How to Prepare Your Home for a Window Cleaning Visit
A few minutes of prep makes a window cleaning visit faster and makes sure nothing is missed. Clear the sills, open the gates, turn off the sprinklers and tell the crew about anything unusual. Here’s the full checklist, inside and out.
Call or text a few photos. Flat quote, usually the same day.
- Inside
- Outside
- What to tell the crew
- After the visit
Clear Access, Open Gates, Sprinklers Off
The crew needs to reach the glass, get around the house and work on dry ground. Clear sills and the space in front of windows and sliders, unlock gates, turn off sprinklers the night before, keep pets inside, and point out any windows that stick, leak or are damaged.
Residential window cleaning on a Santa Cruz home| Task | When | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Turn off sprinklers | Night before | Dry ground and no fresh spots |
| Clear sills and ledges | Morning of | Faster access, nothing knocked over |
| Open blinds and curtains | Morning of | Full access to the glass |
| Unlock side gates | Morning of | Exterior work without you |
| Pets inside | During the visit | Safety with gates open |
| Note problem windows | Before work starts | Nothing missed, no surprises |
Preparing the Inside of the House
Clear access is most of it.
Squeegee large interior glass wall| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Window sills | Clear plants, photos and ornaments |
| In front of sliders | Move rugs, toys and small furniture back a few feet |
| Blinds and shutters | Raise blinds fully; open shutters |
| Curtains | Tie back or open fully |
| Fragile items | Move away from windows |
| Alarm sensors | Tell the crew if windows are alarmed |
The crew protects floors and furniture while working. Heavy furniture can usually stay where it is.
Preparing the Outside
Paths, gates and ground.
| Item | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinklers | Off the night before and on the day | Wet soil is unstable for ladders; spray spots clean glass |
| Side gates | Unlocked | Exterior work can start without you |
| Patio furniture and grills | Move away from windows if easy | Clear ladder footing |
| Garden beds below windows | Tell the crew about delicate plants | Ladders and poles placed carefully |
| Parking | Leave space near the house if possible | Equipment and pure water supply |
| Hoses and spigots | Let the crew know where they are | Some jobs need a water source |
What to Mention Before Work Starts
Two minutes of conversation saves a lot of guesswork.
- Windows that stick, won’t open or have broken hardware
- Cracked glass or fogging between panes
- Window film or tint, and who installed it
- Torn or missing screens
- Skylights or roof areas that are fragile
- Pets, alarms or areas to avoid
- Any spots or haze you’re especially concerned about
Glass makers such as Cardinal publish strict cleaning rules for coated glass, so knowing what glass you have helps the crew choose the right method. See hard water stains and white film on coastal windows.
Leave the Screens to the Crew
You don’t need to take anything down.
Squeegee interior sliding glass doorScreens are removed, cleaned and reinstalled as part of most residential visits, and tracks are vacuumed and wiped. If a screen is torn, bent or hard to remove, just mention it. Milgard’s care guidance recommends keeping tracks clean and weep holes clear so windows operate and drain properly, which is why track cleaning is part of the job.
See window track cleaning and screen repair.
Sources: Milgard, Window and Door Care Tips; Milgard, How to Maintain Your Sliding Window.
If Gutters, Skylights or Solar Are Included
Roof work comes first.
| Item | Prep |
|---|---|
| Gutters | Clear access to downspouts; move bins from below gutters |
| Skylights | Tell the crew which rooms have skylights for the inside clean |
| Solar panels | Have your panel maker’s cleaning instructions if you have them |
| Roof access | Point out the safest side to set up |
Access for Upper-Floor Windows
How the crew reaches the glass affects what they need from you.
Upper exterior glass is often cleaned from the ground with a water-fed pole and purified water, which needs a clear path around the house and somewhere to park the water supply. Where ladders are needed, the crew looks for firm, level footing. Wet soil, loose bark and steep slopes all make setup slower, which is another reason to turn off sprinklers the night before.
| Method | What helps |
|---|---|
| Water-fed pole from the ground | Clear paths, parking near the house |
| Ladders | Dry, firm ground below windows; patio furniture moved |
| Inside upper windows | Clear space in front of the glass |
| Skylights | Safe roof access point |
Rentals, Vacant Homes and Businesses
Prep looks a little different.
| Situation | Prep |
|---|---|
| Vacation rental between guests | Send access codes and turnover times; tell guests if they’re staying during exterior work |
| Vacant home or listing | Lockbox details; sprinklers off; note the photo date |
| Occupied rental | Notice to tenants; agree inside access |
| Storefront | Clear window displays if inside glass is booked; early access before opening |
| HOA or condo | Manager sends notices; residents clear patios and balconies |
See vacation rentals, real estate, storefronts and HOAs.
Things You Don’t Need to Do
Save yourself the effort.
Soapy window glass with drips- Pre-clean the glass yourself
- Take screens down
- Buy any cleaning products
- Move heavy furniture
- Stay home for exterior-only work
- Remove window decals unless you want them gone
If you’re unsure about anything, text a photo before the visit and ask.
