I love using WFP on really hot days and windows facing the hot sun... man the wfp leaves such a great product compared to traditional when the soap dries so quickly
I appreciate your honesty in this video. Too many window cleaners preach that the WFP is the answer to absolutly everything. They rarely mention the initial time investment on first time cleans due to dirt on the frames or oxidation on vinyl frames. Or that it can't replace a scraper in some situations. I understand where they're coming from because I would love for it to be the answer for every single situation but it simply is not. Thanks again!
It's really costs vs time efficiency, what's more efficient? Some jobs a WFP will rock it some jobs it's faster and better the traditional method. Great overview video, you hit the point right on the head.
Good topic for discussion. I've found myself using my WFP more on commercial accounts as of lately because like you said it does such a great job cleaning the frames and the finish product looks awesome. Plus if I dont have to get up on a ladder I'm not, I'd rather go home every day in one piece vs. bragging how I was on some 40-60ft ladder....good for you guys🤣🤣
I agree with industry standards getting crappy. I hate losing a jobs to a big company that doesn't care about quality. They care about perfect paper work, and invoicing and cheap rates. Many middle management companies are outsourcing window cleaning and destroying the industry with cheap unqualified labor. After about 6 to 9 months of bad window cleaning they call in another company, and it's usually not you. A vicious circle. I have accounts where the management doesn't care about quality. It's tough after being in the business 29 years bc I can't knowingly do a bad job. Standard of living, and quality of life is going away in our nation.
Nice balanced view on it. For me It comes down to how high the job is and what kind of frames the job has. Our work is mostly storefronts and I never use WFP on them except sometimes for signage where they have protruding letters glued on and stuff like that. Up to 25 ft for the most part I prefer trad. But you are right used properly the results are unbeatable with wfp.
Hi Steve, great video mate and thanks, i guess the way to look at it especially for the only trad and only wfp people is that both methods are tools literally. So use what works for you id say, mind im the same with shop fronts id probably go trad, though high level wfp as its safer etc so id use where needed. Both methods are good and as long as you stick to the basic rules/good standards then the customers and you will be happy with the results. My 1st 5yrs where trad only as its all i had, the other 14yrs after has been wfp for all houses and commercial outside work, and trad for shops. Construction cleans are about making the right call/what method it demands. Love your channel Steve and a big thanks for your efforts doing it too. All the best and Merry Xmas mate, Andrew UK. 😊🌈😊🌈
Great man!!! Ridiculus doing a $50 store front and leave all the outside wet and then coming back with trad equipment to do the inside thats very dumb, commercial buildings yeah, and for residentials yeah its great unless they have a lot of bad seals
One thing to consider for WFP and hoses getting caught up; a backpack unit is a great tool. Grab it and you are ready to go in minutes, easy to access the back of the property without any tangle ups, also for commercial, less trip hazards. Can be heavy but I just put it on the ground when I’m ready to use.
Thank you for the valuable information Steve. Question, When using WFP, what precautions do you take before using it on residential homes? How do you know if the window seals or windows are in good condition to use the WFP system? I'm concern about water leaking inside the customer's home.
If water leaks into the home its not your fault, homes are supposed to be sealed well enough that water shouldn't get in. Just makes sure the windows are locked, anything else that leaks is not your fault. Ive had it happen but ive explained to the customer that its there issue with how the home is built
I worked with a guy who did 3rd floor windows from a ladder and I hated it. The ladder was 3 part and heavy to maneuver...then also, extending it was awkward....It didn't feel safe at all
Hey Steve, That's got to be the best discussion on the value of water-fed pole work v traditional. I'm sending this off to a guy here in Australia I know who's just bought his first set-up. TDS is 235 and he's got a new DI system. Thanks heaps, Duncan McRae McRae's Window Cleaning
Cleaned a 2nd cleaning, 5000 sf house 108 windows plus garage windows with wfp...started at 10am finished 3-4pm as a storm approached! You have to learn to navigate the hydrophobic windows, and allow drying on the top plates! Do you like 4 pencil jets on your wfp? I prefer the four jets! Thanks for your cool window cleaning content!
