Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: texas girl on April 09, 2005, 01:46:14 am
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Hey chaps!
For years I have used dish detergent(fairy I think you call it) and rubbing alcohol for my solution. It works great!
The detergent of course for removing grime and the alcohol serves as a wetting agent and also gives a clean scent. And if freezing outside, increase the amount of alcohol and it will not freeze.
Use as your preference; but for traditional methods I use 1/4 cup alcohol per gallon of water.
I have had a lot of people ask me what I use; I tell them "a secret formula". 8)
I also use gg4 and others; but the ordinary alcohol and "fairy" works really well! ;D And it is CHEAP!
Hugs,
Texas Girl :-* :-*
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Must be really hard cleaning windows in all the heat that you get. Tell me what kind of alcohol do you use? Is it just an excuse to have a tipple while your working?
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Why don't you sell it as "debbie's secret" .
Nice label small bottle. You could 'clean up'
Simon :D
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And if freezing outside, increase the amount of alcohol and it will not freeze.
Debbie,
I'm not sure this works. I once left some cans of lager in the freezer, to "cool 'em real quick" as you would say. I forgot about them and they froze; solid!
Anyway, what type of alcohol do you use? Beer, or some Vodka based product?
Regards
Tosh.
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But freezers typically go down to -18 or -25 degrees Celsius. You won't catch me (softy south-western yokel boy) working much below -2 or 3! Even diesel gets waxy at -10 without additives!
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Hey Tosh;
For one thing let me tell all that you were the first welcoming party when I first arrived at this forum. I say thanks and your wife is a lucky woman.
Yes; I have tried to cool off beers quickly;and some of them have frozen. Appararently not enough alcohol. I guess I had the 3 %.
Also water has frozen. The secret is increase the percentage of alcohol because alcohol does not freeze. Only the "real " beer will not freeze. I say that because some beer has 3% and others have 5% alcohol.
Bet you did not know that did you?
It will make you drunk as hell, but it will not freeze.
I mention my window cleaning formula because it has worked so well for me for years.
Seriously weighing the cost versus the performance the detergent plus alcohol is really good.
But watch how you chill your beer! That is serious buisness!
Hugs, Texas Girl :-* :-* (after 3 beers)
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Hughes;
I have to admit I have packed beer in my cooler more than once.
Even tho it does get really hot here; we begin early( or at least my workers do.)
I did it for years but then I am the boss now; so I do not have to be there at 8:00..
And yes; even tho it is against the law I have had a beer on the way home in my truck! :o
But the same seems to hold true for heat versus cold; a serious mixture of alcohol versus Joy detergent is great!
GG4 is also my favorite; try mixing a few drops of detergent if needed. Why do you call it "fairy"? What does that mean, and is it cheap?
Hugs,
Texas Girl( a true blonde) :-* :-*
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And not to be repetitive here,
but I have never cleaned windows when it was below 25 degrees.
I can tell you that if I needed to I would! A question of making money.
I deal mainly with the heat. Yesterday I created a tool because I cleaned windows directly across from me 10 feet from a stairwell.
Instead of a ledger angle I made a knuckle joint that worked the opposite angle.
Tell me I am a dumb blonde! Pamela Anderson and I are on the same track. (And I look really good also).
No more hints; but my measurements are really good! Above average by far! (On purpose and with effort!)
Yes; it is true! If you don't believe me, wait for the calender of window cleaners!
Hugs,
Texas Girl :P :-* :-*
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Only the "real " beer will not freeze. I say that because some beer has 3% and others have 5% alcohol.
Bet you did not know that did you?
It will make you drunk as hell, but it will not freeze.
When I lived in the States me and my mate used to have great fun in the bars, all our American friends used to say "come on then lets see if the brits can handle their beer as well as us"
HA HA we were ALWAYS the last ones standing.
The americans have this strange misconception that their beer is strong, when in actual fact its a bit like drinking Panda Pops ;)
3% is for the kids
5% is for the youngsters
9% and above is for your average BRIT ;D
Neil :P ;) ;)
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Here in Canada I use sudsy ammonia (recommended by retiring window cleaner, he used it for 15yrs or so) so far excellent, I just take the label off the bottle so as not to advertise my secret formula, if they ask I tell them. Very cheap in Safeway!
