Window Cleaning Equipment Guide – Scrapers
Different tools in the window cleaning process have their purpose. While the washer sleeves will be effective in removing the greasy residue, dust, smudges, and insect gunk that is on the windows, what about issues like adhesive residue that remains on the glass surface when posters are pulled down? Or cement and stucco on the windows after there has been a recent construction or renovation job on the premises? Stickers, glued-on particles, paint overspray – these can be difficult to remove. However, you just need to get the right window cleaning equipment for the task: a scraper.
Scrapers enable the user to quickly remove the caked-on debris and stubborn grime from windows. These are tools that have been specifically designed for the task, as opposed to one simply reaching for a screwdriver or putty knife – which would damage the window in the process. So how do you choose between the different scrapers that are out there?
Factors To Consider When Buying A Scraper
Size
You want window cleaning equipment that is convenient to work with. Some situations call for large scrapers – like when you have an expansive area to cover, while for others you just want a pocket scraper that you can occasionally whip out as you carry on with the rest of the washing. Basically, you want sufficient coverage for each stroke you make, without it being a hindrance to its functionality.
Razor blade material
Dealing with all that stubborn gunk leads to the blades getting worn out over time. As such, you want to first ensure that you’re getting high quality blades that will provide you with extended usage. From those with Danish flexible steel blade to those where the scraping is done with carbon steel blades, there are different choices available.
Replacement parts
This is especially with regards to the razor blades. Given the level of wear that is bound to occur, you should have a sufficient amount of replacement blades in your window cleaning equipment toolkit. Remember that the razor needs to be in proper condition when working on the windows. Damaged blades will be a threat to the glass panes, and also affect the effectiveness of the process.
Safety features
The scraper is a dangerous tool. The blades are sharp, and you want to take every step necessary to protect yourself and those in your environment. Features like a safety cover on the scraper are important to prevent people from getting injured by the blade. In light of this, always ensure that you have placed back the cover after using the caper. A cover with a bold colour – like yellow, is also easily identifiable from a distance. For window cleaning equipment like pocket scrapers, they usually have a retractable blade, where the goal is the same. In addition, always ensure that the scraper is kept out of the reach of children.
Extra design attributes
These will depend on the scope of the job being undertaken. For instance, scrapers with angled heads come in handy when working with awkward positions. A rubberised handle on the other hand enables you to ensure that you retain a firm grip on the scraper when carrying out the task. These features will vary from one tool to the next, and the choice one makes will depend on their particular working conditions.
Given that there are situations where you may need to access windows that are out of arms’ reach, such as those on the upper floors, check whether the scraper can be attached to an extension pole, and the particular poles that it is compatible with. If not, are there you can acquire attachments that will enable this to be done? This is especially for the professional contractors who tend to find themselves in these situations frequently.
Brand
Which company has manufactured the scraper? What is its track record, and what do other buyers of its products have to say about the quality of the items they received? Companies that have been established for years, with wide markets, definitely come with an added advantage. The window cleaning industry is highly competitive, and for a brand to survive for long and actually remain profitable, it’s a pointer to the reliability of the products they provide. Check out the reviews of the different window cleaning products from the brand as well. When a company is supplying both professional window cleaners and end-users like homeowners taking care of their installations, there’ll be plenty of feedback that you can pick up. That way, you will have more confidence in the purchase that you’re making, and will get a value return for the amount you spend. What’s more, sourcing for the window cleaning products form the same brand enables you to take advantage of features such as using the same exertion pole for the squeegees, washers and scrapers since they have been designed to be compatible with the tools.
The Scraping Process
To go about the task, follow these steps:
Wet the glass surface. The scraping should never be done on a dry window. Lubrication is needed to prevent scratches from being formed. Ideally the scraping can be carried out as part of the washing process, since the surface will have already been soaped up and scrubbed with window cleaning equipment like a washer sleeve. Whipping out the scraper here will enable you to take advantage of the suitable conditions and easily remove the stubborn debris.
Scrape the target area using forward strokes. This plough-like motion is vital. Do not scrape from side to side, or even drag the scraper back on the surface. This is to prevent situations where the debris that is trapped under the blade gets dragged on the glass surface and causes scratches.
In case you have doubts about whether or not the window can be safely scraped, you can carry out a test run on an area of the window that is inconspicuous. After a couple of strokes with the scraper, observe the condition of that area from different angles, and in different lighting conditions.

Window Cleaning Equipment Guide – Scrapers