Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Paul Coleman on August 31, 2006, 07:51:04 pm
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I wonder if the time is right to try and collect up a few tips in one thread here rather than scattered around. The sort of stuff I'm looking for are the little details of how people work. You know the sort of stuff I mean. You've been WFPing for a while and one day the light bulb comes on and you suddenly realise that there is a better way of working.
The two that I'm going to post are almost embarassing because I'm sure that they should have been blindingly obvious to me from day one. However, I've recently made two changes to my work methods. One saves time and the other improves safety - and maybe saves a little time too.
1) FIRST CLEANS
On maintenance cleans, unless it's a really big job, I tend to go all around the tops and then start again doing the ground floor beneath where I started the tops. This is to allow maximum "dripping" time. The daft thing is that I have also been doing this on first cleans. On first cleans, I go around twice anyway - the second being glass only. Therefore, I have been lugging the hose around after me far more than necessary. I find it far easier to do one side tops only, switch to a minipole, and then do all the ground floor on that side (this is for top frames + glass). I then go to the next side and do the same. It's only on the second pass when I do glass only that I really need to go all around the top window then go around the ground floor windows afterwards. This means that I switch poles several times but I find that easier usually than lugging hose around more than necessary. On the first pass it doesn't matter if the ground floor windows are dripped on because they are going to be cleaned again anyway a little while later.
Wish I'd realised that sooner - oops !!
2) HOSE BETWEEN VAN AND HOSEREEL
I realise that some people have a reel fixed in their vans and some others have trolley/backpacks only so this won't apply to you.
I have a system where I have been connecting a piece of hose between the van and a hosereel that I remove from the van. Untill recently, I have been using a piece of hose that is maybe a metre or so long. This has meant that I have needed to unreel the hose (often over the public footpath) to the fullest extent that I need for the job before I lay the rubber safety matting over it. This means that unattended hose has been lying across the path - often out of sight from me - until I return and lay the matting over it. I couldn't really lay the mat over it before unreeling to the maximum needed because it would just drag the mat with it - if I could move it at all.
Now, I have about 4 -5 metres of hose between the van and the reel. This means that I can position the reel, make the connection between van and reel, lay the mat over the connection, then unreel the hose as required. The safety advantage is clear in that the hose over the path is never unattended and is uncovered for a very short time. This has the bonus advantage on some jobs of positioning the reel to clear the first corner or the car tyres in the drive making the hose easier to pull around.
OK. Pretty obvious stuff that I ought to have realised sooner but anyone else got a few bits they would like to add?
I'm going to post this on another forum too to maximise responses.
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Good for you mate, no it makes sense for us w/c to look out for each other.
Here is my tip... buy microbore 30mm hose yes it is a bit more expensive, but look at the advantages this hose does NOT stick under tyres and such like, it is very strong, you use less water but best of all you can fit 100m on a normal 50m reel, so no more working out where to park or un-clipping to move your van. It is an absolute god send try it.... you will not be disappointed.
Not only that but the clips which are steel will have a shut off valve to save even more water soooo much easier. ;)
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Hey Shiner,
I'm still a bit green to be giving out tips to other WC's but will watch this post with interest!
Can you tell me where you got your safety mat from?
Regards
Alistair
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like the safety mat idea and extra length hose shiner, at present I just put a cone on the hose but I can see what your getting at with the extra long bit of hose from van to reel, think I'll try that one! cheers ;D
Alistair, you got a 99 p shop near you? they normally sell rubber door mats, thats what I'm going to try.
Simon
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HOSE BETWEEN VAN AND HOSEREEL
I use 100mtr micro straight from fixed reel
Ive been looking for some kind of sign that stays fixed to the vehicle and pop's up (one each side) and points to the hose and warns of the danger. Some thing like American school buses use or for the really old one's here like the old car indicators.. any one any idea's??
I know this is not a tip but I think it could solve a lot of problems relating to warning the public about trip hazzards and would be very time effective..
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Hey Shiner,
I'm still a bit green to be giving out tips to other WC's but will watch this post with interest!
Can you tell me where you got your safety mat from?
