| Windows became a fixture of European architecture | | | | creating a beautiful shine and making your house look |
| after 2000 BC, when Egyptians were able to perfect | | | | literally "sparkling new." |
| the art of glassmaking. As its popularity spread, so | | | | Homeowners can even purchase window cleaning kits |
| did the development of window cleaning tools. | | | | that include fully automated window cleaning |
| While the first window cleaning products were no | | | | squeegees ("rotate to reach all the corners!"), no-drip |
| more complicated than rags and water, the earliest | | | | window cleaning rags, disposable window cleaning |
| recorded "specialised" window cleaning tool is the | | | | towels, or even "soapless" window cleaning mops |
| horse-sweat squeegee from 5th century Greece. | | | | (the soap is activated by the water). Some of the |
| Initially used in the stables to groom and rub down | | | | window cleaning tools even have lightweight |
| animals, people realised that the long handles and | | | | fiberglass handles, making window cleaning so much |
| absorbent material would also be very effective at | | | | easier on the forearms. Other window cleaning kits |
| window cleaning. | | | | include fully-extendable parts for window cleaning out |
| In the 20th century, the refinement of chemical and | | | | of the way windows. |
| manufacturing processes brought about a rapid | | | | With all these window cleaning products and tools, |
| development of window cleaning tools and window | | | | the chore of window cleaning became much, much |
| cleaning products. In 1936, Ettore Sceccone invented | | | | easier. Just in time, too. Modern trends in architecture |
| the single-blade window cleaning squeegee. Other | | | | seem to favor floor-to-ceiling windows that allow |
| window cleaning product breakthroughs helped | | | | massive amount of light to flood the room. Plus, the |
| eliminate the common problem of water spots and | | | | development of high rises makes window cleaning |
| streaks. These were the lint-free rags, micro-fiber | | | | much more of a logistical challenge. How exactly do |
| window cleaning towels, and later window cleaning | | | | you go about window cleaning when you live on the |
| clay foams. These window cleaning products all | | | | 25th floor of a condominium? |
| promised to wipe off dirt while leaving a clear, | | | | That is why there are companies that offer |
| flawless, speck-free window. | | | | professional window cleaning services. They use lifts |
| Soon even good old soap wasn't good enough for | | | | to carry them from floor to floor, while a safety |
| window cleaning. When the automobile industry | | | | harness prevents any undue accidents (perhaps from |
| introduced tinted windows, it was necessary to | | | | skidding on soapy water?). To keep their hands free, |
| develop a detergent that wouldn't destroy or scratch | | | | the professional window cleaning crew will often |
| this special kind of glass. This led to the | | | | carry their tools in a practical pouch slung around their |
| ammonia-free window cleaning products, which was | | | | waists. |
| non-corrosive but was still effective in removing the | | | | These people have banded together in professional |
| stubborn water spots that often cling to the wind | | | | window cleaning organisations, whose goal is to |
| shield. This also led to window cleaning detergents for | | | | ensure that proper safety standards are maintained, |
| stained glass windows (which was a popular | | | | and also to allow members to share the unique |
| decorative fixture in the 1960's) and frosted | | | | experiences that comes with their job. As part of |
| windows. | | | | this movement, these window cleaning organisations |
| Today's window cleaning detergents even promise to | | | | also have a code of conduct, newsletters, even |
| protect the glass from water spots by leaving a very | | | | conferences. For some people, window cleaning is |
| thin wax that seals out moisture. The advantage of | | | | just a chore-but for them, window cleaning is a |
| this window cleaning product is that it reflects light, | | | | passion. |