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5% ? Texas girl.....we have lager here that's 10%......and Cider at 7.5%....
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Had U.S guests over from Florida once and he wanted to be "macho man" and drink us under the table. Well what a laugh, I ordered him Cider for starters (they call it apple juice and its non alcoholic).
So, he thought he was on a winner. I then gave him a few tennants super snakebites to help him on his way. By midnight he was puking all over (after a vindaloo) and trying to phone Mom.
I kid you not, this big bear was on his knees. Found out later, when we went there, that some weird.. Florida state law, only allows beer at 3% (even Tennents). Had to go on the spirits for a good night out.
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Oh my goodness what strong beer you have over there!
I hope I can come over to that area some day. I could probably handle only one of your beers.
Last night I had 2 margaritas. Laid me out! But they were 36 ounce margaritas. Blue ones. I made them at home.
We do have laws that differ in different states about alcohol content in beer. Weird, huh?
Take care all; Hope this week is the best yet for ya!
Hugs,
Texas Girl :-* :-*
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While I was doing some decorating up at my parents place (prior to becoming a window cleaner) I cracked open a couple of tins of Tennants Super, was the first time I had come across the stuff (about 23 or 24 years ago) and by the time I had knocked back two tins I was starting to go cross eyed ::)
I hadn't checked the alcohol content (around the 8.5% mark I think) I thought it was just ordinary 4% stuff :-\
Had to drive home too, well wasn't for an hour or 2 later, but I'll bet I was over the limit for quite a bit longer than 2 hours!
I never realised that American beer could be so weak! We often read of strange laws in different States, some really bizzare ones.
There was one reported in the papers last week, Not America but in Mexico (I think) apparently they have made nudity inside your own home illegal :o
And isn't there a State wherre you can legally marry your horse?
Mind you, I think that must be legal over here now, well Charles has married Camilla ;D
I heard rumours that they reason they put back the start of the grand national was so that she would have time to make the starting line up ;)
Getting back to alcohol, the really strong lager tastes like syrup, but the 9% ciders taste very innocuous, you hardly know there is alcohol in the stuff, and it is amazingly cheap too, odd that, you would have thought it would be the other way around wouldn't you?
What exactly is rubbing alcohol?
Ian
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Rubbing alcohol is like sergical spirit over hear "i think"
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Rubbing Acohol is used over here as an antiseptic;
Before you get a shot at the doctor's office they pour a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and wash the area where the pierce will go in.
It is a sterilizing agent. You can buy it at any all purpose store; Walmart, K mart; all dollar stores; any food store.
It is cheap. An 8 oz bottle is about $.50. (fifty cents) 2 for one dollar. 8)
I guess that is why they call it rubbing alcohol because it is not a "rubbing compound " per se.
Isn't is interesting how our cultures are different about certain things. :o
No offense and I will just shut up right there about Prince Charles and his new bride.
The alcohol and detergent solution is really quite effective.
Window cleaners are the smartest people on earth!
Hugs,
Texas Girl :-*
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Ive had a moment ???
what if you freeze beer,alcohol doesnt freeze, so if you drained of what doesnt freeze WOW! Im thinking :P ;D
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You could go out and buy a few crates of White Lightening and clean windows with that I suppose?
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what a waste....
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Isn't is interesting how our cultures are different about certain things. :o
You might like to read the extremely interesting and very funny Made in America by Bill Bryson to understand how the differences have evolved.
Apparently we've lent you lot the English Language, as if we'd loan you a copper kettle. But you've really misused it, not cleaned it once and now won't give the bloody thing back.
I also didn't realise that many terms considered 'Americanisms' are actually old English words and phrases that we invented, exported and now don't use anymore.
And also, the term, 'Stiff upper lip', is a true Americanism!
As for 'rubbing alcohol', we have to purchase it, not in bottles, but in packet 'swab form', because all the Geordies would be drinking it, if it were sold in bottles that had a better strength to cheapness ratio than normal drunken beverages. If the swabs were cheap enough, we'd be sucking the alcohol out of them.
And:Hey Tosh;
...I say thanks and your wife is a lucky woman.
I showed her your post yesturday. Thank you for the compliment. But she hasn't stopped laughing since!
