Why Luke The Window Cleaner Uses Steel Wool for Window Cleaning

Had a few more questions on why I use steel wool for window cleaning, thought id make a more detailed video explaining why.
CLICK BELOW TO BUY THE TOOLS WE USE IN OUR VIDEOS shopwindowcleaningresource.co...
NEW TO THE TRADE? WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER A WINDOW CLEANING KIT YOU CAN BUY THEM HERE:
BASIC KIT:shopwindowcleaningresource.co...
RESIDENTIAL PLUS KIT:shopwindowcleaningresource.co...
WINDOW CLEANING WEDNESDAYS
A new video every Wednesday!
Last Weeks Video: • Window Cleaner Episode #2
WINDOW CLEANER
A live streaming window cleaning show. Airs every second Sunday of the month.
Last Month's Video: • Commercial Window Clea...
Luke & Reanna’s VLOG
A random Vlog following us with our window cleaning company and day to day life.
Last Vlog: • Vlog #6 Calling a Fell...
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
/ lukethewindowcleaner
Keep up with up coming window cleaning videos , new window cleaning tools, shout outs, ask questions and more.
If you're new to the trade I have created a HOW TO CLEAN WINDOWS Playlist check it out here: HOW TO CLEAN WINDOWS: • How To Clean Windows
My channel covers window cleaning tips, tricks of the trade. From traditional window cleaning tools to water fed poles and purified water systems. I created this channel to help new guys and gals to the window cleaning business. Covering how to clean windows , diy tips and window cleaning business tips. We clean storefronts,commercial and residential windows. If you're a veteran or new to the window cleaning business I'm sure there is something here for you.
WHERE WE SHOP FOR WINDOW CLEANING TOOLS: shopwindowcleaningresource.com
We shop exclusively at window cleaning resource. They have the best selection and great prices. 24 hour customer service and a extremely knowledge staff. Window cleaning resource has done a lot for the window cleaning community with their forum,Facebook groups etc.
From
TRADITIONAL WINDOW CLEANING TOOLS:
shopwindowcleaningresource.co...
WATER FED POLES:
shopwindowcleaningresource.co...
PURE WATER SYSTEMS:
shopwindowcleaningresource.co...
www.knightprowindowcleaning.com
www.bluespringswindowcleaning.com

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

I just cleaned windows that haven't been washed in 30+ years, They would NOT come clean, even with coarse Scotch bright scruffy. IDK what was on there, but, Steel wool was the answer. It worked like a charm, I working on a total of 256 small glass pains and 32 storm windows to clean, 208 are done. Steel wool saved my ass.. Big time.!

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+ThomasTheSailor Chubby thanks for backing me up there lol...feel free to sub !

[@kimk3842]

Thanks for your comment. Gives me great hope. 👍

[@Hammer-py4mr]

That's a great video thanks! Could I ask will 0000 steel wool work best for glass exterior balustrade soiled with algae and moss? Should I spray vinegar on first? Thanks

[@shaukatshaikh3472]

Thanks man. You are hands were working like magic. Completely flawless moves n all surface cleaned. Amazing

[@KevintheWindowCleaner]

I have been using 0000steel wool for about 2 months now. It works great. Thanks Luke

[@brucebmendoza]

Awe man that’s genius. I’m gonna incorporate that in my auto glass cleaning method. And give it a try. Thanks for the tip

[@marilynroberts9490]

Hi Luke, just moved to an area that has a lot of calcium in the water so my car windows look like crap! I’m on my way to the hardware store now! Big Thanks!

[@previnmarquez3753]

Way back 40 years ago when I was working in an auto body shop, the shop manager gave us "4 ott" steel wool to put finishing touches on glass for our customers' cars. At first I thought WHAT?! won't it scratch glass? nope...cleanest glass you ever saw. Used dry.

[@harwoodgzs]

How do you use the steel wool to wash car windows? Step by step thanks

[@jonrandall5490]

always fun to watch a pro !!

[@CliftonPhotographer]

I just bought a pack of this at a local hardware store. No, it wasn't home Depot, because they wanted to sell a giant bag of it, where the local store sold me a few pieces for a much better price!

[@johnshelhorse]

Finally ... an expert. Thank you, Luke.

[@fozzybear8878]

Thanks, Ned Kelly!

[@Obiekb]

I agree 100% on the steel wool. A good friend of mine still relies on his scraper. Scrapers are great, but steel wool is better for the fine build up you’re talking about. #0000. Is the way to go.

[@wvanallen1]

I used up my last piece today and I need to go pick up some more. I love the stuff. Good video.

