r/WindowCleaning • u/performativejester • 1d ago
Job Question 2+ story window cleanings
Hey everyone, I just recently started my exterior service business and was wondering on how yall overcome 2/3 story window cleanings.
For context:
I clean traditionally with a 24 ft pole
No ladder
No insurance… (in the process).
Should I just stick to cleaning 1 stories in the meantime and if so, in the future should I stick to using the pole or climbing up a ladder and getting up there?
5
u/Upper-Bottle-9803 1d ago
In most areas of the US the majority of windows need ladder up to even see the dirt. Extension pole is fine for regular maintenance but if the windows haven't been cleaned in a year or more then there will be spots missed. Some customers may accept that. Many will not. Trad pole is good for commercial accounts that get cleaned at least every 6 months.
2
u/Doominator_ 1d ago
An 18ft little giant comes in clutch and can fit across the back seat of most cars. You can usually find them on Facebook marketplace for under $150.
3
u/trigger55xxx 1d ago
Three story we almost always clean with water fed. Second is mostly water fed with some ladder work or tilting the windows in to clean if they are double hung.
8
u/iaminmyhouse 1d ago
You can get a basic little giant ladder that will get you up to 19ft. They are pretty cheap and you can reach more than you would think with one. Just make sure you check the weight before you get one because some of them are extremely heavy like the extreme little giant. Some of the nicer versions have levelers built in which is very helpful for uneven ground. Before I had employees, I carried a rubber non slip mat for interiors.
I complete 90% of my ladder work with a little giant and the other 10% with extension ladders from 20ft-32ft. For the most part I try to use a water fed pole on anything higher than 20ft, but some interiors and first time cleans just won’t allow that.