I see it a lot up here as well. Been trying every new cleaner that comes out on it and nothing budges it. I wonder if a scratch removal type process would work. (Doubt it).

Rob Young
The Window Washer - Washington, DC

In the event it goes back say a hundred years it could be some very classic glass. Old glass is SO cool to see. It is not float glass (today's most current practice) so there should be no issues with potential tin etch haze if I would recommend a good scouring with "One-Restore" or JFlint products and white pads or Wool.

Craig Aldrich
Sparkle Window Cleaning - Canyon Lake, CA

I see a lot of old glass like this in New Orleans. At times I think the culprit might be that someone house washed with TSP and didn't rinse it well enough or at all. I have never used a scratch removal system and try to clean these panes. I'd like to hear from those who have tried it, but doing 40 or 50 French panes would take a lot of time.

Mark Ahlich
Crystal Clear Vision - New Orleans, LA

There always have been more than one way to stain a window, so if it looks like 2 or more kinds of stain, you're probably right about that.

If that glass is over 100 years old and a decades old stain doesn't bother the customer, I would not look too hard for trouble. Old stains are part of the charm now - an inherent characteristic of the old house.

If you're stumped, maybe turn the discussion back to classic charm by saying something like, "If these windows could talk, I wonder what they'd tell us?" Whatever you're tempted to try, remember those old mistakes (made by workers who are probably dead and gone) will always seem more charming than any new mistakes you might make.

Gary Mauer
Window Cleaning Network - Oconomowoc, WI

It's faster if you are in any situation that does not involve a pole. It has developed over the years as a result of window cleaners seeking to improve and speed up the process. It definitely did not come about just as a way to look cool. It requires Less touching up, less squeegee travel, no need to pre wipe blade or glass or leave any part of the glass dry prior to squeegeeing, better looking glass when you're done, and yes, it takes more skill/training/practice, but it does look more impressive. I would highly recommend mastering it so you can train each and every one of your cleaning techs to be as efficient as possible.

Josh Lawlor
Clearco Window Cleaning - Phoenix, AZ

I am not even sure you could do high-rise window cleaning if you can't swirl.

It takes practice, but you can get quite good at it if you have the patience to learn. We have trained all of our guys and gals to fan (swirl) with 0 degree squeegees on a pole because there are times when that is all that will work - unless they want to take the time to move the 20 bicycles or lawn mowers in front of the big hardware store window.

Dan Bentrup
A-1 Integrity, Inc - Vancouver, WA

Straight pulls really requires less energy and stressful rotation of the shoulder and elbow than fanning, and we all know how that can feel at the end of a long day! Although fanning can cut down on detailing, there are still a huge number of window cleaners that produce quality finishes in comparable time with straight pulls. When properly trained to use straight pulls, as is true with fanning, there is minimal need for detailing.

If you have been fortunate enough to be trained by one the "old-schoolers" as I was, you didn't wipe squeegee blades after every pull, you didn't have to detail every edge, you learned to master the use of the squeegee rubber to move the water to the bottom of the glass.

Paul Gaston
Leo's Window Cleaning - Stephenville, TX

The biggest tip I can give is always keep a 45 degree angle at every corner, the rest will work itself out. I remember when I first learned the fanning technique; I wanted to throw my squeegee across the parking lot more than once. You just have to stick with it and after a while you're doing it in your sleep, totally second nature, walk up to glass, clean glass, and repeat.

Troy Nelson
Xtreme Cleaning - Janesville, WI

I have trouble seeing how they come out financially by paying cash "under the table". That expense, usually our largest, cannot be deducted from income as a business expense. So what if you don't pay taxes or insurance on it? You still can't deduct it from gross receipts. Stupid move all around. If they ever want to sell the business how can they document their numbers, their margin? They can't.

Evan Pyle
Expert Window Cleaning - Baton Rouge, LA

When it comes to competition running without any workers comp insurance; in Wisconsin it's a state law that any complaint or inquiry placed with the state insurance commission must be investigated. So a quick call to the state may just even the playing field.

Geof White
Valley Window Cleaning, Inc. - Kaukauna, WI

I had an employee get severely injured last year in a fall. Without worker's comp I'd have been in big trouble. Thank God he's back working for me again this year after being laid up all winter. It's just not worth the risk to work without insurances. It'll eventually get you in hot water.

Paul LeGrand
Blue Sky Window Cleaning - Stowe, VT

I have encountered that, and thought it was a bad idea. Painters had gotten stain all over it and had to remove it before we could clean the windows. It was mirror finish and scratched easily.

Paul LeGrand
Blue Sky Window Cleaning - Stowe, VT

I see this a lot here in DC. They do get scratched up and all but really do cut down on the sun/heat! This is mostly on commercial, a few houses. The scratches aren't that noticeable from the inside. I don't think people look out the skylights as much as we think.

Rob Young
The Window Washer - Washington, DC

It may help to know that condensation on the glass happens when you have both high humidity and a relatively cool window pane. It may not be practical but if they can turn off the AC temporarily that will help.

Alex Goolsby
Clearwater Cleaning - Richmond, VA

You can try using less of whatever cleaner you're adding to your solution. Or measure to be sure you're using the recommended concentration.

And be sure you're not overusing rubber blades - always good to check that whenever there's a streak issue.

Gary Mauer
Window Cleaning Network - Oconomowoc, WI

Assuming the problem stems from humidity condensing on the glass because the interior is air conditioned, hot water might help if it can warm up the glass enough so condensation doesn't form on the surface.

Ed Samson
Ameri-Clean Commercial, Inc. - Northbrook, IL

Trying to squeegee anything is nearly impossible here in North Carolina on hot, humid days, being the inside of the house is cooler. I sometimes forego the squeegee and use spray foam and dry huck towels.

But I mostly prefer to use waterfed poles in high humidity and on rainy days too. It cleans perfectly well - just takes a little longer to dry.

Kim Little
Clear Carolina Window Cleaning - Candor, NC