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lol...Tosh, you are a star !
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Not wanting to be a party pooper, but could a new section entiltled "Fun" or somerthing similar not be created for this kind of post and keep the main forum for serious issues?
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I did ask about that before....maybe call it 'Social'....but who am I in the grand scheme of things...
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Often a serious post will become humorous, after a while most tend to drift off topic and go wandering off on a tangent that may still be on window cleaning matters, but a different direction to the original thread.
Most threads also run out of steam after a while, often it is the humour that keeps them running.
I frequent one forum, nothing to do with window cleaning at all, and they have a section called 'CHATTER' for the completely off topic postings, gets used an awful lot too.
I think it would be a great idea for there to be an area in our forum where we could post the irreverent stuff, or discuss anything from time travel to growing peas ;)
If it didn't get used it wouldn't matter, but it would be great to have an area to go off-topic for a rant :P Rather than go to a forum that does have one.
Shouldn't mean that we can't have a little fun in the main forum though, lets face it, if you want to get back to a specific topic you just start off a fresh thread.
Ian
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I must admit...sometimes after doing the job all day....the last thing I want to talk about when I get home is work...it's time to chew the cud and have a bit of banter with me workmates (sort of...in the same line of work anyway)...MUST we always be so serious and 'politically correct'...it's just a bit of fun, God knows, life is serious enough...sometimes I despair...I'm glad there's guys like Ross and Tosh around...'real people' without their heads somewhere the sun don't shine...!
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Not wanting to be a party pooper, but could a new section entiltled "Fun" or somerthing similar not be created for this kind of post and keep the main forum for serious issues?
I'm not in favour of a separate area for posts. As long as they're inoffensive; what's the problem? Ignore them and move on if they bore you!
If this forum was purely work based; it would be extremely dry and maybe those window cleaners with the experience they offer, wouldn't venture here and offer their advice and expertise.
I mean guys like Roy Harding, Ian Giles and many others know how to 'squeegie like a pro', or 'how to get bird poo off windows'. If this site wasn't a least a little bit entertaining, then mabye they'd go elsewhere. Also, Ian Giles likes to crack a joke or two, but he takes the time to help with even the most mundane and often repeated questions.
Even 'Herr Phillip' (the moderator formally known as 'Silly')has been known to crack a few jokes and tell a few anecdotes about 'witches' and other zany stuff - just check out his back posts - particularly his pre-moderator ones.
I think the mix is about right! But that's just my opinion.
Forum: 'a meeting or opportunity for an exchange of views'.
Not:
Forum: 'a stiff and starchy place with no room for humour or diversity of thought'.
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Even 'Herr Phillip' (the moderator formally known as 'Silly')has been known to crack a few jokes and tell a few anecdotes about 'witches' and other zany stuff - just check out his back posts - particularly his pre-moderator ones.
I was going to write something in line with the topic of this thread but I can't because I have to go and sort my cat out - it's going 'meow'...........
;D
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I agree with most of the sentiments posted above but as long as the humour stays relevant.
What prompted my suggestion was the post about solution which had drifted off onto a humorous discussion about alcohol. I try and keep abreast of the posts,which is often a struggle due to time constraints, and reading posts which are totally off the subject is a waste of time and effort.
I too visit another discussion forum and they have a section called "The Craic" which is fun,fun,fun but all of the other sections are relevant to their title and if anyone drifts off the moderators will either move the post or block it. This works well and everyone is happy and if you fancy some light relief you know where to look but if you want serious information you also know where to look.
No mishmash there ;)
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I agree with you Glen,
My own frustration with threads is the speed at which they can drift into a related, but different subject, I've started threads off and within 2 or three replies they have shot off in a different direction, and even when you pull it back on topic it soon drifts off again >:(
Look at this one! Even you are digressing (as of course am I) by discussing the frustration you feel when a post goes off topic!
But I'm not sure how far you can take 'secret recipes' without spiraling away. I think the same goes for most threads, by the time they are two pages long they are often talking about something entirely different!
But you can understand how this one started making wisecracks about booze, once an ingredient such as 'rubbing alcohol', or 'surgical spirit' got mentioned it was sure to go on a tangent :-\
We don't want a dry, dusty forum discussing just 'serious' issues, so it has to be a balancing act, its only the odd thread that goes really wacky, usually the interesting, factual stuff has all been said within half a dozen replies.
