Clean Up With A Window Washing Business...Andrew Safer

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CLEANING SOLUTION . I've tried several window cleaners and like Amway L.O.C. best (mainly because it's biodegradable and I can sprinkle the waste water on the surrounding shrubbery when I'm done with a job). Basic H is also acceptable and vinegar works fine. Ammonia stinks.

ODDS AND ENDS. You'll need a sponge, rags, and scouring pad ("Tuffy" brand plastic scouring pads-available in any supermarket—are the only ones I've found that don't scratch glass). And don't forget your bookkeeping department ... a 15-cent spiral-bound notebook for business records.

All this gear ran me about $25 (approximately $10 of which went into the fancy pole), so we're not talking about a helluvan invest-, ment. Remember that your tools are just as important as you are . . . so buy good stuff, treat it with respect, and make it last. I still have all my original equipment after six months of heavy use.

Your next step—after property assembling a set of tools—will to take the stuff home and practice on your own filthy windows. I start by putting the L.O.C.—only five to ten drops for each gallons—into my wash water. (Soap suds are a hindrance and I scoop most off them out.)

You'll probably have to experiment a bit to determine the angle at which your squeegee should meet the glass for fastest and cleanest work. Hold the blade in your hand until you've mastered this basic window-washing skill and then try it the hard way . . . with the rubber wiper mounted on its pole.

The secret is wetness to wetness. Douse the glass thoroughly, dampen the squeegee's edge with a sponge, and then run the blade down the smooth surface. Some of the rubber wipers seem to have streak s built into them, so if you have difficulty controlling yours, try another.

When you can really make those windows sparkle, start ringing doorbells in your neighborhood and try to drum up some business.

After a short time—providing no major catastrophes (like putting your fist through a $400 picture window) have occurred—you'll start feeling pretty confident. Go down to a printer at that point and order yourself 500 business cards with a catchy slogan (you'll be surprised how much effect that slogan will have). My cards read:

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