Window Cleaning Basics 101

Are you new to window cleaning? Looking for a good series of introduction videos? Check out our Window Cleaning Basics Video Series! Alex will walk you through various topics such as straight pulls, fanning and detailing. He will also go over some products such as channels, belts, scrapers and popular soaps like Glass Gleam 3 or 4. Hope you learn a thing or two!

From Rags To Riches

Here is a microfiber thread shot through a microscope. The star-shaped structure is the polyester core. The polyamide wedges are attached between the polyester spokes. The wedges pick-up dirt, movement of the two fibers traps the dirt between the spokes and the wedges. Additionally, the polyester spokes wick moisture.

From rags to riches with towels - Absorb profits with proper towel techniques: A specific task such as selecting the type of towel for a detailing job can mean the difference between a job well done and a job gone wrong. “Just like other skill trades, detailing requires the perfect tool for every task,” explains Byron Gartland, president of Beautiful Rags. “The primary tool in this case tends to be a premium body towel.”

Although purchasing towels in general is normally a lower expense in the detailing business compared to other equipment and technologies, there are high quality and low quality towels. And regardless of overall affordability, detailers must know the difference and be willing to pay a little more for better value and efficiency. “Always buy the best quality,” suggests Juliette Silver, CEO of CarWashWorld.com. “If you want cheap towels they will need to be replaced often and will not get the job done properly and professionally.” Gartland continues that lower quality towels, such as thinner towels, can break down and leave a mess all over a vehicle, and, “Torn towels tend to get caught on things like wiper blades and antennas,” he adds.

In addition to leaving unwanted and bothersome remnants of the tattered towel all over a vehicle, using poor quality towels may also result in damage. “If you use a poor quality towel you may damage the vehicle’s finish by producing fine scratches and swirl marks,” explains Silver, noting that when spending a significant amount of money on detailing, customers expect their vehicles to be as pristine as possible.

Microfiber has two chemically-related properties which compliment each other. Polyester is "oleophilic", meaning it has an affinity for oil and polyamide is hydrophilic, meaning it has affinity for water. Microfiber's chemical attraction for oil and water works in partnership with its mechanical ability to trap and hold dirt such that grime is removed leaving a clean, streak-free surface. Microfiber's third key trait is that, when woven, it has 40 times greater surface area than other materials. Due to the large area and the capillary action of the fine threads; microfiber cloth has significantly greater absorption. In fact, it can absorb about seven times its weight in fluids, far more than cotton. 

Essentially the two main types of towels used today are terry, mainly made of cotton, and microfiber. There are numerous sizes, shapes, weights, fabrics, colors, textures and thicknesses of towels, and choosing the “best,” most efficient options may vary depending on the unique needs of the detailer as well as the job at hand, requiring a little bit of trial and error.

A closer look at terry towels: Terry towels have been a popular choice in the car washing and detailing industry for many years as they are great for drying, and when of high quality, terry towels are considerably versatile and durable. As previously mentioned, terry towels are typically made from cotton. “Cotton towels have been the gold standard for over 100 years and there’s no substitute if drying is your goal,” states Gartland.

However, Gartland adds that cotton towels can pose a significant disadvantage to detailers. “The obvious drawback to cotton is lint,” he decrees. “In its raw form cotton is a linty plant, so anytime you use a cotton towel there will be some degree of lint even if it’s minor.” Although no terry cloth is completely lint-free, various types of terry towels are reasonably free of lint, and some detailers will also use a “sheared” terry towel to help safeguard from larger lint amounts.

Understanding microfiber: Originally intended to be used for swimsuits and other sports apparel, microfiber was developed by the Japanese in the mid 1970s. However, the material became too uncomfortable and heavy, causing the use for swimsuits to be impractical.

Microfiber refers to synthetic fibers finer than one or 1.3 denier or decitex/thread. By comparison, microfiber is 1/100th the diameter of a human hair and 1/20th the diameter of a strand of silk. The most common types of microfibers are made from polyesters, polyamides or a conjugation of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene (Prolen).

