Cleaning window outside view

As touchpoint disinfection took the spotlight for several years during the heart of the pandemic, the return to facilities, and offices in particular, has requiring cleaning staffs to refocus on other perhaps-overlooked aspects of the building. The aesthetic aspects of cleaning have again become important, and within this category is window cleaning — in particular the challenges with keeping glass spotless on the exterior side. 

To keep cleaning professionals in the loop and ensure they optimize window cleaning practices, Interclean outlined four notable trends in window cleaning that frontline crews should be aware of. 

Trend 1: Pure Water Usage. To help streamline the window cleaning process, more teams are adopting the process of pure water cleaning. In particular, this involves filtering tap water so any impurities are taken out. When all that remains is the most basic form of H2O, this water is than applied to windows directly via a water-fed brush. In doing this, the otherwise multi-step process of soaping, wiping, and detailing can be expedited. When done correctly, this can save not only time, but money as well, as custodians can used the time saved to take on other tasks in the facility. It also saves on budget as detergents aren't needed in the window cleaning process — while also providing a touch of sustainability. 

Trend 2: Leveraging Cobotics. The utilization of machine technology continues to have a presence in window cleaning. As cobotic exoskeletons become more innovative, it will help frontline cleaning crews have expanded range of motion, making them able to clean larger areas of glass without in a faster span without the same level of ergonomic strain. 

Trend 3: Drones. Similar to the impact of robotic exoskeletons, drones continue to be experimented with as a complementary presence to window cleaning. While human supervision would be required in the case of malfunctions, drones can be capable of cleaning the windows themselves when equipped with a window washing setup. While in theory these fleets could replace humans cleaning the windows altogether, further advancements will be made for it to become fully adopted in the industry. Current hurdles include cleaning solution and/or water capacities, and improving the battery lifespan for the drones to fully complete the task. 

Trend 4: Ultrasonic Cleaning. Ultrasonic systems are used on surfaces where contaminants often build up in crevices — making them an intriguing concept for window cleaning. Without the need to apply additional cleaning solutions, this technology removes dirt by creating small bubbles that explode on the surface, eliminating the contaminants in the process. 

In related news, check out more glimpses into the future through the latest ISSA Show North America Innovation Award winners.