Window Cleaning Checklist for First-Time Homeowners
If you've just bought your first home — or you've never hired a window-cleaning company before — this checklist covers everything you need to know before, during, and after the visit.
Before the Appointment
Count your windows — Most companies price per pane. Walk the house and count windows by floor. Note any skylights, French panes, or unusually high windows; these are typically priced separately.
Decide interior vs. exterior — Interior + exterior is the most common booking, but exterior-only is fine if you've recently wiped inside glass yourself.
Clear access — Move plants, patio furniture, and decorations away from windows. Trim back shrubs that touch the glass. Inside, clear sills of fragile decor and pull blinds up.
Secure pets — Crews use ladders and may need access to multiple rooms. Confining pets to one closed room keeps them safe and the work moving.
Get a written estimate — A reputable company will visit or do a video walkthrough before quoting a large home. Beware of hard fixed prices given sight-unseen for anything bigger than a small condo.
What to Bring (Have Ready)
- Access to all rooms with windows (unlock interior doors)
- Working hose bib outside (most pros bring water-fed systems but a backup spigot helps)
- Parking space close to the home for the truck and ladders
- Any specific instructions (alarm codes, fragile artwork, tinted-film warnings)
During the Appointment
You don't need to hover — most homeowners step out of the room being worked on. A typical 15–25-window home takes 1.5–3 hours for a two-person crew.
After the Appointment
Walk through with the crew before they leave — Check every window in good natural light. Streaks, missed spots, or smudged frames should be fixed on the spot.
Note the date — Keep a simple record. This helps you stay on schedule for the next 6-month visit.
Book the next appointment — Many companies offer a 10–20% discount for recurring service. Putting the next visit on the calendar prevents the "I'll get to it" trap.
Maintain between visits — A microfiber cloth, distilled water, and a small squeegee handle most touch-ups. Vacuum tracks every few weeks to prevent buildup, and rinse exterior glass after heavy pollen or storm seasons.