Yet because of its absorbency, researchers from Germany discovered that microfiber could effectively be utilized as a sufficient cleaning cloth, ultimately leading microfiber technology to find its way into the carwashing and detailing industry. With significant advantages like being lint-free, versatile and generally better for drying windows, microfiber has begun to swiftly surpass terry towels in popularity.

Although a popular and efficient choice, microfiber can easily lose quality and/or become useless if not properly maintained. One critical maintenance tip when it comes to microfiber towels is to wash separately, and in a full load, from other materials — especially cotton/terry towels. The microfiber will absorb the lint from the other materials and therefore become ineffective. It is crucial that detailers properly wash microfiber towels and closely follow the directions provided on the tag. “Care and training are absolutely essential to microfiber success,” notes Gartland.

Proper towel management: Following the correct washing procedures is not just an important factor for microfiber towels, but for terry towels as well. “[You] should never use dirty or soiled terry towels,” warns Silver. “They will definitely scratch or damage the paint’s finish.” Additionally, proper towel maintenance is not limited to simply following the correct washing directions.  Managing how you use and maintain towels is also a key component to ensure towels last and remain of high quality.

Many industry professionals recommend instilling a colour coded system to help keep towels at optimal quality and lower chances of cross contamination and/or potential risks to a vehicle. For example, a specific coloured towel may be used solely for a particular type of chemical. Without a colour coded system, a person might unknowingly grab a towel used for a type of chemical that may cause damage when applied to a certain area of the vehicle, such as leather or paint. With a colour system in place, this person would know that precise towel is solely used when handling a certain chemical, and instead, grab the correct towel for the task at hand.

Colour coding systems can also help during employee training, especially if employees do not all speak the same language. A colour coded system can act as a universal language any employee can follow without verbally communicating. In addition to applying a colour coded system, detailers can employ a “towel management system” of folding the towel in quadrants while it is in use in order to utilize every part of the towel evenly. Then, flip the towel over and use in quadrants on the other side. This way the towel is being used as efficiently as possible. Some microfiber towels are now available with quadrants printed directly on the towels.

Advancements in technology: Care procedures, management guidelines, products and technologies are constantly being developed to help people complete tasks as effectively and productively as possible. The towel industry is no different. Like the microfiber technology adapted by the Germans for cleaning purposes and the towels manufactured with quadrants to help ensure optimal efficiency, innovations are constantly improving towels’ overall performance and quality.

“We have more choices than ever before [in the towel market],” informs Gartland. “Interest in waffle weave and nanofiber technology is on the rise…My personal recommendation is to try a little bit of everything, use what works best, then build the cost right back into your base pricing.”

Silver says her business has started producing microfiber waffle weave and comments on how this innovative technology is becoming the “latest craze” in window cleaning.

Silver says her business has started producing microfiber waffle weave and comments on how this innovative technology is becoming the “latest craze” in window cleaning. “It is soft, absorbent and very strong,” she adds. “It is extremely versatile and can be used as a window towel, body towel and detailing towel.”

There is not, and probably never will be, a single perfect towel. As mentioned earlier, the ideal towel will vary depending on the preference of the user and the task performed. “People will always like what they like and they expect to be presented with options that best suit their particular needs,” says Gartland.

As new technologies continue to emerge, Gartland urges industry professionals to enjoy the possibilities. “Have fun with it,” recommends Gartland. “If a new trend looks compelling, give it a whirl. It could change the entire way you do business, and what could be more exciting than that?”

Several industry experts have shared advice on washing microfiber towels throughout past issues of Professional Carwashing & Detailing. We have compiled a list of a few of the most important expert recommendations to keep in mind when washing microfiber towels:

• Always make sure to wash microfiber towels separately and in a full load.
• Never use a fabric softener or bleach.
• Wash microfiber towels in cool or warm water (many experts suggest keeping temperatures at 105° F or less).
• Proper drying procedures for microfiber towels have been debated; some experts recommend only air drying the towels while others believe air drying can damage the towels’ absorbency; however most experts suggest tumble drying microfiber towels on low heat, as high heat can cause the microfiber towels to melt.
• Gartland recommends using liquid detergents over powder, since powder may become embed within the towel.
• Above all, always follow all care directions suggested on the towel’s label.

