Top 12 Window Cleaner Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, standing out as a window cleaner requires showcasing a unique set of skills on your resume. This article covers the top 12 abilities you should highlight to demonstrate your proficiency and dedication to potential employers in the window cleaning industry.

Window Cleaner Skills

1. Squeegee Proficiency
2. Water-Fed Pole
3. Ladder Safety
4. Rope Access (IRATA)
5. High-Rise Techniques
6. Glass Restoration
7. Pressure Washing
8. Chemical Handling
9. Pure Water System
10. Harness Usage
11. Scraper Skills
12. Fall Protection

1. Squeegee Proficiency

Squeegee Proficiency for a Window Cleaner refers to the skillful and efficient use of a squeegee to clean windows, ensuring streak-free and clear glass surfaces.

Why It's Important

Squeegee proficiency is crucial for a window cleaner because it ensures efficient, streak-free, and quick cleaning, enhancing job quality and customer satisfaction.

How to Improve Squeegee Proficiency Skills

Improving squeegee proficiency for window cleaning involves mastering a few key techniques and consistently practicing them. Here are concise steps and resources:

1. Choose the Right Squeegee: Select a squeegee with a comfortable grip and a durable, flexible rubber blade. Ettore and Unger are reputable brands.

2. Correct Blade Angle and Pressure: Maintain a consistent angle of about 45 degrees against the glass. Apply even pressure throughout the stroke for a streak-free finish. Window Cleaning Resource offers tutorials and tips.

3. Straight Pulls: Start at the top corner and pull the squeegee straight down. Overlap your strokes slightly and wipe the blade with a clean cloth between each pull.

4. Fan Method: Also known as the "S Technique," this involves leading with the top corner of the squeegee in a series of overlapping S-shaped strokes across the window. YouTube has numerous tutorials demonstrating this technique.

5. Detailing Edges: After squeegeeing, dry the window edges and corners with a separate, dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining water and prevent drips.

6. Regular Practice: Proficiency improves with practice. Set aside time each week to practice your technique on different window types and sizes.

7. Maintenance: Regularly replace squeegee rubber blades to ensure a clean, sharp edge for streak-free results. Clean and dry your tools after each use to extend their life.

For a comprehensive guide and advanced tips, visit The International Window Cleaning Association and Window Cleaning Magazine for resources, community advice, and professional development opportunities.

How to Display Squeegee Proficiency Skills on Your Resume

2. Water-Fed Pole

A Water-Fed Pole is a cleaning tool used by window cleaners that consists of a long pole equipped with a brush and a water system, allowing windows to be cleaned from the ground without the need for ladders or scaffolding. The pole delivers purified water to the brush to effectively clean the windows while minimizing streaks and residue.

Why It's Important

A Water-Fed Pole is important for a window cleaner because it allows for the cleaning of high and hard-to-reach windows safely from the ground, reduces the need for ladders or scaffolding, and uses purified water for a streak-free clean without the need for detergents.

How to Improve Water-Fed Pole Skills

To enhance your Water-Fed Pole system for window cleaning, focus on these key areas:

1. Upgrade Your Pole - Choose a lighter, more rigid pole to reduce fatigue and increase control. Carbon fiber poles are ideal for their strength and lightweight properties.

2. Water Purification - Invest in a high-quality water purification system. Deionization tanks or reverse osmosis filters ensure spot-free results.

3. Brush Selection - Use brushes suited to the job. Softer bristles for delicate surfaces and stiffer ones for more dirt. Different brush types can improve cleaning efficiency.

4. Water Pressure - Adjust water pressure according to the dirt level and type of surface. Higher pressure for tough grime, lower for delicate surfaces.

5. Training and Technique - Improve your technique through practice and professional training. Efficient movements reduce time and effort. Online courses and tips can be very helpful.

By focusing on these improvements, you can enhance efficiency, reduce physical strain, and achieve better cleaning results with your Water-Fed Pole system.

