Zen of Window Cleaning June 2006

By Jeff Klass  

I have had some Zen revelations recently, and would like to share these enlightenment's.


We could teach a monkey to be a window cleaner, but why would they want to be one? We are looked on as less than a skilled trade, yet ALWAYS come through for the client. Is this because of preconceived notions on their part, or a lack of educating them on our part, or an association’s part . . . or all of the above?

Window cleaning is probably the one job that requires as much consistency as adaptability.

I mean that the MOTION requires near machine like consistency, but the JOBS require near genius like adaptability. It's all about removing the most solution in the fewest motions, all the while adapting to the constant challenges of the architectural acid trips that pass for buildings nowadays.

Becoming a great window cleaner has little to do with speed . . . anyone, through practice and repetition, will become fast . . . it deals with THINKING your way through a job, finding a way to get the difficult done, working the building in the most efficient way to reduce down (wasted) time, accepting and overcoming the challenge that a particular job poses, getting someone to PAY you, with a big smile, for playing with bubbles -- these things define greatness for today's window cleaning professional.

If window cleaning was really as easy as we make it look, everyone would be doing it. You can go to your local hardware store and get a basic kit, so why is it that we are so in demand? Too much disposable income for our clientele? No, I think it is because we truly are artists, and that is better than any other drywall, electrician, or insert your "skilled trade" here could ever hope to be.

No one is ever unhappy to see their window cleaner pull up -- can the same be said for the plumber?

You will never “NOT” amaze a little kid while you are working -- they will ALWAYS watch you working the water down the glass, or say "Look mommy!" I still, to this day, after hearing it hundreds of times, smile when I see or hear that.

Window cleaning is the penultimate illusion. Even when we don't see streaks, we are leaving them -- just breathe heavy on a just cleaned to the nine's window and you will understand. We are better magicians than those found in Vegas. No one ever gets all the solution off . . . physically impossible to do, but our clients love the result. I am in no way suggesting this is unethical. It is just a law of science.

Cold weather window cleaners are either A. Insane, or B. The most dedicated workers on the planet. I am enjoying awesome weather now, but I know another one of those Wisconsin winters will be here, right after August, it seems.

For all the hard work and the real or imagined lack of respect sometimes that comes with this profession I have chosen, I couldn't see myself doing anything other than bringing smiles to people’s faces, which, when you boil it down, is really what we are doing.

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