What are your tips to avoid scratching windows

[BWC]

Hi everyone.

What are your tips to avoid scratching windows whilst using WFP? What are the tell tale signs that it has a higher risk of happening etc. 

(it hasn’t happened to me yet and I hope it never does but I’d rather prevent it happening at all) 

Thank you! 

 

[Part Timer]

Keep your bristles clean and be careful of what you try and scratch off windows. I always start above the glass and never start off on glass.

 

[jack b]

When not using your brush/pole , never rest the brush head (bristles) on the house/premises brickwork or put it down on the floor where it can pick up grit or contaminates. Common sense really. Before each clean, glance over the brush head to check its not full of gunk. I sometimes brush mine through with a comb. ?

 

[Marko067]

Never press down hard on the brush whilst working. Let the bristles do their work with gentle pressure. This way, if any grit does find its way into the bristles in the aforementioned manner it will usually flush out without causing problems. 

I think grit picked up off the floor is more likely to scratch glass than brick dust as it is more coarse. However, this is based solely on my experience and by no means going to be set in stone (pun unintended) ?

 

[Davy G]

Hi everyone.

What are your tips to avoid scratching windows whilst using WFP? What are the tell tale signs that it has a higher risk of happening etc. 

(it hasn’t happened to me yet and I hope it never does but I’d rather prevent it happening at all) 

Thank you! 

Exactly as Mark said.

If you have any doubts just flick your fingers across the bristles three or four times now and then with the water still on, takes only two or three seconds. Keep a weather eye on the brush while you're working. You will probably find with time that you'll develop a feeling for when you need to clean the brush.

Again as Mark says, light and quick does it.

I have a short YouTube video of my set up in use but I can't remember how to put the link on. I'll ask my son tomorrow. ??

 

[Chris33]

Pre wet glass if contaminants like bird mess on glass. Come back to it when soft.

Never rest brush head on anything, walls, van floor etc.

If doing a first clean always check brush head between sills and glass, or at least give it a good flick.

Be mindful if cleaning glass that's up right against render, far too easy to catch a chip and transfer it to glass from some of these frames. 

 

[BWC]

? thanks for the good advice and chuckle @Marko067

 

[BWC]

Exactly as Mark said.

If you have any doubts just flick your fingers across the bristles three or four times now and then with the water still on, takes only two or three seconds. Keep a weather eye on the brush while you're working. You will probably find with time that you'll develop a feeling for when you need to clean the brush.

Again as Mark says, light and quick does it. ??

Light and quick is how I’ll work from now on! ??? thanks for the good advice. With starting on my own I’m learning as I go. I never want to have the sinking feeling in my stomach thinking oh s##t!  

Pre wet glass if contaminants like bird mess on glass. Come back to it when soft.

Never rest brush head on anything, walls, van floor etc.

If doing a first clean always check brush head between sills and glass, or at least give it a good flick.

Be mindful if cleaning glass that's up right against render, far too easy to catch a chip and transfer it to glass from some of these frames. 

I will make sure I do this from now on! 

 

[Davy G]

It might not always go totally right. You may get the occasional problem or complaint, I think we all do. In my early days I had sleepless nights on a few occasions over problem oxidised windows leaving milky water or spotting. As you gain experience you'll also gain better quality control and confidence. 

 

[Davy G]

I think I've sorted the youtube posting, not properly with a link but if you search: 100 degree fan jets in action, that should access it.

The devil is in the minute detail with this technique. ?

 

[BWC]

I think I've sorted the youtube posting, not properly with a link but if you search: 100 degree fan jets in action, that should access it.

The devil is in the minute detail with this technique. ?

Just watched it! Great little video. So with this technique it’s rinsing and doing the tops of the frames, sills and rinsing the windows quickly before gently applying the brush. The jets I have are the 4 1.4mm jets should this still do the trick? 

 

[Davy G]

Just watched it! Great little video. So with this technique it’s rinsing and doing the tops of the frames, sills and rinsing the windows quickly before gently applying the brush. The jets I have are the 4 1.4mm jets should this still do the trick? 

Ha ha! Like I said the devil is in the detail. The brush is in contact with the window the whole time, from start to finish. Agitation first, rinse second. The fizz sound gives the clue :

1/ couple of sweeps across the sill to break the dirt crust and allow the water in.

2/ top of frames.

3/ vertical agitation across the frames and glass combined, once if a regular clean and it's not too dirty, back again if it's fairly dirty, extra if it's very dirty, ie first wash. .

4/ curtain of water across the top and bring it down full width, combining the rinse with a final agitation.

5/ finish with a few quick swipes across the top of the bottom frames and sill to remove any dirt that might otherwise stand.

6/ a quick sweep underneath the sill to remove any spiders that if left might have multiplied and taken up residence in the top of the windows by the time of the next visit. (this stage isn't done every time).

I can't comment on your jets as I have no experience of them. I only use the 100s. I would think they'll be fine. ?