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So, you’ve decided static style purification systems are what you should be looking for (not sure what I’m talking about, follow our guide HERE).
Quite often, you’ll hear the term ‘static filtration’ or ‘static RO system’ when referring to Window Cleaning Equipment. What these effectively refer to is a type of water filtration designed to be just that, static. The Static style systems can vary from smaller domestic RO/DI systems producing a few hundred litres a day, right up to industrial standard RO/DI systems that have some of the largest production capacities on the market.
Static systems will generally follow the usual four stages of filtration you’d find with most water purification systems; this may vary a little in terms of configuration however the four stages are:
Sediment Filter
Carbon Filter
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membranes
De-ionising Resin
Many Window Cleaners use portable or vehicle mounted systems to facilitate their day to day pure water needs. By contrast, static systems usually require a little more know-how and a dedicated space (in a garage or external unit) to produce and store pure water. They can often have a great capacity.
For a multi-vehicle operation, the static system can be perfect as it allows one filtration system to produce water and distribute it to each vehicle. This means the vehicles have a delivery system only, which is simpler to use and maintain.
The down side to a static system is that there are more moving parts, and often a little more time and preparation is needed to ensure a smooth operation.
Where To Go Next
If a Static System is Right for You - Which Type of Static Systems are Available?
What to Expect from a Water Fed System Installation at WCW
If you've booked a system installation at Window Cleaning Warehouse, this guide explains exactly what your day looks like at our Barry, South Wales fitting centre. The main branch with our customer lounge, viewing gallery, and complimentary breakfast voucher.
Whether you're having a FaceLift or Pure Freedom system fitted, a water fed system fitting is straightforward: arrive, confirm your layout and spec with an engineer, relax (or work) while your van mounted system install is completed, then leave with a full handover and certificate.
Professional Installation (Barry + approved partner locations)
Have your FaceLift or Pure Freedom van mounted system fitted professionally by our team of engineers at WCW and our approved partners. We offer installation at multiple sites across the UK:
South Wales (Barry)
Liverpool
Billericay
Grimsby
This post focuses on the Barry branch, where customers can use the lounge facilities during the install. (If you'd prefer a different location, you can still book installation at one of our other approved sites.)
How to order installation: Select your preferred location on the installation page and add to cart. After ordering, email info@windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk or call +44 01446 749060 to arrange your installation date.
Step-by-step: your Barry system install journey
1) Arrive and check in (typically around 8:30am)
Most customers arrive around 8:30am so work can begin promptly. At check in, you'll meet the engineer and confirm the details before the van goes into the fitting area.
Fuel recommendation: Arrive with at least a quarter tank of fuel. Your van may need to be driven between units, and it's especially important for hot water installs that draw from the vehicle's fuel tank.
2) Confirm system layout, spec, and options
You'll discuss the layout and confirm the exact specification ordered so your water fed system fitting matches your van and how you work.
We install the full range of systems we sell, including:
Delivery only systems
RO/DI systems
DI only systems
Hot water systems
EV/Hybrid installs
Optional upgrades like bedlining kits (protects the rear of your van; requires drying/curing time)
Accessories such as pole racks and underports (for easy filling and water output when doors are closed)
3) Complimentary breakfast at Denise's Café
Once your plan is approved, you'll receive a complimentary breakfast voucher for Denise's Café.
Denise's Café opening hours: 7:00am-2:00pm
Voucher includes: one hot meal + one drink
Getting there: Walkable from the fitting unit; your voucher includes a map. Parking is available.
4) Installation underway (typical duration and timings)
In most cases, customers can drop off and collect the same day.
Typical installation time: approximately 6 hours
Hot water systems: usually 2 days and must be booked at a "Plus" location
Bedlining kits: may require extra time due to drying/curing
EV/Hybrid vehicles: select the EV/Hybrid Vehicle option when ordering
Customer service will confirm the expected timescale when you book in.
The Barry Customer Lounge: work or relax while you wait
While your system install is in progress, you're welcome to use the customer lounge at the Barry branch.
Customer lounge amenities:
Free Wi-Fi
Free tea and coffee
Xbox with YouTube/Netflix
Desks and power sockets for laptop work
Sofa seating
Toilets
You can comfortably take calls or Zoom meetings if needed. The lounge is available until closing time or completion of works.
Viewing Gallery: check progress on your van
If you want to keep an eye on things, you can visit the viewing gallery to see your van mounted system installation progress without getting in the way of the engineers.
Handover: demonstration, instructions, and certificate
When your installation is complete, you'll receive a full handover from one of our engineers, including:
A tour of your new system setup
Operating guidance and maintenance basics
A practical user demonstration
A certificate of installation
The certificate can help reassure insurers that the system was installed to a high standard by a NEBOSH-qualified engineer.
