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Filtration Systems

Why Do I Need Pure Water For Window Cleaning?

If you want to achieve streak-free, sparkling clean windows, using pure water is the best way to go. Filtered water removes impurities from tap water, which can leave streaks and water spots on your windows.

The main  benefits of using filtered water for window cleaning are as follows;

  • Streak-free results: Having your water filtered helps removes minerals and other impurities that can leave streaks on your windows.
  • Faster cleaning: Filtered water makes it easier to remove dirt and grime from your windows, so you can clean them faster.
  • Environmentally friendly: Filtered water helps eliminates the need to use harsh chemicals to clean your windows.

There are a few different types of water filtration systems available for window cleaning, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The three main types of system are Delivery, DI and RODI. Please have a look at our article ‘What sort of window cleaning system do I need?’ to find out what sort of system would suit your business the most.

 

filterplus pre filter cartridge set

Filterplus® 10inch prefilter CLK cartridge set. Kit includes:

  • 1 x CLK2-DF360 Sediment Cartridge
  • 1 x CLK2-GAC360 Granular Carbon Cartridge
  • 1 x CLK2-CF360 Carbon Cartridge

Product Code: KIT02310-CLK

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filterplus 10 inch cartridge set

Filterplus® 10″ prefilter cartridge set. Kit includes:

  • 1 x CF10-F
  • 1 x DF10-F
  • 1 x GAC10-F
Product Code: KIT02310-001
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Filterplus® Demineralising Cartridge Filter – 10inch CLK Bayonet type

10inch Demineralizing Cartridge Filter

Product Code: CLK2-DI360
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Filterplus® Granular Activated Carbon Cartridge Filter - 10inch CLK Bayonet type

10inch Granular Carbon Cartridge Filter

Product Code: CLK2-GAC360
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filterplus sediment filter cartridge

10inch Sediment 5 Micron Cartridge Filter

Product Code: CLK2-DF360
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Big Blue Filterplus® Sediment Cartridge’s

Available in (10inch Product Code: T-DF10-F) and (20inch Product Code: T-DF20-F)

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RO water filtration system
How an RODI System Works

A typical window cleaning system consists of a full RODI filtration system. This is  typically comprised of four stages:

Sediment filter: The sediment filter removes dirt, sand, and other large particles from the water.

Carbon filter: The carbon filter removes chlorine, taste, and odor from the water.

Reverse osmosis membrane: The reverse osmosis membrane removes ions, molecules, and larger particles from the water.

Pump Filter: a pump will draw water from the tank via a pump filter. This will protect the pump from any larger debris that might have found their unlikely way into the tank.

Deionization (DI) resin: The DI resin removes any remaining ions from the water, resulting in pure water being produced.

 

 

Pump Filters

A pump filter is the most basic type of water filtration system for window cleaning. As stated, the pump filter uses a pump to force water through a filter, which helps removes larger particles such as sand, dirt, and rust. Pump filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, however they do not remove all impurities from water. These pumps also protect the pump from larger bits of debris to prolong their life.

 

What are the benefits of using a pump filter for window cleaning?

There are several benefits to using a pump filter for window cleaning:

  • Improves pump lifespan; the pump filter protects the pump from larger bits of debris (such as leaves or dirt).
  • Reduce the risk of damage to windows; such as etching and scratching by removing larger particles.

 

inline water filter from Streamline

Inline Filter ½ inch F – ½ inch M, with wingnut

Product Code:  ILF2W

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suction filter for water

Suction Filter, weighted with 19mm hose tail

Product Code: ILF3

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Pre-Filtration FIlters

 Pre-filtration is the process of removing larger impurities from water before it goes through other filters for window cleaning.

There are three different types of pre-filtration used for window cleaning: water is passed through a sediment filter, an optional granulated carbon filter, and then through a carbon filter. Each pre-filter removes smaller and smaller particles, and when used together, they can provide a level of water purity that is essential for the next stages of purification for streak-free window cleaning. These filters are necessary for an RODI system.

Sediment filters

The sediment filters help remove suspended solids from water, such as sand, silt, and rust. Sediment filters can help to protect carbon filters from clogging, and they can also help to prevent these solids from scratching windows.

Sediment filters

The sediment filters help remove suspended solids from water, such as sand, silt, and rust. Sediment filters can help to protect carbon filters from clogging, and they can also help to prevent these solids from scratching windows.

Carbon filters

Carbon filters remove chlorine and other organic compounds from water. Chlorine is a common additive in tap water, but it can leave a residue on windows that is difficult to remove.

Granulated carbon filters

The granulated carbon filters use activated carbon granules to remove impurities from water. Activated carbon is a highly porous material with a large surface area, which makes it very effective at absorbing impurities. The granulated carbon filters help by removing a wide range of contaminants, including further chlorine, organic compounds, and heavy metals.

benefits of pre-filtered water systems

Benefits of pre-filtration for window cleaning

 

  • Improved cleaning results: Pre-filtered water will help produce pure water that will leave windows looking much more cleaner and streak-free.