Choosing the Day
Some days work better than others.
| Consider | Why |
|---|---|
| Dry forecast | Exterior work needs a dry day; rain lands on clean glass |
| After yard work | Mowing and pruning put dust on screens and glass |
| After painting or repairs | Dust and drips land on glass |
| Before guests, photos or a sale | Glass is freshest in the first days after cleaning |
| Calm day in pollen season | Wind puts pollen straight back on glass |
See the best time of year for window cleaning and spring window cleaning.
Kids, Pets and Working From Home
Keeping everyone comfortable during the visit.
Crews work around households all the time. Keep pets inside or in a closed room while gates are open, and keep children clear of ladders and equipment outside. If someone is working from home, tell the crew which room to leave until last or skip for now; inside glass can be done room by room in whatever order suits you.
What Helps When Asking for a Quote
Good photos mean an accurate flat price.
- A photo of each side of the house
- Close-ups of any spotted or hazy glass
- The number of skylights and where they are
- How tall the house is and how the ground slopes
- Gate, parking and access details
- Any deadline, such as photos or guests
With those details, the quote can cover the right scope the first time, and the crew arrives with the right equipment. See get a free quote.
Checking the Work
Before the crew leaves.
Walk around together
Look at the glass at an angle in daylight.
Check screens
Make sure they’re all back in and seated.
Run the sliders
They should open smoothly with clean tracks.
Check sills and floors
Nothing left behind.
Point out anything missed
It’s easiest to fix while the crew is still there.
See how to choose a window cleaner and how often to clean windows.
Preparing for a Window Cleaning Visit: FAQ
How do I prepare my home for window cleaning?
Clear window sills and the floor area in front of windows and sliders, move fragile items, unlock gates, turn off sprinklers the night before, and tell the crew about pets, alarms and any windows that stick or are damaged.
Should I arrange my day off around the window cleaner?
Only if we’re cleaning inside glass. For exterior-only work, you don’t need to be home as long as gates are unlocked. For inside glass, someone needs to let the crew in or arrange access. You get a text the day before with the arrival window, so you can plan around it.
Should I take down blinds and curtains?
Pull curtains open and raise blinds fully if you can. You don’t need to remove them, but the crew needs clear access to the glass.
Should I remove my screens?
No. The crew removes, cleans and reinstalls screens. Just mention any that are torn or hard to remove.
What about pets?
Keep pets inside or in a separate room while the crew works, especially if gates will be open.
Should I turn off sprinklers?
Yes, the night before and on the day. Wet ground makes ladder work harder and fresh spray adds spots to just-cleaned glass.
Do I need to move furniture?
Move small items and anything fragile away from windows. Larger furniture can usually stay; the crew works around it with floors and furniture protected.
Paid for a window clean done in the pouring rain. Can they clean in the rain?
If heavy rain makes the work unsafe or pointless, we move exterior work to the next dry day. Inside glass can often go ahead as planned. Wet roofs and ladders aren’t safe, so we don’t push through. We let you know before the visit if the weather changes the plan.
How long does a window cleaning visit take?
It depends on the number of windows, screens and whether gutters or skylights are included. Your quote should give an idea.
What should I check after the visit?
Walk around with the crew if you can, look at the glass at an angle in daylight, check screens are back and sliders run smoothly, and point out anything missed before they leave.
Should I clean the windows before the window cleaner comes?
No. That’s the crew’s job. Just clear access to the glass.
Can I stay inside while you work?
Yes. The crew works around you, and inside glass can be done room by room.
What if I have window film or tint?
Tell the crew before they start. Film makers often have their own care instructions, and the crew will choose products and tools to match.
Do you need water or electricity?
Pure water systems often filter tap water on site, so the crew may use an outdoor spigot. Tell them where yours are.
What if a window is cracked?
Point it out before work starts. Cracked glass is cleaned gently or left alone, and the crew will tell you what they did.
Do I need to tip?
It’s not expected. If you were happy with the work, a review that mentions the details is just as helpful to a small local business.
What if I forget to turn off the sprinklers?
Tell the crew when they arrive. They may start with the inside or another side of the house while the ground dries.
Should I lock interior doors?
Lock any rooms you don’t want the crew to enter and tell them which windows to skip. Everything else can be cleaned room by room.
Can you clean only some windows?
Yes. Tell us which windows or sides of the house to include and the quote will match that scope.
Will you move my plants?
The crew will move small pots off sills if needed and put them back. Moving large planters yourself beforehand saves time.
How much notice do you give before arriving?
You get a text the day before with the arrival window and another when the crew is on the way, so you’re not waiting around.
Can I reschedule if something comes up?
Yes. Text us as early as you can and we’ll find another day. Exterior work in rain is rescheduled anyway.
Do you clean glass doors and mirrors too?
Glass doors, sliders and glass railings are included when listed in the scope. Ask about mirrors or interior glass partitions when you get the quote.
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.