Troubleshooting - BigBoy 2 Backpack

Simplify commercial window cleaning with a complete Unger pure-water kit for schools, offices, and FM teams. No ladders, no parts-sourcing, fast setup, and streak-free results. From £725 ex VAT with free UK delivery.

There's a number of hose couplings and connectors available, the important thing is making sure the couplings you choose are compatible and suited to what you need.

Below are our four distinct types of hose couplings, and some examples of when they are most commonly used.

When it comes to choosing hose couplings, here are a few things that you need to know before we get started: 

• The size (usually 6mm, 8mm, or 12.5mm), this refers to the tail of the coupling and so it needs to match the internal diameter of the hose.
• Hose sizes are always measured according to the internal diameter (ID). A common mistake is to grab your hose and measure the entire cross section. 
• Couplings are usually categorised as 'male' or 'female'. Without getting into GSCE biology, the male generally plugs into the female and has no moving parts.
• Series 21 and Series 26 couplings are not compatible, even though they look similar! 

1. Hozelock Compatible 

This type of connector will fit with the consumer products found in most garden and DIY stores (such as B&Q), this means they can quickly connect with other types of hosing and connectors that you might find in the standard garden, including most garden tap fittings. They are commonly found on Window Cleaning starter kits because of this. 

Hozelock compatible fittings can be found in a few sizes. 

Male Sizes: The male couplings are available to fit 6mm, 8mm or 12.5mm hose (commonly referred to as garden hose size, or 1/2'').

Female Sizes: The female couplings are available to fit 8mm or 12.5mm hose (again, garden hose, or 1/2''). 

2. Series 21 Couplings

The most common couplings found in Window Cleaning but also the type that have a million names depending on where you normally buy them and where in the world you are.

The Series 21 couplings are commonly known as 'microbore', 'rectus 21' or 'EZ Snap', though there are absolutely other names. They are quick-release couplings suitable for 6mm or 8mm hose. 

These couplings are most commonly used to connect pole hose to a window cleaning hose reel, backpack, or water source. They are available to purchase as standard male and female connectors, and some of the female couplings will have a tap built in. 

Please Note: At a glance these couplings look very similar to the Series 26, but are considerably smaller. 

Male Sizes: The male couplings are available to fit 6mm, or 8mm

Female Sizes: The female couplings are available to fit 6mm, 8mm or 12.5mm hose (again, garden hose, or 1/2''). 

4. Slick-Connect

The first hose coupling designed specifically for water-fed Window Cleaning. These bayonet style fittings are incredibly robust, and come with bespoke covers that keep them from breaking, and from catching on corners, bins, tyres and anything else.

Slick-Connect couplings can be purchased in 6mm or 8mm sizes which means they aren't suited for larger 12.5mm hose (1/2'').

They're made from a strong but lightweight plastic. They may sound flimsy but trust us, they're anything but! 

Male Sizes: The male couplings are available to fit 6mm or 8mm

Female Sizes: The female couplings are available to fit 6mm or 8mm

The tools and accessories you use can significantly impact the efficiency of your work, and one major contributor to wasted time is poor hose connectors.

Brass and plastic are the two most common materials for Hozelock compatible hose connectors (the type commonly found on garden hose), and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. But which to choose?

1. Durability and Longevity

Brass Hose Connectors: Brass is a highly durable material known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear. Brass connectors are less likely to crack or break under pressure, making them ideal for frequent and intensive use. Additionally, brass is resistant to corrosion, which means it can withstand exposure to water and cleaning chemicals without deteriorating. 

Plastic Hose Connectors: Plastic connectors, while generally less expensive, are not as durable as brass. They can crack or break more easily, especially if subjected to high pressure or extreme temperatures. Over time, plastic can degrade, particularly if exposed to UV rays and harsh cleaning chemicals. This can lead to leaks and the need for more frequent replacements.

Winner: Brass hose connectors are more durable and have a longer lifespan compared to plastic

2. Performance and Reliability

Brass Hose Connectors: Brass connectors provide a secure and tight fit, ensuring a reliable connection that minimises the risk of leaks. This is crucial for window cleaning, where consistent water pressure and flow are necessary for effective cleaning. The weight of brass connectors also helps to maintain a stable connection, reducing the chances of accidental disconnections.

