Work Experience Wanted!

[Jono_wcf]

Hi all,

I am getting into the window cleaning industry and am looking for hands on work experience in East Anglia.

Is there anybody on here based in Norfolk/Suffolk (or further) who would let me join their round for a day to gain experience using WFP and to pick their brains about the industry?

I have been studying these forums diligently, watching videos online and doing as much research into window cleaning to give myself the best foundations possible, I have learned so much from these forums specifically so to all who take the time to post on here in their free time you have my gratitude.

Jono

 

[spruce]

Hi all,

I am getting into the window cleaning industry and am looking for hands on work experience in East Anglia.

Is there anybody on here based in Norfolk/Suffolk (or further) who would let me join their round for a day to gain experience using WFP and to pick their brains about the industry?

I have been studying these forums diligently, watching videos online and doing as much research into window cleaning to give myself the best foundations possible, I have learned so much from these forums specifically so to all who take the time to post on here in their free time you have my gratitude.

Jono

This is an expensive industry to get into. The first thing is to do is a feasibility study to identify "supply and demand" in your area. It's called a "due diligence" study and similar to what your bank manager would request and require if you applied for a business loan.

We have seen numerous start-ups disappear in our area these past few years. Canvassing for customers is much more difficult than it was 20 years ago. Even back then, it took us about 5 years to develop our round. Newbies tend to want to build a website and wait for the customer influx. It doesn't happen as fast as some expect. 25 years ago, distributing leaflets did work as it got about a 4% rate of return, but not even the motor trade does this now as the rate of return on investment doesn't justify the expense.

What are the going window cleaning prices in your area for a common 3 bed semi? How much do cleaners charge for a small, medium and large conservatory. How much do they charge for fascia and gutter cleans? Are you going to also clear gutters?

We started traditionally with a small round my son was given by a friend. It was a difficult round to do as it consisted of old Victorian houses. The only access to the rear was over the wash house roof. But I canvassed relentlessly, looking for business by door knocking and asking if they needed a window cleaner. I don't have a website. Once we got a good customer base, we then asked those customers if their friends living locally wanted a good, reliable window cleaner. This was by far our best way of getting good, reliable customers, most of whom are still with us 18 years on.

You need customers and equipment. Which comes first? IMO, after having done a basic study on demand in your area, then you could buy a Gardiner Backpack and CLX22 or CLX27 pole. Spotless water have made getting purified water more available, but they aren't everywhere.

I believe you live in a hard water area, so if there isn't a convenient Spotless water supplier near you, then you need to invest in an r/o. A tds meter is also a must.

I believe that new starters need to at least look professional when they start. The only way you will look the part is to practice cleaning your own windows over and over again until you become confident that customers will see you 'as an old hand' at cleaning.

Ideally, you will need a van, a quality tank and frame fitted correctly, (at least a 350 to 400 litre tank), a pole with brush, a hose reel with minibore/microbore hose, a leisure battery and Shurflo pump as well as a few drying towels and small face cloths to remove dirt from the hose when winding it back in. At home, you will need an IBC 1000 litre storage tank, a submersible pump with transfer hose and an r/o. There are many sellers selling used IBC tanks fully cleaned out.

Then you will need a couple of squeegees and an applicator, as well as a window cleaner's bucket.

We wish you the best.

 

[Jono_wcf]

This is an expensive industry to get into. The first thing is to do is a feasibility study to identify "supply and demand" in your area. It's called a "due diligence" study and similar to what your bank manager would request and require if you applied for a business loan.

We have seen numerous start-ups disappear in our area these past few years. Canvassing for customers is much more difficult than it was 20 years ago. Even back then, it took us about 5 years to develop our round. Newbies tend to want to build a website and wait for the customer influx. It doesn't happen as fast as some expect. 25 years ago, distributing leaflets did work as it got about a 4% rate of return, but not even the motor trade does this now as the rate of return on investment doesn't justify the expense.

What are the going window cleaning prices in your area for a common 3 bed semi? How much do cleaners charge for a small, medium and large conservatory. How much do they charge for fascia and gutter cleans? Are you going to also clear gutters?

We started traditionally with a small round my son was given by a friend. It was a difficult round to do as it consisted of old Victorian houses. The only access to the rear was over the wash house roof. But I canvassed relentlessly, looking for business by door knocking and asking if they needed a window cleaner. I don't have a website. Once we got a good customer base, we then asked those customers if their friends living locally wanted a good, reliable window cleaner. This was by far our best way of getting good, reliable customers, most of whom are still with us 18 years on.

You need customers and equipment. Which comes first? IMO, after having done a basic study on demand in your area, then you could buy a Gardiner Backpack and CLX22 or CLX27 pole. Spotless water have made getting purified water more available, but they aren't everywhere.

