Untouchable 2016

Add captionTerry "Turbo" Burrows, untouchable in speed window cleaning on the last day of the Manchester cleaning show.

Fastest window washer cleans up competition in just 20 seconds: Nimble Neil Caden has won the title of the fastest window washer after cleaning up the competition in just 20 seconds. The 50-year-old, from Leeds, West Yorks., wiped the floor with the younger lads - and used his skills as a black belt in karate to wax-on, wax-off the competition. 

Sadly he did not beat 20-year recorder holder Essex-based Terry Burrows (pictured top), whose best ever time for cleaning three 1.143m high windows is just 9.14 seconds, at the trade event held in Manchester on Wednesday. Terry says his success is down to a quickfire 16-move sequence that draws on skills he honed as a martial arts instructor and boxer. Sadly, Terry is banned from entering any further competitions to let others stand a chance at winning.

BBC News - Terry 'Turbo' Williams' window washing world record challenged: Terry "Turbo" Burrows, officially the world's fastest window cleaner for more than 20 years, is challenging rivals from around the UK to try to beat his world record time. He set the Guinness World Record of 9.14 seconds in Blackpool in 2009, and is now in Manchester to see if he is still a "glass" above the rest. Contenders have to clean three 1.143m high windows and the sill - crucially, no smears can be left. The event coincides with the 80th anniversary of George Formby's hit When I'm Cleaning Windows.

Buttershaw window cleaner takes prize at The Cleaning Show: A window cleaner is back in Bradford with a big bucket of prizes after a sparkling performance in a national contest. Graham Bower, of Buttershaw Drive, Buttershaw, beat off stiff competition from window cleaners across the country today at The Cleaning Show in Manchester. He was the speediest cleaner there today, but not quite as quick as the record set by world champion, Terry 'Turbo' Burrows from Suffolk. He set the Guinness World Record of 9.14 seconds in Blackpool in 2009. Contenders had to clean three 1.143m high windows and the sill - and could leave no smears.

The event coincides with the 80th anniversary of George Formby's hit When I'm Cleaning Windows. "I came first in the competition but didn't quite catch up with Terry. I was about a second out," he said. Even though Mr Bower's time was 12.01 seconds he did get a few penalty points for soap streaks. "Even with the penalties I was still on top. It was well worth having a go. Terry's quick but not quite as quick as he used to be - even he couldn't match his world record," he added. Mr Bower, 35, started cleaning windows at the age of 12 and now runs his own business. He won a Kindle Fire tablet and a big bucket full of beer. "I'm going to keep practising my speeds. Who knows I might be back for another go at the world record next year," he said.

Soap And Glory!

Neil Caden ready for Soap & Glory.

Soap and glory! Leeds window cleaner eyes place in record books: Leeds window cleaner Neil Caden is looking to produce a perfectly polished performance as he bids to earn himself a spot in the record books. Neil, 50, from Garforth, will be trying to set a new world record for fastest window cleaning at a trade event taking place in Manchester next week.

The record has been held for more than 20 years by Essex-based Terry Burrows, whose best ever time for cleaning three 1.143m high windows is just 9.14 seconds. Terry says his success is down to a quickfire 16-move sequence that draws on skills he honed as a martial arts instructor and boxer.

But Neil – who runs Caden’s Window Cleaning in Garforth – is himself a black belt in karate and believes he might have the right stuff to dethrone Terry. The Yorkshire challenger, who will be joined at the record attempt by three more members of the Caden team, said: “Terry is a legend in the world of window cleaning and his record has stood for over 20 years. 

“However, I’m pretty quick myself and also share the same strength, agility and flexibility as him which comes from years of combat training. “With a bit of intensive practice, I therefore might be in a great position to have a go at beating his time. “There’s also a chance one of my team could snatch it from Terry, but even if none of us get close to his time the world record attempt is a great way to demonstrate the skills and professionalism of Britain’s window cleaners.”