I have a BMW dealership and I can save an hour doing it traditionally due to the sheer size of the windows. Due to that I chose to do it traditionally. After doing the manager's home with a water fed he asked why I didn't use it on the dealership. I told him time. And time equals money. He said he pay extra to have that work done and boom job went up in value. It's a pain but the client is happy and BMW is a bear to make happy.
Water fed pole for residential is always slower then traditional I find and another thing I do not like about water fed pole is if you're cleaning windows that have wood frames that is too risky because you can get a crevice that was holding water and then all of a sudden it releases it later on causing a grayish film on the glass I find that water fed pole is really good for windows that are inaccessible by no other means or if the temperature of the window is so hot that using any kind of squeegee but window cleaning solution will result in streaks
So I'm adding DI water to my pressure washing. Plan is to offer spot free rinse. I'm running 10gpm soft wash pump and 10gpm pressure pump. Ive heard pure water is tough on metal so likely will only run through my poly soft wash pump. Bought a wfp thinking for commercial windows and frames downstream or softwash either sh/acid/soap > scrub >rinse with DI > game over..
Sounds fine to do, many soft washing companies use a water fed pole to quickly agitate and rinse all the glass to not leave any spots. Also EBC glide can be used for rinsing with soft wash mix to leave the windows looking good windowcleaner.com/products/ebc-glide?sca_ref=3020242.k17l3JaEgS
One of our customers absolutely does not want us to use wfp on her cut-up windows. Nothing like doing dozens of tiny windows on a fully extended 32' ladder!
My whole point of getting a WFP was so I didn’t have to use a ladder but then I realized I still have to get on a ladder to take the screens out. So at that point should I just do traditional since my I already have the ladder out?
It’s always nice to schedule when customers are home so you can take the screens out from inside. Also surprisingly some customers are more than willing to do it for you when brought up to them that it’s a lot easier from inside. Even if they’re not going to be home they can do it before hand before you arrive if communicated.
Just the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks.. I'm close to pullin the trigger on a solid WFP but it's quite the investment for a real good one. XERO don't play!! Them prices are heafty..
Great balanced video. Off-topic question? We just started running into pressure washing guy who thinks he is a window cleaner because he has a WFP! It seems they are happy making $5.00 per hour more than their last employment. In our area of Florida, 90% of pressure washing guys do not carry insurance and few know what they are doing to avoid causing damage, some are now including window cleaning as I have lost a couple customers. Does anyone know the life cycle of the cheap pressure washing guys as they seem to always cycle through?
Hutch R we lost an account to some pressure washing company few years ago because they made it look like they were charging minimal for the window cleaning but they just add it in the pressure washing price to make it look minimal, I doubt they have all the correct insurance.
Steve, there is a difference between a window washer vs a Window Cleaner, A window cleaner has multiple tools in his/her arsenal of tools, solutions and methods of cleaning.
Hey Steve-O! I know you prefer boars hair brush but I had a lot of issues on residential leaving the tip of the window spotty. I brush the top like crazy let it drip then rinse well and still bad result. It must be me but I do better with the hybrid. Any tips would be helpful!
Hey Steve, I notice if I dont use a scraper then it always leaves behind something when I clean the glass with steel wool and just the mop. I then always have to do it a second time, which is not time efficient. Do you have any tips of what to do or just an answer as to why I won’t get perfect results unless I use a scraper?
@@SteveOthewindowcleanerThanks for getting back to me, and yes there’s always some sort of debris left on the glass after a first time cleaning if I don’t use the scraper.
I was thinking about adding window cleaning to my service. If I got a water fed pole do I need to get that filter tank system spot free ? I’m in Georgia
Hey Stevo, Steve here. I'm in Alberta Canada, Starting to get cold here. I have a few clients booked for my waterfed pole. Is it ok to use around the -10 to +5 degree Celsius? Or let's say 37 to 14 Fahrenheit ? Can I still run my ro system?
I live in the U.K. & have been using the WFP at minus2 this week.Ive fitted a immersion heater in the tank & heat the water to 70C before I set off.With all the insulation around the tank it stays above60C until it evening.
@@vonovine that's awesome. I made it to almost December before I stored it away. I'd be concerned about turning their yard into a skating rink and house into an ice cube. Lol I go traditional through the winter and anything that is unsafe can wait until spring. Cheers brother.
@@stevephillips2758 I only use the wfp to do upstairs windows as I use di so the water is costly, so water doesn’t really drip down to ground level anyways. Prefer to squeegee downstairs windows anyway as they get dirtier generally anyway. More insect poo, overspray from paint painting, painting in general, kids kicking balls at windows, dogs jumping up at doors etc.
I laugh at people who use water fed poles. Traditional window cleaning is truly better. I'm a skilled window cleaner of 33 yrs. You are not telling the truth about French windows and water fed poles being better. Any unskilled person can use water fed poles. I hate hearing people who only have a few yrs experience trying to teach this skill. Do some work and don't be lazy. I can do traditional window cleaning and clean way better than a damn water pole !
Doozy ok buddy!! Have a good one, your opinion is just an opinion. WFP is another tool in the tool box and I love it!! You don’t love it because you don’t know how to use it, trust me I use to be just like you. Cheers
Doozy, I’ve heard this from guys in the past it just means you don’t know how to use a WFP correctly or what you do has little use for one. In this day and age it should be standard equipment for window cleaners. I have 15 years experience but I worked with 5 different guys who had many years experience each and I learnt from each one and developed some of my own techniques along the way. One thing I learned is guys who have done WC for decades are not necessarily the most experienced in technique and knowledge. Area to area also differs. Everything Steve said is accurate. When it comes to French windows I’ve often had to use trad over WFP if they’re really filthy. I consider myself very proficient at doing French windows too but I’d much prefer to hit it with a WFP if I can. It’s working smarter not harder.
I love using WFP on really hot days and windows facing the hot sun... man the wfp leaves such a great product compared to traditional when the soap dries so quickly
With good water pressure the thing's a beast!
I appreciate your honesty in this video. Too many window cleaners preach that the WFP is the answer to absolutly everything. They rarely mention the initial time investment on first time cleans due to dirt on the frames or oxidation on vinyl frames. Or that it can't replace a scraper in some situations. I understand where they're coming from because I would love for it to be the answer for every single situation but it simply is not. Thanks again!
It's really costs vs time efficiency, what's more efficient? Some jobs a WFP will rock it some jobs it's faster and better the traditional method.
Great overview video, you hit the point right on the head.
Heather The Window Woman exactly!! Well put!
Good topic for discussion. I've found myself using my WFP more on commercial accounts as of lately because like you said it does such a great job cleaning the frames and the finish product looks awesome. Plus if I dont have to get up on a ladder I'm not, I'd rather go home every day in one piece vs. bragging how I was on some 40-60ft ladder....good for you guys🤣🤣
I agree with industry standards getting crappy. I hate losing a jobs to a big company that doesn't care about quality. They care about perfect paper work, and invoicing and cheap rates. Many middle management companies are outsourcing window cleaning and destroying the industry with cheap unqualified labor.
After about 6 to 9 months of bad window cleaning they call in another company, and it's usually not you. A vicious circle. I have accounts where the management doesn't care about quality. It's tough after being in the business 29 years bc I can't knowingly do a bad job. Standard of living, and quality of life is going away in our nation.
Nice balanced view on it. For me It comes down to how high the job is and what kind of frames the job has. Our work is mostly storefronts and I never use WFP on them except sometimes for signage where they have protruding letters glued on and stuff like that. Up to 25 ft for the most part I prefer trad. But you are right used properly the results are unbeatable with wfp.
Exactly, its an awesome tool and has its place but storefronts are too easy to do traditionally!
Hi Steve, great video mate and thanks, i guess the way to look at it especially for the only trad and only wfp people is that both methods are tools literally.
So use what works for you id say, mind im the same with shop fronts id probably go trad, though high level wfp as its safer etc so id use where needed.
Both methods are good and as long as you stick to the basic rules/good standards then the customers and you will be happy with the results.
My 1st 5yrs where trad only as its all i had, the other 14yrs after has been wfp for all houses and commercial outside work, and trad for shops.
Construction cleans are about making the right call/what method it demands.
Love your channel Steve and a big thanks for your efforts doing it too.
All the best and Merry Xmas mate, Andrew UK. 😊🌈😊🌈
Great man!!! Ridiculus doing a $50 store front and leave all the outside wet and then coming back with trad equipment to do the inside thats very dumb, commercial buildings yeah, and for residentials yeah its great unless they have a lot of bad seals
One thing to consider for WFP and hoses getting caught up; a backpack unit is a great tool. Grab it and you are ready to go in minutes, easy to access the back of the property without any tangle ups, also for commercial, less trip hazards. Can be heavy but I just put it on the ground when I’m ready to use.
Thank you for the valuable information Steve. Question, When using WFP, what precautions do you take before using it on residential homes? How do you know if the window seals or windows are in good condition to use the WFP system? I'm concern about water leaking inside the customer's home.
If water leaks into the home its not your fault, homes are supposed to be sealed well enough that water shouldn't get in. Just makes sure the windows are locked, anything else that leaks is not your fault. Ive had it happen but ive explained to the customer that its there issue with how the home is built
I worked with a guy who did 3rd floor windows from a ladder and I hated it. The ladder was 3 part and heavy to maneuver...then also, extending it was awkward....It didn't feel safe at all
Hey Steve,
That's got to be the best discussion on the value of water-fed pole work v traditional. I'm sending this off to a guy here in Australia I know who's just bought his first set-up. TDS is 235 and he's got a new DI system.
Thanks heaps,
Duncan McRae
McRae's Window Cleaning
Any answer for this?
@@silentgrind34 Not sure what you mean. 🤔🙂
Cleaned a 2nd cleaning, 5000 sf house 108 windows plus garage windows with wfp...started at 10am finished 3-4pm as a storm approached! You have to learn to navigate the hydrophobic windows, and allow drying on the top plates! Do you like 4 pencil jets on your wfp? I prefer the four jets! Thanks for your cool window cleaning content!
Nice work!
Thanks for all the videos bro really helps to learn little tips and tricks of the trade
I have a BMW dealership and I can save an hour doing it traditionally due to the sheer size of the windows. Due to that I chose to do it traditionally. After doing the manager's home with a water fed he asked why I didn't use it on the dealership. I told him time. And time equals money. He said he pay extra to have that work done and boom job went up in value. It's a pain but the client is happy and BMW is a bear to make happy.
Water fed pole for residential is always slower then traditional I find and another thing I do not like about water fed pole is if you're cleaning windows that have wood frames that is too risky because you can get a crevice that was holding water and then all of a sudden it releases it later on causing a grayish film on the glass I find that water fed pole is really good for windows that are inaccessible by no other means or if the temperature of the window is so hot that using any kind of squeegee but window cleaning solution will result in streaks
So I'm adding DI water to my pressure washing. Plan is to offer spot free rinse. I'm running 10gpm soft wash pump and 10gpm pressure pump. Ive heard pure water is tough on metal so likely will only run through my poly soft wash pump. Bought a wfp thinking for commercial windows and frames downstream or softwash either sh/acid/soap > scrub >rinse with DI > game over..
