All about Rubbers (not that type)

Rookies
1

OK, so now I’m cleaning 9 stores bi-weekly each month with 7 in a mall, and two store fronts. I chose Unger Ninja as my new guy equipment with a 14" and 22" channel since mall windows are large. I noticed that it comes with what I believe is a “soft” rubber. I know that’s all fine and dandy for the air conditioned mall, but the outside stores near Tampa, FL at 11:00 am is going to be about 95 degrees before we know it.

  1. What Rubber should I use for the hot windows that works with unger ninja?

  2. What should I use for the air conditioned mall?

  3. Since I only clean 2 days a week (part-time right now), how long should the original rubbers last before I should order?

  4. What’s the best budget friendly rubber option since I’m not using this as my full-time job, and only make $500/month gross starting out.

  5. Does using a soft or hard rubber change how hard you should pull on pole work?

2

Soft rubbers have their place but my preference would be ungers hard rubbers, they should do better with the heat.

As far as how long they should last before you buy more…
I would at least buy one pack before it starts going bad, you don’t want to get stuck cleaning with one that’s streaking while you wait for the new ones to be shipped.

Working with larger commercial windows, there are other recommendations out there as to the type of squeegee and rubbers, but it sounds like you’re at a good starting point.

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3

ChrisS, I’m in Tampa and I prefer Unger hard rubber. I am currently using Ettore bc they were out of stock on that size last order. It works well in our very short winter season as well. If you’re close by shout at me maybe we can grab a sandwich and chat.
Use a squeegee lubricant and a wetting agent to keep things smooth. We usually flip the blade weekly getting use from both sides.

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4

I use Unger Hard here in NC also. I use it all year inside and out with no problems. Just remember as with most rubbers the hard rubbers will take a bit to break in. There will be a little drag for the first bit but it will loosen up.

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5

Razer Red or Wagtail holds up really well in the heat here in Ocala. Pulex Hard is a good cheaper alternative to the other two. All will work in the Unger Ninja.

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6

I was looking at pulex hard for my situation since I only clean 1-2 days per week right now. Good to hear that they are decent.

7

No man don’t use Pulex. I have used it not hard enough for this heat. Stick with Unger hard, I’m tellin ya!

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8

The ends wear out on the 22 inch rubber you can cut it down and use it in your 14 inch squeegee. That will save you some cash.

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9

I’m looking to get into window cleaning. Do all cleaners use the squeegee lubricant and wetting agent? Is this a must? I haven’t heard of those in my research if window cleaning. Any links to which to use?

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10

It’s not a “must have” I only use dawn personally. As you go along, try different things to see what you like best.

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11

@ShineBright - I’m not sure what others do. I have consistently been told by our clients that our windows stay cleaner longer than others do. So I don’t change my solution formula, no way.

12

So what solution formula you using?