I do like this forum though ;)
Ian
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me too...and usually a certain amount of trolling through the subjects posted...even the site itself...will find the answers to most questions.....it's a good site, populated with interesting people....opinions and attitudes are widely varied....and I'd like to think I've even made some new friends...even if I never get to actually meet them...
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I think there comes a point on most threads where there isn't really much else to add and it seems to be then that the subject wandering starts but when a pretty lady mentions rubbing alcohol..... the tangent began with those words.
Personnaly I don't find it a problem generally but having said that, I've found on the 'other' w/c forum that the wandering can take the form of 'in house jokes' wherein they all seem clicky with each other. I find that off putting. They seem to know what they are on about but I'm certain no one else does and it can become a pain.
I think this forum has about the right mix of on topic postings, those that go at a tangent and humour.
Also I think the moderator does a very good job although I would have liked a conclusion to the erm ... 'debate' about Dukes broken bits. I thought that would have been an excellant chance for that company to show how they deal with complaints etc but like Duke said, that subject is dead and gone.
All in all, I think this forum has a very nice mix and I've learnt a lot from it and I generally don't feel the off topic postings detratch from it in anyway.
As for 'rubbing alcohol' - I could have written some postings about that and the lovely Texas. Sigh......
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Hey Gents;
I sometimes go to another forum that has sections designated for topics "off the wall" and misc.
I actually find it a bit unusual that this forum only has sections for serious topics and when some straying from the thread occurs others notice and comment.
Perhaps it is time to include a section for miscellanious. Because all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
That's it. That is what this forum is missing. :o
Don't go there if you are for the serious only, but go there if you feel like saying things that do not relate to window cleaning or if you want to tell jokes, model hooter T shirts, etc.
What do you think moderators? ;D
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Hi Texas Girl.. Thanks for the tip.. I'm from tennessee and new to this forum.. Lots of great tips here!
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Hey Michael!
It is great to see another American posting on this forum. How long have you been in the business?
Window cleaners are the smartest people in the world. ;D
This is a wonderful forum. Only criticism is that we need a place to unwind and have fun; sticking strictly to business is required.
It is a pretty serious forum. It has been very informative and has a lot of relly good people posting. Lots of experience.
The other one is worse about sticking to serious topics only.
I received a lot of criticism early on when I strayed from the serious. Was called names and all kinds of unpleasantries(not from this one; it was the other).
The moderators are really sharp, so maybe they will begin another area soon.
So be careful. We Americans see things in a different angle at times. Anyway; welcome dude! :o
Hugs,
Texas girl :-* :-*
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Thanks texasgirl..what got me started in the window cleaning business is this.. I have a portrait studio and I'm fickle about my glass.. kids put their hands all over it so I asked a buddy of mine from indiana what is the best way to clean my glass he has his own window washing business and has been doing it for 30 years.. I knew about squeegees and washer but it never crossed my mind to use for myself! :) now that I have super clean glass on my store front.. I thought.. what they hey.. I can do this on the side.. and everyone has been happy with my work so far.and I have learned there are MANY window washer in my area.. so wash some windows for next to nothing.. I mean for dirt.. one guy does a liquor store that must have 20- 25 sheets of glass in it for 20 bucks.. I guess that's normal eh?a few questions if you don't mind.. I use ettore squeegee off and love it.. I have read about using fairy.. is fairy about the same as joy liquid? I have also read about mixing fairy/joy with ettore squeegee off .. is that to reduce cost or does that have a purpose?and I also use rubbing alcohol in my water also and it works great!.. pardon my rambling here.. there is so much I would like to learn..maybe I can email you and ask you a few other things in more detail if that is ok? I have been asked to do 12 hairsalons and have no idea how to estimate them.. per store or the entire route as 1 lump bid? anyway.. sorry for the rambling again .. see you on the board!
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Hey Michael!
I think cleaning 20 windows for 20 bucks is way too cheap.
I would rather be relaxing somewhere; doing something else.
Twenty windows will take maybe 1 1/2 2 hours to do in and out.