Plastic Hose Connectors: While plastic connectors can also provide a decent fit, they are more prone to leaks and disconnections, especially if the plastic wears down over time. The lighter weight of plastic connectors may also contribute to less stable connections, which can be a disadvantage during intensive cleaning tasks.

Winner: Brass connectors offer better performance and reliability, which is essential for maintaining consistent water flow and pressure during window cleaning.

3. Cost and Affordability

Brass Hose Connectors: Brass connectors are typically more expensive than plastic ones due to the material cost and manufacturing process. However, their durability and longevity can offset the higher initial cost, as they require less frequent replacement.

Plastic Hose Connectors: Plastic connectors are generally more affordable and widely available. They are a cost-effective option for occasional or light-duty use. However, the need for more frequent replacements can add up over time, potentially making them less cost-effective in the long run.

Winner: While plastic connectors are initially cheaper, brass connectors may offer better value over time due to their durability and reduced need for replacement.

4. Environmental Impact

Brass Hose Connectors: Brass is a recyclable material, and brass connectors can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option compared to plastic.

Plastic Hose Connectors: Plastic connectors contribute to plastic waste, and while some types of plastic can be recycled, many end up in landfills. The environmental impact of plastic connectors is generally higher due to the challenges associated with plastic recycling and degradation.

Winner: Brass connectors are more environmentally friendly due to their recyclability.

Conclusion

In the context of window cleaning, brass hose connectors are generally better than plastic ones. They offer superior durability, performance, and reliability, which are crucial for effective and efficient window cleaning. Although brass connectors come with a higher initial cost, their longevity and reduced need for replacement make them a cost-effective choice in the long run. Additionally, the recyclability of brass makes it a more environmentally responsible option.

For professional window cleaners and homeowners seeking a reliable and long-lasting solution, investing in brass hose connectors is a smart choice. While plastic connectors may be suitable for light-duty or occasional use, brass connectors provide the peace of mind and performance needed for a spotless, streak-free finish every time.

Stackable hose reels look the part, but are they worth it? 

The Double-decker hose reel is a growing request for our sales team, so we took a second to explore:

• Why Window Cleaners desire their hose reels to be stacked?
• What are the benefits of doing so?
• Which equipment is best suited to the task?

If you've ever spent time playing Tetris with the equipment in your van, the pros may not need writing down. Space is a premium and with more Window Cleaners opting for powered hose reels, there's a greater demand to have reels fixed in place - which means permanently losing that space in your van. 

If you work with two operators, that's two hose reels and a few square feet gone forever. Stacking vertically means you can keep that premium floor space free to fit in other gear. 

Things to Consider Before You Buy

Stacking vertically does require extra build quality. The forces put on the reel and frame will be greater - a good strong frame with well-built reels are a must and part of the reason the Pure Freedom brand is the leading name in purpose built stacked reels. 

In the Pure Freedom collection, you have double stacked manual reels and the twin stacked ReelMaster, the latter being a reliable and powerful electric hose reel. 

It's also helpful to consider the practicalities of working with twin reels, particularly if they are manual- to reel them in quickly without tangling and getting in each others way, we recommend using extension arms with hose guides.

It's also useful to different hose colours, again just to limit hoses getting tangled (though we understand if you don't want to destroy your van's uniform aesthetic).  

Weight is another important factor. Some reels are heavier than others and with 100m of hose full of water, there's going to be significant weight on one side of the vehicle. For the most part this isn't problematic but if you have all of your other equipment on the same side, it isn't going to do wonders for your vehicle's suspension. We recommend where possible trying to balance the weight of the varying bits of equipment in your van side-to-side and front-to back. 

The ReelMaster Lite is a lightweight powered hose reel that can help with this - It's a popular hose reel to stack using the stainless steel double-stacker frame. 

Finally, make sure that you really need to have two reels fixed in place. Wheeled or freestanding reels with bumper mounted hose ports might be a better option for you. That way, nothing is permanently fixed and you've got complete flexibility. For those that use the van for other purposes, this is often the preferred solution. 

Looking for the best tools to clean windows? You've come to the right place. 

There's not many corners of the internet dedicated to cleaning windows in the way that we are, so you can rely on us to make the right (unbiased) recommendations. 

Today, we'll break down the best tools available to get those crystal-clear, streak-free windows.

First Things First, How Not To Clean Windows....

Everybody's grandparents swear by newspaper, vinegar, or a chamois leather... but lets just leave those at the door - the window cleaning world has moved on. 