Dozens of window cleaners from around the country are expected to have a crack at beating the record during the Cleaning Show trade event, which is being held on Wednesday and Thursday. The attempts are being organised and adjudicated on behalf of the Guinness Book of Records by the Federation of Window Cleaners.

Looking ahead to the attempt, Federation of Window Cleaners chair Andrew Lee said: “Terry has done amazingly well to hang onto his record for this long but there’s always a chance of an upset. “Lots of our members have already told us they are planning to take a crack at his record. “Having said that, when you see Terry on video or cleaning live he moves so quickly it’s hard to imagine someone will ever manage a sub-nine second time even if they try and copy his technique.”

Neil previously made headlines when he used a telescopic cleaning rod to help save a man from drowning in the lake at Roundhay Park in 2012. See another challenger here. Previous challengers here. Question time with Terry "Turbo" Burrows" here.

Graham Bower ready for battle.

Buttershaw window cleaner competes to be the UK's fastest at The Cleaning Show in Manchester: A Bradford window cleaner is hoping to bring home a world record for being the fastest in his trade. Graham Bower, 35, is hoping to snatch the crown from reigning champ Terry "Turbo" Burrows when they meet shammy to shammy at The Cleaning Show in Manchester tomorrow.

Mr Burrows, from Suffolk, has held the squeaky clean world record for 20 years but dad-of-five Mr Bower is ready to take him on. So far, Mr Bower’s fastest time has been three windows in 10.3 seconds, while Mr Burrow’s best-ever performance was three high windows in just 9.14 seconds, using a rapid 16-move sequence powered through core strength, flexibility, fast hands and reflexes.

Mr Bower, who lives in Buttershaw Drive, Buttershaw, and cleaned his first windows when he was 12, said he heard the current world record holder had thrown down the gauntlet and so decided to have a go. “It’s not as easy as people think. I’ve been studying his technique. I’m not sure I’ll beat him but I’m going to have a good go and put Bradford on the map.

“Terry is a legend in the world of window cleaning and his record has stood for over 20 years. " I actually saw him in action some years ago, and it was an incredible display of skill and speed. Even if I can’t come close, the world record attempt is always a lot fun and is a great way to demonstrate the skills and professionalism of Britain’s window cleaners," the 35-year-old said.

Graham Bower shows off his skills.

Mr Bower, who has been practising on his sister’s conservatory windows, followed his grandfather and father’s footsteps into the window cleaning business and started his own firm two years ago called Bright and Clean. His number one supporters are wife Roseanne and their five children aged from six to 16. “They are quick themselves to be my number one supporters, but there’s no interest whatsoever from any of the kids to give me a hand cleaning windows!

Mr Bower said: “I just love being outdoors. " I couldn’t stand having a job where I was stuck indoors all the time. I’m out and about in all weathers – nothing puts me off.”

The world record window cleaning challenge is being organised and adjudicated on behalf of the Guinness Book of Records by the Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC), the national trade association for the window cleaning industry.

Andrew Lee, chairman of the FWC, said: “Lots of our members have already told us they are planning to take a crack at his [Mr Burrow’s] record, and some are in training right now. "So we’ll have to wait and see if anyone can match him when the competition comes to Manchester.”

Another Challenger To The Squeegee Crown

Terry ‘Turbo’ Burrows - still officially the world’s fastest window cleaner 20 years on from first appearing on BBC1’s Record Breakers.

Cleaner looks to take world’s fastest squeegee crown: A Brighouse window cleaner is aiming to prove he has the quickest sponge and squeegee on Earth as he takes on a world record holder. Paul Boothroyd (pictured below), who runs Commercial and Domestic Cleaning, will go up against Terry ‘Turbo’ Burrows who is still officially the world’s fastest window cleaner 20 years on from first appearing on BBC1’s Record Breakers.

Terry’s best-ever performance, which saw him clean three 1.143m high windows in just 9.14 seconds, took place in Blackpool in 2009. Paul, 51, from Bailiff Bridge, said: “Terry is a legend in the world of window cleaning and his record has stood for over 20 years. “However I’m pretty quick myself, and with a bit of intensive training I might be in a position to take him on in Manchester. But even if I can’t come close, the world record attempt is always a lot fun and is a great way to demonstrate the skills and professionalism of Britain’s window cleaners.”

