Last Updated on April 9, 2025

Window Cleaning Glossary

Welcome to the Northern Touch Window Cleaning Toronto glossary—a comprehensive resource designed to define and explain essential window cleaning terms, tools, and techniques. Whether you’re a homeowner curious about what your service includes or a professional looking to sharpen your terminology, this glossary helps demystify the language of the window cleaning trade.

By clearly explaining each concept, this glossary improves transparency, enhances service understanding . We’ve aligned every definition with  Window Cleaning industry standards and regional relevance in Toronto.

Why a Glossary Matters

Terms like “water-fed pole” or “BOAB” might seem unfamiliar at first, but they’re essential in professional cleaning workflows. This glossary bridges the gap by offering accurate, easy-to-understand definitions that cover everything from traditional tools to modern techniques and safety protocols.

Window Cleaning Terms – Definitions

Squeegee

A squeegee is a flat-bladed tool used to remove water, cleaning solution, and dirt from glass surfaces. It typically consists of a handle, a channel (metal or plastic), and a replaceable rubber blade. Squeegees are essential for achieving a streak-free finish and are used in both residential and commercial window cleaning. Variants include brass, stainless steel, and aluminum, each offering different durability and weight benefits.

Scrubber (T-Bar and Sleeve)

A scrubber, also known as a washer, is used to apply cleaning solution and agitate dirt from the glass before squeegeeing. It includes a T-bar (the handle) and a removable sleeve made of microfiber, abrasive, or high-retention fabric. Scrubbers are key for loosening grime and ensuring full coverage with minimal water waste.

Extension Pole

An extension pole is an adjustable-length pole used to reach high windows without a ladder. It connects to squeegees, scrubbers, or brushes and is often made of lightweight aluminum or fiberglass. Poles may extend up to 30 feet and feature locking mechanisms to secure tools in place, promoting safer ground-level cleaning.

Water-Fed Pole (WFP)

A water-fed pole is a telescopic tool designed for cleaning windows using purified water. It includes an internal water delivery system and a brush head, allowing technicians to clean multi-story windows from the ground. The water used is typically purified through reverse osmosis (RO) and deionization (DI) to prevent spotting. Read more about – How To Clean High-Rise Windows With Water-Fed Pole System?

Detergents & Solutions

Window cleaning solutions are specialized liquids used to dissolve grease, grime, and mineral deposits on glass. Common types include ammonia-based, surfactant-rich, or eco-friendly formulas. Correct dilution ratios are crucial to avoid streaking and surface damage. Some cleaners also include glide additives to reduce friction during squeegeeing.

Bucket-on-a-Belt (BOAB)

A BOAB is a holster-style container worn on a technician’s belt to carry squeegees, scrubbers, and small tools. It typically holds water and prevents dripping while allowing quick tool access during cleaning. BOABs are especially useful for ladder work or high-efficiency workflows, reducing the need to climb up and down for rinsing.

Channel and Rubber

The channel is the metal or plastic strip that holds the rubber blade in place on a squeegee. Rubber refers to the flexible blade that contacts the glass surface to remove water and cleaning solution. Quality rubber is crucial for achieving a streak-free result, and channels vary in size and material depending on the job.

Detailing Cloth / Huck Towel

A detailing cloth—often a huck towel or microfiber—is a lint-free towel used to dry window edges, wipe sills, and remove residual streaks or drips after squeegeeing. These cloths are preferred for their absorbency and non-scratch texture, helping achieve a polished, professional finish.

Scraper / Razor Blade

A scraper is a handheld tool fitted with a razor blade used to remove stubborn debris such as paint, stickers, or adhesive from glass. Professional-grade scrapers have retractable or replaceable blades and should be used cautiously to prevent scratching, especially on tempered or coated glass.

T-Bar

The T-bar is the base of a window washer that holds the cleaning sleeve. It’s shaped like the letter “T” and may come in fixed or swivel-head formats. The sleeve slips over the T-bar and is soaked with cleaning solution for applying it evenly across the glass.

Solution Ratio

This refers to the dilution proportion of concentrated window cleaning solution with water. The correct ratio affects cleaning effectiveness, ease of squeegeeing, and surface clarity. Over-concentrated mixtures can cause streaking or leave residues, while under-concentrated mixes may reduce grease-cutting power.