Can we also please ditch the Ikea 99p squeegee and don't get me started on the window-vac! (okay, admittedly it's handy for doing the insides). 

Second, Check Your Wallet

Budget is going to be a big determining factor when it comes to types of equipment. Generally, Window Cleaning is split into the traditional method and the pure water (or water fed) method - and for the sake of simplicity, we'll cover the cheaper option first.

To ballpark the costs, a complete traditional setup will be anything from £50-£200 whereas a pure-water setup will set you back £300-£600. 

1. Traditional Window Cleaning Tools

Traditional Window Cleaning is what people generally associate with Window Cleaning - the classic mop & squeegee.

Unless you're of a younger generation, in which case you may be more accustomed to having the Window Cleaner wake you up by sloshing a bright green brush up and down your bedroom window (we'll cover this in a second).

The classic mop and squeegee is the most wallet friendly way to clean windows, but it doesn't come without its challenges. If you'd like to dig into this further, check out our Complete Guide to Traditional Window Cleaning, but for now we can simplify a complete traditional window cleaning kit into these items;

1. Washer (or mop)

2. Squeegee

3. Bucket

4. Microfibre Cloth

5. Soap 

The technique is simple; get some soapy water in a bucket, use the washer to scrub the window and use the squeegee to pull the soap off. Then, go over the bits you've missed with the microfibre cloth before cracking open a cold one and patting yourself on the back. Job well done.

If you get stuck, we've written an article all about squeegee technique tips. It includes some extra tools that will help too. 

We recommend a glass scraper to help with adhesives, paint and other stuck-on-nonsense. We also recommend a hip-bucket for pure convenience if you're cleaning on a ladder. 

You can take a look at all of our complete traditional kits here, though if you'd like our recommendation, check out the Unger Premium Starter Kit & the WCW starter Kit - both excellent options. 

Next Up, Pure Water Window Cleaning Tools

Pure Water Window Cleaning, often referred to as the water fed method, is a method of cleaning that relies on the chemical make up of pure water to provide a streak free clean without needing to dry the window.

In its simplest form, to use this method you need: 

1. A means to purify water (the simplest option is called a DI Vessel)

2. A water fed pole & brush head

3. Hoses and hose connectors to get the water from a tap, through the DI vessel, up the pole and onto the glass. 

This method does require some know-how (we can help with that) but it means being able to clean quickly and safely from the ground - and while you're at it, you can scrub the frames, soffits, fascias, gutters, and even your front door. 

Technique-wise it's pretty simple; scrub like crazy and then rinse, rinse and rinse some more. 

If you'd like to learn more, we've got a bunch of useful articles in our Understanding Pure Water Cleaning section.

If you'd like to see our complete range of Traditional and Pure Water starter kits, click here. 

Alternatively, our recommendations to get started are the Unger Pure Water Starter Kit & the WCW DI Starter Kit. 

If you need it to be portable, or don't have access to a tap, try the BigBoy Backpack Starter Kit

There You Have It!

A simple take on the best window cleaning tools. If you're the researching type, we've got a tonne of helpful articles that might be useful, check out the WCW hub. 

Want to know exactly what you need in a Window Cleaning Kit? Make sure you're ticking all the boxes with our Window Cleaning Kit (or Window Washing Kit) checklist. Join us as we reveal the must-have tools for any Window Cleaner's arsenal. Scroll down for the Water Fed version. 

Traditional Window Cleaning Kit

1. Squeegee: Removes soapy water from the glass leaving a streak free finish. Go classic with the no-nonsense ErgoTec, or try something a bit different with the swivelling Excelerator. 

2. Washer: Sometimes called a mop or applicator, your washer gets the soap to the glass. On paper it's simple. But the size, material and handle all play a part in its use. Go super absorbent with the classic Monsoon or abrasive with the Porcupine. Or, treat yourself and get both!

3. Microfibre Cloth: These soft and super absorbent cloths are excellent for wiping sills and applying the finishing touch. Go super absorbent with fishscale or get a precise finish with the RazrWipe.

4. Bucket: Basic, but crucial. Your bucket keeps the cleaning solution handy, but make sure it's big enough to fit your washer & squeegee in! Go big with the Unger Big Bucket or practical with a hip-bucket (also known as a bucket on a belt). 

5. Soap or Detergent: It's the cleaning solution that helps remove dirt, grime, and marks from the windows. Mix a concentrated detergent with water for cost-effective cleaning or use a direct-to-washer gel for internals where dripping water is a problem.

