FAQs for Window Cleaning Service

Here are 8 of the most common FAQs for window cleaning service we receive at Spotless!

Should I just clean the outside of my windows or both inside AND outside?

Cleaning the inside and outside of windows usually produces the best result. Exposed to the environment, there is no question that exterior side of windows are the most soiled. However, fingerprints and dust, as well as other contaminants, accumulate on inside glass with time, and only regular cleaning of BOTH sides will afford the homeowner crystal clear views. Spotless likes to offer clients an inside and outside price quote that is usually ~15-20% more than the outside-only price – a great value for the best result.

Is it best to clean windows with a mop and squeegee (the “old-fashioned way”) or use one of those “water brush things”?

There are a lot of different ways to clean a window. The traditional method of cleaning windows that has been used for nearly a century is a manual process with several common steps:

1. Climb ladder, as needed, to access windows to be cleaned
2. Hand dust window frames and sills with a dusting wand
3. Apply window cleaning detergent to glass, mullions and frames with wet hand mop
4. Squeegee excess water off glass creating a “spotless” clean
5. Use an absorbent sponge to soak up excess moisture on sills and frames
6. Detail edges of glass with chamois (or micro-fiber towel)
7. Inspect the work to fix any streaks or defects

Many window cleaning companies are now using water-fed extension poles. Some companies even clean exclusively with water-fed poles on the outside of the home. This technology uses a single- or multi-stage water purification process, feeding water through extension poles to a gentle brush that the window cleaner manipulates to clean window glass and frames / sills. While Spotless stands by the “traditional method” as delivering the clearest, streak-free window cleaning result, it does involve the use of ladder and takes longer to deliver the service.

In our view, water-fed pole technology has several benefits and considerations for your residential window cleaning project:

• Better safety for technicians who do not have to utilize ladder for windows that are on the home’s 2^nd or 3^rd stories, or the roof in the case of skylights
• Produces similar cleaning results as mop and squeegee if filtration is changed regularly and technicians are trained in proper technique
• Window cleaning services are usually completed more efficiently with less time needed on homeowner’s property
• Water-fed pole cleaning has limitations on houses with storm windows, exterior screens and deep windowsills, which can be challenging to get 100% clean from the ground
• Window cleaners must be diligent in taking the time to agitate glass with the water brush to produce crystal clear windows, especially since cleaner cannot see the window up close
• Water-fed poles only work for outside cleaning – use on the inside of the home would flood the house! Therefore, window cleaning companies still need to train their people on the right mop and squeegee technique for inside glass

Spotless is moving toward greater situational use for many of the benefits listed above. Our core window cleaning service is still built around custom hand-cleaning. You can learn more about our residential window cleaning service options on our window cleaning service page.

Will you clean the sills? Frames? Screens?

The Spotless standard inside and outside window cleaning involves a mop and squeegee cleaning of glass, as well as a wiping of frames, exposed sills, window grids, and any screens present.

Our premium window cleaning service goes a step further. We open each operable window on the home and perform a detailed cleaning of interior sills and tracks. This process involves special supplies, including pressurized air and track brush (for nooks and crannies), a hand vacuum (to easily remove dust and debris), and household cleaner (to remove stubborn dirt).

We urge homeowners to get clear expectations up-front with their window cleaning contractor so that there are no surprises or dissatisfaction with the end results of service.

How do you clean storm windows?

Storm windows are a second layer of window panels, usually on the outside of the home’s main windows (see window types guide). Storm windows are designed to protect single pane windows and, most importantly, offer a second layer of insulation to improve domestic energy efficiency. With the advent of double-pane (thermal pane) windows in the 1970s, most modern-day homes are not built with storm windows installed. Therefore, most homes with storms tend to be at least 40-50+ years old.

Triple track storms are the most common type of storm window. This involves two glass panels and one screen panel that move up and down in separate aluminum tracks by pressing spring buttons accessible on from the inside of the home.