Regards
Alistair
http://www.polymax.co.uk/mainframe%20rubber%20products.htm
I bought two sheets of the "FLEXI" mat. It's not cheap (about £45 a sheet I think) but it should last and last as it seems very durable. It has a yellow border around it which will help with visibility. On some footpaths I need to use both sheets due to footpath width. I wondered if I was overdoing it at first. However, a couple of months ago, I watched an elderly person with a stick walk over it with no trouble. She may have had a visual impairment as she seemed to be squinting. That was the day when I knew I was doing the right thing.
I also bought a roll of black matting too but I have never used it yet. It will be handy one day, I'm sure.
I went to Borden in Hants to collect the matting (I was going that way anyway for another reason). Polymax is situated in the army barracks there. I had to phone them when I got there so they could bring it out to me :)
I'm sure this could be done more cheaply if necessary but I just wanted something that I wouldn't have to replace a couple of years down the line.
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Good for you mate, no it makes sense for us w/c to look out for each other.
Here is my tip... buy microbore 30mm hose yes it is a bit more expensive, but look at the advantages this hose does NOT stick under tyres and such like, it is very strong, you use less water but best of all you can fit 100m on a normal 50m reel, so no more working out where to park or un-clipping to move your van. It is an absolute god send try it.... you will not be disappointed.
Not only that but the clips which are steel will have a shut off valve to save even more water soooo much easier. ;)
I do intend to try that at some point. There are two reservations I have though. Perhaps you (or someone else) could put me straight.
1) I have read somewhere that on the colder days, water will freeze more easily in microbore than in standard hose due to it being thinner an less water flow in it.
2) I like to have the water really pumping fast on first cleans. Is there sufficient flow with microbore to do a first clean without being held up?
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Here,s my pennyworth ( if its any use)
1) To those buying a wfp set up ,
pick-up a couple of spare "y" pieces (they go near the top on the brush)
For 60/70 pence if one brakes your not loosing a day or going back too trad. until a replacment arrives.
Ray
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Shiner,
Dont worry about m/bore freezing up. You will find the water will freeze in your pole hose first.
I do first cleans with m/bore no problem.
Nel.
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Dont be as dozzy as me I spent about 6 weeks cleaning with a 4 section pole extending it from the second section and waving the 2 spare sections above my head Doh ::)
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Shiner,
Dont worry about m/bore freezing up. You will find the water will freeze in your pole hose first.
I do first cleans with m/bore no problem.
Nel.
Thanks for that Neil. Yes of course it will freeze in the pole hose. Not sure where my head is today. Glad to hear it's fine for first cleans.
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Come on guys theres gotta be more tips than that
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Well heres another one,
for anybody who wants to save a bit of water between windows when moving the pole, I have a large bulldog/crocodile clip on a short piece of chain attached to my belt loop, when moving between windows i just kink the poles hose and clip it on (usually cuts my pump out too). Also I find it much easier to control flow for a rinse/cascade of glass by just doubling the hose over and pinching between forefinger and thumb ;)
Simon
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Hey Shiner,
How are you doing? I have been meaning to contact you as we are in the same area and was wondering if i could take a look at your set up? I know some guys in the same area would not be up for this but i know you have been established long enough to know we would not be a threat?
My main business is carpet / office cleaning but been doing about 40 or so houses around the maidenbower smallfield and salfords areas which started as a way of helping a mate out. Weirdly i have found i really enjoy it and thinking about expanding this side of things.
Please email office@crawleycarpetcleaning.co.uk
Regards Rob.
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Hey Shiner,
How are you doing? I have been meaning to contact you as we are in the same area and was wondering if i could take a look at your set up? I know some guys in the same area would not be up for this but i know you have been established long enough to know we would not be a threat?
My main business is carpet / office cleaning but been doing about 40 or so houses around the maidenbower smallfield and salfords areas which started as a way of helping a mate out. Weirdly i have found i really enjoy it and thinking about expanding this side of things.
Please email office@crawleycarpetcleaning.co.uk
Regards Rob.
Sure thing Rob.
I would be happy to show you the setup and have a chat. The only thing I won't show is the location of my static tank and RO as it is on someone else's property. Just in case the screw ever turns with a drought order, the less people know of its whereabouts the better :)
I'm in West Green myself. I do window cleaning in Crawley and the surrounding towns (including Smallfield). Oddly enough, I'm about to "lose" a bit of work. I'm not going to pretend that it's quality work but if you want it and the customers are OK with it you're welcome to it. It's only about £50 worth in the Smallfield area. No charge. However, I feel it is underpriced and there is an access issue on one of the jobs since they starting padlocking the side gate.
