By Graham FisherWindow scrubbers, often called washers or applicators, do the first half of traditional window cleaning: they wet and scrub the glass so a squeegee can pull the water off. This guide follows the professional guides of one tool maker, Unger, which lay out a six‑step method, and adds what WindowCleaner.com’s training says about the brush on a water‑fed pole.
The Washer and Squeegee Method
Unger’s method starts with cleaning the frame. You wet a microfiber cloth, wring it out, and wipe the frame in an inverted “U” shape, beginning at the bottom left corner. This removes loose debris and cobwebs before any water touches the glass.
Next, you fill a bucket with water and a cleaning solution designed for glass. The same manual says to plunge the washer sleeve completely into the bucket and then wash the entire pane using an “S” movement. Unger says not to hold the washer in the hand you will use for the squeegee, but in your other hand, which it calls more ergonomic because it keeps the load on your arms even. Many washer sleeves are made of microfiber, which Unger’s professional guide notes traps more dust and debris than cotton alternatives. Unger adds that stubborn dirt can be removed with the scrub pad found on high‑quality washers.
For adhesive, paint, or other stuck‑on soil, a glass scraper is the next tool. Unger’s instructions stress that you should only use the scraper where it is really necessary, and make sure the window is wet first. The blade must be free of rust, because rust increases the risk of scratches. Move the scraper in short, sickle‑like strokes from top to bottom with light, steady pressure. Never pull the scraper backwards over the residue; doing so can press particles into the glass and cause scratches. After use, retract the blade or put on its protective cap.
The squeegee then removes the water and cleaning solution. Unger’s guide explains the “S” technique: place the squeegee on the edge of the pane, pull it up into the corner at an acute angle, and then sweep across to the other side. Concentrate on the front, protruding end of the rubber blade. As you reach the opposite corner, turn the squeegee in one fluid motion so the other end becomes the leading edge, and repeat the movement in the opposite direction. This flowing wave pattern continues from the top of the window to the bottom without lifting the channel from the glass. Unger’s USA guide says to place the blade at a 45° angle to the glass with steady pressure. Too much pressure makes the squeegee hard to glide and keeps the rubber’s sharp edge from doing its job, while too little pressure leaves water behind. The corner areas take practice, but the guide says that with time the technique becomes routine.
Finally, use a separate microfiber glass cloth to soak up any remaining water along the top, bottom, and side edges. If a few streaks remain, simply polish the affected spots with the same cloth.
The Scrubber on a Water‑Fed Pole
On a water‑fed pole, the brush at the end does the scrubbing. WindowCleaner.com’s training modules explain that purified water is fed through a small hose inside the pole, and they recommend scrubbing up and down, then side to side, and finally in swirls, then rinsing so that the last thing to touch the glass is the pure water. The same training warns that water‑fed poles are not a good choice for post‑construction windows covered in paint, stucco or glue, because gritty debris lodged in a scrub pad can cause severe scratches, and that a scrub pad should never be left face down on the ground. Our water‑fed pole systems guide covers the poles, filters and rinsing in detail, and our extendable cleaning poles guide covers reach and safety.
Key Tools and Their Jobs
| Tool | Job | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Window washing sleeve (microfiber) | Washes the whole pane with an S movement; a scrub pad on some washers handles stubborn dirt. | A microfiber sleeve traps more dust and debris than cotton; hold it in the hand you will not use for the squeegee (Unger guide). |
| Window squeegee | Removes water and solution using the S technique. | Hold the blade at a 45° angle with steady pressure. Replace the rubber after 15 hours of use or sooner if you see excessive streaking or a nick (Unger guide). |
| Glass scraper | Eliminates adhesive, paint, and stubborn residue that the washer cannot remove. | Use only on wet glass with short, sickle‑like strokes from top to bottom. Never move backwards. Keep the blade rust‑free and capped when not in use (Unger guide). |
| Microfiber cloths | Clean frames, dry edges, and polish away any remaining streaks. | Use a surface cloth for the frame and a separate glass cloth for the edges; Unger says a microfiber cloth can absorb over six times its weight in water. |
| Water‑fed pole with brush/scrubber | Scrubs exterior glass from the ground, then rinses it with purified water. | Scrub up and down, side to side, then in swirls, and rinse last. Not for post‑construction glass with paint, stucco or glue (WindowCleaner.com). |
Caring for Your Window Cleaning Equipment
Simple maintenance keeps scrubbers and squeegees working well. Unger’s guide advises checking the squeegee rubber before you start. Even a small nick can cause streaks. The rubber should be changed after about 15 hours of use, or sooner if you notice excessive streaking. Unger suggests looking for a squeegee with easily removable rubber blades for quick replacement.
For hand cleaning, Unger also recommends a lightweight cleaning bucket with a sieve combination.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I replace the squeegee rubber?
Unger’s professional window cleaning guide recommends changing the rubber after about 15 hours of use. You should replace it sooner if you see excessive streaking or notice a nick in the blade. A sharp, undamaged edge is essential for a streak‑free finish.
When should I use a scraper?
Unger says to use a glass scraper only where it is really necessary, for residue such as adhesive that the washer sleeve cannot remove, and only on wet glass. Move it in short, sickle‑like strokes with light pressure from top to bottom, never backwards, and close the blade or cap it when you are done.
What should I do if I still see streaks after cleaning?
If streaks remain after using a squeegee, Unger’s guide suggests going over the affected areas with the microfiber glass cloth and polishing them. Its USA guide adds that excessive streaking or a nick in the rubber means it is time to change the rubber.
For more on window cleaning tools and techniques, see our Window & Glass Cleaning guides, including window squeegees, window vacuums and microfiber cloths.
Sources
- Unger: How to Achieve Streak-Free Windows Using a Washer and Window Squeegee
- Unger USA: Squeegee Window Cleaning, How To for a Streak Free Shine
- WindowCleaner.com: Water Fed Pole Training Modules
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our non-vacuum cleaning gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
