Most people book a window cleaning service for clear glass and better curb appeal. The best results, though, come from a bit of preparation before the crew arrives. A tidy workspace, clear access, and a few practical decisions about screens and weather will save time, reduce risk, and often lower your bill. After years of coordinating crews across busy neighborhoods and tight downtown streets, I can tell you the appointments that go smoothly always share one thing: the client made small, thoughtful preparations that let professionals do their best work.
What a professional crew actually needs when they arrive
A window cleaning appointment starts with a quick site walk. The lead tech checks access routes, confirms exterior house cleaning clearviewbrothers.ca the window count, and looks for hazards that might slow the job or increase risk. If your property is in London, Ontario, you might see the team size change from two to three during leaf season because ladder footing on soft soil and extra debris from nearby trees add time. That’s normal, and it is one reason people prefer local window cleaning services that understand regional quirks.
At a minimum, a crew needs three things: safe access inside and out, water and power if required, and a place to stage tools. If you booked professional window cleaning services that use pure water poles, they will bring their own filtration system, but they still need a spot to park within hose distance. Crews using squeegees and ladders need stable footing on driveways, patios, or lawn areas, with obstacles moved aside. Indoors, they’ll want a cleared path to each window, especially in rooms with tight furniture layouts or large picture windows.
This is where preparation pays off. Ten minutes of moving a sofa away from a bay window or shifting a potted fiddle-leaf fig can save thirty minutes of careful inch-by-inch maneuvering. Multiply that by a whole house, and you can see the difference.
The pre-appointment walk-through you can do yourself
Start outside. Walk the same path your crew will take, from driveway to gates and around the home. You are looking for small, fixable problems. Overgrown shrubs that pinch walking space, garden hoses coiled across the path, and uneven pavers that trip a ladder foot all cost time. If you have exterior outlets, check that they work. If a gate sticks, lubricate it or leave it open. In older properties around Old North or Wortley Village, side yards can narrow to less than a metre. Tell the company ahead of time if a ladder might not fit and ask about water-fed pole use.
Now go inside. Pick the rooms with the most glass first: living room, kitchen, primary bedroom. Make space for a person and a small folding ladder directly under the window. Clear window sills of plants, candles, picture frames, and seasonal decor. Anything fragile should be moved before the crew arrives, not rushed off to a side table while someone waits with a bucket. If you have custom blinds or plantation shutters, make sure they tilt or raise smoothly. If a cord sticks, mention it during the technician’s walk-through.
If you’re booking residential window cleaning in a home with pets or young kids, plan containment. Dogs are curious and social, and cats are escape artists. Decide on a safe room during the appointment, and have water and toys ready. The best crews love pets, but open doors and ladders don’t mix with wagging tails.
Screens, storms, and specialty glass
Windows come with quirks. The fastest way to slow a job is a surprise. Let the window cleaning company know in advance if you have any of the following:
- Removable full screens or half screens that require interior removal Double storm windows on older frames Tempered or laminated panes with manufacturer stickers Decorative grilles between glass Specialty coatings or low-E films on the interior surface
Those details matter because they change the method and tools. Storm windows often need a precise sequence to remove and replace without twisting the frame. Low-E coatings can be scratched by the wrong pad. If you live in a mid-century home with original storms, tell the office before the appointment so they can allocate time and send a technician who has handled that style.
If you prefer to remove screens yourself, do it the day before and store them vertically in a safe corner, grouped by room. Label them with painter’s tape. It avoids the puzzle of which screen returned to which window and keeps tension springs from bending.
What to do with window treatments and furniture
Curtains, blinds, Roman shades, and drapes complicate access. If a treatment blocks the sash, raise it fully before the crew arrives. If drapery pools on the floor, tie it off at mid-height with a cloth loop or ribbon. Try not to use tape on fabrics, which can leave residue. For furniture, aim for a half metre of clearance in front of each window. That gives the tech enough room to place a small ladder or step stool and work with two hands. Large items like armoires or entertainment units against windows can stay in place if there is another window in the room, but mention the obstruction so expectations are set.