How to Display Water-Fed Pole Skills on Your Resume

3. Ladder Safety

Ladder safety for a window cleaner involves using the correct ladder for the task, ensuring it is in good condition, properly setting it up at a stable, appropriate angle, securing it if necessary, and using safe practices while climbing or working to prevent falls and injuries.

Why It's Important

Ladder safety is crucial for window cleaners to prevent falls and injuries, ensuring they can work efficiently and safely at heights.

How to Improve Ladder Safety Skills

Improving ladder safety for a window cleaner involves several key steps:

1. Choose the Right Ladder: Ensure the ladder is suitable for the task, considering height and weight capacity. Ladder Safety Institute provides guidelines.

2. Inspect Before Use: Check for any damage or wear. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a checklist.

3. Set Up Properly: Place on stable, level ground, and ensure it's extended three feet above the landing point for secure support. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) details proper setup.

4. Maintain 3 Points of Contact: Keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times for stability. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) elaborates on safe ladder use.

5. Use a Tool Belt: Carry tools in a belt to keep hands free for climbing.

6. Avoid Overreaching: Move the ladder instead of stretching beyond a safe reach. Overreaching risks destabilizing the ladder.

7. Secure the Ladder: For higher applications, tie off the ladder at the top to a sturdy anchor point to prevent slipping.

8. Attend Training Programs: Regularly participate in safety training. OSHA's Ladder Safety Training offers resources and courses.

By following these steps and continuously educating oneself on safe practices, a window cleaner can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries associated with ladder use.

How to Display Ladder Safety Skills on Your Resume

4. Rope Access (IRATA)

Rope Access (IRATA) refers to the use of specialized rope techniques for safely accessing difficult-to-reach locations without the use of scaffolding, cradles, or an aerial work platform. For a window cleaner, it means using secure harnesses and ropes to clean windows on high-rise buildings efficiently and safely.

Why It's Important

Rope Access (IRATA) is essential for window cleaners because it provides a standardized, internationally recognized framework for safe, efficient, and effective high-angle work, minimizing risks associated with working at heights and ensuring quality and safety in their operations.

How to Improve Rope Access (IRATA) Skills

To improve Rope Access skills for Window Cleaners certified by IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association), consider the following concise steps:

1. Continuous Education: Stay updated with the latest techniques and safety standards by participating in IRATA training courses.

2. Practice Regularly: Enhance your proficiency through regular practice sessions, focusing on speed, safety, and efficiency.

3. Invest in Quality Equipment: Ensure you're using high-quality, IRATA-approved equipment, which can enhance safety and efficiency.

4. Learn from Peers: Join forums or groups like Rope Access Forums to exchange knowledge and experiences with fellow rope access professionals.

5. Safety First: Always prioritize safety by conducting regular equipment checks and adhering to IRATA's Code of Practice.

6. Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from clients and peers to identify areas for improvement.

By focusing on these areas, Window Cleaners can significantly improve their Rope Access skills, ensuring safer and more efficient operations.

How to Display Rope Access (IRATA) Skills on Your Resume

5. High-Rise Techniques

High-rise techniques for window cleaners involve specialized methods and equipment to safely clean windows on tall buildings. This includes the use of ropes, harnesses, platforms, and scaffolding to access high windows, along with adherence to strict safety protocols.

Why It's Important

High-rise techniques are crucial for window cleaners as they ensure safe, efficient, and effective cleaning of tall buildings' exterior windows, minimizing risks and maximizing reach and quality of work.

How to Improve High-Rise Techniques Skills

Improving high-rise window cleaning techniques can significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. Here are concise strategies:

1. Upgrade Equipment: Invest in the latest high-rise window cleaning tools and safety equipment. High-quality squeegees, water-fed poles, and rope descent systems can make a big difference. Explore products from industry leaders like Unger and IPC Eagle.

2. Safety Training: Prioritize comprehensive safety training for all cleaners. Programs should cover rope access techniques, emergency procedures, and equipment handling. Organizations such as IRATA and SPRAT offer specialized training and certifications.

