Window Cleaning Basic Tools

Everything you need to start cleaning windows like a pro

Window cleaning basic tools - bucket, soap, and towel

Getting Started

Starting a window cleaning business — or just want to clean your own windows the right way? You don't need a truck full of gear. You need the right gear.

These are the exact tools we recommend for anyone getting into window cleaning. Quality matters here — cheap squeegees leave streaks, flimsy poles waste your time, and bad towels leave lint everywhere.

Below is our full recommended toolkit with links, plus a video walkthrough covering the essentials.

Watch: Essential Squeegee Setup for Beginners

A walkthrough of the basic tools and how to use them

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Video Summary

This video covers the essential squeegee setup every new window cleaner should understand. We walk through the basic tools you need, how everything fits together, and what to look for when you're putting your starter kit together. If you're just getting into window cleaning, this is a solid starting point before you head out on your first job.

The Essential Toolkit

Our recommended gear for new window cleaners

Poles & Squeegees

Unger Pole

Lightweight, sturdy extension pole. The industry standard for reaching high windows without a ladder.

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Moerman Excelerator

Our go-to squeegee channel. Smooth glide, great rubber tension, and built for speed once you've got the technique down.

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Scrubbers & Pads

Fliq Pad

Attaches to your squeegee for quick scrub-and-squeegee combos. Saves time on every pane.

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Pulex Technopad

Non-scratch scrubbing pad for removing hard water spots, paint overspray, and stubborn buildup on glass.

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Alpha Scrubber Pads

Replacement scrubber sleeves that hold plenty of water and soap. Durable and easy to wring out.

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0000 Steel Wool

Ultra-fine steel wool (#0000) for removing mineral deposits and paint from glass. Won't scratch when used correctly on standard glass.

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Buckets & Belts

Unger Bucket

Purpose-built window cleaning bucket. Wide enough to dip your scrubber, with a sieve to wring it out.

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Drywalker Bucket on a Belt

Hands-free solution bucket that clips to your belt. Keeps your water and tools right at your hip while you work.

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Pulex Bucket on a Belt

Another great belt-bucket option. Lightweight and easy to clip on. Good if you prefer a different fit than the Drywalker.

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Towels & Detailing

Good Rags

Our favorite detailing towel. Streak-free, lint-free, no chemicals needed. We have a whole page about these.

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Microfiber Rags

General-purpose microfiber for wiping frames, sills, and detailing edges. Buy in bulk — you'll go through them.

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Extras

Mesh Bag

Wash your towels and scrubber sleeves in a mesh bag to keep them in good shape and out of your lint trap.

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5' Stepladder

A good 5-foot stepladder covers most residential interior windows. Don't go cheap — stability matters.

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These are Amazon affiliate links — they support our free resources at no extra cost to you.

Quick Tips for New Window Cleaners

1

Start Slow

Focus on technique before speed. A clean, streak-free window at half speed is better than a fast, streaky one. Speed comes naturally with practice.

2

Use Enough Soap

A few drops of Dawn in your bucket goes a long way. The soap helps your squeegee glide and keeps it from skipping across the glass.

3

Detail the Edges

The squeegee does 90% of the work. The other 10% is detailing the edges with a good rag. Don't skip this — it's the difference between amateur and pro.

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We clean windows across Central Texas. Fast, professional, and streak-free — guaranteed.