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

Thanks wvanallen!

[@thesqaanalyst]

you handle your tools like a boss!

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

Thanks man

[@tomsltz]

I was just thinking the same!

[@jonrandall5490]

me too !

[@BC-hc5dq]

That's what she said.

[@slicktype001]

2:18 🤯. A thing of beauty

[@groundeffects3032]

0000 steel wool is Awesome! We bought a home and was cleaning the windows. Some Idiot contractor over sprayed the outside portion of some windows. I had to razor some larger paint splatter. The steel wool took care of the rest. I don't know how they would've ever come clean. Awesome tip!

[@jorgetoloza269]

Dude thanks, have to clean over 100 windows of a sea side mansion I take care ,,I saved my @$$...

[@bikertod]

great tutorial Luke,i use the square bronze wool pads,they work very well and don't have to be to concerned with rusting,,keep up the good work and i enjoy the vids.todd

[@jerrybowers7396]

I'm assuming you use the "fine" grade?

[@Laffy1345]

Thanks good tip.

[@peacesearcher4598]

Works well

[@steverogers2720]

Hi Luke, I've been cleaning windows for years and have always used the #0000 steel wool but unlike you I use it after I wash the window and I use it dry. I t still won't scratch and the wool stays dry so you can use it several times without it going rusty. I have had about 3 windows with some really stubborn stains where I have used it wet but it 's worth wasting some wool to get top results and keep my customers happy. I am in an area where hard water stains are very common and Steel wool is my best weapon. cheers good Vid

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+Steve Rogers thanks man 😎

[@Jasdasup]

I am in the same boat - I only use the wool dry and it is awesome!

[@Milepost1965]

Steel wool is something I discovered on my own in my experience, I kept running into things that didn't want to give up the fight like adhesive, mineral stains or hard water stains, a steel wool pad is like a magic wand....

[@jonrandall5490]

a real pro.... nice !!

[@matttora106]

looking back I believe this video made me a better window cleaner just adding the steel wool into my toolbox I've seen fantastic results with it

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

wow thanks matt glad it helped

[@Fomites]

Thanks Luke. Great information. Question: can 0000 steel wool be used dry? (for example, on the inside of a vehicle's windscreen).

[@1cavscout160]

Have used 0000 steel wool for years on chrome. I guess I will give it a try on glass!

[@rivertownprowashchrisjohns8176]

We love the 0000 steel wool.

[@djlennondbm]

Damn you sure can make good use of that squeegee. Skills baby

[@alvarorodriguez7635]

Hi, great video, but I have a question, how can I remove paint, grime and silicone in construction windows that have a UV protection film? Can I use the razor and steel wool?

[@Heyitdave]

Car windows this works AMAZING

[@matttora106]

Luke will a scraper scratch safety glass or toughen glass? I know it does tempered

[@yvonneost12]

Love the wrist action with the squeegy LOL

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+yvonneost12 thanks buddy

[@donnymagana3449]

Question. When doing residential windows, What do you do if objects are in the way of you of cleaning the windows? For example sofa’s night stands

[@renostubbs8504]

Awesome video bro,would you use it for the removal of paint as well,or the scraper is a better option??

[@MessyBunGarage]

hey Luke, i know this is an old video but i noticed the little shelf type thing you have on your ladder. where can i get one of those? whats that called? thanks so much!

[@sumners6466]

will this remove bleach residue off of a window? Bleach got on my windows from pressure washing last year and I cant find anything to get it off. obviously it wasn't rinsed enough and dried on there. Just came across your channel and love the advise thank you

[@all-starwindowcleaning7155]

Great video!! How many windows will 1 steel wool clean till you throw out?

[@cathyrixon8369]

I tried the fine steel wool pads that have pink palm soap in them as well as knife scraper blades on my fish tank and repeated the process many of times .it came up considerably better although I can't get rid of the stains on the outside backwall as the plastic background feature has had water leaked between it and etched itself to the glass .what do you recommend. Your help would be greatly appreciated matey

[@ESTJordan]

Kick-Ass!

[@fasst27]

Luke! What about bronze wool (fine 000)? I work on yachts and stainless steel will leave rust on the paint.

[@MadeintheUK987]

Hi what kind of squeegee are you using? I’d like to get one myself! Thank you!

[@iammeecho]

I always used triple 000 but never used quad 0000. Didn’t know if it’ll scratch. So it is good on glass as well right?

[@Milepost1965]

Can I offer you guys especially Green horns a tip when your not sure if windows are tinted or just smokey colored, go as low as you possibly can into a corner where nobody ever looks a give it a prick with a blade, if it scratches it's tinted.

[@philipstrickland8228]

I couldn't find that brand of steel wool. Could you put a link up?

[@meisama8593]

Can i use autosol and scrub with steel wool to my android player glass?

[@aviezek3072]

cool...ever tried this on car windshield? especially european cars?

[@typerightseesight]

i used to use it detailing cars to get stubborn bird shit and sticker goop off and it worked fine just not on the defrost window. but its fine for windows too? sometimes i walk right past tape marks cuz i dont want to ruin the window.. a razer blade or steel wool? any help?

[@danieljerloew]

Luke does it matter what brand steel wool ? What about bronze pad ?

[@sandeesandee2562]

where can one get one of those razors and the size of it? thanks

[@malcolme127]

What do you use for tinted windows if not steel wool?

[@dustinbrown2122]

I'm in the middle of removing tint residue from storefront windows, it's so bad steel wool won't really get it so i'm having to use a razor, it took us 2 hours for the first window and about an hour for each window done so far it's insane not sure if i'm using the best method or not with just wetting and using the razor, the residue coming off is like string cheese.

[@Milepost1965]

Take good care of your equipment, your only as good as your equipment..

[@crystalclear451]

I use it 00000000 that is what makes the difference between me and everyone else I also use Nano wax it gives it that extra gloss and added protection

[@claytongriffin3158]

I use Sorbo squeezes what do you use?

[@grahamwalkingshaw6344]

Been a window.cleaner for 20 years and.never even heard of steel wool being used.on windows,

[@beansrice8764]

How about on scale shower glass doors ?

[@Eroc.48]

Is there a foolproof way of knowing which side of the window has tint without damaging it?

[@samuelsemadeni4923]

So you said to be careful on the film windows. How to you go about cleaning windows with film safely and effectively?

[@sandyreynolds4118]

Which little squeegee did u use and thanks

[@javiernajera8420]

Make sure to rinse off good. It leaves fakes, therefore small rust marks.

[@user-he4dj7rm4b]

What brand or type of squeegee do you use?

[@bigpoppa0522]

What about a clay bar?? Would that be the same ?

[@guyh.4553]

GREAT INFORMATION! I'm just a "civilian" doing our house. We have very hard water and have significant hard water stains built up over time? How well does this work for that issue? Plus I would imagine that I may have to go over them a couple of times? Great info though. Thanks!

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+Guy H. uh it will help if you're using a good hard water remover chemical. i suggest a1 from titan labs. thanks for your kind words , feel free to sub !

[@justice4g]

and for windows where you need a long pole?

[@chuckcatlett1835]

Great tips, question though, what soap do you prefer?

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

Thanks chuck I use dawn

[@gregaaron5728]

Nice video as usual Luke, hey would it be a good idea to attach a buffing weel to a cordless drill (maybe a white pad)and use it as heavy ordinance on the windows with water spots that the steel wool can't get out

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+Greg Aaron ya that should work . We use a sander with steel wool

[@bradcruise9730]

Greg Aarron how did u go with the cordless buffer

[@adamthewindowcleaner8769]

Hi Luke, Great video. Have you had any problem with customers stating you have scratched their windows whilst using the wire wool?

[@AMindInOverdrive]

Window scratches are caused by impurities already on the glass surface (shards from the cutting process, baked on during manufacture); Usually in cheaper glass. When you scrape with a blade or clean with wire wool, this will drag the impurities along the surface creating a scratch. You will notice it more on toughened glass (doors and large panes) - A good tip to check if it's high quality glass, is to carefully blade an inconspicuous area on a door. If you see any small scratches forming as you blade, stop and don't blade or steel wool any of the glass - better to leave it than get blamed for the scratches. You can google the cause of it and have some printouts ready for clients just in case www.clearviewsun.com/technical/glass-scratching

[@AMindInOverdrive]

If it's an initial clean (post-construction), I've even warned clients beforehand that if they want me to blade the glass, impurities may cause scratches. Give them the printout explaining why it happens and have them sign an agreement that they are aware of it and won't hold you responsible if they scratch. Otherwise you can both agree to clean as best you can without blading/steel-wool

[@lynnettawilliams2138]

What solution are u using on you're windows please

[@evgilliand]

I use the bronze wool pads for the same thing. I like them because of zero rusting .

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

I would use bronze ..can't seem to find it locally here :/

[@evgilliand]

Feel your pain. I had to bring mine in from Australia. Postage makes your eyeballs bleed. :-)

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

I bet! If I could find some locally it's all I'd use

[@BlackPhoenix90]

where do you get your bronze wool in australia from? i've been on the hunt for some and can't seem to find a solid lead! also was the bronze wool fine enough to not leave any scratches on the glass? can't seem to find as much info on bronze wool as opposed to steel wool. thanks in advance!

