Best Window Cleaning Tools: Your Ultimate Guide

June 23, 2025 Ellie McKenna

If you’ve ever spent half an hour cleaning a window only to have it dry with streaks or haze, you already know one thing: your gear matters. Ask any experienced window cleaner and they’ll tell you — the right tools save time, deliver better results, and make you look like a pro.

What you’ll get in this guide:

A full breakdown of professional window cleaning equipment
The best window cleaner tools and equipment
Insights on what actually works (and what doesn’t)
Real-world tips for avoiding common mistakes
A simple system to keep your gear and workflow organised

Why High-Quality Window Cleaning Tools Matter

There’s a reason seasoned pros stick with the same few brands. They’ve tested everything and know what works. Cheap tools might look the part but can leave streaks, break on the job, or slow you down.

Investing in better gear helps you:

Leave a streak-free finish that clients notice
Work faster and take on more jobs per day
Avoid rework, complaints, or warranty callbacks
Protect your hands, back, and shoulders with ergonomic options
Look more professional (especially if you’re charging premium rates)

Essential Window Cleaning Equipment

1. Squeegees: Your Most Important Tool

Forget the dollar-store gear. A proper squeegee is non-negotiable.

What to look for:

Replaceable rubber blades (always keep extras in your pouch)
Swivel handles for better control at awkward angles
Channel sizes between 10–18 inches for versatility
Preferred brands: Moerman Excelerator, Unger ErgoTec, Ettore Pro+

Pro Tip: Use soft rubber for colder climates and harder rubber for warm weather as temperature affects glide.

2. T-Bars and Sleeves

These are used to scrub the glass before squeegeeing, so they need to be durable, absorbent, and comfortable to use all day.

Choose:

A lightweight, ergonomic T-bar with a swivel head
Microfiber or abrasive sleeves (depending on glass condition)
Washable sleeves with velcro or button closures

Don’t go too cheap. Bad sleeves leave lint, skip corners, or wear out in weeks.

3. Scrapers and Blades

Used for paint overspray, stickers, and caked-on grime, but only when you know the glass is safe to scrape.

Look for:

Stainless steel blades (won’t rust in your pouch)
Safety covers and lock-in handles
Options with angled heads for better leverage

Pro Tip: Never use a scraper on heat-treated or coated glass unless you’re absolutely sure it’s safe. Test a corner first.

4. Extension Poles

You’ll use this more than you think. Especially on 2-storey homes or storefronts with high signage.

Look for:

Telescoping poles (2 or 3 sections)
Lock-tight collars that don’t slip when wet
Universal tips that fit squeegees, scrapers, and scrubbers

Pro pick: Unger OptiLoc or Ettore REA-C-H poles; both strike a good balance between weight and durability.

5. Window Cleaning Solution and Buckets

Leave the blue glass cleaner behind. You need a soap that cuts grime without leaving residue.

What pros use:

A mix of dish soap + a few drops of rubbing alcohol (DIY)
Or commercial solutions like Unger Liquid or Squeegee-Off
A rectangular bucket that fits your T-bar

Pro Tip: Add a bucket-on-a-belt to save trips back and forth on smaller jobs.

6. Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber is king for detailing corners, frames, and touch-ups.

Choose:

High GSM, low-pile cloths (less lint)
Colour-coded cloths for glass vs. frames
Washable and quick-drying options

Pro Tip: Keep 3–5 in your belt per job. One for glass, one for detail, and one backup for drips.

7. Window Screen Cleaning Tools

A good add-on service and a quick upsell.

Recommended:

Soft bristle screen brush or roller
Portable screen washer (for high-volume pros)
Mild soap + rinse system

Clients notice the difference when screens don’t ruin a freshly cleaned window.

8. Abrasives (use with care)

Sometimes you need more than a sleeve.

Use:

White pads (non-scratch) for general gunk
Bronze wool (not steel!) for mineral deposits
Glass-safe polishing pastes for restoration jobs

Pro Tip: Test every surface first. Glass type varies, and some can scratch more easily than others.

9. Tool Belt or Holster

You’ll waste hours every week without one.

Look for:

Pouches that drain water (not soak your leg)
Quick access to squeegee, scraper, and cloths
Adjustable belt for all-day comfort

Many cleaners use Moerman or Unger belts with clip-on holsters.

10. Ladders

Sometimes poles just won’t reach. A good ladder is your next best tool.

Go for:

Telescoping ladders for portability
Rubber feet and stabilisers for safety
Fibreglass (non-conductive) if working near electric signage

Always check regulations and safety gear when working at height.

11. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Even low-risk jobs can lead to slips, eye irritation, or chemical exposure.

At minimum, use:

Nitrile gloves
Non-slip shoes or boots
Safety glasses or goggles
High-visibility vest (for street-facing work)

Add a harness and lanyard if working at serious height.

12. Window Cleaning Software

You’ve got the tools—now manage the business like a pro.

Use software to:

Schedule recurring jobs
Track payments and follow-ups
Save customer notes and job history
Send branded invoices on the spot

Try our Invoice Maker to make sending invoices on the go easier. Designed for pros who don’t want to chase paperwork at the end of the day.

Common Window Cleaning Problems (and Tools That Solve Them)

Problem	Tool You Need
Streaky glass	Replace squeegee rubber + use pro solution
Paint or tape residue	Glass-safe scraper with stainless blade
High windows	Telescoping extension pole
Dirty corners or frames	Microfiber detail cloths
Slippery floors or drips	Belt with holsters + spare cloth
Clients questioning results	Bronze wool + polish for restoration jobs

Quality vs. Quantity

Investing in quality tools isn’t about buying more — it’s about buying better. Build your kit around the work you do most, and don’t be afraid to upgrade as you grow. One good squeegee can make the difference between a one-time job and a five-star repeat customer.

Remember:

Too many tools slow you down: You don’t want to dig through 12 squeegees to find the one that actually works.
Cheap backups don’t pay off: One poor-quality scraper or extension pole can cost you a job, or worse, damage a customer’s glass.
It’s about reliability: The best cleaners can do more with fewer tools because they know their gear inside out.

And when it’s time to get paid, don’t rely on handwritten notes or clunky spreadsheets. Try our Invoice Maker to send professional invoices on the spot. Track payments, add your logo, and get paid faster.