6. Extension Pole: If a ladder isn't safe or convenient then it's time to break out the extension pole. Aluminium is the most popular and cost effective but if you want something lighter, and less cold in the winter, try out a Carbon Composite (or Hybrid) pole.

7. Glass Scraper: Sometimes, windows have stubborn marks, stickers, paint, plaster and other things that just won't budge. A scraper or blade is a handy tool to remove these. It's worth keeping a pocket scraper handy but you may want to use a larger scraper if it's a recurring problem or you've got builders cleans coming up.

8. Ladder: A sturdy ladder is a must-have for reaching high windows, but ladders are a common cause of injury for Window Cleaners so be careful, that few seconds you've saved by cutting a corner is nothing compared to the cost of time off if you break a leg. We recommend A-frame (sometimes called pointer) ladders for general use and convenience, but working at height may require an extension ladder.

9. Gloves: The winter can be tough on your hands, so think ahead and get some good quality gloves now. Go toasty with the JokaPolar™ fleece lined gloves or maintain your dexterity with the popular SealSkinz®.

10. Pouch or Tool Holder: Keep everything within arms reach with a well kitted out toolbelt. Pouches, Pockets, Hip Buckets and holsters are necessary items if you plan to work quickly!.

Fortunately, if you're new to this, you can save time (and some money) by picking up a curated collection. Check out these popular traditional Window Cleaning kits: 

• FaceLift® Fireblade Ultimate Bundle
  

• Moerman® Excelerator 2.0 Premium Starter Kit
  

• Unger ErgoTec® Premium Starter Kit

• WCW Window Cleaning Starter Kit

Water Fed (or Pure Water) Window Cleaning Kit

1. Water-Fed Pole: The heart of a water fed window cleaning kit is the water fed pole. These are telescopic and have a narrow hose tubing running through the centre. The major differences between poles can be put down to the various materials they are made of. Carbon fibre is the gold standard, Hybrid is a cost effective option with some of the benefits of carbon fibre and Hi-Mod is a high-grade Carbon fibre that is strong but as light as a feather. 

2. Brush Head: The brush head is attached to the water-fed pole and does the actual leg work of scrubbing the dirt on the window. Most use a high grade Nylon bristle at varying lengths. Use an oversized brush if you have XL panes of glass, and try out Horse-Hair for a sponge like cleaning effect.

3. Angle Adaptors: Adjust the angle at which the brush leaves the pole so you can clean deep sills and awkward spots. If speed is important to you, consider a quick release option, alternatively try out the standard threaded option.

4. Water Purification System: This whole method falls down without pure water. Pure water dries completely clean meaning no ladders necessary to squeegee the water from the glass. Follow our Understanding Pure Water Guide for a complete breakdown of this method, the types of equipment and what might work for you

5. Hoses and Connectors: High-quality hoses and connectors are necessary to deliver the purified water from the purification system to your brush head. If using the common Series (or rectus) 21 couplings, use Protecta Pods to stop them from getting damaged as you work.  

6. TDS Meter: A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter helps you measure the purity of the water you're using. It's worth keeping a handheld TDS meter close at hand but if you've got a full filtration system, upgrade to an inline TDS meter will give you a reading at the push of a button as part of the system. 

7. Delivery System: A backpack, trolley, or van mounted system is essential to store and deliver pure water on to the windows.

8. Safety Gear: Always prioritise safety. Equip yourself with appropriate safety gear to protect yourself and members of the public as you work. Items such as safety cones,  Zebra Tape, and warning signs are always worth keeping in the van.

9. Flow Control: Wasted pure water is wasted money. Use a Uni-valve or tap coupling to control your flow without having to put the pole down so you can limit the amount of wasted water between windows- or while Mr Johnson at number 9 chats your ear off. 

Fortunately, if you're new to this, you can save time (and some money) by picking up a starter kit that often cover much of the above. Check out these popular Window Cleaning kits: 

• Pure Water Starter Kit & Phantom Hybrid Pole
  
  

• BigBoy 2 Backpack & Renegade Bundle

• DI Starter Kit

• Van Mounted Starter Kit

That covers it, you're ready to make some informed choices and get the perfect Window Cleaning kit together!

If you would like to discuss any of the above info/products in more detail, get in touch with us via our Customer Support Team.