What Does Professional Window Cleaning Include?
A professional window cleaning should cover the glass inside and out, plus the frames, sills, tracks and screens. Some companies only do the glass and charge extra for the rest, so it pays to ask. Here’s the full checklist, and what usually costs more.
Call or text a few photos. Flat quote, usually the same day.
- Full checklist
- What’s usually extra
- Questions to ask
- Interior vs exterior
The Standard Window Cleaning Checklist
A complete window cleaning includes washing and squeegeeing the glass on both sides, wiping frames and sills, cleaning the tracks of sliding windows and doors, and brushing and rinsing the screens. It shouldn’t leave drips on the sills, streaks on the glass or dirt on your floors.
Clean window glass after a professional cleaning| Part of the window | What should be done | Sometimes extra elsewhere? |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior glass | Washed, squeegeed, edges detailed | No |
| Interior glass | Washed, squeegeed, edges detailed with floors protected | Sometimes |
| Frames and sills | Wiped down inside and out | Sometimes |
| Tracks | Debris removed, wiped clean | Sometimes |
| Screens | Removed, brushed and rinsed, refitted | Sometimes |
Do window cleaners clean the tracks? Some include it and some charge extra, so ask. We include tracks, sills and screens in every residential window cleaning. More on window track cleaning and weep holes.
What a Standard Window Cleaning Doesn’t Include
These need more time, tools or care, so they’re quoted on their own.
Hard water stain removal
White mineral spots that have bonded to the glass need a separate treatment.
Hard water stain removalPaint, stickers and construction residue
Scraping and solvent work after a build or remodel.
Post-construction cleaningInterior vs Exterior Window Cleaning
What changes depending on which side you book.
Detailing sliding door glass edges| Exterior only | Interior and exterior | |
|---|---|---|
| Glass cleaned | Outside surface | Both surfaces |
| Frames, sills, tracks | Outside only | Both sides |
| Screens | Cleaned | Cleaned |
| Someone home? | Not needed | Needed for inside |
| Best for | Regular upkeep between full cleans | Spring cleaning, move-out, listing photos |
Questions to ask any window cleaner
- Are tracks, sills and screens included in the price?
- Is the quote a flat price, or can it change on the day?
- How do you protect floors and furniture inside?
- What happens if a pane has hard water stains?
- Do you clean skylights, and is that extra?
How a Professional Window Cleaning Is Done
The order of work in a full inside and outside clean.
Walk around and inspect
Check each pane for scratches, failed seals and etched stains, and agree on anything fragile.
Remove screens
Screens come out, are brushed and rinsed, and set aside to dry.
Clear tracks and sills
Debris is vacuumed or brushed out so it doesn’t get wiped onto clean glass.
Wet the glass
A cleaning solution is applied with a scrubber to loosen dirt and film.
Squeegee
The glass is squeegeed dry, usually in one continuous pass to avoid lap lines.
Detail edges
Edges and corners are finished with a cloth; frames and sills are wiped.
Refit screens and check
Screens go back in, and the glass is checked from different angles in the light.
Tools Professional Window Cleaners Use
What each one is for.
Window cleaner dipping strip washer in bucket| Tool | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Scrubber (strip washer) | Applies cleaning solution and loosens dirt |
| Squeegee | Pulls water and dirt off the glass in clean passes |
| Microfiber or lint-free cloths | Detail edges, frames and sills |
| Scraper | Removes paint specks and stuck debris on glass that allows it, always on wet glass |
| Water-fed pole | Cleans upper exterior glass from the ground with purified water |
| Deionized water system | Removes minerals from water so it dries spot-free |
| Vacuum and track brushes | Clean window and slider tracks |
Scraping is a judgment call. The IWCA says scrapers won’t scratch uncoated glass when properly used, but some tempered glass is highly susceptible to scratching, and some glass makers, like Cardinal, say metal blades should never be used on their glass. For technique, see how professionals get streak-free results.
Sources: IWCA, Glass Surface Information; Cardinal Glass, IG12 glass cleaning bulletin.
Should You Clean Your Own Windows?
Plenty of people do. Here’s what changes when you hire it out.
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-floor glass | Very doable with a squeegee and bucket | Faster, with detailed edges |
| Second-story glass | Ladder risk | Water-fed pole or proper ladder setup |
| Streak-free finish | Takes practice; avoid direct sun | Squeegee technique and detailing |
| Tracks and screens | Up to you | Included every visit with us |
| Hard water stains | Household cleaners rarely remove them | Assessed and quoted separately |
If you do it yourself
- Work in the shade, so the solution doesn’t dry on the glass before you squeegee it.
- Use a squeegee, not paper towels, for large panes.
- Wipe the squeegee blade after each pass.
- Never wipe dusty or sandy glass dry; grit can scratch.
- Stay off ladders on uneven ground; call a pro for upper floors.
How Often Should Windows Be Professionally Cleaned?
In Santa Cruz County, it depends mostly on how close you are to the ocean.
| Property | Suggested schedule |
|---|---|
| Oceanfront homes | Quarterly |
| Within about a mile of the water | Every 4 to 6 months |
| Inland homes | Twice a year |
| Homes with sprinklers hitting the glass | Every 3 to 4 months |
| Storefronts and restaurants | Weekly to monthly |
See our guide to why Santa Cruz windows get dirty fast for the reasons behind these schedules, and how often to clean windows in Santa Cruz for a full schedule by property type.