Terry ‘Turbo’ Burrows, who is from Romford in Essex, is returning to the North to see if anyone can beat his record and is throwing down the gauntlet to window cleaners from Yorkshire who might fancy their chances. He said of the contest: “As a former martial arts instructor and boxer I managed to perfect a rapid 16-move sequence which is very hard to copy if you don’t have the core strength, flexibility, fast hands and reflexes. “However, unlike the early days when I first started competing, now you can study my technique via clips on YouTube, and each year a new generation of cleaners come along to try and beat me.

“Maybe this year in Manchester I’ll finally meet my match, and I’ll have to hand over my title. But even if that happens I’ll never forget how great it was to break my own record twice on Northern soil, and it would be great to see a cleaner from the region help to continue this tradition.” The world record window cleaning challenge itself is organised and adjudicated on behalf of The Guinness Book of Records by the Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC), the national trade association for the window cleaning industry.

Andrew Lee, chair of the FWC, said: “Terry has done amazingly well to hang on to his record for this long but there’s always a chance of an upset in April. Lots of our members have already told us they are planning to take a crack at his record, and some are in training right now. “Having said that, when you see Terry on video or cleaning live he moves so quickly it’s hard to imagine someone will ever manage a sub-nine second time even if they try and copy his technique. So we’ll have to wait and see if anyone can match him when the competition comes to Manchester in April. ” Paul will look to break the world record along with other Yorkshire cleaners at The Cleaning Show in Manchester on April 6 and 7. Click here to challenge Terry.

Terry "Turbo" Burrows record still stands & 20 years on he still holds the World record.

Terry Burrows - Still The Fastest

Terry Burrows (UK) cleaned three standard 114.3 x 114.3 cm (45 x 45 in) office windows set in a frame with a 300 mm (11.75 in) long squeegee and 9 litres (2 gal; US 2.37 gal) of water in 9.14 sec at the National Window Cleaning Competition in Blackpool, UK, on 9 October 2009.

Terry Burrows (UK) The Fastest Window Cleaner in the World 2015: Terry Burrows retains his world record again and is still the quickest window cleaner in the World. His Guinness book of records beating time is still holding up after all these years. The next appearance by Terry "turbo" Burrows will be in Dorset on May 9th. If you want to meet Terry Burrows, come to Mark Munro's Dorset show on May 9th, where he will provide hints, tricks & tips for all fellow window cleaners, no matter how ugly you are.

Fastest female window cleaner still retains her title: Deborah Morris (UK) cleaned three standard 1.14 m x 1.14 m (45 x 45 in) office windows set in a frame with a 300 mm (11.75 in) long squeegee and 9 litres (2 gal; US 2.37 gal) of water in 16.28 sec at the Cleaning Show 2011 held at NEC, National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham, UK, on 3 March 2011. A base time of 13.28 sec was achieved but 3 sec penalty was incurred.

You can see Terry in action from the 6 minute mark in the video, trying to chip down the time on his World record. You can also read a Question &Answer session With Terry "Turbo" Burrows here.

Sweden Hopes To Take The Fastest Window Cleaning Titles

Ivan Pleinadius and Marianne Pettersson hope to take the Guinness Book of Record titles.

Want to beat the world record in window cleaning? - Ivan Pleinadius and Marianne Pettersson will compete in the equivalent of the window cleaning World Cup in England. Ivan Pleinadius and Marianne Pettersson devote many hours each day to clean windows through his company Window Cleaning King (PutsarKungen). But interest in the shiny windows also spill over to the couple's leisure and on Sunday they set off on an aeroplane to England where they will participate in the Window Cleaning World Cup.

Ivan and Marianne with their trademark heart will be on the Unger stand at the show.

