be of benefit to all members and especially to the newer guys joining our industry.