3. Adopt Water-Fed Pole Systems: These systems use purified water for cleaning and can extend up to several stories, minimizing the need for scaffolding or ropes. They are efficient for medium-height buildings. More information can be found through Streamline.

4. Implement Robotic Cleaning Technologies: Robotic window cleaners can access high and difficult areas without putting human lives at risk. They offer consistent results and can be managed remotely. A leading example is the Sky Pro.

5. Regular Maintenance and Inspection: Ensure all equipment is regularly checked and maintained according to the manufacturer's guidelines. This reduces the risk of accidents caused by equipment failure.

6. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions: Use environmentally friendly cleaning agents that are effective and reduce harm to the environment. Brands like Ecover and Seventh Generation offer suitable products.

7. Stay Updated: The window cleaning industry is constantly evolving. Stay informed about new techniques, products, and regulations by joining professional associations such as the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA).

By embracing these strategies, window cleaners can enhance their high-rise techniques, ensuring safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

How to Display High-Rise Techniques Skills on Your Resume

6. Glass Restoration

Glass restoration, in the context of window cleaning, refers to the process of removing damage or imperfections (such as scratches, stains, or mineral deposits) from glass surfaces to restore their clarity and appearance without the need for replacement.

Why It's Important

Glass restoration is important for a window cleaner because it removes deep-seated stains and scratches, restoring clarity and extending the life of the glass, ensuring optimal light transmission and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of properties.

How to Improve Glass Restoration Skills

Improving glass restoration, especially for a window cleaner, involves a combination of selecting the right cleaning agents, using appropriate techniques, and incorporating preventive measures. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Select the Right Cleaning Agents: Use a commercial glass restorer designed for removing hard water stains, scratches, and etchings. Ensure the product is compatible with the type of glass you're working on. Invisible Glass and C.R. Laurence offer specialized cleaning solutions.

2. Correct Application Technique: Apply the cleaning agent with a non-abrasive tool. Microfiber cloths or sponges are ideal. For scratches, a glass polishing kit with a buffing pad can be used, following the product's instructions.

3. Routine Cleaning: Regular maintenance using a solution of water and vinegar or a professional window cleaning solution can prevent buildup. Ettore provides tools and solutions suited for professional window cleaning.

4. Protective Measures: Applying a glass sealant post-restoration can repel water and prevent future stains. Rain-X products are an example of water repellent treatments that offer such protection.

5. Professional Training and Tools: Consider investing in training courses for advanced restoration techniques and acquiring high-quality tools. The International Window Cleaning Association offers resources and training for professionals.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the quality of your glass restoration service.

How to Display Glass Restoration Skills on Your Resume

7. Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is a cleaning method used by window cleaners that involves using high-pressure water spray to remove dirt, grime, and other build-ups from windows and their frames, ensuring a thorough and efficient clean.

Why It's Important

Pressure washing is essential for a window cleaner as it effectively removes stubborn dirt, grime, and buildup from windows and their frames, ensuring a clearer view and prolonging the lifespan of the windows by maintaining their integrity.

How to Improve Pressure Washing Skills

To enhance pressure washing, especially for a window cleaner, adhere to the following concise steps:

1. Select the Right Pressure Washer: Ensure you have a machine with adjustable pressure settings to cater to different surfaces without causing damage. Pressure Washers Buying Guide.

2. Use the Appropriate Nozzle: Different nozzles are designed for various cleaning tasks. A 15° or 25° nozzle is often ideal for windows to prevent damage. Nozzle Tips and Their Uses.

3. Employ Professional Detergents: Utilize detergents made specifically for pressure washers and suitable for window cleaning for optimal results. Choosing the Right Detergent.

4. Adopt Correct Technique: Keep the nozzle at a safe distance (at least 2 feet) and angle (45 degrees) to avoid streaking or damage. Move in smooth, consistent strokes. Pressure Washing Techniques.

5. Safety First: Always wear protective gear, including goggles and gloves, and ensure the area is secured. Safety Tips for Pressure Washing.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve your pressure washing process, ensuring clean, streak-free windows without causing damage to the surfaces.