Shop stop before you leave
Before you drive away, you can pop into the shop to pick up anything else you need. Consumables, accessories, spares, or upgrades.
Aftercare: support, servicing, and warranty
Post install support: call customer service to book a free technical call with one of our engineers
Servicing: bring your system in for service (charges apply)
Warranty: 12-month warranty on all systems
Barry location info (useful for planning)
Main fitting unit: Barry, South Wales
Nearest train station: Cadoxton (approx. 1.2 miles away; ~5-minute drive or ~30-minute walk)
FAQ's
How long does a WCW system installation take?
Typically around 6 hours for same day drop-off/collection. Hot water installs usually take 2 days and must be booked at a Plus location. Bedlining can extend timings due to curing.
Do you install systems in EV or hybrid vehicles?
Yes, select the EV/Hybrid Vehicle option when ordering.
What should I bring on installation day?
Arrive around 8:30am, bring your keys, and ensure you have at least a quarter tank of fuel.
Can I work while you fit my system?
Yes, the Barry customer lounge has desks, sockets and Wi-Fi, and you can take calls/Zoom meetings.
How do I book installation?
Select your location and add installation to cart, then contact us to arrange a date: info@windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk or +44 01446 749060.
The biggest costs in a Window Cleaning business are often one of three things. Your vehicle, your staff (not a problem if you're solo!) and your resin.
I'm sure at some point you've experienced the frustration of DI resin running out quicker than you expected it to, and at anywhere from £90-£100 a bag, it's a cost that can quickly add up.
First things first, what is DI resin? If you're unsure then head over to our complete guide to pure water window cleaning. However in simple terms, it's a key component in a window cleaning system that gives you pure water that dries completely spotlessly. DI stands for deionising, and it's purchased in bags, usually 25 litres (see our most popular option here).
There are a few things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your resin, though it's hard to predict exactly how many litres of pure water you can get from a bag of resin, as there are too many factors that affect it.
Here are the tried and true methods:
1. Protect Your Resin with Pre-Filters
Pre-filters will be used as a standard if you're running a 4 stage RO-D purification system. However if you just use DI resin, as is often the case in soft water area, it may be worth adding these to your system.
sediment & carbon pre-filters will catch sand, dirt, debris and remove chlorine before the water reaches the resin. You can add pre-filters easily with this double housing. You'll need one of each sediment & carbon filters (10'').
2. Double DI
This is a technique that we're surprised isn't more widely adopted by Window Cleaners.
The moment your resin stops producing pure water it becomes useless and gets binned for a fresh bag, but that isn't quite true - resin that isn't purifying completely to 0 may still be doing 95% of the work, it just needs a little assistance to go that last few steps.
Instead of binning your old resin, you can run a double DI system (a double DI system is exactly what it says on the tin, two DI Vessels). By running a double DI system, you can use your old resin to do 95% of the purification and then connect to a fresh vessel to just finish off the job. This means that your new resin is doing a fraction of the work and will therefore last significantly longer!
Over time the old resin will get worse and even the fresh vessel will stop purifying all the way down to 0. At that point you put the fresh resin into the old vessel and switch them around.
3. Stop Wasting Water!
Using a water control valve & running your system at a slower speed can make a significant difference over time.
Using a water control valve such as the Uni-Valve will allow you to quickly turn your water off between jobs or even windows, without having to put your pole down. If Mr Edwards pops out for a chat mid-window, don't worry - you won't be wasting water!
Running water at an appropriate speed sounds as though it doesn't need saying, but it's easy to think more water = faster cleaning. If you're seeing a lot of water splashing off the window as you clean, maybe it's time to turn your flow controller down. Some Window Cleaners swear by Rinse Bars as a way to speed up rinse time, which can also help save water.
4. Give It a Shake
This only really applies with standard DI Vessels, ignoring specialty systems that sometimes account for 'channeling'. The design of a standard vessel means that over time the water can form channels and so the contact time between the resin and the water will not be sufficient. By giving your vessel a good shake you can mix it up and ensure to get the most from every drop.
So there you have it, 4 tried and tested ways to get more from your DI resin.
The dreaded leaded windows are pesky things to clean. We could end this article right here with a one word answer.
How do you clean leaded windows? Carefully!
Leaded windows add a touch of character to a property but unfortunately- for the home vision technicians of the world - it makes windows more difficult to clean. There's not really a secret to cleaning them but there are best practices.
Though the following is focused on cleaning lead windows, the principles apply to any windows that are delicate by nature, such as Georgian and old wooden sash windows.
1. Trad Cleaners - Be Over Cautious
Some leaded windows are made to look dated and fit with the property, and some actually are old and delicate. If you've got traditional cleaning equipment take it easy the first time around, avoid knocking the edges and frames and maybe rely on your microfibre a little more than you usually would.
