How to Start Window Washing Business
I spent several years cleaning windows on large buildings. It was a great job.
Techniques for cleaning windows efficiently are easy to learn.
Starting a window cleaning company is a quick and easy way to open your own business. Tools and supplies required are minimal.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Clean plate glass storefront windows for the quickest route to profit in the window cleaning business. To get in business quickly and inexpensively, survey your community for stores and auto dealers with lots of plate glass display windows. Take a walk through the business district and strip malls visiting as many stores as possible. Be brief with each visit. Be ready to clean windows, as they might say do it now.
-
2
Choose the right tools. They will include a brush with good bristles to hold lots of water, a sponge to soak up excess water, a squeegee to scrape off water, and a bucket. A short collapsible pole will allow you to reach the top of the window. Look for them at a building maintenance supply store.
-
-
3
Look for a brush 8 to 10 inches wide with holes for the pole. Get a good-quality squeegee. Look for one that has three parts: a handle, a channel and a rubber to fit into the channel. Squeegees come in several lengths from 6 to 24 inches. You will need 14-inch and 6-inch lengths to start, a sponge to soak up excess water, and a chamois cloth to remove streaks.
-
4
Advertise with your business card. Make it simple and easy to read for maximum effect. Include the business name, your name, your phone number, mailing address and email address. The business name and phone number should be large and easy to read. Print only one side. When asked for information always write it on the back of your business card so prospective customers have your name and phone number.
-
5
Clean windows professionally by starting with a proper cleaning agent. Three Star Glass cleaner or Titan Labs Glass Gleam are two examples. They reduce squeegee drag and stay wet longer on a hot day. Brush along the top of the window and halfway down. Put the squeegee on the pole and scrape the tip along the top of the window removing about one inch of water. Scrape the water off in straight down stokes. Brush the bottom half of the window and pull the water off with horizontal strokes of the squeegee while holding your sponge at the bottom of the squeegee to soak up excess water. You are now a window cleaner.
-
6
Grow your business with personal visits. This is your most economical way to gain new clients. Once you have a job visit the store on either side to let them know the day and time you'll be there and that you would be happy to clean their windows at the same time as you do their neighbors. Your business card is like a miniature billboard and should be handed out on these visits.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Check out the resources below. Visit City Hall for your local business license. Get business insurance and if possible a performance bond. Store owners like doing business with someone who is licensed, insured and bonded. If you have a van or pickup, you are ready to haul your equipment. If using your car for transportation, purchase a plastic tub that will fit in the trunk to carry your bucket and tools in. Always park several spaces away from the store's main entrance, leaving the closest parking spaces for customers. Remember, anyone can wash a window, but it takes a professional to clean one. Be professional and you will succeed.
Watch for broken or cracked plate glass; it can put cuts in your squeegee which leave streaks. Watch for pedestrians when using your pole.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Del Lonnquist