I believe you live in a hard water area, so if there isn't a convenient Spotless water supplier near you, then you need to invest in an r/o. A tds meter is also a must.

I believe that new starters need to at least look professional when they start. The only way you will look the part is to practice cleaning your own windows over and over again until you become confident that customers will see you 'as an old hand' at cleaning.

Ideally, you will need a van, a quality tank and frame fitted correctly, (at least a 350 to 400 litre tank), a pole with brush, a hose reel with minibore/microbore hose, a leisure battery and Shurflo pump as well as a few drying towels and small face cloths to remove dirt from the hose when winding it back in. At home, you will need an IBC 1000 litre storage tank, a submersible pump with transfer hose and an r/o. There are many sellers selling used IBC tanks fully cleaned out.

Then you will need a couple of squeegees and an applicator, as well as a window cleaner's bucket.

We wish you the best.

Thank you for your very detailed response.

My initial plan was to start with a gardiner backpack with a CX 22 pole using a local Spotless water supply unit (5 miles).

The only hurdle I am facing currently is choosing options with the brush and gooseneck options when ordering the pole. I don't want to order the wrong thing and so I am trying to do as much research as possible. Do you have any spec suggestions?

TIA

 

[PC]

This is an expensive industry to get into. The first thing is to do is a feasibility study to identify "supply and demand" in your area. It's called a "due diligence" study and similar to what your bank manager would request and require if you applied for a business loan.

We have seen numerous start-ups disappear in our area these past few years. Canvassing for customers is much more difficult than it was 20 years ago. Even back then, it took us about 5 years to develop our round. Newbies tend to want to build a website and wait for the customer influx. It doesn't happen as fast as some expect. 25 years ago, distributing leaflets did work as it got about a 4% rate of return, but not even the motor trade does this now as the rate of return on investment doesn't justify the expense.

What are the going window cleaning prices in your area for a common 3 bed semi? How much do cleaners charge for a small, medium and large conservatory. How much do they charge for fascia and gutter cleans? Are you going to also clear gutters?

We started traditionally with a small round my son was given by a friend. It was a difficult round to do as it consisted of old Victorian houses. The only access to the rear was over the wash house roof. But I canvassed relentlessly, looking for business by door knocking and asking if they needed a window cleaner. I don't have a website. Once we got a good customer base, we then asked those customers if their friends living locally wanted a good, reliable window cleaner. This was by far our best way of getting good, reliable customers, most of whom are still with us 18 years on.

You need customers and equipment. Which comes first? IMO, after having done a basic study on demand in your area, then you could buy a Gardiner Backpack and CLX22 or CLX27 pole. Spotless water have made getting purified water more available, but they aren't everywhere.

I believe you live in a hard water area, so if there isn't a convenient Spotless water supplier near you, then you need to invest in an r/o. A tds meter is also a must.

I believe that new starters need to at least look professional when they start. The only way you will look the part is to practice cleaning your own windows over and over again until you become confident that customers will see you 'as an old hand' at cleaning.

Ideally, you will need a van, a quality tank and frame fitted correctly, (at least a 350 to 400 litre tank), a pole with brush, a hose reel with minibore/microbore hose, a leisure battery and Shurflo pump as well as a few drying towels and small face cloths to remove dirt from the hose when winding it back in. At home, you will need an IBC 1000 litre storage tank, a submersible pump with transfer hose and an r/o. There are many sellers selling used IBC tanks fully cleaned out.

Then you will need a couple of squeegees and an applicator, as well as a window cleaner's bucket.

We wish you the best.

Really good in depth reply. Doesn’t get better than that!

 

[johnny bravo]

Thank you for your very detailed response.

My initial plan was to start with a gardiner backpack with a CX 22 pole using a local Spotless water supply unit (5 miles).

The only hurdle I am facing currently is choosing options with the brush and gooseneck options when ordering the pole. I don't want to order the wrong thing and so I am trying to do as much research as possible. Do you have any spec suggestions?

TIA

 

[johnny bravo]

Gooseneck with a swivel adapter added Handy for hard to get windows at an angle.. get one when buying your pole . Uni Valve also. Controls your water flow rate saving you water.
Try to get all items in one go. Save you on Postage if having to get a small thing at a later date. Gardiners site and YouTube have some videos on there site worth a look. Look at the Sill brushes also. More cleaning area

Im sure someone in your area will let you go out with them for the odd day to see what you think of it. Obviously dont expect to be paid .. You may decide its not for you

You may have to buy some work to get going.

Any gear you buy you will be able to sell on if it dont work out
Good Luck

 

[Jono_wcf]

Gooseneck with a swivel adapter added Handy for hard to get windows at an angle.. get one when buying your pole . Uni Valve also. Controls your water flow rate saving you water.
Try to get all items in one go. Save you on Postage if having to get a small thing at a later date. Gardiners site and YouTube have some videos on there site worth a look. Look at the Sill brushes also. More cleaning area

Im sure someone in your area will let you go out with them for the odd day to see what you think of it. Obviously dont expect to be paid .. You may decide its not for you

You may have to buy some work to get going.