How to Display Pressure Washing Skills on Your Resume

8. Chemical Handling

Chemical handling, in the context of window cleaning, involves the safe and appropriate use of cleaning solutions and chemicals, ensuring they are stored, mixed, applied, and disposed of according to safety guidelines to prevent harm to the user, others, and the environment.

Why It's Important

Chemical handling is crucial for a window cleaner to ensure safety, prevent harm to humans and the environment, and maintain the effectiveness and longevity of cleaning solutions.

How to Improve Chemical Handling Skills

Improving chemical handling, especially for a window cleaner, involves adhering to safety protocols and best practices to ensure the wellbeing of individuals and the environment. Here's a concise guide:

1. Read and Understand Labels: Always read the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper usage instructions and hazard identification.

2. Use Proper PPE: Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and goggles, to protect against chemical exposure.

3. Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the area to avoid inhalation of fumes.

4. Safe Storage: Store chemicals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances as per the storage guidelines.

5. Spill Response: Be prepared with a spill response plan and materials to contain and clean up spills promptly and safely.

6. Training: Regularly train employees on safe chemical handling practices and emergency procedures.

7. Disposal: Follow local regulations and guidelines for hazardous waste disposal to minimize environmental impact.

By implementing these practices, you can significantly improve chemical handling safety for window cleaners and reduce potential risks.

How to Display Chemical Handling Skills on Your Resume

9. Pure Water System

A Pure Water System for window cleaning uses purified water, free from minerals and impurities, to clean windows without leaving streaks or residues.

Why It's Important

A pure water system is crucial for a window cleaner because it allows for the removal of minerals and impurities from water, resulting in a streak-free and spotless finish on windows without the need for detergents or chemicals.

How to Improve Pure Water System Skills

Improving a Pure Water System for window cleaning involves enhancing water purity and system efficiency. Here are concise steps:

1. Pre-Filtration: Use high-quality sediment filters to remove particles. Regularly check and replace these filters to prevent clogging and maintain water flow (The Water Guy Filter Store).

2. Carbon Filtration: Incorporate activated carbon filters to remove chlorine and organic compounds, protecting RO membranes and improving water quality (Filters Fast).

3. Reverse Osmosis (RO) System: Opt for a high-efficiency RO system. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of RO membranes ensure optimal purity (AXEON Water Technologies).

4. Deionization (DI) Resin: Use high-quality DI resin for the final polishing of water. Monitor resin exhaustion and replace it as needed for consistent pure water (ResinTech).

5. System Maintenance: Regularly inspect all components for wear and leaks. Clean and sanitize water tanks and hoses to prevent biofilm formation (Goodway Technologies).

6. Water Testing: Use TDS meters to monitor water quality regularly. Ensure the total dissolved solids are at or near 0 ppm for streak-free cleaning (HM Digital).

7. Upgrade Equipment: Consider upgrading to lighter and more efficient poles and brushes designed for pure water cleaning, reducing physical strain and improving cleaning performance (Gardiner Pole Systems).

By following these steps and investing in quality components and regular maintenance, you can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of your Pure Water System for window cleaning.

How to Display Pure Water System Skills on Your Resume

10. Harness Usage

Harness usage for a window cleaner involves wearing a safety harness attached to an anchorage point to prevent falls while cleaning windows at height, ensuring the cleaner's safety.

Why It's Important

Harness usage is crucial for a window cleaner to prevent falls and ensure safety while working at heights.

How to Improve Harness Usage Skills

Improving harness usage for window cleaners involves enhancing safety, comfort, and efficiency. Here are concise tips:

1. Select the Right Harness: Choose a harness that is specifically designed for window cleaning, offering flexibility and support. OSHA provides guidelines on selecting appropriate personal protective equipment.

2. Proper Fit: Ensure the harness fits snugly yet comfortably, adjusting all straps according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A well-fitted harness reduces the risk of slipping out during a fall. The International Window Cleaning Association offers resources on safety equipment fitting.

