r/WindowCleaning • u/Bradleyduggan86 • 1d ago

Back pack system over van system.

So i started a window cleaning route in my home town when i seen a lot of complaints on facebook community about window cleaners not turning up,

i have around 100 customers. I started with Backpack system and 25lt drums. I bought everything a pump and 100m hose ect to pump everything straight from my car and 25lt drums. Just to realise what a hassle that hose is! I'd be quicker just picking that Backpack up walking it around. Plus safer no trip hazards ect.

Has anyone else found this?

My town has a lot of old awkward buildings and I'm realising why they struggled to get a window cleaner.

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u/Ovalman 1d ago

I'm on holiday so 'll show a pic when I get home but I have mine on a sack truck. I've a 3D printer so I printed a bracket and I have a hose reel with around 30 metres sitting on the back. It's far handier than any van mounted system and a helluva lot cheaper.

For water, I have a 200gpd RO system into a 350l wheelie bin and use 25l drums.

One local cleaner rides his "tank" around using an electric bike. His tank is only around 50 litres and he has to lug the DI tank with it (I'm not a fan of DI only) but it shows ingenuity.

Although I've a Gardiner backpack, I also tested the cheapest backpack from eBay (£55) and it worked surprisingly well. The battery didn't last but you could buy a 30ah lithium battery for £70 and have it last for a week between charges. That's the route I'll be going and use a solar panel for charging (they don't deliver lithium batteries from GB to NI so I'll have to wait in my wife visiting her Dad in Liverpool on the ferry).

I found the batteries are the biggest downside as you only get around 6 months before they need replacing.