Window Cleaning
Should You Clean Your Own Windows or Hire Someone?
By Solpath Window Detailing · Published · Updated
Cleaning your own ground-floor windows is perfectly reasonable with a bucket, a good squeegee and a microfiber cloth. Hiring makes sense for second-story glass you would reach from a ladder, for hard water spotting that a normal wash will not move, and when screens and tracks need doing too. The deciding question is usually the ladder.
What is fine to do yourself
- Ground-floor windows and sliders you can reach standing on the ground
- Inside glass, with a towel down on the sill
- Rinsing salt off between cleanings if you live near the water
- Clearing leaves out of tracks with a vacuum
Where hiring makes sense
| Job | Why |
|---|---|
| Second-story glass | Ladder work is where the risk is; water-fed poles and proper ladders change that |
| Hard water spotting | Mineral deposits need a restorative treatment, and the wrong product scratches |
| Screens and tracks | They take longer than the glass and are easy to damage |
| Large or very tall panes | Hard to finish without streaks from a step stool |
| Impact glass and older frames | Seals and hardware need care |
The tools that make DIY work
- A real squeegee with fresh rubber, not a sponge-and-rubber car tool
- A bucket of water with a few drops of dish soap, no more
- A lint-free microfiber cloth for the edges
- The shaded side of the house, so the glass does not dry before you finish
An honest middle ground
Plenty of people keep the ground floor and the inside themselves and have someone else do the upper glass, the screens and the tracks a few times a year. There is nothing wrong with that, and it is a sensible way to split the work.
Common questions
How much does window cleaning cost?
Price depends on how many windows you have, how many stories, and whether screens, tracks or hard water removal are included. We quote every home individually and tell you the price before any work starts. Quotes are free and there is no obligation.
How long does a window cleaning take?
Most homes take one to three hours depending on the number of windows, the number of stories, and how much detail work the screens and tracks need. We give you a time estimate with your quote so you can plan your day.
How do you clean second-story windows?
From ladders or water-fed poles, depending on access. A water-fed pole washes the glass from the ground with purified water, so it dries without spotting. If any window on your home cannot be reached safely, we will tell you at the quote.
