Q&A With Terry "Turbo" Burrows - The Fastest Window Cleaner In The World

On the 9th of October 2009, Terry "Turbo" Burrows, 54, left three windows gleaming in just 9.14 seconds at the 2009 window cleaning competition in Blackpool, Lancashire (see above) beating his own World record. Terry said his success was due "to moving the body in sequence". Terry Burrows first appeared on television back in 1993. The programme, on London Weekend Television, was called "You Bet". With presenter Mathew Kelly and friend John McLean it just started as a bit of a laugh. But, as Terry's feet first walked on the TV set, he knew that this was the start of something much bigger. This was the opportunity for Terry to realise his dream: to become the fastest and most famous window cleaner in the world! By late 1993 Terry and John were appearing on TV every day, popping up between programmes and commercial breaks washing the inside of everybody's TV screens! This was shown, on Carlton TV, for 18 months and made them easily recognised characters in their distinctive white T-shirts and blue dungarees.

Terry then made contact with the BBC "Record Breakers" programme. This was to be a turning point in Terry's media career. After this television appearance, Terry went on to take no less than 9 world records to become the fastest window cleaner in the world. Terry has twice competed in America as well as traveling to France and many other destinations carrying the flag as the Great British window cleaner in world window cleaning events. Terry is also a black belt in karate (Koodokan). He claims that the karate has made him faster and more determined with his window cleaning competitions and record attempts. Other hobbies include scuba diving (since 15 years of age), fishing, snooker (highest break 85 so far) and playing guitar. And, yes, he even performs "When I'm Cleaning Windows"!

So how long have you been window cleaning? How did you start?

I have been window cleaning for some 33 years! I started out with my late uncle who was a window cleaning perfectionist.

Carpet cleaning is also a job you do – how did you get into that?

Carpet cleaning we have done for a long time but it is now taking over the main part of our work - we use a “power flite” machine, it’s great!

Why & how did you get into speed window cleaning?

I was on a TV program called “You Bet,” and said to my mate John this is just the start, I will be the most famous window cleaner in the World, but he knows me well. What I say, I mostly do! I then started looking into the world record for window cleaning, it was then the BBC filmed my very first world Record.

What’s your preferred squeegee in competitions? And everyday use?

Squeegee’s - I use a mix of all types!

In what area do most competitors fail? Any advice?

Window cleaners just don’t put in the days, years, or time that I did. I was always fast, but I was a boxer at the age of 11yrs to 15yrs which helped. Then I went into karate. I can’t give away to many secrets!

Three windows at 45” square – wish they were smaller/bigger?

45 inches by 45, perfect!

How many techniques have you tried before to get to the one you are using today?

I have tried loads of different techniques. The way I do it now, this is the only one way to go!

What happened in the USA ? Why don’t you go there any more?

The speed cleaning organizers in the USA were unfriendly - not the competitors. The organisers fixed it so that I did not win. They let a compatriot with a slower time win. I felt I wasn’t wanted there & felt stabbed in the back by the whole experience.

I see your sidekick John everywhere you go – do you work together?

John did work with me many moons a go, his back is bad, so we don’t work together anymore.

They won’t let you compete any more at the Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC), is there no competition any more?

It was my own idea to drop out of competitions and let others have a go & have a chance to win the money.

You used to serve on the board of the FWC, why did you leave?

The one and only reason I left the Federation was location. I live 250 miles away and I was getting very worn out with the drive each time. I would still be with them if they were a lot closer, I miss them dearly!

How about Stefan Tinkler?

Stefan Tinkler will always be a player, but his bottle goes, he is not as good as he thinks he is!

I was there to see you beat your last world record – have the TV contracts been steady since?

TV is a very funny thing, they want you, they don’t want you? I appeared on “This morning” program with Holly Willouby, it’s now on you-tube!

Do people know you are the world’s fastest when you clean their windows?

Some people know who I am yes, but crossing over to carpet cleaning I tend to go under cover! LOL.

When do you think you’ll retire from the speed window cleaning?

I will never retire from speed window cleaning, as the years have gone on, I have got faster!

Has anyone else in your family become a window cleaner or are they doing other jobs?

My son is a great guitarist he is going to be a session guitarist, probably the best to come out of Britain. He has not been seen yet - I took him on “Britain’s Got Talent,” although he did not get on the show, the producer of the show recognized me! Damm, that was the last thing I wanted - he thought I was his manager!

When is your next event to beat your record?

In March at the “NEC” will be the next! Better, stronger, faster than ever!

Who do you most admire in the window cleaning world?

The Federation (FWC) have been here for many years, that takes some doing! Craig Mowlem of Ionics has done good for himself. I also admire Bruce Lee.

Are you still active with the Karate?

I was teaching karate 3 times a week both adults and children. I no longer teach, I just don’t have time. My son is a Black belt, my daughter got to her last brown – so her mother gets beat up all the time! LOL.

Any other passions we should know about?

I love my carp fishing, snooker, scuba diving & playing electric guitar.

Have you ever tried a Wagtail squeegee. What did you think?

Wagtails are funny, there OK.

Water fed poles – are you a fan?

Water fed poles are great, all have there place of work.

Where do you see window cleaning in ten years time?

In ten years time I’ll be relaxing!

 

What’s been happening for you lately?

This year I had a bet on 4 horses its called a “lucky 15 bet,” they all won! £41,439 changed my life! On the other hand. I walked into an ESSO petrol station, I went to pay & went flying into the air & landed hard on my back. The floor was wet, there were no signs on the floor. Luckily, cctv was filming the whole thing - I am now in the process of suing them for total negligence, my back is hurting big time.

Do you believe in UFO’s?

I love UFO sightings, I believe "they" do visit us!

If you weren’t a window cleaner what do you think you would have been?

If not a window cleaner, maybe a singer, TV presenter, or perhaps an under-cover agent or police (CID) work.