I'm actually practicing right now, says Ivan Pleinadius when UNT called him on Tuesday. During the Window Cleaning competition it is up to the contestants to as quickly as possible, clean three windows with an area around one meter x 1'5 meter. If a competitor leaves water on the surface, it will be a time penalty of a half a second.

Ivan Pleinadius and Marianne Pettersson pictured yesterday with the current & longest World record holder Terry "turbo" Burrows.

The Window Cleaning competition is over very quickly. The record on the men's side is of 9.17 seconds. "Marianne and I try to practice as much as possible now and we encourage each other to get the time down," says Ivan Pleinadius.

Marianne is very likely to take the womens title, the Swedish press are featuring them everywhere.

Only one day to beat the record. "In March, we're going to England to try to get a place in the Guinness Book of Records, but we are well aware of the tough competition, says Ivan Pleinadius.

Ivan Pleinadius and Marianne Pettersson have worked as professional window cleaners for 25 years and believes that the world championship only elevates the status of the profession. They themselves have participated in the World Cup several times before and Marianne Pettersson holds the Swedish record right now. Ivan Pleinadius best finish is third place in the World Cup.

Are you going to win? "It is difficult to say." "There tend to be some 40 participants and competition is hard, but you should never say never." "I think that Marianne has a great chance to win the competition on the women's side." The competition is currently being held at the Cleaning Show.

Chasing the record in window cleaning: Everyday Marianne Pettersson from Borlange and Ivan Pleinadius practise at their cleaning company. But they also compete in window cleaning. Now they are at the window cleaning World Cup in England. As a fun break, they aim to make their company Cleaning King with Marianne Pettersson and Ivan Pleinadius the top name in window cleaning. 

It all started when Ivan Pleinadius began competing in the SM (Sweden), and Marianne Pettersson, who was born and raised in Borlänge, also competed. They have repeatedly gone to the World Cup in the USA, where Marianne had to compete against men - because there were no women in her category. At best, she has come in fifth place in the men's class at the World Cup in the USA in 2011. She is also the reigning SM champion.

"It is fun to go for major competitions in the World Cup." "In everyday life, we are not out among our customers as much, anymore." "So, this is one thing that we think is fun," says Marianne Pettersson. They also usually take part in trade fairs to showcase their window cleaning, but right now they are both in hard training before the World Cup in England (Guinness Book of Records) which takes place on 11 March.

The competition is to clean as fast as possible three windows with no traces of water. One gets a time penalty if you miss any spot on the glass. There we train on is first and foremost to bring up the technology to the best. Then you must also consider the speed and not to drag too much.

The goal at the World Cup in England is to beat the current speed record in window cleaning and get in the Guinness Book of Records. Marianne Pettersson will compete to beat the current holder of the record. I think I have a good chance to beat her, actually. The time she has now is 16:38 and my personal best is 7.15. But it will probably be a little fight there.

Can anyone beat Tel boy?

The Luckiest Window Cleaner Alive?

Two years ago Terry Burrows, won £40,000 on the horses and now he has done it again and won another £40,000 last Saturday

Romford window cleaner mops up again- winning almost £40K: The world’s fastest window cleaner has taken another betting shop to the cleaners after winning almost £40,000 on the horses- just two years after mopping up £41,000. Terry ‘Turbo’ Burrows from Romford, who has been dubbed the Usain Bolt of the betting world, won the lucky bet a second time at odds of 250,000 to one after placing a similar bet in 2010. Terry said: “The first few days I walked around like a zombie and then it slowing started to sink in, but I was just ecstatic.”

The 55-year-old father of two, had four horses win at 16-1, 11-1, 16-1 and 13-2 for his £1 each way Lucky 15 bet. Terry also helped ten of his friends to win £65 each after they placed bets on his last horse. He said: “The last race was just too much and I had to look away but I had all the guys around me going mad so I knew that I was winning. “The first one was the closest because the horse only won by a small margin.”

Bucket full of money.

