Window washers clean glass and window ledges on buildings such as offices,
homes, schools and hospitals. They use squeegees, chamois, brushes and ladders.
Some work on scaffolding. Others are strapped in safety harnesses and work
on equipment well above the ground. These workers must be well versed in safety
regulations and rappeling. They must also do safety checks.
While they work, window washers report building repairs such as broken
glass or leaking window frames to their supervisors.
Window washers can work for cleaning companies or be self-employed. Their
work often requires being outside, working in tight spaces, being on ladders
and working high above the ground.
Window-washing jobs are found wherever there is glass. However, in the
U.S., most window-washing opportunities are found in highly populated areas
because there are more houses and offices.
"Some people are laid off in the winter months," says Cameron Roelofsen,
a window cleaner. "Generally, window cleaning is busiest in the spring and
in the fall."
Window washers work an average 40-hour week. "People working on high-rises
have to work during daylight hours," says Roelofsen. "But many other cleaners
work on weekends, or after hours to squeeze in more jobs."
Window washing is a physical job. It requires cleaning, assembling and
disassembling parts, and climbing ladders. It can also involve higher-risk
activities such as working above ground on scaffolding or suspended in safety
harnesses. "This is physically demanding work," says Carol Blewett. She works
with the International Window Cleaning Association.