I'm a bit tied up the next couple of evenings but would be happy to meet up later in the week if you wish.
If that's OK, say so on here and I'll email you my phone number. Don't worry about the work if it's of no interest to you. We can still meet up anyway.
Paul
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Cheerrs Paul,
sounds like a beer or two could be in order!?
Rob
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Always carry a few spares in your van if wfp. ie hose connectors, spare y pieces and of course a spare pole!
If trad carry spare blades and extra water, and dont forget the fairy!! LOL ;D
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Rinse with brush on glass, tilting brush so one jet is on window and one is rinsing off the window, this saves time and arm ache.
Rinse across top first then follow edges on each side.
Jeff
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Take care when putting your pole down on the ground as the end cap may wear away and next time you put the pole down it will cut your pipe feeding the pole.
We all make mistakes I guess !
I now carry spare pipe.
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Hi all
Clip on pipe to save water is a great tip for me .Thanks.
I am new to WFP and using a trolley sytem, could i ask for the best tips on how to clean these windows using pole.
William X i know you said you will show me, I will phone you, But at the moment i have some personal problems to sort out, I will phone you.
I have clean my own windows and finding the large sheets of glass dry great, but the little top openers seem to be drying small dotted stains where the water was.
Also do i rinse the glass from the top and slowly move the pole down the glass,
or rinse from the top only and let the water run
If you like i could start a new post
Thanks Dave
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Rather than a clip on your waist Cyberseye, we use flow valves on the pole hose. Gives full control with just a twist of your fingers.
Alex
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I would have thought the clip could be placed right below the pole.
Where the flow valve needs to be further a way.
I think im right?
Dave
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If somebody could really explain the process of cleaning a window using WFP and the time I should take....I would be eternaly grateful...as at the moment all my cleans are 1st cleans and I can make a easy job very long and complicated ... ;D
The more idiot proof the explaination the better it would be ;)
Cheers
Dave.
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If somebody could really explain the process of cleaning a window using WFP and the time I should take....I would be eternaly grateful...as at the moment all my cleans are 1st cleans and I can make a easy job very long and complicated ... ;D
The more idiot proof the explaination the better it would be ;)
Cheers
Dave.
There is a good A-Z list on another forum. If you make your email address known, I will post you the link. I can't do it on here because the filtering software won't allow links to the other forum to be posted (it changes them). If you use the other forum, look for the A-Z bit in the WFP section.
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Many Thanks sys_engATyahoo.com ( replace the AT with @).
Thanks
Dave.
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Shiner could u send me the link my email please.
Thanks Dave
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Rather than a clip on your waist Cyberseye, we use flow valves on the pole hose. Gives full control with just a twist of your fingers.
Alex
cheers Alex
I did think of that option, but i have a home made pole, well half home made and half butchered from my old powerpole from omni, I have the option of adding or removing up to 4 sections as job requires, a flow control would be a bother because I would'nt be able to pull the hose through the sections to remove or add them.
Simon
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quuestion for alex gardiner
alex I believe that you place your pole control on the hose say about 2 metres
from the bottom of the hose when fully extended, when the pole is closed then this valve would go to say 14 ft away from the pole when it is closed
creating an up down process to pickup the valve.After a day of this process would it not become a pain
I was thinking if the valve was placed on the pole on the bottom section and the hose placed outside the pole would this not give easier access without all the bending
any solutions to get around this is greatly appreciated
jinky
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f somebody could really explain the process of cleaning a window using WFP and the time I should take....I would be eternaly grateful...as at the moment all my cleans are 1st cleans and I can make a easy job very long and complicated ... Grin
1st cleans will allways take longer but price accordingly.
After the initiall first clean every clean after will become quicker and quicker untill your doing a 4 bed house in 10 mins .
WFP may be slower on small bedroom properties but when you start cleaning 190 lead glass windowed hoses and 100 apartment blocks then WFP really is the bees knees without a doubt.Conservatory roofs,fascia boards,etc etc
Thats where the better paid jobs are.