Sounds fine to do, many soft washing companies use a water fed pole to quickly agitate and rinse all the glass to not leave any spots. Also EBC glide can be used for rinsing with soft wash mix to leave the windows looking good
windowcleaner.com/products/ebc-glide?sca_ref=3020242.k17l3JaEgS
How would you remove water stains on a 2 or 3 storey home with a water fed pole? I have a bronze wool pad but it doesn’t seem to do the job
Clamp a wet soapy Quadruple 0 grade steel wool pad to a pole and scrub with that. Once stains are scrubbed out then wash over with water fed.
When do you know it is time to replace your brushes on WFP?
The bristles will wear on the sides due to scrubbing the vertical frames & no longer touch the glass . Hog hair wears the fastest .
Do you apply any detergent or straight di water for window cleaning
Just pure water no detergent
One of our customers absolutely does not want us to use wfp on her cut-up windows. Nothing like doing dozens of tiny windows on a fully extended 32' ladder!
Whoops, looks like her price just went up!
My whole point of getting a WFP was so I didn’t have to use a ladder but then I realized I still have to get on a ladder to take the screens out. So at that point should I just do traditional since my I already have the ladder out?
It’s always nice to schedule when customers are home so you can take the screens out from inside. Also surprisingly some customers are more than willing to do it for you when brought up to them that it’s a lot easier from inside. Even if they’re not going to be home they can do it before hand before you arrive if communicated.
Very well said! Great video as always man
Mike The Glass Guy thank you sir!!
I use the wool pad on the top of all panes behind screens. The top inch just never looks good with just the brush for me.
What brush were you using at the time? Just curious
Just the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks.. I'm close to pullin the trigger on a solid WFP but it's quite the investment for a real good one. XERO don't play!! Them prices are heafty..
Dod you get one?
I totally agree i hate 32 ft work too 😂😂
Anything that requires dragging a 30-footer around the job site getting water fed.
Great balanced video.
Off-topic question? We just started running into pressure washing guy who thinks he is a window cleaner because he has a WFP! It seems they are happy making $5.00 per hour more than their last employment. In our area of Florida, 90% of pressure washing guys do not carry insurance and few know what they are doing to avoid causing damage, some are now including window cleaning as I have lost a couple customers. Does anyone know the life cycle of the cheap pressure washing guys as they seem to always cycle through?
Hutch R we lost an account to some pressure washing company few years ago because they made it look like they were charging minimal for the window cleaning but they just add it in the pressure washing price to make it look minimal, I doubt they have all the correct insurance.
Steve, there is a difference between a window washer vs a Window Cleaner, A window cleaner has multiple tools in his/her arsenal of tools, solutions and methods of cleaning.
Not true if your talking about a water fed poles
@@doozy6914 very true
Hey Steve-O! I know you prefer boars hair brush but I had a lot of issues on residential leaving the tip of the window spotty. I brush the top like crazy let it drip then rinse well and still bad result. It must be me but I do better with the hybrid. Any tips would be helpful!
What do you do about the screens
You forgot to say oxidized frames!!! Especially with French. That woukd be a good video. Good Job from one window cleaner to another
Can you please post the link to the white pad and pad holder your talking about. Thanks
windowcleaner.com/tucker-alpha-scrubber?pt=MY
Hey Steve, I notice if I dont use a scraper then it always leaves behind something when I clean the glass with steel wool and just the mop. I then always have to do it a second time, which is not time efficient. Do you have any tips of what to do or just an answer as to why I won’t get perfect results unless I use a scraper?
Hey, a basic cleaning I find mop and steel wool or walnut pad does a great job, are you removing paint and debris?
@@SteveOthewindowcleanerThanks for getting back to me, and yes there’s always some sort of debris left on the glass after a first time cleaning if I don’t use the scraper.
U mentioned construction homes and not potentially using water fed… will the water fed still clean construction home ? Thanks
It can remove dirt and grime, but not silicone, paint or any adhesive
???why would you use ladders for window cleaning??? Get a pole. I regularly clean second and third story windows with a pole.
Hi Steve do you think wfp will replace traditional? Good video man 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
DeekMacGibson no it can’t fully replace traditional, WFP is just another tool in the box to choose from.