Glide Additive

A glide additive is a liquid mixed with window cleaning solutions to reduce friction between the squeegee and glass. It improves movement, helps prevent blade skipping, and reduces wear on rubber edges. Popular among professionals, glide additives also enhance cleaning smoothness on hot or sun-exposed glass.

Pure Water Technology

Pure water technology refers to the use of purified water—typically processed through reverse osmosis (RO) and deionization (DI)—for cleaning glass surfaces. This water has all minerals and impurities removed, allowing it to dry spot-free without the need for squeegees or drying cloths. Commonly used with water-fed pole systems, pure water is ideal for high windows and eco-conscious cleaning.

Ladder Safety

Ladder safety includes all techniques, tools, and best practices designed to minimize the risk of falls or injuries during elevated work. It involves the use of ladder stabilizers, anti-slip feet, tie-offs, and proper climbing posture. For window cleaning, observing strict ladder safety protocols is critical, especially when servicing multi-story buildings.

Spotting / Streaking

Spotting refers to the visible mineral or residue marks left on glass after cleaning—often caused by hard water or impure rinse water. Streaking occurs when cleaning solution or water isn’t fully removed, leaving visible trails. Both are indicators of poor technique, improper solution ratio, or contaminated tools.

Harnesses and Safety Gear

Harnesses are personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by window cleaners working at heights. Paired with lanyards and anchor points, they prevent falls and meet industry safety standards (e.g., OSHA compliance). Additional safety gear includes hard hats, gloves, non-slip shoes, and protective eyewear, depending on the job’s height and complexity.

Pure Water Systems

Pure water systems consist of reverse osmosis (RO) and deionization (DI) filters that remove impurities from tap water. These systems often include storage tanks, booster pumps, and TDS meters to ensure water is free of minerals that cause spotting. They’re used with water-fed poles for chemical-free, eco-conscious cleaning.

Glass Types & Surface Considerations

Different glass types require tailored cleaning methods to avoid damage:

• Tempered Glass: Heat-strengthened and prone to scratches from razors.

• Low-E Glass: Coated to reflect heat; must avoid abrasive tools.

• Tinted Glass: Film-applied or infused; susceptible to chemical damage.

• Laminated Glass: Two panes with a middle layer; may have sealing sensitivities.

Proper identification of glass types prevents surface damage and ensures cleaning compatibility.

Window Cleaning Techniques and Methods

Traditional Window Cleaning

Traditional window cleaning involves manual tools such as squeegees, scrubbers, and ladders. This method requires the application of a cleaning solution using a scrubber, followed by the use of a squeegee to remove dirt and liquid in smooth, overlapping strokes. It’s commonly used for low-rise residential properties and offers precise control over the cleaning process.

Water-Fed Pole Cleaning

This modern technique uses telescopic poles with internal tubing to deliver purified water to brush heads. It’s ideal for high windows and large-scale commercial cleaning, allowing safe work from ground level. The method eliminates the need for detergents and relies on RO/DI water that dries spot-free, enhancing safety and environmental friendliness.

Razor Scraping / Detailing

Razor scraping is used to remove stubborn contaminants like paint, tape, or insect residue from glass. A professional-grade scraper with a sharp blade is held at a low angle to avoid scratching. It’s often part of the detailing phase of cleaning, where edges, frames, and spots missed by the squeegee are fine-tuned for a flawless finish.

Wipe Down / Edge Detailing

After squeegeeing, a final wipe is performed to clean window edges, frames, and sills. This is typically done using a microfiber or huck towel to remove residual drips or streaks. Proper detailing ensures a polished look and prevents water stains from forming after the glass dries.

Cross Hatch Pattern

The cross hatch pattern is a window scrubbing technique where the technician moves the scrubber in overlapping horizontal and vertical strokes. This ensures comprehensive coverage, loosens stubborn dirt, and prepares the glass for an effective squeegee pass. It’s especially useful on large or heavily soiled panes.

Fan Technique

The fan technique is an advanced squeegeeing method where the blade moves in an arc across the glass without lifting. This approach maintains continuous contact with the surface, controlling water flow and minimizing streaks. It’s preferred by professionals for its speed and streak-free results, especially on large windows.