In 2010, Terry who holds the world record for cleaning three, 45 square inch windows, plus wiping the sills in just 9.14 seconds, won £41,439 at William Hill. He first started betting three years ago and says that his secret is studying the horses. Terry said: “I study the horses to see how they ran this time last year and that way you can get an indication of how well they are likely to do. “Its not always that simple because at the end of the day they are animals and you never know what is going to happen.”

Terry, who has had seven window cleaning world records overall, now spends just two days a week window cleaning and the rest of the time taking part in trade shows and adverts. He has vowed to continue betting and doing his window cleaning until he wins another £40,000 in the horses. He said: “It took me two wins to earn £40,000, models can’t even earn that in two hours. “If I keep on trying, I think I can do it again.”

Q&A With Terry "Turbo" Burrows here.

Fast Window Cleaning Techniques # 6 - The Carpal Tunnel Elevator

This one deserved a post all on it's own..

Some more of the same..

Go here to find a squeegee that you can work all day with & this fast!

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.

The Fastest Woman Window Cleaner

A woman from Cornwall has reclaimed her title as the world's fastest female window cleaner. For some people window cleaning is right at the bottom of their list of things they enjoy doing, along with ironing! But for Debbie Morris from Hayle the task has become a big part of her life. Debbie Morris is so fast at window cleaning that she 'cleaned up' the competition, beating many men in the process. Debbie Morris is the world's fastest woman window cleaner. In a big competition she wiped four seconds off her own record. Debbie can clean three large windows in just 17 seconds! The famous George Formby song 'When I'm cleaning windows' jokes about the sights you can see when you're working on those panes of glass. Debbie admits she's seen some interesting sights but she's not giving anything away. In the meantime Debbie is preparing for her next big competition. Blink and you'll miss her as she cleans those windows in Hayle.

Watch more of Debbie below..

It seems the only contender in the womens category is Marianne Pettersson (below) From Sweden who in Reno, Nevada, USA at the IWCA convention this year, managed the incredible time of 15.7 seconds. But without an Guinness official it can't be entered in to the record books. Perhaps we'll see a head to head at next years Federation of Window Cleaners show?

Speed Window Cleaning

Chris Dawber from Newton Aycliffe in Durham aka "Wagga" on the UK window cleaning forums shows us that it's possible to speed window clean not only just using a Wagtail squeegee. Here he is with an assortment of window cleaning applicators & squeegees using different methods. If you missed it, here's a previous look at his videos. Chris has the cleanest windows in Durham..

World's Fastest Window Cleaner - Video here for UK users: Terry "Turbo" Burrows is officially the World's Fastest Window Cleaner! Terry, who can clean three windows in just 9.14 seconds, shows us how it's done, and offers his squeegee tips so This Morning’s guests can have a go! Terry joined his uncle Alfred's commercial window cleaning business in his twenties: "My uncle taught me everything I know, sadly we lost him about 2 years ago to cancer." A few years later Terry set up his own commercial window cleaning business: "I used to love window cleaning. The best part was meeting different people and having a laugh with them."
In 1993 Terry took part in the game show You Bet, hosted by Matthew Kelly. The show built a You Bet street and Terry and his mate John cleaned all the windows of the fake houses in 90 seconds: "We were a great team, John wet the windows and I had the squeegee." Terry appeared on Record Breakers in 1995 and broke his first window cleaning record, taking 9.95 seconds to clean three windows.
Following a controversial challenge to his world record, Terry worked with The National Federation of Window Cleaners and Guinness World Records to change the rules and regulations. He used to take part in competitions all over the world, but now concentrates on breaking records: "I'm not allowed to enter as when the other contestants find out I'm entering they give up!" On the 9th October 2009 Terry set a new record at the National Federation of Window Cleaners show. His time of 8.14 seconds was penalised by a second, due to two water marks on the windows: "I was over the moon with 9.14 but know I can do better."
Terry starts training a few months before competitions, practising half an hour a day: "I take it slow and concentrate on my technique." He is a black belt in karate and says that this helps in competitions: "Martial arts is about moving your mind and body as one and it's the same for window cleaning. He says competitions are very competitive but doesn't listen to anyone who tries to put him off: "It just makes me go faster!"

