Mark, Based on the last two posts, the shamwow might not meet my expectations over the long haul. The sea sponge has been a trusted tool for many years. Perhaps I just need to change how and when I use my scrim. Any suggestions would be welcomed. If I carry a scrim on my belt and a sponge in my pouch do I really need another towel? As a side note I leave almost no errors in the middle of the glass. My scrim is getting trashed mostly on frames (pre-cutting and detailing bleed back). The scrim is not used to mop up wet window ledges I have the sea sponge for that. I do have a leather chamois. I’ll see how that works today. I’m going to use it for all pre-cutting. I got storefronts today. Should I try a terry cloth towel? I also have some old surgical towels. They are much larger and more heavy duty than what we get today.
I’m trying to break away from most towels that get wet and become useless at that point. That’s why I headed for the Shamwow. At least you can ring it out.
When doing commercial work, can you just use scrim or huck for detail only and the sponge for everything else? (pre-cut, wiping sills, frames, etc.)
Maybe instead of looking at the Shamwow (it’s just a brand), check out one of the other synthetic chamois suggested in this thread. Just buy 1 and if you like, buy more.
So regarding the sham wow, are you still using it after the time has passed? Has it been a good wiping towel?
From what I have read, it is not good for wiping the glass. Is that right?
Not a detailing solution. OK for wiping frames, tracks (smooth vinyl), and sills.
It don’t even drip!
I’m very glad you asked, Merv.
Yes I still use it on every job. I have the original ones I bought plus 2 more knockoffs I found at a discount store. (Honest Eds, for you Toronto guys).
I use it only for wiping up sills, tracks, etc. The most I have ever used in one day is two of them but mostly I use one for the whole day. When it gets too wet, just ring it out. When it gets too dirty, just rinse in a sink and ring out and you’re good to go.
Oh, and I wouldn’t recommend it for glass detailing/drying.
It’s been a while since there was a post here but I have used the shamwow in the past and wanted to say yes it’s good for lager amounts of water pick up but don’t dry you squeegee off with it, all the little fibers will stick to the rubber like all hell and are a pain to get off.Just my 2cents.
Thanks,Nick
InvisaClear Window Cleaning
Toledo,OH
Another thing…I use my towels to wipe up the floor at times. I don’t like using the shamwow for that…so I need to take another towel also.
I use the sponges they sell at Home Depot, I think they’re meant for grout. After they’re worked in a bit, they’re perfect.
As for detailing, I think everyone in my city uses a leather chamois, and a good one at that. I’ve tried synthetic chamois’s in the past and they left dust marks like crazy. But I did check Canadian Tire online and that Shamwow pack is $14.99 right now.
Last time I was there I actually bought some of those micro fibre towels. I washed them a few times and tried it on my own windows for detailing… Not sure if I like it. When you guys use your towels, are they wet or dry? Do you wring them out like a chamois? When Mark started talking about laundry I was surprised, I’ve never done laundry for window cleaning stuff, well except towels that I use for drop sheets.
Sponging a ledge has got to be more efficient then using a giant towel. I just brush the window, sponge what need to be sponged then chamois the edges… I have no Idea what pre-cut means.
There are different grades of microfiber, with different characteristics.
I prefer low-pile (smooth) for glass detailing and those low-cost, fluffier ones for frames, tracks, and sills.
I don’t wring out wet microfibers, unlike chamois.
Typically, I use hucks, but at times I’ll clean TDLs with a foam cleaner and one microfiber to scrub and a dry one to polish (the same way as with hucks.)
So that’s why you guys have so many towels draped over your shoulders. I see that in so many pictures now but I’ve never done that. I just stick the corner of the chamois in my pocket and let it hang there. If it’s winter I stick it in my parka next to my heart to keep it warm and so it won’t freeze. But I work with a pale, I see lots of you guys working with a bucket on the belt, sleeve washer and sometimes a little bottle of something hanging on the belt… and 6 inch scrapers. is that why you don’t use sponges? no place to put them?
I don’t drape any towels, and it’s very simple to hold one damp/wet huck and one dry huck in each hand – even a monkee could do it.
I do use an Unger ErgoTec Pouch (it holds 10 if needbe, with separate compartments for wet/dry) for hucks and/or microfibers, and keep one huck tucked in my left-front short pocket. When I use a sponge, I attach a small nylon pouch to my belt. I do use an Unger BOAB, and sometimes add an Unger SOAB or Unger ErgoTec Bottleholder with 32OZ flip-top bottle o’ solution.
Those buckets on the belt would be good for ladder I think. The only problem is the brushes I use don’t fit in them and I hate using those sleeve things for anything except pole work. My old business partner 10 years ago bought one but we’re a little to stuck in our ways I suppose. When I climb to the top of a ladder I sometimes have to be creative on what to do with the brush after I scrub the window a lot of times I can just throw it down on the lawn.
I crafted a BOAB for my hogs hair brush for CCU work ~4 years ago. 
I saw a pic of it once and it’s a great thing! Larry you should manufacture them.
if you haven’t tried one of these, CleanTools.net you should give it a try.
you’ll never use anything else.
I use them on detailing cars and they beat the shamwow hands down. the soak up water instantly and never leave any smears on glass. but you do have to keep it damp stored in it’s tube. or it does dry hard. but that doesn’t hurt it it says. just re wet the towel and it’s ready for use.
I also use a PVA towel it’s called the Aquadry. Richard (nuvudude) told me about them and I’ve been using them for the last year and a half w/ no issues. In fact the first one lasted more than a year.
Hey thanks for that post. I lost my Sham Wow on the first day I used it… first house in fact. LOL. I got side tracked and started putting on christmas ligths, I have no idea where it went.
But I looked at this absorber reviews where I shop. Absolutely stunning reviews for something I’ve never tried and only $20.
Read the reviews here^^^^
Mark, I tried to pull up the Shamwow video but it would not play. Can you send it to my email or tell me where I can find it some where else on WCR, thanks, Danny.
Here you go.
[video=youtube_share;4IPDLCOF050]http://youtu.be/4IPDLCOF050[/video]