Wood floors and area rugs benefit from a little protection. Most companies lay down drop cloths where they work, but high-pile rugs can bunch. If you roll them back a little, you’ll help prevent tripping. In basements with low ceilings, warn the crew about beams or ductwork that might limit ladder height.
Weather, timing, and seasonal considerations
Window cleaning in London can feel different in April than in August. Spring pollen and fall leaf debris affect the pace and the finish. A drizzle rarely stops exterior work, but heavy rain or high winds will. Crews can clean interiors year-round, and many people book a split appointment during shoulder seasons: exterior one week, interior the next, to avoid rescheduling headaches.
Bright sun shows streaks but also speeds drying. The best technicians adjust solution strength and technique on sunny days, working the shaded sides first. If your home faces south and has large panes, ask for a morning window on those elevations. If you combine services, like eavestrough cleaning and vinyl siding cleaning, talk through the sequence. Clearing gutters first prevents dirty rinse water from running over newly cleaned glass. In leaf-heavy neighborhoods, eavestrough cleaning services done in late fall can be paired with an exterior window touch-up before winter, which makes the spring clean faster and cheaper.
Parking and access for equipment
Many residential streets in London have parking limits or narrow curbs. Let the office know about restrictions. A spot near the property helps the team manage extension poles, hoses, and ladders efficiently. For inner-city homes, loaning a parking pass or suggesting a nearby lot can shave fifteen minutes off setup. If your driveway is shared or has a steep grade, flag it in advance. A water-fed pole system requires stable placement for tanks and pumps, and steep slopes can cause hose runaway or tripping.
Side access is often the pinch point. If you have locked gates, leave keys or combinations handy. If a neighbor’s property line is tight to your fence, get permission to step through before the day of service.
Safety is a shared responsibility
A professional window cleaning service brings safety gear, but homeowners control many of the conditions that make that gear most effective. Here are the highest-impact actions you can take without turning your home into a job site.
- Mark or block off newly seeded or soft lawn areas where ladder feet could sink. Keep children and pets away from active work zones. Tell the crew about any bee or wasp activity near eaves or shrubs. Share information about alarm sensors on windows and doors so they are not triggered mid-job. Identify any loose paving stones, deck boards, or railings where tools might be staged.
Small heads-ups like these prevent damage and injuries. On multi-storey homes, ladder placement depends on ground conditions, not just window position. A five-minute walk with the lead tech to discuss footing and clearances sets the tone for a safe, efficient visit.
Clarify scope, pricing, and add-ons before the day
No one enjoys haggling at the door. The clearer the scope in advance, the smoother the appointment. A reliable window cleaning company should provide a written estimate that lists interior panes, exterior panes, skylights, patio doors, and sidelights around entry doors. Screens are sometimes included, sometimes not. Hard water stain removal and construction debris removal, such as paint specks from a recent renovation, are almost always priced as add-ons because they take longer and require different tools.
Ask if track and sill detailing is included. Light dusting is different from deep detailing that removes packed dirt from sliding door tracks. If you need eavestrough cleaning London Ontario at the same visit, confirm laddering time and downspout checks are included. Gutter guards add time and should be noted in the estimate. For exterior house cleaning that includes soft washing of siding, a crew might split into two teams. That can shorten the day but changes the staging needs.
If you searched window cleaning near me and found a few candidates, compare how each company defines a pane. Some count each individual framed section, others count the entire window unit. The difference can swing the price by 10 to 20 percent on homes with divided lights.
Water quality, hard spots, and what streak-free really means
London’s water quality varies by neighborhood. Hard water leaves mineral deposits that look like cloudy arcs a few inches wide, often where sprinkler overspray hits glass. Those spots do not lift with a standard mop and squeegee. They need an acid-based cleaner or a specialty polish, and sometimes a white pad or bronze wool. The goal is to remove minerals without scratching the glass or damaging coatings.
