The Most Advanced Squeegee & Techniques - Squeegee Skills Episode 5

In this video we look at the most advanced squeegee in the world and why you should use it, plus some advanced techniques when using it in the hand.
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Thank you very much for watching and hope to see you soon!
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[@grahamfrancis1716]

You window cleaner guys don't know what you have let yourselves in for. I was only doing it for 21 years and am now 81 years old having retired three times but going back to do water fed to tops and trad to bottoms. I can't still let it go, I love it and have picked up just a few jobs recently to satisfy my addiction. The new gear still keeps coming and I have recently bought and tried the Moerman squeegee and I like it a lot. Am I crazy or is it like old soldiers(Which I am also one) we never Die , just fade away.? I love looking at the videos so keep them coming everyone, well at least for another few years , just to keep an old man happy!!!

[@TradMan]

Really nice to hear your comment. It's great your still enthusiastic 😁 Well done for mastering the tool, many can't. Keep up your good work 👍🏻

[@veganwindowcleaningservice5139]

Hello Trad Man, I'm always watching your videos, I've just started and literally feel you give great demonstrations, thank you

[@TradMan]

Very welcome

[@robhillman3523]

Hi Trad Man, thanks for all the excellent vids and your time making them. Can you advise or discuss the maximum sensible size of channel lengths to use for hand and pole work? Many thanks Rob

[@TradMan]

Well I can tell you what I use. On most jobs I'll carry a 16,12 and 6 inch for in hand use. For pole work I use either a 14 or 10 inch excelerator

[@johnnelson4948]

Great video mate. I’m a wfp window cleaner and do about 20 percent trad but struggling with turn marks I’m using a wagtail and not sure whether this locking up is causing this Any help would be appreciated John

[@rayadocerda5627]

Awesome video and the way you explain the technique super clear to understand thank you

[@TradMan]

Rayado cerda glad it helps

[@uhs5441]

Bravo.I recommend you to wrap the top endsof ladder with,a towel or rubber caps etc to prevent any damage on stucco window sill.

[@nathankaye9594]

Just watched the vid. Very good and informative. I really like the minimalistic explanation when cleaning the patio door. When i did trad and the odd jobs which i do trad, i use very similar but i start at the bottom left and take it up, then cut across and pull down. Both save a whole lot of time and well worth ones learning the technique. Again brilliant vid

[@TradMan]

Awesome dude :) Thanks for the comment and taking the time to watch!

[@windowcleaning7186]

Looking great brother keep up the fantastic videos and minimizing your movements is a great idea 💡

[@TradMan]

Thanks ;)

[@MrJam-jr9kv]

one of the most informative videos yet, i am 100% sold on the moerman, detailing is taking me to much time and wet scrims and ive alot of pole work to do so the flick looks perfect as well

[@TradMan]

Oh yeah once you master it, every other tool is just no use

[@krzysztofgladki8619]

Very good video! Well done! Thank you!

[@TradMan]

Thank you for watching, much appreciated!

[@beverlyclark6555]

Thank you Trad man! You have missed your calling. You definitely should have a window cleaning Academy and you will be the head professor. I think you should be doctor squeegee. Great job!

[@TradMan]

Beverly Clark Thanks for the kind comment, I enjoy helping people and enjoy window cleaning so makes me happy to know that the videos are useful to people. Thanks for watching!

[@barrybakewell7968]

nice video very informative thanks

[@waynebuckelew7597]

Very informative video!!

[@TradMan]

😉🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@bensonCP]

With the up around and down method, I have found that just arcing up from the bottom and continuing that arc into the left hand frame works well. No turn marks. But it doesn't work so well to achieve little/no detailing on the edges.

[@reliablewindowcleaning9829]

I am thinking of getting a Moerman, I have only used Ettore and Unger. I prefer the Ettore over my 2 Ungers. My Unger bleed with pole use. I dont know why.

[@macgyverbryan1377]

I use some Moerman channels in Wagtails using Ettore medium blades. That little extra move on the doors is smart.

[@TradMan]

Happy days 😁✌🏻

[@mowtownni4587]

Great video, being a gardener the only windows I clean are family's and my own. Some windows are quite large say 8ft by 3/4ft and these are the ones that cause me issues with soap marks. Any tricks for large panes?

[@TradMan]

Yeah big windows I would use an 18 or 22 inch liquidator. I would dunk the applicator in the bucket then apply the soap to the applicator. If it's a really big window I would do it in 2 halfs especially if it was warm weather, but yeah just use a big channel, you'll need to push a bit harder with the longer channels than the smaller ones but still not a "death grip" on the squeegee ;)

[@dillydillyy]

Great video!

[@TradMan]

😊👍🏻

[@mono6906]

Nice video, thanks, in France most of the seals have a straight slope of 45 degrees, would you say that it's not necessary to detail with the Moerman channel ?

[@TradMan]

Once you practice, zero detailing is achievable with the moerman no problem 😉

[@cleanstreakwindowcleanings1410]

Solid! Great video! Well done...up the ladder no less! Impressive

[@TradMan]

Mans gotta eat 👍👍🤣

[@AlexanderSchmidt-vn3te]

Realy good

[@kimple79]

Loving your tips and reviews trad man. How often do you find you have to clean the frames? I always get an feeling of guilt when I leave a property without wiping down frames weather they need it or not 🙈

[@TradMan]

Yeah normally i give the frames a quick wipe down, My customers are done every month so frames are normally not too bad, some spider webs and light dirt. Although if like in EUROPE and USA I would have to take more time on the frames as they only get done once or twice a year. Thank you very much for watching, really appreciated!

[@Grahams-Grass]

Just brought a used one 14" fitted with red razor .. the first few times I used it I thought oh my it's pants but after a bit of practice I do see how and why you think they are the bollocks .. I just love it now it is amazing

[@TradMan]

Haha brill

[@choomax9798]

Really good video!

[@TradMan]

👍👍🧔

[@daveking3054]

You make it look easy. I started using Moreman's last year due to you & Polzn Bladz's influence, but I'm still not quite used to it. sometimes it works great & other times not so much. I'll pay closer attention to your videos...lol

[@TradMan]

dave king Yeah takes a little while to get used to the tool, keep practicing ;)

[@MarkGardiner1976]

Have you had any problems with your Fliq pads curling on the outside corners. Both mine have done that despite drying them out flat

[@TradMan]

I know some previous versions were meant to do that. I didn't like it. The ones i got recently were flat though

[@MarkGardiner1976]

@@TradMan Yes. I need to buy some new stuff soon so I might get another one. Cheers.

[@TradMan]

No worries buddy

[@orlandolockhart6558]

Congrats! That's a very nice video. Could you give us some info about those gloves? They look great for the cold weather.

[@TradMan]

Sure here you go... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iITdnX2tpbiojKs

[@orlandolockhart6558]

@@TradMan Thanks a lot! Keep up with the good work. Greetings from Spain.🙋🏾‍♂️

[@TradMan]

@@orlandolockhart6558 your very welcome, greetings from cold Scotland

[@Nspeedtheone]

19:50 haha i LoL'ed so hard 😝😅

[@luzicz2790]

Thank you doctor trad man my wrists are very thankful

[@TradMan]

Haha! Great, no one wants sore wrists ;)

[@TradMan]

Luzic z Ive subscribed to your channel, now you need to upload some videos of your window cleaning ;)

[@luzicz2790]

I'm still working on my own ways I still take to long I need to find a way to go little quicker but still do high quality job

[@TradMan]

Even if you just show your beginning setup and how your doing things, and how you would like to be in the near future

[@luzicz2790]

Ok i will gave a go

[@benjaminbentley7438]

Hi trad man just started using moerman squeegee no detailing but leaves lines on the window been window cleaning for 25 years so I know what I’m doing normal squeegee detailing but no lines would love your advice make the job so much easier thanks

[@TradMan]

Do you add soap to applicator? What rubber you using buddy?