Any gear you buy you will be able to sell on if it dont work out
Good Luck

Thanks a lot for the advice, it is appreciated.

No expectations of being paid for work experience, I want to learn and I want to set myself up for the best possible outcome.

Are Sill brushes suitable for a whole job (when starting out) or do you need a regular bush and then change over to the Sill for their own purpose?

(apologies if that sounds like a stupid question)

 

[ched999uk]

Thanks a lot for the advice, it is appreciated.

No expectations of being paid for work experience, I want to learn and I want to set myself up for the best possible outcome.

Are Sill brushes suitable for a whole job (when starting out) or do you need a regular bush and then change over to the Sill for their own purpose?

(apologies if that sounds like a stupid question)

Sill brushes just have extra bristles on the bottom edge to aid cleaning upper sills. They are used on all jobs - well I use them on all my jobs. Personally I would get a flocked sill brush as normal brushes are not great on leaded light windows - stick on lead is safer cleaned with a flocked brush in my opinion.
In fact I use a flocked sill brush for most of my work, I use a non flocked brush for first cleans as I think they scrub a fraction better - unless leaded windows.
Watch some old Squeeky Clean Dave or AE Mackintosh again old stuff or Crystal Clean Windows on youtube.

 

[Crystalalan]

Hi Jono Its a reallly good idea to spend a day or two with an experianced window cleaner. Maybe even two different cleaners as certain cleaners use different equipment and techniques.

Before you go shelling out on loads of stuff, I would get your work experiance first. Chat to the cleaners first and try different equipment so you get a feel for what might work for you and what dosn`t.

You are welcome to spend a day with me if you can`t find someone nearer to where you live.

Good luck!

 

[spruce]

Thank you for your very detailed response.

My initial plan was to start with a gardiner backpack with a CX 22 pole using a local Spotless water supply unit (5 miles).

The only hurdle I am facing currently is choosing options with the brush and gooseneck options when ordering the pole. I don't want to order the wrong thing and so I am trying to do as much research as possible. Do you have any spec suggestions?

TIA

Having a Spotless water nearby is a great start.

Everyone you ask will have a different opinion on which brush is best. My son will only use a stiff brush. I tend to use a medium/soft Gardiner brush;

Ultimate 26cm Brush - Medium SOFT

Ultimate balance between weight, coverage & durability - 190g Dual Trim - 'Medium Soft' feel Bristles - Inner Soft, Outer Medium Synthetic Suitable for use with water temperatures up to 45°C Comes with 1 pair of Jet Capsules of your choice in the price If using fanjets, some bristles may need...

gardinerpolesystems.co.uk

I do have a few different brushes on the van, such as:

https://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/ultimatetm-26cm-brush-medium.html

Super-Lite 26cm Brush - Stiff

The Original Gardiner brush range - robust with excellent longevity - 220g New semi-translucent outer bristles - greater longevity Dual Trim - 'Stiff' feel Bristles - Inner/Outer Stiff Synthetic - best for hot water use Suitable for use with water temperatures up to 75°C Comes with 1 pair of Jet...

gardinerpolesystems.co.uk

We also have a Superlite flocked non-splay brush (not sold any longer) on an old pole for those old leaded glass windows.

A Univalve from Exceed Innovations is a good equipment consideration I should have mentioned. Thank you, @johnny bravo for reminding us.

@ched999uk has mentioned a sill brush. I purchased one a couple of weeks ago, but I can't get on with it.

Sill 26cm Brush - Stiff

New Improved Edge Design Increased length and stiffness on side bristles to improve corner and frame cleaning Cleans all-round windows, frames, sills and recesses - 230g Maximum bristle width - 32cm Dual Trim - 'Stiff' feel Suitable for use with water temperatures up to 75°C Comes with 1 set of...

gardinerpolesystems.co.uk

The Gardiner Ultimate brush weighs 190g. The stiff sill brush weighs 230g. It's only 40g heavier, but the difference is noticeable at 22 foot with a shallow angle.

As is said often, brushes are a very personal thing and everyone will have a different opinion.

When we first started wfp we used Vikan flocked car cleaning brushes. They were brilliant, but the brush stock was just too heavy.

If I had to chose only one brush, it would be the first brush I mentioned.
I would also have ordered a longer angle adapter/goose-neck. I fitted one recently and can't believe I didn't order one earlier.

