The History of Window Cleaning
There aren’t that many certainties in life nowadays, but one thing is for sure and always has been – if you have windows, you’ll need to get them cleaned. Here at Clear Vision, we understand all aspects of window cleaning, from the best techniques to use and the right recommendations to make for your home.
That level of understanding comes from knowing how window cleaning has changed over the years – from how it started to where it’s heading. Join us as we take a look back through a window to the past and gaze out upon the history of window cleaning.
Once you’ve seen how it’s been done over the years, you may want to enquire with us about window cleaning for your own home or business. While we weren’t around to work with the Ancient Egyptians (we’re far too young for that – as you can see from our lovely headshots on our About page) we know what it takes to carry out window cleaning services worthy of the history books, so get in touch to find out more!
Where Window Cleaning All Began
You can’t have windows without glass (not ones that will do you any good, anyway) and so you can’t have window cleaning without glass either.
The history of window cleaning begins even earlier than you might expect, as far back as 2,000 BC when glass was likely first manufactured, long before it became mass-produced. The tools and solutions used to clean glass at this time would have been far more primitive than we have today, and it wasn’t until a certain game-changer arrived a couple of thousand years later that changed everything…
In the 1900s, the squeegee was born! If you saw one of these older styles now, you probably wouldn’t recognise it as what you know today’s squeegees to be. These original designs were based on fishing tools that were used to scrape fish guts from the deck (it’s a tough job but someone has to do it) and so the squeegees inspired by this were similarly bulky and hard-wearing, although hopefully a bit less disgusting.
The design of the squeegee continued to evolve until Italian immigrant Ettore Steccone patented the look and feel that we all know and love in 1936. As you can imagine, this revolutionised window cleaning, which up until now was simply done with a bucket and a cloth. After thousands of years, the history of window cleaning would never be the same again.
Did you know? Ettore Products Co. – the company founded off the back of 1936’s squeegee overhaul – is still a leading provider of the tool today, championed by many professionals, and is synonymous with the industry the world over!
Window Cleaning in 2022
You’ll be pleased to know that modern window cleaners no longer use fish gut scrapers on your glass. (Well, if they do, you might want to sack them. You’ll probably want to look for new windows too.) In fact, window cleaning has advanced significantly – it didn’t take another two thousand years after the invention of the squeegee for things to develop further.
At Clear Vision, we use ultra-purified water that’s gone through a careful filtration system to remove any nasty chemicals – much more effective than some old bucket! This water is also heated, which works to dissolve and rinse off dirt for a soap-free, streak-free finish and helps your windows sparkle for longer.
We also use the innovative “Reach & Wash” system. This water-fed pole allows us to reach windows up to seven storeys high, so no longer will your home or business’ higher windows be out of reach. Plus, this system allows us to clean frames and sills at any time – and at no extra cost. These innovations have made it easier to do what we do. And while some structures have become similarly more complex, we’re able to adapt much more easily, which means the time and effort that we save is able to be passed on to you for financial savings – everybody wins!
The history of window cleaning is long and interesting (well, we think so anyway) and it’s why we’re now able to use the best techniques and most advanced technology that has been well-honed over time. But that’s not to say that we don’t also rely on the humble squeegee on a daily basis. We wouldn’t be without it!
The Future of Window Cleaning
Who knows what the future holds for window cleaning? While we may still be a few years away from automated window cleaning machines, we’re probably (scarily) a lot closer than we might think.
But not everyone will want faceless automatons cleaning their windows, either now or in the future, no matter how advanced technology becomes. For one thing, you won’t get the same friendly service with a smile that you get from a very real, very human window cleaning company like Clear Vision.
Get in Touch with Us
For the latest window cleaning equipment, expertly wielded by a friendly and professional team, contact Clear Vision today. We have many years of experience working with both commercial and domestic customers, so our past experience will make the future of your business shine brighter than ever, right here in the present.
Use our online contact form to leave your details and a member of our team will be in touch soon. Alternatively, you can give our office a call on 0800 567 7169 and we can discuss the bespoke cleaning solution that you need.
Did you know? As well as window cleaning, we offer a range of domestic and commercial services, including jet washing, gutter clearance and office cleaning!
