What to Look for in a Window Cleaning Company
The bar for getting hired as a window washer is low — anyone with a squeegee and a ladder can hang out a shingle. The bar for getting hired twice by the same homeowner is much higher. Here's what separates a real company from a one-truck operation.
- Liability insurance and a bonded crew. Non-negotiable. If a ladder slips and dents your siding, you want a real policy behind the apology.
- Local experience. A company that's been working your neighborhood for a few years already knows your home's quirks (hard water, salt spray, pollen seasons) and will price accordingly.
- Clear written quote. Per-window or flat rate, in writing, with the scope spelled out (sills, tracks, screens, hard-water spots).
- Right equipment. Water-fed poles for two-story homes are the standard now — they're safer and avoid the ladder-dings on siding that come with the old method.
- Online reviews with specifics. Look past the 4.9 star average and read individual reviews for mentions of punctuality, cleanup, and how the crew handled hiccups.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- Is the price for interior, exterior, or both?
- Do you remove and clean the screens?
- Do you handle hard-water spots and mineral deposits, or is that extra?
- What's your satisfaction guarantee if something gets streaked or missed?
- How far ahead do I need to book during your busy season?
Red Flags to Avoid
- No proof of insurance. Walk away from anyone who can't email a certificate before they arrive.
- Door-to-door pressure. "We're working on a house down the street, can we do yours for half price right now?" is a classic upsell that almost never ends well.
- Vague or per-pane pricing without a written quote. The bill comes in much higher than expected when there's no agreed scope.
- Cash-only with no receipt. A real business gives a paper trail.
- "Today only" discounts. Manufactured urgency means they need cash now, not that you're getting a deal.
What to Expect on Cleaning Day
A good crew will give a 1–2 hour arrival window the day before and confirm the morning of. On arrival they should walk the property with you, flag any panes with chips or stuck screens, and lay drop cloths inside before they start.
For two-story homes the modern method is a water-fed pole using deionized water — no ladder against the siding. For interiors, expect them to wipe sills and tracks as part of the job and offer to detail screens separately.
At the end, walk the property again with them. It's much easier to point at a streak while they still have the squeegee in hand than to call them back next week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a window washer is insured?
Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) before they show up — any legitimate company can email one in minutes. The COI should name their general liability carrier and policy limits.
Should I tip my window cleaner?
Tipping isn't expected on a quoted residential job, but $10–$20 per crew member for an especially good result is appreciated. Some homeowners tip more for two-story or hard-water spot work because of the extra effort.
Can window cleaners remove hard-water stains?
Yes — but it's a separate scope from a normal cleaning. Hard-water spotting takes mild acid treatment and a separate scrub. Expect a $50–$150 add-on per home, and ask whether they guarantee removal (some stains are too far gone).