What size squeegee should I use?

Choose a squeegee that is slightly narrower than the window width. For standard UK windows (60-80cm wide), a 22 inch (55cm) squeegee works well. For smaller windows like fanlights, use a 10-14 inch. For large shopfronts, use an 18-22 inch squeegee for efficiency.

Is a bigger squeegee always better?

Not always. A larger squeegee covers more area per pass but is harder to control on small windows and around frames. Larger squeegees also require more wrist strength for long periods. Most professional window cleaners carry 2-3 sizes and switch depending on the window.

How many passes should a squeegee take?

Ideally, each pane should be cleaned in as few passes as possible — 1-3 horizontal passes is ideal. More passes mean more chance of streaks and drips. If you need more than 4-5 passes, consider a larger squeegee or a fanning technique.

How often should I replace a squeegee rubber?

Replace the rubber blade when it starts to leave lines or streaks even on clean glass. In professional use, most cleaners flip the rubber daily (it has two edges) and replace it every 1-2 weeks. A sharp, square edge is essential for streak-free results.

CleanCalcs

Squeegee Size Calculator

Determine the optimal squeegee blade width for different window sizes.

Window Width

Width of a single pane

Window Height

Number of Windows

Total windows this size

How We Calculate This

How the calculator works

The calculator recommends the largest standard squeegee size that fits within the window width, then estimates the number of passes needed for the window height.

Standard squeegee sizes

6 inch (150mm), 8 inch (200mm), 10 inch (250mm)
12 inch (300mm), 14 inch (350mm), 16 inch (400mm)
18 inch (450mm), 22 inch (550mm)

Formula

Passes = window height ÷ (squeegee width × 0.9)

The 0.9 factor accounts for the overlap between passes needed to avoid missing strips.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities and timings for your specific situation.