[chrismroberts]

Hi all, was wondering if you could help me...

I have been noticing more and more recently that when I squeegee a window, as the squeegee changes direction, the rubber is twisting very slightly and getting caught... so leaving blobs of soapy water on the window.

I've tried different squeegees and changed the rubbers, but it still seems to be doing it.  Is there something wrong with my technique?

Thanks

Chris

[dave0123]

firstly


How hard are you pressing on the window with your squeegee?
And what and how much soap are you using?

Sometimes if your pressing hard (which you shouldnt be) this can happen.



Dave

[chrismroberts]

I'm using quite a lot of soap, but plenty of water too. Should I be using more soap / less water? And I do press quite hard actually... although I think I've tried not pressing so hard, but will give it a go! 

[Ian Lancaster]

I think it's probably technique.  As you turn the squeege you momentarily "back" it:  i.e. move it very slightly in the wrong direction.  this causes the rubber to fold over towards the front of the channel and allows water to run under it.

Try watching you hand as you turn, and practice keeping the squeegee moving forwards at all times.

Cheers,

Ian

[Sir Squeaky]

Just keep moving at all times.
Sounds like you're turning it on the spot.

The whole window should be all one smooth movement.

[simon knight]

Dave took the words out of my mouth. If you press too hard then suddenly take the pressure off, probably as you turn, the blade can lift away from the glass slightly and cause the soapy blob(s). Also you don't need too much soap (I reckon it's only used to make the blade run smoothly....and the customer likes to see suds!). But too much can make smears.

[chrismroberts]

Right, will give that a try, thanks! I think you're right Ian, it feels like the rubber is twisting, maybe because I am actually twisting the squeegee in the wrong direction. Hmmmm... will let you know if I still can't get it!

Thanks

[Terry_Burrows]

hey sheepmaster come to Nec for demos etc ;DI will gladly help

[chrismroberts]

You mean the cleaning show? Whos Di?

[jeff1]

A good blade/rubber with the right pressure, is the answer.

you should be able to put your finger into your blade holder (were your pole goes) and this is enough pressure to blade the window at the correct pressure.

This is only an indication on the pressure you need, don't try and do the windows all day with your finger stuck up your pole hole or your finger will be dropping of after half an hour.

[MNWC]

What rubbers are you using ?

[chrismroberts]

This is only an indication on the pressure you need, don't try and do the windows all day with your finger stuck up your pole hole or your finger will be dropping of after half an hour.

I never thought of trying THAT!  LOL, seriously though... will give it a try. So hardly any pressure atall? I do get a lot of cramp in my hand (!) so maybe I am pressing too hard.

I'm using ettore rubbers.

[Ian_Giles]

It can often be a problem with 'hard' rubbers, particularly if you have been used to using 'soft' rubbers, but if you are using Ettore rubbers it won't be that...although I suppose you could always try a different make of rubber and see if that makes a difference?
Otherwise it really is down to your technique I'm afraid

Ian

[chrismroberts]

Thanks for all the tips... I'll give them a try this morning. Its happened with various different rubbers, so maybe I am just turning the squeegee on the spot. Think I'll just have to relearn my technique 

[Sir Squeaky]

Thanks for all the tips... I'll give them a try this morning. Its happened with various different rubbers, so maybe I am just turning the squeegee on the spot. Think I'll just have to relearn my technique 

See? I'm right again and you are all wrong.

 

[chrismroberts]

I think you were right Squeaky! 

Had a good look at my technique today and I think what was happening was.... as I got to the bottom of the window, I was trying to change direction in too small a space. So essentially turning the squeegee on the spot. I messed around and managed to find a way of using less turns, and this seemed to solve the problem 

I also tried not pressing as hard, and I don't know if it helped, but it certainly gave my hand a break! Still found myself tensing up though... just habit I guess 

Chris

[Sir Squeaky]

Nice one.

You'll only keep getting better. Good luck.