Inside and Out: What Professional Window Cleaning Includes (and How to Prepare)

Clean windows change how a home feels. Rooms look brighter, the view outside looks sharper and the whole house seems a little more cared for. But “window cleaning” can mean very different things depending on who you hire. Many window cleaners only do the outside of the glass, and others leave out the sills, the screens or the hard-to-reach panes that need it most.

Here’s what a thorough professional window cleaning includes, how often to schedule one and how to get ready so service day goes smoothly.

Why clean both sides of the glass?

Dirt builds up differently on each side of a window. Inside, glass collects fingerprints, pet nose prints, cooking film and the light haze that settles on every surface in a home. Outside, it collects pollen, rain spots, dust, cobwebs and the grime that washes down from the roof and gutters.

If only one side gets cleaned, the other side keeps the window looking dull, and it’s nearly impossible to tell which side a streak is on until both are clean. That’s why Brightview cleans interior and exterior glass and sills instead of stopping at the outside.

A professional cleaning is also a good chance to notice small problems early, like fogging between the panes of an insulated window, which usually means its seal has failed, or cracked caulk around a frame.

What a thorough window cleaning includes

Interior glass

Interior cleaning covers the inside of your windows and glass doors. The crew works carefully around furniture, window treatments and decor, which is why it helps to clear the sills and raise the blinds before they arrive. While they’re inside, we can also clean mirrors, light fixtures and ceiling fans.

Exterior and hard-to-reach glass

Outside, the crew cleans every pane, including second- and third-story windows, transoms and skylights. Brightview cleans windows on homes up to three stories above grade, using ladders and water-fed poles to reach high and hard-to-reach glass.

Window sills

Dirt, pollen and debris collect on the sills, and leaving them dirty undoes a lot of the work on the glass. Sills are wiped as part of the service, so the whole window looks finished, not just the pane.

Screens

Screens trap a surprising amount of dust and pollen, and a dirty screen can make clean glass look hazy. Screen cleaning is available as an add-on. If you book exterior-only cleaning without screen cleaning, please remove your screens before the crew arrives. If they have to come inside to remove and reinstall them, $5 per screen is added.

Paint overspray and heavy buildup

Removing minimal paint overspray is included in your quote. Heavier overspray, paint splatter or silicone, which often shows up after painting or construction work, takes extra time and is available for an additional charge. Mention it when you request your quote so the crew comes prepared.

How often should you have your windows cleaned?

For most homes, twice a year keeps windows looking their best:

• Spring, after the Triangle’s heavy pollen season, to clear the yellow film that coats every surface.
• Fall, before the holidays and the low winter sun that shows every streak.

Homes on busy roads, near construction or under trees that drip sap may need more frequent cleaning. Businesses are different too: storefront glass is the first thing customers see, so many shops and offices schedule service on a regular plan. Our commercial services page explains how weekly, monthly and quarterly plans work.

Planning other exterior projects too? Our fall home exterior checklist shows how to order the season’s jobs, and our guide to pressure washing vs. house washing explains how siding should be cleaned.

Does rain ruin clean windows?

It’s one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer is usually no. Light rain doesn’t affect the result: glass that’s free of dirt and debris stays clean and spot-free, so we can usually go ahead as scheduled.

If heavier rain, snow or freezing temperatures require a change, the office will contact you that morning. And if you notice spotting or streaking within seven days of your service, contact us and we’ll take care of it.

How to prepare for window cleaning day

A little preparation saves time on service day and keeps your belongings safe. Two days before your service, you’ll get an email or text with these instructions:

• Fully raise the blinds on windows, panes and doors (for interior cleaning only).
• Remove small objects and breakables, like figurines, pictures, plants and other decorations, from window sills, tables and other furniture in front of the windows (for interior cleaning only).
• Remove anything attached to or in front of the glass, like stained glass, suction cups or paper.
• If your service is exterior-only and screen cleaning isn’t included, take your screens out ahead of time.

For interior cleaning, someone needs to be home to let the crew in. For exterior-only cleaning without screens, you don’t need to be home. The full checklist for every service is on our How to prepare page.

What to expect on service day

1. Ask for a quote. Send a request through our contact page or call the office; estimates are free, and it helps to mention how many windows you have and whether you’d like screens cleaned.
2. Watch for your checklist. A short list of prep steps arrives by email or text two days ahead.
3. Let the crew in. They arrive within your scheduled window, work through the house room by room and walk the results with you before they go.
4. Settle up. Hand the crew cash, a check or a card, or pay the emailed invoice later if you’re out.

Divided panes and removable muntins

If your windows have a grid pattern, it helps to know which kind you have when you request a quote:

• Divided-pane windows have wooden or metal dividers on the outside of the glass, which creates many small panes to clean.
• Standard double-hung windows have the dividers between the panes of glass, so the surfaces you clean are smooth.
• Interior removable muntins are usually wooden dividers on the inside glass only, held in place by movable pins against the window frame.

Not sure which you have? Our office is happy to help when you call.

Tips for keeping windows clean between visits

Professional cleaning twice a year handles the heavy lifting, but a few habits keep the glass looking good in between:

• Spot-clean the inside with microfiber. A clean, dry microfiber cloth removes fingerprints and nose prints without leaving lint behind the way paper towels can.
• Use less cleaner, not more. Too much spray leaves a residue that attracts dust and shows up as streaks in the sun.
• Work in the shade. Glass in direct sun dries before you can wipe it, which leaves streaks and spots.
• Keep your gutters clear. Overflowing gutters send dirty water down over the windows below every time it rains. Our gutter cleaning service keeps the water where it belongs.
• Trim back shrubs and branches. Plants that touch the glass leave sap and debris behind and make windows harder to reach.

Leave upper-story windows and anything that needs a ladder to a professional. Reaching across glass from a ladder is exactly the kind of job where falls happen, and our crews have the equipment and the training to do it safely.

Questions to ask before you hire a window cleaner

• Do you clean the inside and the outside? Ask whether interior glass is part of the price.
• What’s included? Ask about sills, screens, skylights and hard-to-reach panes, and which items cost extra.
• Are you insured? Look for a company that is bonded and insured and carries workers’ compensation on its employees, which protects everyone if someone gets hurt on the job.
• How high can you reach? Make sure the company has the equipment and experience for second- and third-story glass.
• What if I’m not happy? A good company will come back and make it right.

Brightview has been family-owned since it started in Wake Forest in 2007. We carry full bonding and insurance plus workers’ compensation for every employee, and customers across the Triangle rate us 5.0 on Google.

“It is rare to encounter a company with such attention to detail on every level. … They also double-checked each window inside and out after cleaning. Choosing Brightview is a SLAM DUNK!”

Ashley Quinn, window and gutter cleaning customer

Frequently asked questions

Can windows be cleaned in the winter?

Yes. Window cleaning is offered year-round. If rain, snow or freezing temperatures make a visit impractical, the office reaches out that morning to reschedule.

Do I have to be there?

Only if the crew is working inside. Exterior-only visits without screen cleaning can happen while you’re away, as long as gates are unlocked.

Can you reach third-floor and commercial windows?

On homes, the crew cleans glass up to three stories above grade. Low-rise commercial buildings of three to four stories are reached with lift access.

Ready for a clearer view?

Professional window cleaning is one of the quickest ways to make your home feel brighter, inside and out. See what’s included on our window cleaning page, read what your neighbors say on our reviews page or request a free estimate. You can also call or text (919) 274-0673.