QuicK-LoQ Angle Adapter (Type 1) Long Top Arm Gooseneck

Quick Release lever to adjust angle of the brush New 'water through' design - isolates the brush connection from the pole hose John Guest 8mm push fit top connection - 8mm Stem base connection Comes complete with 150mm length of PVC hose to connect to the brush connector 116g with hose length If...

gardinerpolesystems.co.uk

and a long scraper;
https://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/long-super-scraper-1-pad.html

I personally don't get along with a swivel, although I do use one on a 35cm brush on a job we do every 3 months.

 

[ched999uk]

@ched999uk has mentioned a sill brush. I purchased one a couple of weeks ago, but I can't get on with it.

Sill 26cm Brush - Stiff

New Improved Edge Design Increased length and stiffness on side bristles to improve corner and frame cleaning Cleans all-round windows, frames, sills and recesses - 230g Maximum bristle width - 32cm Dual Trim - 'Stiff' feel Suitable for use with water temperatures up to 75°C Comes with 1 set of...

gardinerpolesystems.co.uk

The Gardiner Ultimate brush weighs 190g. The stiff sill brush weighs 230g. It's only 40g heavier, but the difference is noticeable at 22 foot with a shallow angle.

As is said often, brushes are a very personal thing and everyone will have a different opinion.

The sill brushes I use are Flocked Extreme sill brush well I actually use the 35cm but I would say the 26cm is better to start with. It is about the lightest brush you can get which has + and -. Good for horizontal work but not the best scrubbing power. The stiff brushes are mainly for people with hot water systems. I have a flocked sill brush like @spruce mentioned and while it was good it was heavy but the bristles on the edges are handy when you are learning so you don't bash the reveals.
Gardiners have a brush table that suggests what brushes are good for - it's a good guide.

Before you buy any kit run it buy us as there may be a better choice.

 

[THL4KEL]

If I only had the money for a CLX without a swivel, the brush I would buy is - https://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/universal-sill-26cm-brush-flocked.html

 

[Iron Giant]

Brushes are a very personal thing, most of us on here will have tried almost every Gardiner brush brought out over the years, I tend to stick with one brush once I like it enough I am currently using an Xtreme sill brush which I couldn't get used to at first it took a few days, now I can't use anything else,

Normal brushes like an ultimate are ideal for getting in between the lower part of the frame and the sill this is where an xtreme sill brush fails a bit as the bristles aren't as long which makes it more of a pain on some jobs, I have the flocked version as well but it doesn't get used as I have one job with diamond lead windows and another two jobs with leaded lights I see no point in owning a flocked brush.

 

[johnny bravo]

If I only had the money for a CLX without a swivel, the brush I would buy is - https://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/universal-sill-26cm-brush-flocked.html

i have 3 of these now. softer also on the upvc ive always used the all older white sill brushes do a great job on regular cleans

 

[THL4KEL]

i have 3 of these now. softer also on the upvc ive always used the all older white sill brushes do a great job on regular cleans

They're all I use now. I don't use a swivel with it though.

 

[spruce]

We also started off and used pencil jets for many years. Although fan jets give a more even rinse pattern, I still believe rinsing with 2mm pencil jets is more accurate.

 

[Part Timer]

We also started off and used pencil jets for many years. Although fan jets give a more even rinse pattern, I still believe rinsing with 2mm pencil jets is more accurate.

Ground and 1st floor there's probably not a lot of difference, especially ground. Once you get above that even pencils need a degree of knowledge

 

[Iron Giant]

We also started off and used pencil jets for many years. Although fan jets give a more even rinse pattern, I still believe rinsing with 2mm pencil jets is more accurate.

I stuck with pencil jets for around 12 years or so, then switched to 100-degree fan jets, I wish I'd made the switch years ago I do quite a lot of houses with trickle vents and flush them out at every clean there is far less risk of water ingress from flushing trickle vents with fan jets,

I believe I can be far more accurate with fan jets over pencil jets, I sometimes wonder when I see jobs where the trickle vents aren't being cleaned by another cleaner if they are avoiding the trickle vents because they are using pencil jets and are frightened off flushing them in case they get water inside the house.

 

[Gadgetfox]

Really good in depth reply. Doesn’t get better than that!

Agreed. Well done spruce!

 

[Gadgetfox]

I would also suggest buying a small cheap tool box and keep in it the following (for repairs):

https://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/oetiker-stepless-o-clip-clamp-8-3-10mm-pole-hose-size.html

https://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/o-clip-hose-clamp-pincer-pliers-nippers.html

Gasket Shear / Mitre Shear for sale | eBay

Find great deals on eBay for Gasket Shear / Mitre Shear. Shop with confidence.

www.ebay.co.uk

And for first cleans:

Clover Ubik 2000 | UK Cleaning Supplies

A multipurpose cleaner and degreaser concentrate, designed to dissolve and float away the toughest grime and leave a spotless finish. Order online.

ukcleaningsupplies.co.uk

Hope that's useful. Good luck...