Streak-free is achievable, but it hinges on the method. Pure water systems leave glass spot-free when used correctly, and are ideal for upper-storey windows where ladder work is less efficient. Squeegee work shines on lower panes, tempered glass, and interior sides with films or treatments. For hybrid jobs, a good crew picks the method per pane. If hard water stains have etched the glass, manage expectations. Light etching can be improved, but deep damage looks like a faint haze that remains even when the surface is clean.
Preparing for interior cleaning when life is busy
You do not need to deep-clean your home for a window appointment. You do need to make a safe amount of space for people carrying tools. If your schedule is packed, focus on the practical wins: clear sills, pull furniture back from the biggest windows, and raise blinds. The crew will protect floors and clean up water drips. If you work from home, let the office know your call schedule so they can clean your office windows during a quiet window of time. For nurseries and nap schedules, crews can work floor by floor to minimize disruption.
If you have high-value items on sills or near windows, move them in advance. Technicians are careful, but a succulent can topple when a sash slides unexpectedly. If something cannot be moved, point it out and ask for a plastic cover.
How long the appointment will take, realistically
Time depends on window count, access, and soil level. A typical detached home with 20 to 30 window units often takes 2 to 4 hours for exterior only, and 3 to 6 hours for interior and exterior. Add time for screen removal and replacement, true divided lights, skylights that require roof access, or heavy debris around frames. Pairing eavestrough cleaning with windows can add 1 to 2 hours for a two-person crew, more if gutter guards are present or downspouts are clogged.
If you are using window cleaning services twice a year, the second visit usually goes faster. Lighter soil and established access routines cut setup and detailing time. For clients who also book vinyl siding cleaning periodically, the windows tend to stay cleaner longer because less dust and algae accumulate on adjacent surfaces.
Security systems and privacy concerns
Modern homes often have sensors on windows and doors, plus exterior cameras. Let the crew know which windows are alarmed. Disarm or put the system in maintenance mode during the appointment to avoid alerts. If privacy is a concern, you can request that technicians avoid recording areas or temporarily cover a camera that looks directly into a work zone, and you can ask the office to assign technicians of a particular gender if that helps a family member feel at ease. Reputable window cleaning companies are used to accommodating these requests.
If your building has shared access, like a condo or townhouse, loop in the property manager early. Some boards require proof of insurance from window cleaning companies and restrict hours for exterior work. A short email a week before the appointment prevents day-of delays.
Communication that helps the crew protect your home
Tell your window cleaning service about:
- Fresh paint or caulk that needs gentle handling Historic glass with waviness or known imperfections Leaky frames that drip when sashes are moved Recent pest control treatments near eaves Any allergic sensitivities to soaps or additives
With that context, technicians adjust solutions, avoid abrasive pads, and tailor their approach. If you prefer plant-safe detergents for exterior house cleaning near garden beds, say so. Most professional window cleaning services carry neutral options and can rinse shrubs before and after to reduce residue.
Aftercare: keeping glass clear longer
Once the crew finishes, inspect a few windows inside and out with them present. You are not hunting for flaws, you are building a shared understanding. Look at corners, edges at the frame, and the outside of patio doors where pet noses leave marks. If a streak appears, it is usually at the edge where solution dries faster. Good crews are happy to touch up a pane on the spot.
To keep windows clean longer, think about water sources and air movement. Redirect sprinklers that spray onto glass. Trim shrubs that press leaves against panes and trap moisture. Run kitchen and bath exhaust fans consistently to reduce interior condensation, which attracts dust. On the exterior, keeping eavestroughs clean reduces dirty streaks down the siding and over windows during storms. A simple maintenance loop, especially in London’s freeze-thaw seasons, keeps your home looking cared for between visits.
Picking the right partner for your home
Local expertise matters. Crews who handle window cleaning London Ontario day in and day out know the difference between north-facing panes that develop mildew in shaded yards and south-facing glass that bakes under summer sun. They know which neighborhoods have hard well water, which streets fill with cottonwood fluff in June, and which older homes have storm window quirks. When you search window cleaning London or window cleaning near me, look for companies that talk plainly about methods, carry proper insurance, and offer both interior and exterior services.
