Admixture of Antifreeze and Soapy Water

I have been asked: do most window cleaning business use antifreeze and soapy water during freezing temperatures?

Based upon my experience, I can confirm the following. Many window cleaning businesses use windshield washer fluid (the type used for automobiles). It’s cheap and readily available. The skull and crossbones hazard symbol appears on virtually every brand of windshield washer fluid (antifreeze). It’s poisonous. However, a careful window cleaner can make efforts to avoid contact. Hot water tends to produce more vapours; extra care should be taken to avoid inhalation.

An observation I’ve made is that antifreeze is quite effective for achieving shiny, “sparkling” windows. I speculate this is because antifreeze is formulated for windshields and contains additives beneficial for achieving a nice shine.

When adding the antifreeze to the soapy water, an effective ratio seems to be one part water, to one part antifreeze. An effort can be made to use less water, therefore reducing the need for costlier antifreeze.

I do not condone the use of antifreeze. However, in my opinion, its use for window cleaning is prevalent during freezing temperatures.

From what I have seen, using this same antifreeze mixture on the inside of the windows is unnecessary. Indoor heating is warm enough to prevent freezing on the inside, at least in Southern Ontario temperatures.

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Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoy it.

-Nick

>> Famous Maintenance
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada