Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for a window cleaner is the ability to stay dry.
Window cleaning is dirty work that typically results in being partly to mostly wet if you don't take the necessary steps to prevent getting yourself soaked.
Most beginning window washers get pretty wet and don't think about how this can be a very unprofessional aspect of the job.
When I first started cleaning windows I used to think it was OK to get wet since I deal with water and it's a wet dirty job.
However, when you decide to go inside or even do a second home or business later in the day, being wet is no good.
It's unprofessional showing up at the next job all soaked and nasty.
It's also inconsiderate and potentially problematic with peoples inside property to be wet.
Usually what happens is the leg that the holster is situated on will get wet from too much water either in the washing wand or collecting in the holster bucket.
The water will run out of the bucket and down your leg.
Your pants or shorts are wet and when you lean up against things inside they can get wet.
If you're dirty and wet then the problem is even worse.
The client will be concerned if you are wet entering into their home or business.
They might even wonder about how professional you really are and if you are doing a sloppy job since you are a mess.
Window cleaners who have been around for awhile don't typically get wet.
There are a few things you can do to prevent getting wet.
Part of the problem is technique.
When you drop your washing wand into your bucket, make sure that you drop it in straight up and down.
If the washing wand goes in at an angle it can ring out water on the lip of the bucket which will then go down the bucket and down your leg.
I know when I clean windows outside I like to use lots of water to soak the window so as to get all the dirt off and prevent streaking from dirty water.
The problem with using lots of water is that your washing wand will be soaked and will flood your holster bucket.
Water is bound to come out and go all over.
The solution to this problem is the splash guard.
The splash guard is a thin sheet of clear vinyl that hangs from your belt behind your holster bucket.
The water cascades off the plastic guard and your leg stays clean if you are wearing shorts.
The splash guard is very inexpensive and keeps you dry.
The only other option if you decide not to go with the splash guard is to ring your washing wand out well or don't dip your wind into the cleaning solution to far.
This however is problematic if you intend to clean a few windows at a time before wetting the washing wand again.
The wand will get dirty fast and can make life difficult when it comes to squeegeeing the windows.
Usually dirty wands or water lead to dirty streaks.
I personally recommend the splash guard to help add an extra bit of professionalism to your business and to keep you dry all day long.
There is nothing worse then being wet and itchy while worrying about getting your clients inside property wet.