If your home has storm windows, each window opening will contain four total sides of glass to be cleaned. To properly wash windows with storms, the window cleaner must first remove one or both storm panels from their tracks, clean the outside of the main single pane windows, reinstall the cleaned storm(s), and finally, clean the inside of the single pane windows.

Cleaning storms is a very time-consuming process that typically must be done by hand. Consequently, the price for cleaning a given amount of storm windows will usually be much greater than that of an equal number of thermal pane or traditional divided-lite windows. Cleaning storm windows requires great professional care, so make sure you carefully interview your window cleaning contractor to evaluate their experience and qualifications in doing this work.

How many window cleaning appointments do I need each year?

In our article, How Often Should I Have My Windows Cleaned?, we explain how there is no “one-size-fits-all” right answer to this questions. It depends on a variety of factors that are specific to you and your home (climate, budget, etc.). However, we recommend to our clients a regular window cleaning service of at least 2x per 12 months, both to protect your views and the lifespan of your windows. Certain homes may benefit from quarterly window cleaning service. Retail businesses often opt for window cleaning frequency ranging from quarterly up to weekly.

Do I need to be home for my window washing appointment?

Unless your window cleaning service is an outside-only appointment (and there are no screens or storm windows on the property that need to be accessed from inside the home), our company typically requires the homeowner or a representative (e.g., property manager, family member) to be present during the service appointment. This is for several key reasons:

• Technicians will need interior access to clean inside windows and remove screens / storm windows
• Providing the opportunity for a post-job walk through to ensure the customer is 100% satisfied
• Ability to point out to homeowner existing damage to windows or explain any challenges & obstacles encountered

There are plenty of instances when our company works with realtors and property management professionals contracting us to clean unoccupied homes in which the homeowner representative provides us with access (either through a key box or keypad) so that our team can perform the work with no one present. We are very solutions-oriented with our clients so if they would prefer the work be performed unobtrusively.

What does window washing service cost?

As in all industries, there are a variety of price points in professional window cleaning services. It all depends on the type of contractor you choose. You can find an indication of Spotless window cleaning price points in the typical investment ranges section of our window cleaning service page.

For context, a professional window cleaning operation should deliver exceptional value to its customers through:

• Trained, certified and background-checked technicians that are uniformed and arrive on time
• Well-marked vehicles so you know who is on your property
• Friendly and supportive customer service agents
• Clear electronic communication around the day of service
• Service warranties to ensure 100% satisfaction
• Insurance coverage with sufficient limits to cover accidents or incidental damage that, however unlikely, could possibly occur at the time of service

Window cleaning companies in your area that invest in a great customer experience will typically price their services at premium (sometimes a substantial premium) to “man-in-a-truck” outfits. These types of window cleaners are characterized by:

• Questionable personnel
• Beat up, old work trucks
• Lack of any customer service support or someone to answer your phone calls and hear your concerns
• Paper-based work orders and no electronic communication about your price quote or service appointment
• Zero warranties
• No insurance coverage – if something gets broken, then good luck!

Spotless doesn’t try to be the cheapest window cleaning company in the Richmond area. Instead, we invest in great customer experiences and explain to anyone who will listen that great value consists of what you pay AND what you get.

Will rain impact my window washing?

In most climates, rainwater is almost 100% pure. Because rain has minimal, if any, mineral content, rain does not “spot” glass or leave streaks. For this reason, Spotless has a 24-hour Rain Guarantee – if it rains on the day of service or immediately after window cleaning service and you notice spotting or imperfections caused by the rain – call us! We will return immediately and reclean any windows that have rain spots.

In terms of performing the work, Spotless management evaluates weather patterns throughout the day. If a rain downpour interrupts your service, our staff calls the homeowner immediately to reschedule the appointment for the sake of technician safety and ensuring great cleaning results.

Have more questions about window washing?

We have incredible resources for customers on the FAQs section of the website.