Terry’s tips:

It's important that your left and right hand move together.
Move your whole body in a sequence.
It's all in the wrist action.
Be loose and fluid and go with the flow.

Video for outside UK here & here.

Window Cleaner Smashes World Record

Click the links to watch more videos! More videos from the show this week! Watch the video above that was a BBC broadcast just after the show had finished! Terry & Debbie both broke the world records on the day for the womens & mens titles.

Chamois man leathers world record: A martial arts specialist used black belt moves to help him break his own record as the world's fastest window cleaner. Terry "Turbo" Burrows, 54, left three windows gleaming in just 9.14 seconds at the 2009 window cleaning competition in Blackpool, Lancashire. Mr Burrows from Romford, Essex, a black belt in karate, said his success was due "to moving the body in sequence". Andrew Lee, of the Federation of Window Cleaners, confirmed the record. He said: "He left just two water marks on them, so we had to add a second to his original time of 8.14 seconds, to make 9.14 seconds - a brilliant achievement." 'Too fast' Mr Burrows said: "I clean the windows in just 16 moves, and it's pretty intense," he said. He has been cleaning windows for the past 30 years and has taken part in competitions across the country. Competitors have to clean three 4ft (1.2m) high windows in the quickest time possible.
The regulation surrounding their tools is strict - they are only allowed to have a soap applicator and a "squejy", a special wiper that removes the soap.
He set his last record of 9.24 seconds in 2005, which stayed unbroken until he beat it earlier in front of crowds of people by Blackpool Zoo. "Many people try to break my record, but they're just not fast enough. Some of them are still trying to clean the windows after 10 seconds, well I'm finished by then," Mr Burrows said. He said he had now opted out of one of the UK's main window cleaning competitions, at the NEC in Birmingham. "I was just too fast for them and I kept on winning and taking home the cash, they call me Terry Turbo Burrows. "I bowed out so people would still keep on competing so they had a chance of winning." The father-of-two has appeared on Record Breakers. In the early 1990s, he and a friend, aptly named John McLean, cleaned the inside of camera screens for Carlton TV between programmes.

Window cleaner smashes world record: HEY Mister – you've missed a bit! This expert window cleaner was taking no chances as he smashed his own world record for speed. Terry Burrows, or "Turbo Terry" as he prefers to be known, glided into the Guinness World Record books when he cleaned three large glass panes in a speedy 9.14 seconds. Terry, who is 54 and from Essex, was in the resort for the Federation of Window Cleaners annual conference and decided to try to better his existing 9.24 second time. Glass was gleaming at the De Vere Hotel as a squeegee- wielding Terry warmed up for the challenge. Colleagues from across the UK watched in awe as the man dubbed the Linford Christie of window cleaning tried and failed in his first three attempts. On the fourth try squeaky clean Terry hit the jackpot, shining the three 45in x 45in panes in record time. He said: "I'm elated to have shaved so much time off my record. "It's extremely hard, it takes a while to warm up and I drove 270 miles this morning so I wasn't feeling too fresh. By my fourth time, however, I was back in the zone and actually managed to clean the planes in 8.14 seconds with two half-second time penalties."
Terry believes his glass shining stealth is due to his former career as a boxer and karate instructor, which taught him the importance of fast hand movement. He spends less than three seconds on each pane and can use only a 12in squeegee and a 14in T bar in line with Guinness guidelines. Any smear of soap left on the pane picks up a time penalty and Terry must wipe the sill at the bottom to complete the challenge. He smashed his first record in 1995 as part of TV show Record Breakers with a speed of 9.99 seconds. In 2005 he broke his own record during The Cleaning Show at NEC Birmingham with a 9.24 second time. Terry said: "I'd never say never as far as beating my own record again goes, but at the end of the day, a man can only go so fast. "I would love to die with my record and know I went as the world's fastest window cleaner."

Too Clever to Make a Will of Testament?

Quiz-winners cash prize is handed to the Government.