Traditional cleaning is generally lower risk on this type of window as you're that much closer - you're able to be precise with your work.
2. Water Fed Cleaners - Go Flocked
If you use a water fed pole, consider picking up a flocked or flagged bristle brush head. These are a softer, less harsh type of bristle - see our Guide To Brush Heads for more information. The split ends of the bristle provide a sponge-like clean.
Another thing to keep in mind is to actively apply less pressure and test out a few different motions when scrubbing. Many Window Cleaners report cleaning side to side applies less pressure than going up-and-down and means you're less likely to damage the lead- but the hard science backing this up is lacking so run your own trials (carefully, of course).
3. Take the Lay of the Land.
Natural materials oxidise and lead is no different. Watch out for powdery like substance when cleaning - some soapy water should be enough for maintenance cleaning but get a good look around before you begin.
Along these lines, it's also important to look for signs of damage from a previous Window Cleaner, take photos if you're on your own or ideally do a walk around with the home owner to scope out existing damage before you begin.
Ask the homeowners if they've treated the window with oil or anything else, as this will also make your life more difficult.
4. Watch Out For Drips
Water occasionally drips from a frame onto a freshly cleaned window and dries to leave unsightly spotting. We've all been there.
Unfortunately, with leaded windows each line of leading acts as a frame from which water can (and will) drip. To stop this happening we recommend spending extra time rinsing so that only pure water is left to drip - or going over quickly with a microfibre cloth to remove the bulk of the water from the lead/frame and limit the chance of this happening.
Some Window Cleaners use a double-rinse technique whereby they will go back around the windows a second time just to rinse and wash away any last dregs of dirty water.
And there you have it
You're prepared to go clean even the oldest and most delicate leaded windows out there!
Check out some our information hubs for other handy tips.
Deionised water, or DI water, is sometimes called demineralised water, or pure water, and is used within many different industries.
Deionised water starts as ordinary tap water that gets filtered through a purification system to remove all the natural minerals. The reason for purifying water within Window Cleaning is that pure water dries to leave a completely crystal clear finish.
If you've ever thought 'Why do Window Cleaners not dry the windows?' Here's why; when applied to Window Cleaning, using pure water means that there is no need to remove excess water from the window, you can leave it wet and it will dry completely clear! This makes modern Window Cleaning generally a safer trade, as much of the work can be safely from the ground, without needing ladders.
How you actually purify water within Window Cleaning will depend on a few factors and is covered more in our Introduction to Pure Water Window Cleaning, but there is generally two methods to do so. One is preferred in hard water areas, called RO/DI filtration - this is a slower and more complicated process but it generally has the lowest running costs.
The second option is known as DI Only, which is preferred for soft water areas. This method is simple and quick, but it can have higher running costs. Both methods are covered in more detail in the article Types of filtration, RO/DI or DI Only
Many an online cleaning guide will tell you to avoid cleaning glass in direct sunlight. But when cleaning windows is your business, that's not an option.
When the heat arrives, here's some tips on how to get the best results around it;
Start Early: Shift your work day around to avoid the peak temperatures, either working early mornings or late afternoons will help with cleaning but also will stop you from overheating in the midday sun. Working earlier in the day often means you can spend more time in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight
Don't hang around: Everything is going to dry quickly so speed is the key to a good clean. Get your washer super wet and squeegee it off as quickly as you can, before there's any chance of it drying. If you're working with showrooms or large glass panes, you may even want to split them into segments to wash/squeegee.
It would be helpful to use a bucket-on-a-belt or holster to keep tools handy rather than going back and forth from your bucket if you don't already. If you use pure water, give each window an extra rinse to ensure the dirty solution you've just scrubbed up doesn't dry on the window before it's had time to rinse away.
Less Soap, More Water: Particularly if you're using gel detergents rather than a classic concentrated option (such as RazrGlide) mixed with water, be sure to really soak your applicator before you start. whilst in the winter the extra soap gives your squeegee rubber that satisfying glide, in the summer this is going to dry too quickly and you'll be getting the dreaded squeegee squeak in seconds.
Take some shades and SPF with you: The glare from the sun off a freshly cleaned window is pretty intense, so unless you love having an 8 hour headache, take some good sunglasses, ideally aviators so you look the part. Don't forget to regularly apply your sunscreen too!
Switch to a Hard Squeegee Rubber: Some squeegee rubbers are listed as 'hard' or 'soft', while some just come in one style which is generally a 'medium'. In summer months soft squeegee rubber can become a little too malleable so we recommend switching to a medium or hard squeegee rubber.
Double Check: The direct sunlight and temperature of the glass means everything is going to dry in no time, so before leaving give your work a check as the sun will highlight every single streak, line or spec of dust to your customer.
There you have it, you're all set to get cleaning in the hot summer sun! For more Window Cleaning info check out our Product & Pure Water Guides