Top-Down Method

This is a standard approach in both scrubbing and squeegeeing where cleaning begins at the top of the glass and proceeds downward. It takes advantage of gravity to prevent dirt and solution from running onto already-cleaned areas. The top-down method is fundamental for maintaining efficiency and avoiding rework.

Regional Considerations: Toronto Window Cleaning

Seasonal Impacts on Window Cleaning

Toronto’s climate introduces unique challenges throughout the year. In winter, freezing temperatures can cause cleaning solutions to crystallize on glass or create unsafe ladder conditions. In spring, pollen buildup and rain streaks increase cleaning frequency. Summer heat can lead to quick evaporation, requiring faster squeegee work, while fall brings leaf debris and sap issues, especially on skylights and windows near trees.

Seasonal knowledge allows professionals to adjust techniques and tools—for example, using winter-safe detergents or scheduling early-morning jobs during hot months.

Common Residential Window Types in Toronto

Understanding local architecture helps tailor cleaning approaches. Common Toronto residential windows include:

• Casement Windows: Side-hinged, open outward; require careful edge detailing.

• Awning Windows: Top-hinged, open outward; often found in basements.

• Bay and Bow Windows: Multi-paneled, protruding designs; involve more sills and edgework.

• Double hung Windows: Secondary glass panels; may require removal for full cleaning.

Each type has specific angles, hardware, and access considerations that influence cleaning methods and equipment selection.

Window Cleaning Industry Terms

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

TDS measures the concentration of dissolved minerals and solids in water, expressed in parts per million (ppm). In window cleaning, a low TDS reading (typically 0–10 ppm) is essential when using pure water systems. High TDS levels can leave white spotting on glass after drying, making TDS meters a critical tool for water-fed pole setups.

Hydrophilic vs. Hydrophobic Glass

• Hydrophilic Glass attracts water, causing it to spread into a thin, uniform sheet. This makes cleaning easier and reduces streaking.

• Hydrophobic Glass repels water, causing it to bead. While it can appear cleaner longer, it’s more prone to water spotting and requires different cleaning techniques, often with more detailing or use of surfactants.

Knowing the glass type helps tailor solution choices and squeegee angles for best results.

Run-Off and Drip Lines

Run-off refers to excess water that flows downward after scrubbing or squeegeeing, often pooling at the window base. Drip lines are paths where residual water trails down, potentially causing streaks or re-soiling. Managing run-off—especially on multi-pane or high-rise windows—is key to achieving a spotless finish. Techniques include edge wiping and using absorbent cloths for containment.

Ladder Work and Sectionals

Ladder work involves any cleaning performed using ladders, and sectional ladders are modular pieces that lock together to reach variable heights—ideal for narrow spaces or uneven ground. Safety harnesses, standoff arms, and non-slip bases are typically used in tandem. Sectional ladders are favored in Toronto for accessing older residential architecture with tight entryways or multi-tiered roofs.

FAQs About Window Cleaning Terms

What’s the difference between a scrubber and a squeegee?

A scrubber (or washer) is used to apply cleaning solution and loosen dirt on the glass. It typically includes a T-bar and an absorbent sleeve. A squeegee, on the other hand, is used after scrubbing to remove water and cleaning solution, leaving a streak-free surface. Both tools are essential in traditional window cleaning workflows.

Why does TDS matter in window cleaning?

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) impact whether water leaves spots on glass after drying. In pure water cleaning, water must be filtered to remove all minerals—achieving a TDS level close to zero—to ensure spotless results without the use of towels or chemicals. Higher TDS leads to visible water spots and streaks.

Can I use vinegar as a window cleaner?

Yes, vinegar is often used as a DIY window cleaning solution because of its acidity, which breaks down grease and mineral deposits. However, it’s less effective on large or commercial jobs and may not be compatible with all window types (e.g., tinted or coated glass). Professional cleaners often prefer commercial-grade detergents that include glide additives and surfactants for better performance.

What type of cloth is best for edge detailing?

Huck towels and microfiber cloths are preferred for edge detailing. They’re lint-free, highly absorbent, and gentle on glass, making them ideal for wiping window frames, sills, and corners after squeegeeing to remove drips and prevent streaking.

Do all windows require ladder access?

No. Many windows can be safely cleaned from the ground using extension poles or water-fed pole systems. However, certain architectural layouts—especially older homes or multi-story buildings—may still require ladder work or sectional ladders, along with safety gear such as harnesses and standoffs.