Window Washer Cleans Road Signs for his Community

When Liam Wildish started scrubbing street signs in Maidstone, England, he had two goals in mind. “It’s a community gift and also a bit of PR for my company, so it kind of works hand-in-hand,” said the 21-year-old Nottingham Post.

Wildish is a window washer by trade and has recently moved to the largest city in Kent County, where he has moved to live with his girlfriend. While he had a few early clients, Wildish was looking for a creative way to generate more business for himself.

Dirty surfaces do not reflect
When he noticed that the reflective surfaces of some city’s road when the signs were covered in dirt, he found his window cleaning tools were perfect for crumpling the signs. The long-handled high-pressure water jet and scrub brush can reach the highest signs and really transform their appearance.

“People drive more after dark this time of year and when they’re dirty the road signs aren’t as reflective,” Wildish explained KentOnline. “When they’re cleaned, they’re nice and easy to see.”

Traffic signs, whether permanent or temporary, are designed to withstand the abuse of the elements and other environmental hazards traffic safety zone. This makes them strong, durable, and typically long-lasting pieces of gear. However, even these products require a certain amount of maintenance over the years to function effectively.

Thick layers of dirt can block the reflective material underneath. This reduces a shield’s ability to reflect light back to a driver and reduces their chance of seeing it in time.

Facebook famous
Wildish has hit the roadside cleaning signs whenever he can and he has 20+ signs. The before and after effects are really inspiring! He often films himself cleaning signs or hires his girlfriend Tamzin Court to film him.

With more than 2,000 Facebook and Tik Tok followers, Wildish wins the favor of his new community and grows his business.

“I’ve removed some of the dirty signs I came across on my recent rounds around the village of Aylesford… makes the area look a bit cleanser and hopefully improve traffic safety a little on the long winter nights. Pretty satisfying video too,” Wildish posted on Facebook. “Stay safe out there Clean scene window cleaning.”

Enchant the community

Speaking to KentOnline, Wildish explained why he felt his efforts had sparked such a reaction.

“I think given my age and the fact that I have a business at a young age, people like to see someone my age give back. Aesthetically it makes a big difference when it’s cleaned, so it improves the area, and there’s the safety aspect too.”

Wildish insists he’s not making a political statement with his free sign Cleaning.

“I’m doing it for free because it makes a big difference and has a positive impact — it benefits the community and it benefits my business,” he continued.

Although Kent County Council does not directly respond to Wildish’s activities website says, “We are responsible for more than half a million street signs across the county. Our Highways team follows an annual road sign clearing and vegetation reduction program based on priorities. Residents can also use our incident reporting system to report signs that need cleaning.”

Kent County residents are lucky to have Liam Wildish on the job.

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