 

  • Extended lifespan of window cleaning equipment: Having pre-filtered water can help to extend the lifespan of window cleaning equipment, like more expensive RO and DI filters.

 

  • Pump Protection: If you are using a booster pump, the prefilters will ensure no large damaging particles go through the pump. This will extend the life of the pump.

 

  • Reduced risk of damage to windows: Pre-filtered water can help to reduce the risk of damage to windows, such as etching and scratching by removing larger particles.

Reverse osmosis (RO) Filtration

Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration is a water purification process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from water.

RO filtration for window cleaning works by pushing pressurized water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane has very small pores that allow water molecules to pass through, but block larger particles and contaminants. This results in pure water that is free of minerals, salts, and other impurities.

 

RODI Filtration Systems for Window Cleaning

There are a variety of RO filtration systems available for window cleaning.

Our popular RO filtration systems for window cleaning include our complete van tank systems:

  • Mobi Trolley System: The Mobi Trolley System is a portable RO filtration system that is ideal for window cleaners who need to move their equipment from job to job. The Mobi Trolley System has a stainless steel housing and is available in a variety of sizes.
  • Smartank System: The Smartank System is a stationary RO filtration system that is ideal for window cleaners who have a central location for their equipment. The Smartank System has a stainless steel tank and is available in a variety of sizes.
  • Bravo Tank System: The Bravo Tank System is a commercial-grade RO filtration system that is ideal for large window cleaning businesses. The Bravo Tank System has a stainless steel tank and is available in a variety of sizes.

 

RO filtration for window cleaners
Benefits of RO Filtration for Window Cleaning

There are several benefits to using RO filtration for window cleaning:

 

  • Spot-free windows: RO water leaves no streaks or spots on windows, resulting in a sparkling clean finish when paired with DI filtration.

 

  • Safer and easier cleaning: RO water is chemical free, making it safer for window cleaners and the environment. RO water also helps to break down dirt and grime, making it easier to clean windows.

 

 

DI filtration for window cleaners
Benefits of using DI filtration for window cleaning

DI filtration is a water purification process that removes dissolved ions, such as salts and minerals, from water. This is done by passing the water through a deionized vessel filled with ion exchange resin. The resin beads are coated with positive and negative ions, which attract and trap the oppositely charged ions in the water.

DI filtration is commonly used in window cleaning to produce pure water that dries spot-free. This is either used if you are in a soft water area, or if you are in a hard water area paired with an RO filter system.

For example, if the water contains sodium chloride (salt), the positive ions in the resin will attract the negative chloride ions in the salt. The negative ions in the resin will attract the positive sodium ions in the salt.

Once the ions are trapped by the resin beads, they are removed from the water. This process continues until the water is at the desired purity level for window cleaning and free of all dissolved ions.

Streamline Systems offers a variety of DI filtration systems for window cleaning, including the CLK range and the pre-filter range.

The CLK range is a professional-grade DI filtration system that is ideal for high-volume window cleaning businesses. The pre-filter range is a more affordable option that is suitable for smaller businesses or homeowners.

 

How often do you change your filters

The frequency at which you need to change the filters in your window cleaning system depends on a number of factors, including the quality of your water, how often you use your system, and the type of filters you have. However, here is a general guide:

  • Pump filters: Pump filters should be cleaned every 4 – 6 months, or more often if needed.
  • Pre-filters: Pre-filters should be changed every 3 months, or more often if needed.
  • RO filters: As and when needed.
  • DI filters: As and when needed.

Here are some tips for monitoring your water quality and extending the life of your filters:

  • Use a TDS meter to measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) in your water. TDS is a measure of the amount of dissolved minerals and salts in water. Pure water has a TDS of 0.
  • Change your pre-filters regularly to prevent them from clogging.
  • Flush your RO membrane regularly to remove any buildup of minerals and salts.
  • Sanitize your DI vessel regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria.

FAQs

That will depend on whether you work in a hard or soft water area, but for peace of mind, RODI filtration is the best option for ensuring you can achieve streak-free cleaning, regardless of where you are situated.

DI Filtration systems will need changing or refilling every 3-6 months depending on usage, while RODI filters need replacing every 12-18 months.

Many of our systems have an included built-in TDS meter to allow the user to measure how pure their water is, we also sell separate portable meters to enable pure-water readings anywhere.

If you have checked that both your TDS meter and filtration system are working properly and you are still leaving streaks when cleaning windows, check what method of cleaning was used prior to waterfed pole cleaning. Prior methods, such as traditional, can leave soapy residue that will turn to streaks during initial cleans with a waterfed pole, and these windows will, in rare occurrences, will require multiple cleans to achieve streak-free cleaning.