Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: cybersye on June 01, 2006, 10:01:08 pm

Title: help with a dirty window
Post by: cybersye on June 01, 2006, 10:01:08 pm

hi all, today i was cleaning for a regular customer when the lady downstairs in the basement asked me if i could clean a tall window she could'nt reach. It was really dirty but on closer inspection the glass appeared to have lots of dark specks of dirt encrusted in the glass, i tried a small area with my pocket scraper and it seems as if I'd be able to shift it, but not on that scale with just a small scraper.
Does anyone know what could have caused this? is it just a case of a dirty window having been left for so long? is it possible for dirt to etch in to the glass? I've dismissed it being builders mess ie; render or cement/ lime, and is there anyway anyone could suggest I could clean it, amonia maybe? as i think she'd be happy to pay if i could clean it up for her
I did try taking a pic on my phone but it did'nt really show up
anyone know what I'm on about? and could suggest anything
Ta
Simon

Title: Re: help with a dirty window
Post by: pjulk on June 01, 2006, 10:05:16 pm

I have a customer who has this on her windows it was caused by her husband using an angle grinder near the window.
I also have a large commercial customer who has this on a brand new building.
But can't scrape that as they have a film applied to both sides of the glass.

Paul

Title: Re: help with a dirty window
Post by: reah on June 01, 2006, 10:10:15 pm

Hey
You need to assertain what sought of dirt it is .
Try a large scraper a 4inch should do.
Mdr will get rid of limescale and hard dirt residue.
Try to use a white pad with it, not green.
There is also oilflo.
I am sure though a acouple of going overs with a large scraper should work.
Allways use scrapers on wet glass.
Reah

Title: Re: help with a dirty window
Post by: rosskesava on June 01, 2006, 10:12:57 pm

It does sound like grinder dust.

If you can scrape one spec of it off then it's probably easiest to buy a larger scraper like the ones that Unger do for about £6 which have a 4" blade. For things like paint etc they are really quick and have a handle which makes holding it a lot easier.

Personnaly, I tend to avoid those jobs because it only takes on scratch on the glass and they are not usually worth the hassle.

Title: Re: help with a dirty window
Post by: cybersye on June 01, 2006, 10:25:44 pm

wow, quick replies!
thanks for the help
rosskesava do you happen to be in brighton and drive a hearse?

Title: Re: help with a dirty window
Post by: cybersye on June 01, 2006, 10:40:51 pm

by the way whats mdr?

Title: Re: help with a dirty window
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 01, 2006, 10:51:15 pm

Quote from: cybersye on June 01, 2006, 10:25:44 pm

rosskesava do you happen to be in brighton and drive a hearse?

He certainly does! Only in Brighton, eh? ;D