Ask how they train technicians. A company that invests in safety and technique will talk about ladder certification, rope access for tall buildings where appropriate, and chemical handling. If they also offer eavestrough cleaning services, ask how they secure ladders and protect gutters from dents. You can combine services to save a trip: eavestrough cleaning, vinyl siding cleaning, and windows in one coordinated visit. That can streamline your maintenance calendar and reduce per-visit costs.
A sample prep plan that takes less than an hour
If you prefer a quick checklist to make sure nothing is missed, here’s a compact plan you can run the evening before.
- Move breakables off window sills and pull furniture half a metre back from major windows. Unlock gates, clear side yards, and coil hoses away from access routes. Raise blinds, tie back drapes, and remove any easily removable screens. Contain pets in a comfortable room and note any alarm sensors on windows. Confirm parking availability and share any gate codes or special instructions with the office.
These five actions cover most delays crews face on arrival. They also signal to the team that you value their time and safety, which tends to get you their best effort in return.
What happens on the day
Expect a punctual arrival window with a quick introduction and a walkthrough. The lead tech will confirm scope, count panes, and clarify any notes you provided. Exterior work typically starts first, moving systematically around the home. Interior work follows, room by room, with drop cloths and careful ladder placement. Tracks and sills are wiped, and screens are reinstalled if they were removed for cleaning.
At the end, the crew will invite you to check the work. Take a slow look at the largest panes at a slight angle. Check sliding door tracks and the lower corners of tall windows, where drips can hide. If something needs a touch-up, ask immediately. Professionals would rather fix a spot on the day than hear about it later.
The value of establishing a rhythm
One-off cleans help for special occasions, but windows stay cleaner and appointments stay shorter when you build a rhythm. Many homeowners schedule biannual residential window cleaning, with an optional light exterior touch in midsummer if sprinklers or road dust are heavy. Folding eavestrough cleaning into the fall visit aligns with leaf drop, which in London often peaks late October to mid-November. For homes with siding, a gentle wash every 12 to 24 months prevents algae films that splash onto glass during rain.
A good window cleaning service will keep notes: screen types, tricky sashes, the dog’s name, and a map of where to stage ladders. That continuity turns a complicated setup into a familiar routine, which saves you time and reduces risk across seasons.
When not to rush it
There are times to delay or adjust scope. Freshly installed windows or new exterior paint need curing time. That can be 2 to 4 weeks for paint, longer for caulk in cool weather. If you had pest control treatments applied around eaves, ask the provider how long to wait before window washing nearby. If you are mid-renovation, consider a post-construction clean with debris removal priced accordingly. Regular maintenance pricing assumes typical soil, not drywall dust, stucco splash, or adhesive residue.
If weather threatens safety, rescheduling is the right call. High winds turn ladders into sails, and lightning puts crews at risk. Reputable window cleaning companies will help find the next available slot and, if the season is tight, may suggest splitting interior and exterior work to keep your home on track.
A final word on getting the most from your booking
Preparation is not about doing the crew’s job for them. It is about making small changes that let professionals work safely and efficiently. Clear paths, known quirks, a little space to maneuver, and a quick conversation about expectations change the entire day. Whether you found a team through a window cleaning company you already trust or by searching for local window cleaning services, the same principles apply.
Clean glass changes how a home feels. Sunlight lands differently in a kitchen with streak-free panes, and a tidy exterior reinforces everything else you do to maintain your property. With a good plan, your appointment becomes easy to host and even easier to repeat, whether you bundle windows with eavestrough cleaning and exterior house cleaning once a year, or keep to a light quarterly touch for that always-fresh look.
Clearview Brothers Window Cleaning London, ON (226) 239-5841
Clearview Brothers provides professional window cleaning, eavestrough cleaning, siding cleaning, and screen cleaning services in London, Ontario. Their eco-friendly methods and advanced equipment deliver streak-free windows, clear gutters, and refreshed exteriors that enhance curb appeal and protect your home.