Beginner’s Guide to Traditional Window Cleaning Tools (Updated 2026)

Combo Tools: The Efficiency Route

Let’s talk about tools that combine scrubbing and squeegeeing. These are massive time-savers, especially when working on extension poles.

The Speed Demon: Moerman Excelerator 2.0 with Fliq Pad

Full disclosure: this is my personal favorite. The Moerman Excelerator 2.0 (14-Inch) lets you wash and squeegee almost instantly just by flicking the pad up or down. It saves a ton of time, and the pivoting head makes weird angles way less awkward. For sheer speed and comfort, it’s a fantastic piece of modern equipment.

View Moerman Excelerator 2.0 on Amazon

The Local Workhorse: Ettore ProSeries Backflip

Want that combo convenience but need something you can grab today? The Ettore ProSeries Backflip puts the washer and squeegee on one handle and can often be found right in your local Home Depot or Lowe’s. It’s a reliable workhorse, though it doesn't feature a pivoting head.

View Ettore Backflip on Amazon

The Classic Setup: Separate Tools

If you prefer keeping your tools separate (like many pros do), or if you’re starting on a super tight budget, here’s the traditional approach.

The Heart of the Kit: The Squeegee

Ettore Pro Series Brass Squeegee: Why brass? These squeegees are old-school champs because they feel solid, last ages, and hold up incredibly well against corrosion from repeated water exposure.

Ettore All-Purpose Squeegee (Plastic): If you want a lower starting cost, the plastic handle is lighter and definitely gets the job done.

View Ettore Replacement Rubber

The Scrubber: T-Bar and Sleeve

Before you squeegee, you need to scrub that dirt loose. The 10-inch Ettore Mighty Window Washer provides powerful scrubbing in a compact, easy-to-handle size. Generally, try to match your washer size to your main squeegee, or go an inch or two wider.

View Ettore Mighty Washer on Amazon

Bucket, Soap, and Towels

Get a Rectangular Bucket

Trust me on this one – ditch the round pail. A rectangular bucket (like the Ettore 3 Gallon Compact Super Bucket) is wide enough to easily dip your whole washer and squeegee without banging around.

View Ettore Super Bucket

The Secret Sauce: Simple Dish Soap

For most everyday grime, you don’t need special chemicals. A small squirt of Dawn Ultra Dish Soap in your bucket creates great "slip" for your squeegee to glide smoothly. Go easy! Too many suds actually make it harder to get a clean finish.

View Dawn Dish Soap

Detailing Towels: No Fuzz Allowed!

You’ll need something to wipe your squeegee blade and clean the window frames. The key is lint-free. Traditional cotton Arkwright Surgical Huck Towels are amazing—super absorbent and leave nothing behind.

View Huck Towels on Amazon

The Easiest Start: All-in-One Kits

Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Ettore makes it easy with a pre-packaged kit. The Ettore 2506 Starter Window Cleaning Kit bundles the basic tools (squeegee, washer, and scraper) aimed right at beginners. It’s a fantastic way to jump right into learning the technique without overthinking the gear.

View Ettore Starter Kit

Helpful Extras

A Good Scraper: For stuck-on gunk like paint specks or bug bits, the Ettore Pro Scraper (6-Inch) is invaluable. Crucial safety tip: Always use scrapers on a WET window, keep the blade almost flat, and go gently to avoid scratches.

An Extension Pole: Want to safely clean higher windows without a ladder? An Ettore 16-Foot Extension Pole will reach most second-story windows from the ground.