[@paudielyons3918]

Great video as usual Trad-man. I admire your skill and attention to detail. Very informative. I only do powerwashing / facia soffit cleaning which requires washing down the windows after but after watching your techniques I feel I have some knowledge to offer window cleaning as well. Keep up the great work, and always enjoy the accent. Thanks Paudie from Ireland. 👍

[@TradMan]

Thanks pal!!!

[@SirBigzalot]

Great technique, I’m not sure if it’s due to the moerman you cut in the way you do but I avoid covering the same area twice by cutting in higher to the left of frame edge sweeping up with my squeegee till it’s butting up against top frame and angling it back as I pull. 10+years no issues with fanning that way. I’ll have to give the moerman a go but I heard it’s not the easiest to fan with?

[@TradMan]

Asher Fawcus The moerman squeegee gives some people issues with fanning if they use sloppy solution or haven’t cut the rubber well. If folks follow the tips from the last few videos in this squeegee skills playlist they will have zero issues and zero to detail.

[@benjaminbentley7438]

Just started using the moerman no detailing but leaves lines on the window

[@TradMan]

Are you adding the soap to applicator

[@vittorio4109]

It is possible to use this technique for cleaning a bus's windescreen? 🤔

[@squeakycleandave1]

Great video as usual. Very informative. Almost makes me want to go trad. (Almost)😜

[@TradMan]

Haha!!!!! Brill

[@user-zk4tv4jh3p]

What should be the Squeegee angle in relation to the glass, how to control it? (Moerman Excelerator 25°) Thank You

[@TradMan]

Yeah in hand usually 25° but if you have deep frames then pop it in 10° On a pole if the window is above your head, normally 25° is ok and if the window is below head height then pop it in 10° But best thing really is experiment and get a feel for it, and you'll know what angles to use depending on situation

[@monicaaquino8647]

Get better nice videos thank you

[@davethewindowlicker2367]

Keep the shades After you heal they look cool......

[@TradMan]

Dave The Window Licker lol! Cheers Dave ;)

[@larrycrook1593]

I have the exact tool. Can you explain why your not using it in swivel mode? No - I’m not trying to be a wise ass. I got it in the fall and still trying to get the hang of it - Thanks!

[@TradMan]

Lol it's cool. Yeah in hand its in fixed mode which is for better control and precision especially on paper thin flat laying seals. Swivel mode is for allowing you to twist the pole left and right so the squeegee turns and you don't have to physically move your arms much to get the squeegee to manoeuvre round the window. Hope that makes sense.

[@bassamjreidi2593]

Hi Trad-Man, I am wondering how you apply your squeegee technique on a wider window, let's say 2 meters wide (continuous). Do you have any videos on this. Many thanks. Great videos btw.

[@TradMan]

You can break it down into sections ie do top half then bottom half or do left side then right for example if its a big window and particularly if it's warm weather

[@bassamjreidi2593]

@@TradMan Thanks man, I appreciate. I will try left and right then.

[@TradMan]

Always good to experiment 👌🏻

[@ml6cut463]

M8 wot angle do you have squeegee in this vid? Just bought one of these tools yesterday the rubber seems tight at the bulb end do i still need end clips or have they made there rubber a snug fit now?

[@TradMan]

The clips will help keep the rubber from pulling out the channel if you get friction on the glass or rubber seals. The angle for use in hand was 25°

[@ml6cut463]

Brill thanks m8

[@TradMan]

Your very welcome

[@DeekMacGibson]

Hello Peter tried using my liquidator tried fanning down my second floor window with the channel unlocked. Couldn’t do it. Ended up doing straight pull downs which worked ok. Did it take you a long time to get used to it coz you look like a natural with it. Keep up the great work man 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🍺

[@TradMan]

Yeah buddy can take a good few weeks to get it down on a pole. Practice low level for a while first, then go higher 😁👍🏻

[@DeekMacGibson]

Cheers bud I’ll keep at it 👍🏽👍🏽🍺🍺

[@TradMan]

@@DeekMacGibson message me through the Trad-Man facebook page if you get stuck, that way you can send videos and I can guide you from there 👍🏻

[@DeekMacGibson]

Nice one I’ll get my daughter to show you an see what I’m doing wrong. Cheers man👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@TradMan]

@@DeekMacGibson no worries 👍🏻

[@MaDDeXTeR1]

ive noticed that theres loads of different frames over the years some seals are different and still need to use the cloth these sort of windows are perfect as there no seals showing so rarley any detailing i have a few like like this what is your recommened rubber also where do they do a 16 inch squeege you cut it yourself

[@TradMan]

This is an example, but i deal with all kinds of windows, all shapes sizes and types of rubber seals, my tools stay the same and i never have to detail the glass. Takes practice though. The 16 inch was a 18 inch cut down

[@TradMan]

I use moerman soft rubber

[@MaDDeXTeR1]

your windows must be abit easier than mine or something ive been cleaning windows for 5 years and been using the liquidator for 2 years and the only way you dont leave a little water down the side is if you take your time you cant really go super fast with this tool as it just doesnt work properly unless you take your time i like to go fast as i have alot of work it works good if if i use it at a steady constant pace

[@TradMan]

To be able to see what you mean are you able to use this link to my Facebook page and PM me a short up close video of what you are experiencing. facebook.com/mrtradman/ Also, do you put the soap on the applicator? 👍👍👨🏼

[@grez6330]

Can you do straight pulls properly though trad man?

[@TradMan]

I don't use straight pulls personally unless I have to (ie window is in a really awkward location). It often leaves residue behind that needs detailed with a cloth. Using the liqs and fanning the window you get zero detailing to do so although it's a bit slower than the straight pull initially, it can be quicker overall as you don't waste time wiping glass which also in turn means no marks / smears / bits of cloth fibres left behind. Hope that helps

[@grez6330]

@@TradMan the thing is Peter, is, that after 25 cleaning trad, I have discovered, by practice, that straight pulls when done with my own technique, are far 👌 away quicker, and by achieving a downward motion with the squeegee, it gives a superior clean, streak free, because the pressure, by going down, is better than fanning. I haven't heard one window cleaner on You tube who has perfected it. That is because you and most window cleaners have a limited skill( opposite to learning how to use the liquidator), which is great 👍. But you don't include these traditional, which is "former", squeegee techniques, or actual squeegees, into your working model. You have thrown away the former, the foundation stone of window cleaning, unfortunately. I use old squeegee straight pulls with a mix of subtle twists and turns, using the liquidator.

[@TradMan]

If your happy then happy days 🙂

[@nathankaye9594]

Not watched vid yet, im sure it will be great as im gonna watch it. Just looking through comments to see if anyone else has commented on the staringly obvious at the begining of the vid where we see the house. I loved the carefully parked shopping trolley😂😂 Completely irrelevent, as its not urs, but just had to give a nod to the trolley

[@aaron6841]

Hi trad man I'm getting a strip of water it's not soapy and drys clear but it's left behind when I go into the corner of the frame and pull down what do you think is causing it? Thanks

[@TradMan]

Could be a few things, rubber choice, rubber position in the channel, solution or technique. If you can take a short video of the issue and email it to [e-mail] then I can help

[@aaron6841]

@@TradMan that's fantastic I'll do that thanks trad man :)

[@TradMan]

@@aaron6841 😉

[@masondnatube]

Really useful video cheers Trad-man. I've been struggling with the min move at 13:46 where you "catch it, round it and pull straight down". I usually end up with a tiny bead of water coming off the right side of the squeegee as I pull it down. I think it's something in that catching it and rounding it move that I'm not gettin' quite right every time although I seem to be doing it the same as you. I turned the (ettore) rubber over, tried it on different sides of glass with different hands, had more/less solution, used soap on applicator, angled the right side of squeegee down when pulling down. Is this niggle something you came across and any advice if so? Cheers, been watching lots of your videos as just starting window cleaning and they're really helpful :)

[@TradMan]

Hiya buddy hope your well! My latest video deals with the minimum move 😁👍🏻 It's a few minutes into the video the minimum move comes in

[@masondnatube]

@@TradMan Cheers for the ridiculously quick reply! Will have a look. I'm good, hope you are too :)

[@bazzamow7031]

I find the moerman soap makes these channels work better but leaves film on windows, got a lot of complaints, there must be something out there that gives great slip but no film.