Minimum $35.00. Unless you do a maintenance(out and whatever needs it inside). Then maybe $30.00
There is always someone willing to work for peanuts. When you are first starting, maybe a little cheaper but peanuts it too cheap.
Better to spend time creating flyers and distributing in residential areas than to work for too little.
Residentials is where the money is in America. I charge $7.00 per window base. $1.00 per screen. $3.00 more per second story. Also $2-3.00 per for stain removal.
About $9- $10 per window in and out. Average house $200. maybe $300.00.
Distribute hundreds of flyers. Law of averages will get you 2-5 % return.
I roll them up and stick them on door handles with rubber bands.
Window cleaning is a great business. Can do it part time and make a decent amount of money.
Good Luck!
Hugs,
Texas Girl :-* :-*
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Thanks much debbie.. I have been thinking about going the residental route.. my buddy from indiana said there is way less competition in that market..I read lots of your threads today.. you are an inspiring lady! see ya on the board..
Michael.
by the way.. nice new avatar ;D
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Hi folks... I also am new to this forum. I really value such places and would like to recognize everyone for their interest in helping others
Michael, I have been cleaning glass in my locality now for 2 years. When I estimate a job, I am trying to maintain a rate of $80 - $100/hour (keep in mind, that is at trade speed!) :). Example, 20 pieces of glass (depending on size) would take me about 20-30 minutes. Generally, I get $1.00/side of each glass. That would put the job I/O at $40 and keep me going at my income goal.
Concerning the competition in your area, that is good for business in many cases. Don't worry about the guys who are dirt cheap. Chances are, they are the ones not lasting very long in the trade. Also, the biggest gripe I have heard from store managers isn't the price, it's the reliability of the cleaners. I have often charged more than a previous cleaner and still get the job because I am professional and always on time.
Residential or Commercial???
Nice thing about commercial: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. They are always there. Keep 'em happy and your empire will only build. Mangers move, you keep the account at that store, but then pick up a new account where that old manger moves to. Exposure--Managers see you every week or two, eventually they might come around. Get to know all the managers in a mall or plaza you work at. Keep stirring that pot and your business will grow.
RESIDENTIAL--Definitely more money potentail! It is a great way to offset your lack of income from getting started and waiting for your commercial accounts to expand. I have used door hangers for advertising. I have placed 500 at a time and get 5-10 jobs out of it. Then householders know family/friends who are interested. Or, neighbors see you and inquire of your service. I only canvas twice a year and get around 40-50 residential jobs. Now I have recurring customers (2 services/year) and don't do any canvassing.
Still, my opinion is commercial is better. I have 192 accounts right now and that produces around 12k every month.
Boy, talk about rambling... Best wishes for you in your new venture!!!
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clearView.. welcome to the board.. as you know.. I new to the game but I love it..I will continue to do commerical fronts but hope to expand to homes very soon.. I'm not sure what I should charge in the area per window as a base.. then so much for extra scrapping, cleaning screens etc etc.also.. I guess it's not best to talk about contracts with commerical fronts? some say it's a turnoff and many would rather be on a callback than a contract. at least i have noticed it's like that in my area.. there are so many washers here it's not even funny.aside from the comments.. here is a question.. for you or debbie or whoever wants to chime in.. I have a petstore that needs their glass done.. they were shot up a bit with a paintball gun and I guess the person used latex paintballs.. not water based balls.. it has let a very sticky residue.. I was thinking goop gone or something like that.. they " the owners " tried a regular razor blade with not much luck.. they had another window washer " try " to clean it.. but he made it worse than it already was.. do you think goop gone will be fine ? debbie mentioned Orange Glo.. any suggestions folks? thanks much.. welcome again clearview.
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Hey Michael;
If I were you I would consult at Lowes in the paint department about what to use. Best advice.
And don't forget to charge 3 times as much because they will expect it gone regardless. 8)
As far as the charge per window on homes I begin with $7. $1 per screen $2 stain remove. Average $9-$10 per. Additional for uppers. Storm windows a night mare. I do not even do them anymore $20 per.(minimum)
Spraying vinegar on really dirty windows on homes (exterior) loosens stains of all types. ;D
Hugs :-*
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Thanks debbie.. I did do that already.. in a way.. I purchased Goo Gone.. a gel form.. thanks much.
Michael