The Fascinating History of Window Cleaning: From Ancient Origins to Modern Practices in Golden, BC
Window cleaning might seem like a straightforward modern service, but its evolution spans thousands of years, mirroring advancements in architecture, technology, and safety. At Scrubbys Windows, an incorporated, locally owned and operated business by Greg and Rob in Golden, British Columbia, we draw inspiration from this storied past. With over 20 years in the trades and seasonal experience as first responders, we apply historical lessons in risk assessment to our services, including interior and exterior window cleaning, eaves trough cleaning, solar panel maintenance, and moss removal from shingles. Serving residential and commercial clients in Golden's challenging mountain climate, we blend time-honored techniques with eco-friendly innovations to deliver spotless results. Let's journey through the history of window cleaning and see how it informs our work today.
The origins of window cleaning trace back to the invention of glass itself, around the 2nd millennium BC in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.kevco1.com Early glass was rudimentary—often small, opaque panes used in jewelry or vessels rather than windows. Cleaning involved basic wiping with cloths or water to remove dust and smudges. By the time of ancient Rome, glass windows became more common in affluent homes and public buildings, allowing natural light to flood interiors.linkedin.com Romans cleaned these with simple rags dipped in water or vinegar solutions, a method that persisted into medieval Europe. During the Middle Ages, leaded glass windows in cathedrals and castles were polished with linen cloths and acidic mixtures like vinegar or urine to cut through grime, emphasizing the importance of clarity for both aesthetics and illumination.
The Industrial Revolution transformed window cleaning from a household task into a professional trade. As urbanization boomed in the 19th century, the first skyscrapers emerged, starting with the Home Insurance Building in Chicago in 1885.jracenstein.com These towering structures, with their expansive glass facades, demanded specialized cleaners equipped with ladders, buckets, and rags. The job was perilous; workers balanced precariously on ledges, highlighting early safety concerns that resonate with our first-responder background at Scrubbys Windows. In 1878, Frenchman Marius Moussy established the French Cleaning Institute to standardize practices and improve efficiency. Innovations soon followed: In 1892, African-American inventor Anthony L. Lewis patented a window cleaning device, simplifying the process for urban buildings.
The 20th century brought groundbreaking tools that revolutionized the industry. In 1933, the Philip W. Drackett Company introduced Windex, a blue ammonia-based cleaner initially marketed for automobiles but quickly adopted for household windows.aus.comfacebook.com Three years later, Italian immigrant Ettore Steccone invented the modern squeegee, inspired by fishermen's tools, which allowed for streak-free wipes on large surfaces.jracenstein.com By the 1950s, pure water filtration systems emerged, using deionized water to prevent spots without chemicals—a precursor to today's eco-friendly methods we use in Golden to protect our pristine environment. High-rise cleaning became even more critical with New York City's skyscraper boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where risks like falls prompted better harnesses and scaffolding.squeegeesquad.com
Professionalism grew with the founding of the International Window Cleaning Association in 1989, focusing on safety standards and training.jracenstein.com The 1920s saw early self-cleaning innovations, like automatic windshield wipers by Fred and William Folberth, which influenced later developments in self-cleaning glass coatings by the early 2000s.timetoast.com Today, robotics, drones, and water-fed poles handle high-access jobs safely, especially in wildfire-prone areas like British Columbia, where clean gutters and windows aid in fire prevention.
At Scrubbys Windows, this history guides our commitment to excellence. We honor ancient simplicity with modern sustainability, ensuring your Golden property—whether a cozy home or bustling commercial space—benefits from clear views and enhanced efficiency. From tackling Kootenay dust to removing moss in humid conditions, we're equipped for it all.
Ready to experience professional window cleaning rooted in tradition? Contact Scrubbys Windows in Golden, BC, at 250-272-3825. Let's keep your windows shining through the ages!