[@evgilliand]

Dougieee e I'm in NZ but buy my bronze wool pads from Peter Erken. windowcleaningworld.com If they aren't listed just contact him and ask...

[@robertolsson9989]

What was the name of this? We don't use it so much in Europe, or in Sweden at least. But newer windows are very sencitive to razors...

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

Robert Olsson Hi Robert.. its 0000 steel wool. the 4 0's indicates its grade. (it means that it is very fine) and as Eric said always look for bronze wool as well it dosent have the rusting issue.

[@eothamec2427]

Do you think I could use 0000 steel wool for resoring an old fish tank with calcium grime build up? I’ve used a rag and fish safe cleaners but it’s not quite getting the job done.

[@E-Kat]

Use the descaler for calcium. It's sold to be used in bathrooms. Soak some old tea towels or similar with the liquid and cover the glass with it, wetting a bit more in the stubborn areas and leave it over night. You could also cover the whole aquarium with a big plastic bag, to stop it from drying. Next day you'll have a very clean aquarium. Rinse it extremely well!!

[@rickemmons7300]

A huge difference, but only on new glass. Skip the steel wool, use some elbow grease and do the window in one-third the time. Cleaned windows for 45 years....never needed it.

[@justenb1560]

whats your opinion on cleaning windows in the rain/drizzle? other than getting wet I don mind if anything I believe it can only help "hungry water"

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

Justen for res we will in very light drizzle if the customer is ok with it. for route work light to med rain

[@justenb1560]

gotcha thanks for tha reply

[@user-dj5gv1zr1t]

I’ve issued steel wool on a house with white brick and it left behind a brown stain on it 😕

[@Milepost1965]

Nothing beats a new rubber blade except for someone whose careless and doesn't look for things that take a microscopic chunk out of your blade, you can't see it on the blade until you put pressure on the blade and now you've got a line across the window that won't go away

[@samchavarria8404]

when u say grime.. does that include oxidation..

[@jamesadams5175]

what kind of razor knife action is that ? SLOW DOWN ! deliberate full strokes

[@Milepost1965]

People who clean their windows at Home have no idea steel wool pads are not for just cleaning the oven, steel wool pads work miracles on windows too.

[@Thesupersqueegeesalida]

have you ever compared it to the white scrub pads? That's all I've used and it doesn't seem to wear out much at all. I just don't know which one scrubs better...

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

I have actually. .. the white pads aren't all that bad .... they just don't have the same scrubbing power as the steel wool from what I've found

[@bookerthegamer3858]

Luke The Window Cleaner really? Well then I'm going to have to try them out myself then! Thanks again bro!

[@lukeknight2247]

I relate to this vid cus I’m a window cleaner and my names Luke Knight haha

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

Lol nice to meet you luke

[@lukeknight2247]

What exactly is “Knight window cleaning”?

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

That was the name of our window cleaning buisness

[@isaacholzwarth]

Hi Luke, I use bronze wool when I am washing windows, it doesn't rust! Is there a reason to use steel wool over bronze?

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

hey buddy! bronze will not rust but isn't as abrasive as steel wool. I use bronze wool on our wfp mostly and steel wool for trad work

[@isaacholzwarth]

Luke The Window Cleaner thanks for the reply! I love your videos, you two seem like really cool people! I think I'll buy some steel wool and see how I like it! :)

[@Milepost1965]

People who clean windows especially Green horns need to understand the importance of taking good care of their equipment why, because your equipment takes care of you and you are nothing without your tools.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

I wish all How-To videos were this cut and dry.

[@lasilveira805]

How do you clean dirty painted jealousies?

[@Curt-do7cl]

Hi Luke what area do you service. 10 years I have not got to mine

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

20 since I had one. And 5 since I saw it. Wish I knew how to find one. Take care

[@user-nj1zu2nf1x]

I don't know how but I scratched a window pretty bad the other day. No idea how. Guessing the steel wood was too dirty and I pressed too hard. It was also dark out so I couldn't tell I was scratching it from the other side. Any remedies?

[@mackii6065]

How much do you charge for window cleaming? per panel?