Winnings from a TV quiz are set to be handed over to the Government after a search for the winner's relatives drew a blank. Colin Hallett, 52, of Delaware Road, Shoebury, won the money on the ITV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in November, 2001. However, programme makers Celador froze the money after it was revealed Mr Hallett had an undisclosed criminal record, which was contrary to the game's rules. The window cleaner had been jailed for two years in 1990 for arson. This was later deemed to be spent as it had happened more than five years earlier. A later fine for failing to pay for petrol remained a matter of dispute between Mr Hallett and Celador, but he eventually got his money. He celebrated by shedding more than three stone and taking a holiday to Cape Town, South Africa. He died of natural causes in April last year having spent very little of his winnings. Treasury solicitors, who advertised for his next of kin to come forward, have been unable to find a legal heir. Fraser and Fraser, a firm of international probate detectives took up the chase, but this week announced the case had gone cold and as there were no living relatives left, the money will now go to the Government. The Treasury receives around £25million a year in unclaimed estates. Erin Woodward, spokeswoman for Fraser & Fraser, said: "Colin had been barred from the Victoria Inn in Ashingdon pub quiz, because he was deemed too clever. "Unfortunately he was not clever enough to make a will."

R.I.P Jim Willingham

It was a quick announcement yesterday, but I don't think anyone was expecting the passing of Jim so soon. Here are just a few of the responses:

"Throughout the day I thought about Jim, his commitment to the window cleaning industry, and how his efforts helped bring so many people together around a common interest. A new community was built around those growing interests. The work within that community, in agreement and disagreement, demanded an unselfish leadership that constantly reminded everyone that our self interests could be melded into and served by a dynamic, effective organization. Jim Willingham provided that kind of leadership and set the example for others to do the same. The bonds of friendship that are created from the difficult work of giving birth to, and sustaining, a meaningful, dynamic organization like the IWCA, transcend physical association into the realm of heart and soul. I look at the list of names that received this message from you, Sam, and marvel at the connections we all have to one another. Connections formed and graced by working in, working for, helping people develop a professional approach to window cleaning, while developing a professional association. I hope I speak for others in saying I became a better person as I learned to put into practice what I learned from these associations in the International Window Cleaners Association. All this initiated and set in motion by a down home, cowboy whose gentle, humorous style and sometimes stubborn insistence brought about the focus of the creative energies of so many. God love him, God keep him, and let us all hold him fondly, individually, and somehow in the collective memory of the organization that he worked so hard to create and sustain." Jerry Rigdon

I found it hard to believe when I first saw this thread coming through. I thought that surly someone had gotten it wrong.

Of course our thoughts are with Jacinda. Jim and Jacinda have certainly had an impact on each of us in this business; whether we knew Jim personally or not. Jim was one of very few people, that when he gave me advice or suggestions, I knew it would do me well to listen carefully. He was certainly a straight shooter, and never boring to spend some time with. Even though I had not spent much time with him of late, I find myself missing him already. Steve Miller

Jim has been my friend, role model and window cleaning idol. A sad day to hear Jim is gone. I will miss you, Jim. Gordon Perrot

Words sometimes get used to make someone larger than life. Platitudes are spoken about people that may not really deserve them. Words like legend, icon, vanguard, mentor and role model. Every one of those words really and truly apply to Jim Willingham. He wasn't just a window cleaner, although You Tube evidence exists to show just how good he really WAS as a window cleaner. There was so much more to Jim, and by extension, Jacinda. Always quick to help where needed, founding member of the IWCA, willing to mentor others in the industry, quick with a joke, and about as straightforward and honest as you'd expect a good Texan to be. Jim would treat you with the same patience, dignity, and respect whether you operated a multi-state company with dozens of employees, or you just bought a set of gear yesterday and were just starting out. He didn't pull punches or play politics in an industry and association that sometimes does too much of both. I've known Jim for 19 years, and I will miss not seeing him around. We did in fact lose a legend today, and an icon, and a role model. And many of us, far too many of us, lost a friend. Godspeed Jim, and be strong Jacinda. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Jeff Klass

This is truly a sad day for the industry. Jim was one of the most selfless men I ever had the pleasure of getting to know. Jim joined us at J. Racenstein with one goal; to make the industry better. He was always excited to meet window cleaners (large companies to small) and help them do better for themselves. He traveled tirelessly even when sick spreading the word. Jim was proud of the industry and loved everybody in it; he even loved his competitors in Lubbock; I never heard Jim utter a negative word about a window cleaner; if you were in his industry you were his friend. The only thing he loved more than his industry is Jacinda. I am grateful to have spent so much time with Jim during the past couple of years. He taught me so much about the industry and I will always be grateful for that. But more importantly he showed me how a true gentleman conducts himself through thick and thin. The entire team at JRC and I will miss him terribly; he was our friend. Cameron Riddell

Jim can be seen doing his stuff here. Thanks for the memories.

Jim Willingham - Window Cleaning Legend

This was just posted over on the Window Cleaning Network by Gary Mauer:

Following are excerpts from a note about Jim Willingham, with the sad news that Jim is entering hospice care, and nearing the end of his year long battle with cancer.

It's not known how much time he has, but he's not in pain at this point, and the family is hoping for a comfortable, peaceful passing. Jim loves his friends, his family, his business and the other work he has done over the years in the window cleaning industry. His support of Big Brothers and Big Sisters has been hugely rewarding. He lived life on his terms but never missed a beat when another needed a hand. Your job is to not be sad for long. Jim would not want that. Each day he was attending any sort of treatment, he carried with him a good joke and told it to everyone, the ill, the nurses, the doctors. So have a laugh or just shoot the breeze; Jim will be there in spirit laughing and gabbing with you. Thank you all for the jokes, the emails, the cards, the flowers. It has meant the world to Jim and myself. I know we would not be where we are now if it were not for all of you.
Jacinda Willingham.

Here is Jim in action: -

Another Contender?

Is Stefan the fastest window cleaner in the world?

IT'S taken 24 years washing to polish his skills to perfection, and now Stefan Tinkler is aiming to be the fastest window cleaner on the planet. Mr Tinkler wants to wipe away all competition when he attempts to wash three large panes of glass in the quickest time at the ISSA Windowclean 2008 championship, which is held in Amsterdam on May 6. The father-of-two, who lives in Barber Close, Stanground, Peterborough, already holds the title of the slickest window cleaner in the UK after winning the national championship in Coventry last month. To get the illustrious title, the 36-year-old managed to wipe the three panes, measuring 45ins by 45ins, in just over 17 seconds. However, Mr Tinkler knows he can go faster. He said: "The audience made me a bit nervous, if the truth be told. I reckon I can do it in 10 or 11 seconds. "The current world record is held by Terry "Turbo" Burrows, as he is known within the trade. Set in England in 2005, his record stands at an impressive 9.24 seconds. Time penalties are deducted for any water marks left on the glass and contestants are limited to a maximum squeegee size of 12ins. To make sure he is prime condition for his trip to Holland, Mr Tinkler is busy practicing on his purpose-made windows which stand in his garden. He said: "Space is a bit tight, but I've managed to put up two panes so far. "We want to move into a new industrial unit soon, and I hope to put up three panes in that one. "Mr Tinkler, who runs 'All Clear Without a Smear' with colleague Peter Rootham, said he has washed windows all over Peterborough since he started aged 13 helping his grandad out on his round. And through the years there have been times when he has had a lucky escape after tumbling from his ladders. He added: "I have usually landed on my feet. The worst that has happened is that I winded myself. Once I fell off a roof backwards, though, and my head hit the soil about half-a-foot from a tree stump sticking out of the ground. Another 6ins and that would have gone through my head. "As well as domestic and commercial premises, the firm has at least one special client – Peterborough Cathedral.Mr Tinkler added: "We don't do the stained glass windows, because they need specialist care, but we do the entrance doors, and all the outside buildings such as the Deanery and restaurant."

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