Window Cleaning Terms, Explained
Words you’ll see on quotes and websites.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sill | The horizontal ledge at the bottom of the window, inside or out |
| Track | The channel a sliding window or door runs in |
| Frame | The fixed outer part of the window that holds the sash or glass |
| Sash | The movable part of a window that holds the glass |
| Pane | A single sheet of glass |
| Hard water stains | White mineral deposits left by water that dried on the glass |
| Water-fed pole | A long pole with a brush that sprays purified water, used to clean upper glass from the ground |
| Deionized water | Water with dissolved minerals removed, so it dries without spots |
How Interior Window Cleaning Protects Your Home
Cleaning inside means working around floors, furniture and window coverings.
Detailing patio door glass with cloth- Drop cloths or towels under each window to catch drips.
- Shoe covers or clean indoor shoes.
- Furniture moved only with your OK, and put back.
- Blinds and curtains moved aside, not cleaned unless agreed.
- Sills wiped dry so water doesn’t sit on wood.
How to Get Ready for a Window Cleaning
A few minutes of prep makes the visit faster.
| Do this | Why |
|---|---|
| Clear windowsills and the area in front of windows | So we can reach the glass without moving your things |
| Unlock side gates | So we can reach every side of the house |
| Keep pets inside or in one room | Ladders, buckets and open doors |
| Tell us about anything fragile | A cracked pane, loose frame or window that sticks |
| Point out problem windows | Hard water spots or panes you want extra attention on |
Window Cleaning Myths
Things people often believe about cleaning windows.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Rain cleans windows | Rain spreads dirt and film around and leaves its own spots |
| Hosing windows off is enough | Tap water leaves mineral spots as it dries |
| Sunny days are best for cleaning glass | Sun dries the solution too fast and causes streaks |
| Paper towels give a streak-free finish | Fine for small panes; a squeegee is better for large glass |
| Any white spot will wash off | Etched hard water stains need separate treatment |
What Commercial Window Cleaning Includes
Storefronts and offices are cleaned to a schedule, not just once.
| Item | Included |
|---|---|
| Storefront glass inside and out | Yes |
| Entry doors, push plates and frames | Yes |
| Upper exterior glass | Yes, with a water-fed pole where it suits the building |
| Interior partitions | On request |
| Schedule | Weekly, biweekly, monthly or quarterly, timed around opening hours |
See commercial window cleaning for more.
What’s Included: FAQ
What does professional window cleaning include?
Glass inside and out, frames, sills, tracks and screens. Some companies charge extra for tracks and screens, so ask before booking. Ours are included in every residential window cleaning. Hard water stain removal and skylights are usually separate items.
Are window tracks part of a professional cleaning?
Some companies include tracks and some charge extra. Ours are included in every residential window cleaning.
Do window cleaners clean screens?
Some include screens and some charge extra. We remove, brush, rinse and refit screens as part of the standard clean.
Is hard water stain removal included?
Not usually. Bonded mineral stains need a separate treatment, which is graded and tested on a corner first.
Does someone need to be home during a professional cleaning?
Not for exterior-only cleaning. For interior windows, someone needs to let the crew in.
What affects how long a professional cleaning takes?
It depends on the number of panes, height and condition. You’ll get a time estimate with your quote.
What tools do professional window cleaners use?
A scrubber to apply solution, a squeegee, lint-free cloths for detailing, and often a water-fed pole with purified water for upper glass.
What causes streaks after DIY window cleaning?
Usually the solution dried before it was squeegeed, often from working in direct sun, or the squeegee blade was dirty or worn.
How often should windows be professionally cleaned in Santa Cruz?
Quarterly for oceanfront homes, every four to six months within about a mile of the water, and twice a year inland.
When is a professional cleaning worth it over DIY?
It depends on your windows. Upper-story glass, tracks, screens and a streak-free finish are where a professional saves the most time and risk. Ground-floor glass is very doable yourself.
Surely the point of cleaning windows is that the whole thing is cleaned, frames included?
We agree. Besides the glass, we clean the frame, which is the fixed outer part, the sash that holds the glass, the sills, the tracks and the screens. Not every company includes all of these, so check what a quote covers before you book.
Should windows be cleaned in the sun?
It’s better not to. Sun dries the cleaning solution before it can be squeegeed, which leaves streaks.
Is rain a substitute for a professional window cleaning?
No. Rain spreads dirt and salt film around and leaves its own spots as it dries. It doesn’t touch screens, tracks or sills either.
Do window cleaners move furniture?
Only with your OK. It’s quicker if sills and the area in front of windows are cleared beforehand.
Do you clean windows inside and out?
Yes. Interior glass is cleaned with floors and furniture protected, and exterior glass from the ground or with proper ladder setups.
Do window cleaners clean skylights?
Some do, often as a separate item because of roof access. We clean skylights from the roof and quote them separately.
Is there a difference between residential and commercial window cleaning?
The method is similar. Commercial cleaning runs on a regular schedule timed around business hours and often includes entry doors and push plates.
How long does a full window cleaning take?
It depends on the number of panes, height and condition. Most homes take a few hours, and you’ll get a time estimate with your quote.
Do you clean window screens?
Yes. Screens are removed, brushed, rinsed and refitted as part of every residential window cleaning.
Get a Free Window Cleaning Quote in Santa Cruz County
Send your address and a few photos. You’ll hear back the same business day with a flat number.
(831) 203-3111- Same-day response, Monday through Saturday
- Flat quote, good for 30 days
- Add gutters, solar or skylights to the same visit
Serving Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, Live Oak, Scotts Valley, Felton, Ben Lomond, Bonny Doon, Watsonville and everywhere in between.