3. Regular Inspection: Inspect your harness before each use for wear, tear, or damage. Replace any defective parts immediately. CPWR provides a checklist for equipment inspection.

4. Training: Engage in regular training sessions on proper harness usage, including donning, doffing, and maneuvering while suspended. OSHA’s Training Requirements outlines the necessary training for using personal protective equipment.

5. Maintain Three Points of Contact: When climbing or moving, always maintain three points of contact (two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot on the ladder or surface) to ensure stability.

6. Use Compatible Equipment: Only use components that are designed to work together, avoiding incompatible parts that could compromise the system’s integrity.

By following these guidelines, window cleaners can significantly improve their harness usage, ensuring a safer work environment.

How to Display Harness Usage Skills on Your Resume

11. Scraper Skills

Scraper skills refer to the techniques and abilities used by a window cleaner to effectively remove dirt, paint, stickers, and other debris from glass surfaces using a scraper tool, without causing scratches or damage.

Why It's Important

Scraper skills are crucial for a window cleaner because they enable the effective and safe removal of stubborn debris, paint, and stickers from glass surfaces without scratching or damaging the windows, ensuring a clear and streak-free finish.

How to Improve Scraper Skills Skills

Improving your scraper skills as a window cleaner involves mastering techniques and using the right tools for effective, safe, and efficient cleaning. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Choose the Right Scraper: Select a scraper designed for window cleaning with a sharp, replaceable blade. This ensures minimal risk of scratching the glass.

2. Proper Blade Maintenance: Regularly check and replace blades to maintain effectiveness and prevent damage to surfaces. Dull blades can scratch windows or fail to remove debris properly.

3. Learn Techniques: Use the scraper at a 30-45 degree angle to the glass for optimal results, applying consistent pressure. Start from the top and work your way down in overlapping strokes to avoid missing spots.

4. Safety First: Always wet the window before using a scraper to lubricate the surface and prevent scratches. Use gloves to protect your hands.

5. Practice: Like any skill, proficiency comes with practice. Start on smaller, less visible windows to hone your technique before moving on to larger projects.

For further learning, here are some resources (as of 2023, please ensure to visit updated and credible sources for the latest techniques and safety standards):

• Window Cleaning Resource offers a community forum, articles, and tutorials on various aspects of window cleaning, including scraper techniques.

• YouTube hosts numerous tutorial videos where experienced window cleaners demonstrate proper scraping techniques and tips for beginners. Searching for "window cleaning scraper techniques" will yield helpful results.

Remember, improving your scraper skills is not just about the right movements but also about understanding the tools and the surfaces you work with. Stay informed, practice regularly, and prioritize safety to become proficient.

How to Display Scraper Skills Skills on Your Resume

12. Fall Protection

Fall protection for a window cleaner refers to safety measures and equipment designed to prevent falls from height, such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points, ensuring the worker's safety while cleaning windows on tall buildings.

Why It's Important

Fall protection is crucial for window cleaners to prevent fatal accidents or serious injuries caused by falls from height, ensuring their safety while working on elevated surfaces.

How to Improve Fall Protection Skills

Improving fall protection for window cleaners involves several key steps to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Here's a concise guide:

1. Training: Ensure all window cleaners receive comprehensive fall protection training focusing on recognizing hazards and using fall protection equipment correctly.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate PPE, including full-body harnesses, lanyards, and rope grabs, ensuring they are inspected regularly for wear and tear.

3. Anchor Points: Install or use certified anchor points capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per person attached, following manufacturer's instructions for installation and use.

4. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of all fall protection equipment and work areas to identify and mitigate hazards. This includes checking for safe anchor points, secure scaffolding, and the condition of ladders.

5. Emergency Plan: Develop and implement an emergency rescue plan in case a fall occurs, ensuring quick and safe response to rescue the fallen worker.

6. Compliance: Stay informed and comply with OSHA’s Fall Protection Standards (29 CFR 1926.501) specific to window cleaning activities.

By following these steps, window cleaners can minimize the risk of falls, ensuring a safe working environment.

How to Display Fall Protection Skills on Your Resume