I was talking to a friend recently, He is a city hockey arena staff member. He was saying how they have to clean the glass monthly or even more frequently on the ice side due to all the puck marks and equipment scuffs. But by the sounds of it they’re poorly equipped with tools and products to make the job easier on them. So in turn nobody wants to do it. This got me thinking, if I could go in and do it much more efficiently and at a reasonable rate they may be able to justify outsourcing the task. Currently they use magic erasers and some janitorial grade glass cleaner.
Does anyone one have any experience with this sort of thing? I’ve searched high and low and found no real answers. There is a product called puck off but doesn’t sound like a quicker system.
I may go one night when my friend is working and the rink is empty and do a couple tests. Looking for suggestions if there are any.
One thing to check is if the arena is using the newer plexiglass system, or if they are using actual glass. Most high end rinks were using what was called seamless glass which was real tempered 1/2" glass, but now for safety to make the boards more forgiving most have converted to plexiglass systems because they flex easier and it reduces injuries from big hits. Just something to consider when scrubbing out marks.
I am a city employee that works in 3 different rinks. I have been cleaning glass a a side gig for 6 years .The equipment supplied is shitty home owner squeegees and commercial glass cleaner . I find with the proper equipment the job is easy. I use 0000 steal wool for puck marks. I have used blades but am always super careful but try to avoid it .I try to only clean the rink glass when It’s warm enough that my solution won’t freeze as I don’t like useing windshield washer fluid over the ice. I once was a little careless with it and had a hell of a time getting it off the ice .I find no matter what I do I can not get the glass 100 percent clean. Their is always some marks left ( Some of the glass in my rinks is 20 or more years old And has been poorly cleaned for just as long ) . I have no experience with plexiglass systems .I hope this helps.
That’s helpful info thanks. You just use dawn and water for your solution? I wonder if bronze wool would work just as good or if it would get gummed up with rubber bits.
Yep I just use water and dawn. If I have to I just put a little washer fluid right on my mop. One other thing to be aware of is with no frame at the top you have to be really careful with your washer at the top after you have cleaned one side. it’s really easy to go to far and you end up getting water over the top and wrecking the other side . I just use a poll as I need to have another person with me to step on a ladder. . I have just ordered some bronze wool and will let you know how it works.