Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: cleaning4usussex on October 14, 2014, 10:09:45 pm

Title: First clean
Post by: cleaning4usussex on October 14, 2014, 10:09:45 pm
im new to window cleaning and have just set up a van mounted system done my windows at home which haven't been done for about 7 years! Got them quite good more time on them next time and they should be really good! What does everyone else do on the first clean or really dirty windows ? Do you just spend more time? Different brush stiffer one? Chemicals?
Jamie
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: Jonny 87 on October 14, 2014, 10:13:33 pm
I use virosol on all first cleans.

Scrub and foam up the frames then give the glass a quick clean, then a thorough rinse with good flow rate. I do that with all the windows then go back to the start and clean glass only.

They come up perfect and are easy peasy from there on in.
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: Smudger on October 14, 2014, 10:23:12 pm
All our first cleans are done with g101. This brings up the frames like new and helps take off built up grime - first cleans always take longer than maintainace cleans and be charged accordingly.

First cleans should come up as good as any other clean.

Darran
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: cleaning4usussex on October 14, 2014, 10:29:45 pm
I have some virosol how do you get it on the windows should I buy a back pack sprayer and connect to my pole
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: deeege on October 14, 2014, 10:38:25 pm
Most important thing to remember with first cleans.........charge atleast double every time (no exceptions).
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: Smudger on October 14, 2014, 10:57:28 pm
Plant sprayer (handheld). We use hozelock 1.25 ltr will easily reach second floor windows

Darran
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: SeanK on October 14, 2014, 11:11:07 pm
I never charged any extra on first cleans when starting out and 90% of my customers have more
than returned the favour by recommending me to others.
Treat every first clean as a way of gaining more work and building a good reputation.

 
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: Tom-01 on October 14, 2014, 11:51:53 pm
We clean all the frames thoroughly first and rinse and a quick whizz over the glass, then back to the beginning glass only. Might start using virosol on first cleans now though sounds like a good idea.

I would definitely recommend charging more for a first clean, one obviously because you never know they could be just a one-off and trying their luck, happened a few times to me when I was starting up.

Also its psychological, charge more and sell the reasons why, I say to them that we will effectively be cleaning them 3 times the first time round and they will really notice the difference. And also when you quote a first clean price and then a reduced price for regular cleans the last thing they hear is a lower price, and a 'discounted' price - so they will have forgotten 'how much?!' for the first clean because they think they have got a deal. Use the words 'discounted price for regular cleans thereafter' and everyone is happy.
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: oldman on October 15, 2014, 05:40:37 am
Plant sprayer (handheld). We use hozelock 1.25 ltr will easily reach second floor windows

Darran

Must have long arms  ;)  ;D ;D.
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: Caleb Morley on October 15, 2014, 02:04:17 pm
Could you use TFR instead of virosol, or are they very different?

Cheers
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: tonycarr on October 15, 2014, 04:01:20 pm
Hi jamie

I to, always use virosol on first cleans, I sometimes trad the first time as well.

If your not using ladders and  find it difficult getting virosol or whatever you decide to use on the upstairs windows just spray directly onto your brush

tony
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: 8weekly on October 15, 2014, 04:22:59 pm
I only use G101 on real mingers. Otherwise it's first clean focusing on the frames then second pass glass only and rinsing below the top frame. In my opinion there is a balance to be struck as G101 needs lots of rinsing and will end up taking longer unless there is a lot of dirt for it to cut through.
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: Smudger on October 15, 2014, 04:28:08 pm
That's why we use it, because it's a great guide to know when the window is finished

Once the 101 has gone you can stop rinsing and move to next window

Darran
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: SeanK on October 15, 2014, 04:33:10 pm
If your looking for a way to get chemicals around the frame on a first clean here's how I do it.
I have a Fixi clamp fitted to the end of a Harris pole to this I clamp a car sponge soaked in the chemical.
Just work it around each frame and by the time you have went around the whole property the first window will
be ready to clean
Works a treat and you don't need to worry about breathing in the spray fumes.
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: dazmond on October 15, 2014, 05:43:36 pm
If your looking for a way to get chemicals around the frame on a first clean here's how I do it.
I have a Fixi clamp fitted to the end of a Harris pole to this I clamp a car sponge soaked in the chemical.
Just work it around each frame and by the time you have went around the whole property the first window will
be ready to clean
Works a treat and you don't need to worry about breathing in the spray fumes.

or you could just turn the heat up on your boiler and use hot water and a SL stiff brush and leave the chemicals in the van! :)
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: gary999 on October 15, 2014, 06:33:59 pm
If your looking for a way to get chemicals around the frame on a first clean here's how I do it.
I have a Fixi clamp fitted to the end of a Harris pole to this I clamp a car sponge soaked in the chemical.
Just work it around each frame and by the time you have went around the whole property the first window will
be ready to clean
Works a treat and you don't need to worry about breathing in the spray fumes.

or you could just turn the heat up on your boiler and use hot water and a SL stiff brush and leave the chemicals in the van! :)

Still using it are we!!

well wonders will never cease ;D
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: duncan h on October 15, 2014, 06:37:06 pm
I never charged any extra on first cleans when starting out and 90% of my customers have more
than returned the favour by recommending me to others.
Treat every first clean as a way of gaining more work and building a good reputation.

 
me too mate
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: Johnny B on October 15, 2014, 07:18:49 pm
I never charged any extra on first cleans when starting out and 90% of my customers have more
than returned the favour by recommending me to others.
Treat every first clean as a way of gaining more work and building a good reputation.

 
me too mate


And me.

John
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: PoleKing on October 15, 2014, 09:13:53 pm
I never charged any extra on first cleans when starting out and 90% of my customers have more
than returned the favour by recommending me to others.
Treat every first clean as a way of gaining more work and building a good reputation.

 

I never used to but always do now.
Only the very rare customer asks why the 1st clean is more expensive.
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: Stoots on October 15, 2014, 09:20:11 pm
Not started window cleaning yet, but in practice G101 in a hand spray bottle sprayed on brush before cleaning is merking dem windowz
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: PoleKing on October 15, 2014, 09:22:03 pm
Not started window cleaning yet, but in practice G101 in a hand spray bottle sprayed on brush before cleaning is merking dem windowz

Get any of your adverts proofread
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: Joe Bromley on October 15, 2014, 09:27:44 pm
Keep up old Darren, merking or 'murking'...

 
"1.
   
murk
To physically beat someone so severely, they end up dying from their injuries. To beat the living sh#t outta someone. To seriously whoop somebodys ass."
Title: Re: First clean
Post by: PoleKing on October 15, 2014, 09:30:12 pm
Keep up old Darren, merking or 'murking'...

 
"1.
   
murk
To physically beat someone so severely, they end up dying from their injuries. To beat the living sh#t outta someone. To seriously whoop somebodys ass."

Lol. I know what it is. 
You're only a bit younger than me.
You'll end up over my knee though young man :o ;D