Getting Started

Alright so last month I decided to quit my boring office job and start a window cleaning gig. Sounds easy right? Well guess what – I almost washed my business down the drain before even starting because I had no clue what tools I actually needed. Went to Home Depot like a lost puppy staring at all those squeegees and buckets.

The Trial-and-Error Phase

My first attempt was straight up embarrassing. Bought some $2 cheapo squeegee from the dollar store and tried cleaning my buddy's cafe windows. Left more streaks than a toddler finger-painting on glass. Then I tried using paper towels – big mistake! Those things disintegrate faster than sugar in hot tea. After three ruined T-shirts and a very annoyed cafe owner, I sat down and actually researched properly.

The Real Shopping List

Here's what actually worked when I stopped being an idiot:

• The squeegee that doesn't suck – Unger ninja something with a proper handle and rubber blade. Cost like $15 but lasts months if you flip the blade regular.
• Actual window cleaning solution – Not that Windex crap. Got this concentrate stuff called "Cruising Clean" that you mix with water in a bucket. Smells like bubblegum but cuts grease real good.
• Microfiber cloths that don't shed – Cheap ones leave lint everywhere. Bought the green industrial ones that feel like suede.
• Extendable pole thingy – Almost broke my neck trying to reach second story windows standing on a plastic chair. Got a 12ft pole that screws onto the squeegee.

Almost Forgot the Important Stuff

Was about to start when my neighbor asked how people would pay me. Duh! Forgot payment stuff entirely. Grabbed one of those square card readers that plugs into your phone – took 10 minutes to set up. Also bought a folding ladder from Facebook Marketplace for $20 instead of paying $100 new. Oh and safety gear! Almost smashed my hand carrying equipment so got work gloves and non-slip boots.

How It's Going Now

First month I made back all the equipment money plus $300 profit. Almost cried when Mrs. Henderson tipped me $20 extra cause her retirement home windows "hadn't been this clear since Reagan was president." Still learning – last week I accidentally sprayed myself in the face with the cleaning solution. Tasted awful but hey, that's small business life!