So, I tried Glass Gleam 4 for the first time. I'm sure there is a learning curve but it was very odd. I knew it wouldn't foam but it still felt like I was cleaning with plain water. At the same time I was testing out using Ettore rubber for the first time and the Combo bled more than I had ever seen. I'm not sure if that rubber has a break-in period but I had to quickly switch back to my Moerman squeegee with blue NXR rubber that I'm used to. I like how concentrated it is and it only takes about a capful per gallon. I know GG4 is for hard water and the water I was using was quite soft at 35 ppm so I'm not sure if that has something to do with it. I'm thinking about calling the manufacturer to get their advice. Anyone else used Glass Gleam 4 alone, without combining it with other things?

Next, I tried Maykker Eco-Krush. I had high hopes for this one because, right now, Orange Krush soap is my favorite. I think it has nice glide, does a great job leaving windows sparkling, and smells amazing. I thought Eco Krush did a really nice job. It had good suds, plenty of slip, and it cleaned the windows well. Personally, I prefer the orange scent of Orange Krush over it's perfumy brother but Eco-Krush was still good. Both soaps are considered "eco-friendly" so I'm just wondering if it's worth the $1 more just to have the name "eco" on it or if it's really that different than Orange Krush. How do you like Eco-Krush? Do you feel it's worth it over Orange Krush?

Wow, thanks for the tip! An extra $5 per window is huge.

@Chad Martinson Nice job!

@Chad Martinson That's great that you got that recurring revenue on top of that. I have yet to do that. I believe that a strong Google ranking/presence is key for long term growth.

Hi Levi, welcome! My parents live in Medford off Cherry Lane. I also recommend you keep your job. You can market to friends and family, on social media, door hangers, website, etc. and just book the jobs for your day off. Once you gain momentum and start booking more and more jobs you can better get a sense for how your business is doing. Plus, remember, winter will be slower and you will have to save up for those months. As far as your start up costs for window cleaning I would spend much less than you have saved. Start off with the basic equipment: Ladder, squeegee, stripwasher, bucket, soap, detail & slop towels, scrubbers, belt, BOAB, etc. and book a few jobs, even if you have to work for free. (I would get General Liability insurance and a business license right away.) Spend a little bit of money on marketing, too (Website, door hangers, etc.) I wouldn't even really focus on your competition right now. My strategy was to actually contact them and introduce yourself and your situation and even offer to refer business or help them with free labor. Not everyone is going to be open or respond but I've made a few good local friends by doing this. Now I have people to call and partner up with if I have a larger job or need to subcontract out a service that I don't do (and vice versa).

Levi, did you start marketing your window cleaning business?

Hi Travis, I put mine in the washing machine with my blue cotton recycled medical detail towels. I don't use any soap since you will have plenty left over from the solution that's already in them. I put it on a normal cycle in warm water and then I dry it in the machine on low heat (make sure not to over dry). You can also air dry but I prefer to get it as dry as possible so it doesn't smell like mildew. Also, I wouldn't wash with your good microfiber towels as you don't want to introduce any type of lint.