[@BB-br4qh]

Just had he's eyes lasered, that's Scotland for you

[@mustaphaboughaz2024]

أريد شراء المعدات

[@hannibals1097]

lets see if its as good as you say it is. just ordered one lol

[@TradMan]

Lol its all down to the user 😉

[@Gainward1232]

I also do minimal movement just with my Unger ninja, just dive bombing the sites and it's all done great. Great video 👍🏻

[@TradMan]

I loved using my Unger ninja few years back before the liquidator came out. Well built tool, indestructible :) Now with the no detailing blue clips I can get zero detailing in hand and on a pole without having to dive bomb which only works on some types of frames. Thanks very much indeed for watching, really appreciated 👍👍🧔😎

[@JasonDunlop247]

Forgive my sweeping generalisation Trad Man! I know not every Scotsman drinks Iron Brew. Though as an Irishman, i would highly recommend the stuff 😉

[@TradMan]

JD hahahaha

[@bradcruise9730]

what about pole work on the second story..

[@TradMan]

Perfect, that's the next video ;)

[@reliablewindowcleaning9829]

Trad-man, is the Moerman squeegee still your favorite?

[@TradMan]

Yeah nothing beats it, it is so adaptable and cuts out the need to detail the glass, so a big time saver

[@colonynaut1627]

@@TradMan Sorbo just produced three tools which are intended to cut down on detailing - I have them in the post so that should be interesting.

[@TradMan]

Let us know how you get on 👍🏻

[@colonynaut1627]

@@TradMan It's quite interesting watching you formalize tacit knowledge in your educational videos - not many people think from first principals in this area - or any other for that matter but blue collar work is especially obfucated to new learners I feel. You can visit any MOOC or education website and find resources on many esoteric topics but practical hand skills are just not one of those things. I feel like it's a reservoir of knowledge that is going to go away despite the best efforts of KZbinrs like yourself and Ave.

[@TradMan]

For me I enjoy learning and enjoy teaching so happy to help folks out 👍🏻

[@Vestin732]

@ 8:08 do a down up down for 3 total movements, jk good job.

[@grantlalala]

Vestin732 yes!! Although I find sometimes you get a line on the second down motion

[@MrG-hm7xs]

That's funny, I thought only in America people take the store baskets home...

[@TradMan]

Haha nope, some people here do it to, your not suppose to do it but that job in the video is next door to a Tesco so i guess that's become there basket lol

[@joelorenzo7664]

Mate, that was beautifully explained. Thank you. I wish you could be by my side for just 1 hour to watch my technique and to refine it. I don't suppose you fancy a trip to Australia for a weekend to coach me." At your expense of course". I'll cover your food, booze and accommodation. And pick you up and return you to the airport : ) : ) Sounds good to me

[@TradMan]

Haha Australia is full of things that bite and eat you lol! Every programme Ive watched on natures deadliest animals, its always Australia! Knowing me I’d get bitten and eaten on day one hahaha. I’m glad the video helps! I did so many retakes haha I’d be explaining something then my brain went blank so had to retake, talking on camera is a tricky business.

[@theundefeatedlife5011]

How about New Zealand in that case? 😉

[@TradMan]

Lol! Ive heard that's a beautiful place

[@wollefderfensterputzer]

😎👍

[@TradMan]

👍👍😉🧔😎

[@sylviakoresh4161]

Have you ever squeegeed simultaneously with both hands?

[@TradMan]

Yes when I'm just playing around lol

[@mustaphaboughaz2024]

أنا مغربي واعمل في نفس المجال لكن أريد التطور في هذا التخصص

[@TradMan]

Sorry can you translate to English

[@mustaphaboughaz2024]

I am Moroccan and i work in the same field as you and i want To devlop may business

[@matthewp9217]

i've found holding the squeegee with the way your thumb is placed adds wear and tear to wrists

[@TradMan]

Interesting 😊 Thanks for your comment 👍

[@JasonDunlop247]

WTF Trad Man????? Are you on the Whisky & Iron Brew this evening or what?

[@TradMan]

JD Always whisky hahaha