SteveO The Window Cleaner 👍🏽👍🏽
I was thinking about adding window cleaning to my service. If I got a water fed pole do I need to get that filter tank system spot free ? I’m in Georgia
Yes you will, here is our best selling unit for the last 9 years windowcleaner.com/xero-pure?pt=MY
#steveothewindowcleaner Thank you so much for the video. Our business has just bought a water fed poll system.
Congratulations! You'll enjoy it
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner We are a new business and we have a trainer who worked 25 years in the window cleaning business
Nice Information
If using WFP on windows with screens, you remove the screens from the inside first?
yes
Do we put any product on the brush before like soap ?
Nope just the pure water and agitate with the brush
Hi steve ,my boss keeps on believing that he can clean dirty windows with a nylon brush ,i said he needs a boar brush he doesnt believe it ?
Either works. Boar just has a better grip, which agitates crust build up on the surface slightly better. It's a feel thing really.
What about the drip on the siding of the have a dirty vinyl
If they have
Equals upscale if you do house pressure washing also.
Hey Steve...
What WFP do you suggest for small jobs?
windowcleaner.com/xero-micro-basic-carbon-fiber-waterfed-pole?pt=MY Micro is perfect
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner Awesome brother, thank you!
French windows and doors you need the right sized squeegees
Hey Stevo,
Steve here.
I'm in Alberta Canada,
Starting to get cold here.
I have a few clients booked for my waterfed pole. Is it ok to use around the -10 to +5 degree Celsius?
Or let's say 37 to 14 Fahrenheit ?
Can I still run my ro system?
I live in the U.K. & have been using the WFP at minus2 this week.Ive fitted a immersion heater in the tank & heat the water to 70C before I set off.With all the insulation around the tank it stays above60C until it evening.
@@vonovine that's awesome.
I made it to almost December before I stored it away.
I'd be concerned about turning their yard into a skating rink and house into an ice cube. Lol
I go traditional through the winter and anything that is unsafe can wait until spring.
Cheers brother.
@@stevephillips2758 I only use the wfp to do upstairs windows as I use di so the water is costly, so water doesn’t really drip down to ground level anyways.
Prefer to squeegee downstairs windows anyway as they get dirtier generally anyway.
More insect poo, overspray from paint painting, painting in general, kids kicking balls at windows, dogs jumping up at doors etc.
Best to use the black Ettore holster, as it can be detached instantly from belt clip when using pole unlike all the others.
Nice vid steve I agree with all u said,but did u know that hot water freezes quicker than cold water dont ask me how but it does.
I thought about that and it’s probably not a good idea to put hot water on a freezing cold window 🥶
Water fed pole is ultimate....that pure water leaves a shine like nothing else.
👍🏻
👍👍👍👍👍💯
I laugh at people who use water fed poles. Traditional window cleaning is truly better. I'm a skilled window cleaner of 33 yrs. You are not telling the truth about French windows and water fed poles being better. Any unskilled person can use water fed poles. I hate hearing people who only have a few yrs experience trying to teach this skill. Do some work and don't be lazy. I can do traditional window cleaning and clean way better than a damn water pole !
Doozy ok buddy!! Have a good one, your opinion is just an opinion. WFP is another tool in the tool box and I love it!! You don’t love it because you don’t know how to use it, trust me I use to be just like you. Cheers
Doozy, I’ve heard this from guys in the past it just means you don’t know how to use a WFP correctly or what you do has little use for one. In this day and age it should be standard equipment for window cleaners. I have 15 years experience but I worked with 5 different guys who had many years experience each and I learnt from each one and developed some of my own techniques along the way. One thing I learned is guys who have done WC for decades are not necessarily the most experienced in technique and knowledge. Area to area also differs. Everything Steve said is accurate. When it comes to French windows I’ve often had to use trad over WFP if they’re really filthy. I consider myself very proficient at doing French windows too but I’d much prefer to hit it with a WFP if I can. It’s working smarter not harder.