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+mackii6065 really all depends ..res , com, storefronts and frequency

[@jamesharrison1975]

Fine Bronze wool lasts longer and doesn't corrode and leave mucky rust water

[@yvonneost12]

how can I get snowy coloured streaks off my shower screen glass I have tried everything on the net plus some and as soon as it's dried its still there , it's like it's in the glass ??? any ideas . You can only really notice it from the inside of the shower , from the outside it looks reasonably clean . Believe me I have tried everything , going nuts - or I am nuts by now...LOL

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+yvonneost12 sounds like hard water... you can try 0000 steel wool but you will most likely need a hard water remover as well if it's really bad

[@yvonneost12]

I've never heard of a hard water remover , so do you get stuff like that from a hardware store ? we have Bunnings here down under,

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+yvonneost12 yes I prefer a1 from titan labs. are you from Australia?

[@Milepost1965]

Hey, how many of you have had a pigeon fly into your windows after you cleaned them? You come back the next month and you see the impact of the Bird on the window. The reason why is because the Bird sees the reflection on the window and it looks like a way out for the Bird until the sudden stop and breaks it's neck.

[@Kaprlaalis]

That actually happened on my first job when I cleaned huge storefront windows. :D

[@MrG-hm7xs]

So what do u use on tinted windows...

[@jbraz8]

Microfiber towel and a lot of elbow grease, same circular motions, patience and a good quote LOL

[@beverleyscott4853]

Do you use steel wool on your car windows? Good vid, thanks

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

You can , just make sure they don't have any tint . thanks !

[@thegamingnoose1889]

Can you use steel wool if the tint is on the inside?

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+TheGamingNoose well sure ...as long as you dont steel wool the actual tint you should be fine

[@thegamingnoose1889]

Alright thanks. Do you know if there is a way to check what side the tint is on?

[@searchingforsalsa]

TheGamingNoose chances are it's on the inside of car windows, take a razor and try to make a tiny scratch in a corner or something

[@XpetraXpazlX]

would a brillo pad not work?

[@slug77ster]

Brillo is much coarser than 0000 steel wool. Yes it will badly scratch your glass!

[@WilliamHardwick]

Thanks for the tips. I use this video to train my guys here at a1clean.com

[@ekaterinas.1330]

Remember 00 00 only!!!!!

[@shantor100]

I'd be nervous about banging that window up against the ladder. Yeah it's leaning and touching the plastic but????

[@Biblicalgiants]

..hey Luke..what the hell are those little black half spherical dots that you find on some windows usually near bushes..they're really hard and almost always have to be scraped of with a razor..we call them bugs pots at work but don't really know. for sure..but it seams like they're some kind of insect egg or larvae or something like that..anyway..thanks man!..good video!..

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

It's a type of pollen I believe. that's why you always find them near bushes

[@Biblicalgiants]

+Luke The Window Cleaner ..wow..thanks man!..

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

+biblical giants anytime !

[@dridinger]

It might be shotgun fungus. It's from cedar wood chips in the landscaping. Pretty tough to get off.

[@TNSnowMan55]

Artillery fungus spore, also known as shotgun fungus. They live in the decaying debris on the forest floor, so they feel right at home in wood mulch. They shoot their spore towards light, brightness, which means that windows with the sunlight bouncing off them are a favorite target. If you have a white car, don't park it near a mulched garden bed. They can shoot those little resin balls up to 20 feet! A good razor scraper does the trick on a wet window. Whenever I see mulch, I charge accordingly.

[@ItsMeDorito]

No scratches? That’s actually very surprising

[@raulmartinez8218]

Can you use 0 grade wool steel?

[@veritas2145]

Yes😂

[@arbozaliyan]

why steel wool and not normal sponge? wont steel wool damage the glass?

[@jonrandall5490]

gee liyan,,,,watch the video, and read all the comments... you are so dumb you probably stay up all night studying for your urine test....

[@moot2046]

For American out there, when you live in western Europe, DO NOT USE steel wool. Countries like French, Germany, Netherland, etc are using multi-layer windows that also coated to reflect heat. When more American houses using multi-layer windows, I can't wait to see the Luke face when scratching those windows with steel wool or razor.

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

We have those here. Just don't use steel wool 🤪

[@AnDa1983]

Hey, thanks for the video. What exactly is a multi layered window? I have a toy hauler RV with oem dark tinted windows and I want to get all the debris off of the windows but this "multilayered" comment has me concerned using the steel wool...

[@E-Kat]

Some of my windows are 150 years old and I wouldn't use wire wool on them. I just wash them well, till my cloth is totally white, wipe off the slightly soapy water a couple of times, and then I use a squeegee and the result is perfect. I add a bit of vinegar to the last water. To make them last longer, you need to wash the dirt very well and then not much dirt will stuck to them for a long time. Unless a bird gives you a present!😂