Learn window cleaning by avoiding these 5 mistakes
- Kevin Jacob Galea
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Learning to window clean might seem straightforward—bucket, squeegee, and off you go. But if you want to make a living (and a good name) in this industry, there are a few rookie mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of.
Whether you're launching your own business, joining a team, or just testing the waters, here are the five most common mistakes new window cleaners make—and how to avoid them like a pro.
1. Using the Wrong Tools (or Using Them the Wrong Way)
Mistake: Thinking any old squeegee will do.
Many beginners grab the cheapest equipment or don’t replace worn-out rubbers, resulting in streaky glass and frustrated clients.
How to Avoid It:
Invest in a professional-grade squeegee, surgical-grade cloths, and a quality extension pole.
Replace squeegee rubbers regularly—every 2–3 weeks if you're working full-time.
Learn proper technique—angle, pressure, and flow of movement are everything.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the bucket-on-a-belt. It keeps your tools at hand and your workflow smooth.
Side Note: Don’t be fooled by flashy gear that promises instant results—a good window cleaner doesn’t need a van full of gadgets. What matters is knowing how to use the essentials. Start with a solid kit: a 45cm squeegee, a 15cm detail squeegee, a 45cm applicator. Master these tools first, and you’ll outperform someone with twice the gear and half the know-how.
2. Not Checking Your Surroundings
Mistake: Focusing solely on the glass and ignoring the space around you.
This often leads to accidents—like bumping into customers, damaging parked cars, or knocking over signage with your pole.
How to Avoid It:
Always scan your environment before starting a job.
Hold your pole by the very end to maintain full control and prevent swinging hazards.
Watch out for overhead signs, passing pedestrians, vehicles, and objects near the windows you are cleaning.
Work with a mental "safety bubble" to avoid unexpected collisions.
Awareness keeps everyone—including you—safe and happy.
Side Note: Make sure you or the company you work for has public liability insurance to cover the costs of any accidents.
3. Undercharging for Services
Mistake: Charging too little just to win the job.
Low pricing may win short-term work, but it leads to burnout and a bad reputation. Worse, it devalues the entire profession.
How to Avoid It:
Know your worth. Factor in:
Travel time
Equipment costs
Insurance
Admin time
Bonus Tip: If you're fast and good, charge for results, not just time.
Side Note: Word of mouth will get you more work—but people talk about prices too. Charge too little, and it sets an expectation that traps you. Future referrals may expect the same low prices.
4. Skipping the Details
Mistake: Only focusing on the glass.
Cobwebs, stickers, frames, and sills are part of the customer’s first impression. Miss them, and your “clean” job still looks dirty.
How to Avoid It:
Develop a checklist after every clean that guarantees consistent results (like we do at SqueegeeMEclean).
Include cobweb removal, sticker scrapes, and wipe-downs of frames and edges.
Ask clients if there's anything specific, they’d like addressed.
Clean windows = Happy clients. Clean everything around the window = Loyal clients.
Side Note: The cleaner the glass, the more any missed spots will stand out. Fix problems as you go and do a final check at the end. Look from different angles to catch streaks or smudges.
5. Skipping the Learning Curve
Mistake: Thinking window cleaning is just physical labor.
There’s a lot more to it—technique, efficiency, customer interaction, and even a bit of showmanship.
How to Avoid It:
Practice regularly and seek feedback.
Learn about water behavior, how to move smoothly and efficiency
Watch experienced cleaners and ask questions.
Side Note: Becoming a professional window cleaner takes more than elbow grease—it takes skill. We break all of this down in our one-on-one window cleaning training sessions so you can hit the ground running.
Final Thoughts about learning to window clean
Mistakes are part of learning—but with the right guidance, you don’t need to make every one of them yourself. By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you'll be miles ahead of most beginners and well on your way to becoming a trusted professional.
For more professional window cleaning tips, check out our full training program designed for beginners.
Call to Action
Ready to skip the mistakes and start strong?
👉 Join our practical training at Squeegee School — where real-world experience meets expert coaching and your window cleaning career takes off.
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