Privacy Glass & Film - What Window Cleaners Should know

Get ready for more window films & coatings as marketing is bombarded at you from every angle. DigiGlass is one of many companies that coat glass & even walls (bottom picture) with other quality cleanable coverings. Although this isn't a new idea, it seems that more & more will appear now that DigiGlass at least has developed a film that meets with UK legislation with it's fire rating. The Class “O” fire rating ensures that the safety, security and branding potential of printed window film is now available for use in applications where fire safety is of particular importance. DigiGlass sought the rating following an enquiry into the potential installation of printed window film on passenger trains. In order to utilise the marketing and branding opportunities DigiGlass offers the client required certification that the product complied with relevant safety legislation.

What does this mean for the average window cleaner? Since the product is usually installed on the inside surface, it shouldn't bother many "outside only window cleaners." I have however come across exterior lamination & this does pose a problem. Water fed pole users in public areas will have to think about the slip factor & the public at large as many of the films will be added in high public concentration areas. Some of the poorer film quality from other companies will scratch with a water fed pole brush head & by the time you know it the damage is already done. I talk from experience.



For those of us that maintain interiors as well - it poses more work. For one, the drag from a squeegee is typically worse & overlapping in an "S" technique should be kept to a minimum. Even straight pulling becomes harder & drys out faster. Experience on this type of covering is crucial to keep your speed up. I recommend the Wagtail Whirlwind for this particular type of work for its wet & squeegee capabilities with minimal changeover work.



Detailing will also become more work, as we have to detail intricate cut-outs (pictured) in the coverings - this will leave more streaks. Going slower over these areas will help enormously with detailing afterwards. Don't think you can just take your scraper out either to remove those stubborn marks - you'll pass through the film like butter! A scrim will remove most hard to move marks, even making it wetter for more power without effecting the luster of the film. Because film is more phobic to dirt, this often helps in high dirt build up areas. Finally be careful with some of the scrubber covers you choose, these can often lead to damage on the poorer quality films.



Personally speaking my biggest problem with window coverings is the lack of attention to cleaning the glass before these films are applied as they are often cleaned by the installers themselves. Often I find spots & marks that are under films due to the fact the installers only use a chemical containing isopropanol or similar that shines the surface making it easier for the installation & not the longevity of the appearance. This is noticeable as time goes on. Removing the film? This is another topic entirely, the longer the film is on the harder it is to remove. Sun adds to the bonding of the film to the glass & old film comes off in shards, not in sheets. More often than not - the film is placed on defective tempered glass where the window was in bad shape in the first place & was used to disguise the fact. So uncovering the film for the new shop owner only leads to another being applied or a whole new window.



On the plus side for the business shop owner -PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) window film has a range of benefits and applications, which can all be enhanced by the utilising the marketing and branding opportunities. DigiGlass offers the client required certification that the product complied with relevant safety legislation. Dave Macdonald, Managing Director of DigiGlass commented, “The Class “O” Fire Rating was an important achievement for DigiGlass and came about as a direct result of client demand. “ He added, “The rating has broadened the appeal of printed window film far beyond its traditional market and will ensure that we will see some really innovative applications of the product in the near future. It is especially pleasing that DigiGlass is at the forefront of the developments in what is an exciting and growing industry.”



One of the key benefits of 100micron PET film is its shatterproof protection, which complies with The approved code of practice for Reg. 14. The fire rating compliments the existing benefits to provide a robust and cost effective solution for businesses seeking to bolster the security and safety of glazed areas. Of course this decision is often not only a business wish but also a legal requirement. DigiGlass printed window film is already finding application with Architects, Interior Designers and Corporate Clients who are exploiting the opportunity to produce bespoke graphics for internal and external glass areas. Often through marketing or design agencies, corporate clients are using DigiGlass to enhance the appearance of glass areas and maximise the opportunities for branding. The unique DigiGlass print process incorporates white into the design process to provide seamless high impact graphics that give the appearance of being printed direct to the glass.