Frequently Asked Questions about Window Cleaning

When hiring a professional window cleaner, there are many common questions that come up over and over again.  You may be wondering if it’s a good idea to do it yourself. If you have someone who already cleans your place, you may be thinking it’s a good idea to just ask them to do it.  Another concern may be about the frequency that you should have them cleaned.  There is a little bit of nuance in all of these questions. Hopefully, this article does a good job providing some guidance on window cleaning.

Worker using a cloth to clean a full size window
Professional window cleaner washing large window

Should I Clean My Windows Myself, or Hire A Professional Window Cleaner?

That’s a good question.  If it’s a few windows that are dirty, it’s probably not a bad idea to do it yourself.  It shouldn’t take that much time; if you are attentive, you won’t damage the panes, or leave behind any excess grime.  It’s also not dangerous to clean a few on your own.

However, if you have many panes, say for a commercial building, or for a house with multiple stories, you may need a professional commercial window cleaner or residential window cleaner.  There are many good reasons for this; the primary one being the amount of personal liability when cleaning your own windows on buildings such as these.  For one, there is the height factor.  Multiple story houses and commercial buildings commonly reach over two stories.  Without the proper equipment, and training, a misstep can lead to serious injury, or worse.  Professional window cleaners come equipped with harnesses, scaffolds, ladders, and insurance to make sure the job is safely done. 

Also, it can take a lot of effort, like climbing up and down a ladder.  A quality shine comes from attentive detail to make sure there aren’t streaks and blemishes.  Even after you’re done, and satisfied on your own, you have probably had sunlight penetrate through a freshly cleaned pane, and noticed new spots.  Professional window cleaners bring the correct equipment, and know the proper techniques to ensure that the light won’t reveal what it normally conceals. Having to go back and fix this personally is a huge pain, and for a lot of people time is money, and isn’t worth doing, leaving a substandard job.

Additionally, if you own a business, such as a restaurant, having an unkempt appearance can be a deterrent for your brand.  Therefore, it’s a good idea to think of window cleaning as marketing, in a sense.

Can’t My Cleaning Person Do the Window Cleaning?

Sure, if you want them using Windex and paper towels!  As you’ve probably experienced, this doesn’t do a very good job.  Instead, it just moves dirt around, and forms a static charge, which can actually attract more dirt.  Also, paper towels are abrasive, and can damage your glass.  True professionals use specialized formulas, and equipment such as squeegees and anti-static brushes to reduce the chances of undo spots and stains.

How Often Should I Hire A Residential Window Cleaner?

The common adage is twice a year.  However, some people live in dustier, dirtier climates that wreak havoc.  These people may require something closer to once every quarter.  If you live on a farm, or near a busy highway, this also may increase the necessity for a professional job.  However, sometimes people live in super temperate, calm climates, and they may only require it once a year. A fresh coat of paint can help to make your home feel new and clean. See our post on hiring house painters for more information.

How Often Should I Hire A Commercial Window Cleaner?

As mentioned before, if you own a business such a restaurant, the perception of transparency, and cleanliness is paramount to your brand.  Same with if you offer a professional service such as an accounting firm, or a lawyer.  The windows are the first impression of many guests, and if they lack detail, can indicate a lack of detail on the end of the professional.  Many professionals get their glass detailed once a month, with restaurants doing it twice a month in many cases.