Also i have flow valves on all my poles and only switch off when i need to put the pole down otherwise kink your hose it will stop the flow of water and is much quicker than turning your water valve on and off
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easy thanks -- simple but effective
jinky
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jinky you will be suprised how much time you will save by kinking the hose ...loads ...more time more money
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Jinky,
I have bought a pole from Gardiners with fitted flow valve. I have simply cable tied mine to the pole with plastic ties. Works a treat! my friend with a very expensive system has to go back to his van to adjust flow. He is very envious ;D
I wouldn' be without it.
Lee
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Shiner could u send me the link my email please.
Thanks Dave
Link sent to both Daves
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Ok i will throw a little tip in here fellas.
For van mount users, controlling hoses is an easy thing when you know how but at first its an absoulte nightmare hoses tangled and everywere, you know the one.
Allways keep them neat, when you arrive outside your next house take the end to were your going to start at the front of the house, then start pulling the rest around the back, side alley or whatever, judge about half way how much you will need alltogether adding the bit thats around the front, if you know what i mean.
thats the best way i have found, ive tried all that winding it up in a pile in front of the drive then turining it over to just pull out but it allways gets tangled and you end up dragging the bloody pile and it gets caught.
All simple stuff fellas but I hate it when hoses start playing up snagging, tanglling and just basically winding you up.
Regards
ProPole
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Also I have found that if you have to take the hose around lots of cornners to get to the back of house. I allways start at the furthest window. Take the hose trolly to the back of house pull out the hose to your first window then pick up the hose trolly and walk back to the van, the hose will unwind as you walk arround the cornners and it is far the best way.
Roy
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Thats the one Roy start at the window furthest away, never done that taking your reel with you, seems like a good idea.
Another tip for you guys, when raising big poles allways keep your mind on the job especially if your raising them along the ground and walking them up, check every section clamp make sure there all tight check the brush and also check the butt ring making sure theres nothing stopping the sections going back in.
Rember to check if theres enough room to lower the pole as this can sometimes be a problem you can raise them in small gaps but lowering them is a different story, dont rush about with big poles and have someone working with you.
When moving them to next window etc put the butt ring into the ground and whip the top of the pole out from the builidng shuffling it along the wall depending how far it is you mite need to keep putting the bottom into the ground and whiping and shuffling the big beast down to the next window.
When i first raised my 60 I never had anyone to show me how, or guide me on the correct method I just craked on, just rember it wont snap when going up there built to take it.
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Yes i have done the same as Lee, put a peice of velcro on my pole and used cable ties to put the flow control valve onto my pole, simple and effective.
Jeff.
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I have a fixed hosereel in my van and when I'm reeling the hose back in I cup a beermat in my hand and let the hose slip through this so I can reel it in really quick to prevent friction burns. Also, if it has been raining and the ground is all wet, sometimes all the dirt is picked up by the hose as it's being reeled back in. By reeling it back in with a thick cloth cupped in your hand, all the dirt is trapped in the cloth and not cutting your skin with little irritating nicks.
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PIC 1/ Tennis ball tip I heard on hear some were works a treat with this minni keyring ball I found lying around.
PIC 2/ Flow controll I knocked up out of a bag of spares I have. Nice to have close by.
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I know I know the protecta floor could do with a clean, I do usually do it every couple of weeks. ;)
Another tip, I simply spray pure water onto the floor scrub it with a dolly and blade it straight out the back, sorted.
ProPole
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If You have your hose outside the pole, tie a ring near the bottom with a bit of thin bungy, when you want to stop the flow/pump just fold your hose and slip the ring over it.
If you must carry your pole extended, then keep the brush in front of you where you can see it. Don't sling it over your shoulder or you will tangle up in every washing line/hanging basket, and those dreaded garden arches and bushes.
Use shower cutain rings to clip your hose to the pole, the C shape ones, not the ones with clips on. These won't slide down passed your locking cones but will let your tail hose run through.
Avoid getting water up into the window vents, they drip dirty water onto your clean glass.
Don't do doors with letter boxes with WFP the dirt from behind the letter box will run down long after you have gone. When doing this type of door trad, use as little water on your applicator as possible and hold your sill rag over the box so that water can't get behind. It is quite embarrasing when you go round collecting and see two dirty lines down the bottom panel that have come from behind the letter box, better still have a scrim in your pocket when you go collecting.
Don't charge your battery untill it is half disscharged or it's life will be deminished.
Buy a cheap multimeter, when the reading drops to 12.06 volts it's the time for recharging.
I think that's enough to be going on with, will post again when I can think of more. Dai