Let’s face it, finding a decent window cleaner these days can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Sure, you want sparkling panes, but it’s more than that, isn’t it? You’d like someone you can trust, who actually shows up when they say they will, takes care not to trample your flowers, and doesn’t give you a shock when it’s time to pay.
Gone are the days when you’d just answer the door to a stranger with a bucket and hope for the best. Maybe you’ve already had the “dodgy van, cash in hand” experience. Or perhaps you’re new to this game and just want to avoid common pitfalls. Whatever the case, there’s good news: choosing the right window cleaning company doesn’t have to be stressful.
Whether you own a snug semi or manage a bustling little shop on the high street, this guide’s for you. Instead of a sales pitch, you’ll get real, practical tips the kind you’d share with a mate over a cuppa so you can spot the proper pros and steer well clear of the cowboys.
1. Safety’s Not Just a Buzzword
Let’s be honest no one wants to watch someone wobble up a ladder with no idea what they’re doing. There’s real risk when it comes to cleaning windows up high or around awkward corners. Reputable companies take safety seriously, and so should you.
What does this look like in practice?
Insurance Ask, Always
First up, check they’ve got valid Public Liability Insurance. Top tip: if you ask for proof and they get cagey or look put out, that’s your cue to look elsewhere. Accidents do happen a dropped pole or a cracked tile so insurance is a must, not a “nice to have”.
Risk Assessments & RAMS
Ever heard someone mention “RAMS” and wondered if you’re supposed to know what it is? It’s just “Risk Assessments and Method Statements” basically, a plan to do the job safely. Strong companies will notice those uneven paths or the kids’ bikes scattered in the drive and work safely around them.
Proper Kit Spot the Difference
You can tell a lot from what a team turns up wearing and using. Look for sturdy boots, gloves, maybe a hi vis vest if they’re on a big job, and solid, safe ladders. Kit that looks like it’s been round the block one too many times is a warning sign.2. Experience and Training It’s More Than Just Water and Elbow Grease
Some people reckon cleaning windows is an entry level job. But if you’ve ever tried fiddling with a conservatory or getting those top windows streak free, you’ll know otherwise.
How Long Have They Been Around?
A business that’s been at it for years will usually have seen it all from pigeon-pooped skylights to Victorian sash windows. That experience pays off for you, because they’re more likely to handle any quirks or surprises without batting an eyelid.
What About Their Training?
Ask if their team’s up to date on the latest techniques. It’s not nosy, it’s sensible. Anyone using tall cherry pickers (MEWPs) should have IPAF certification. Staff should know how to avoid scratching glass, damaging seals, and all the fiddly bits in between. If they shrug and say “don’t worry, love, been doing it for years…” tread carefully.
3. Tools and Techniques Doesn’t All Look the Same
You wouldn’t want your windows cleaned with the same sponge used to scrub a car last week, would you? There’s a knack to good window cleaning, and having the right kit makes all the difference.
Squeegee or Water-Fed Pole?
For ground floor or inside, the old-school squeegee’s still hard to beat. But four storeys up? Water fed pole systems are the norm now they’re safer and won’t leave that “drippy corner” look.
What’s “Pure Water” All About?
If the company babbles about “pure water” and you have no clue, here’s the lowdown: it’s just water cleaned of all the minerals and dirt that usually leave spots. So windows dry streak-free, no faffing about. If they blast yours with tap water and a brush, you’ll be left with marks once the sun comes round.
Take a Quick Look at Their Tools
If their kit is falling apart or looks grubby before they even start, that’s a bad sign. Well maintained equipment shows they care about their job and your home.
4. Reliability The Least You Should Expect
There’s nothing worse than booking a cleaner, then waiting ages with the blinds open and the cat perched on the windowsill, only for no one to show. Good companies don’t leave you hanging.
Do They Keep in Touch?
Rain delays and traffic happen, but a friendly phone call or text to give you a heads-up goes a long way. If it’s always on you to chase them, try someone new.
Respect Counts
Little things matter like closing gates, wiping muddy boots, and saying a quick hello rather than barging in. The most reliable companies earn your trust because they respect your time and your space.
Easy Communication
If it’s a chore to get hold of them, or you’re stuck in endless voicemail loops, you’ll end up frustrated. Choose a team that actually picks up or replies quickly, it makes life easier for everyone.
5. Pricing Straight Up and No Shenanigans
Getting the bill shouldn’t feel like taking a pop quiz. Clarity up front means no unpleasant surprises later.
Clear, Written Quotes
You want a straightforward quote in writing whether it’s a text, email, or proper letter spelling out exactly what you get. Are sills and frames included? What do they charge for those high awkward windows? The best companies lay it all out, so you’re never left wondering.
No Tricky Contracts
Some firms reward you for being a regular with a small discount or priority slots, but no one should tie you up in knots with a long contract or hidden penalties. If you feel pushed or “locked in”, move on.
6. Accreditations, Reviews and Red Flags
All that glitters is not gold, as they say. Make sure your window cleaner doesn’t just talk the talk.
Accreditations What’s the Point?
Sign-up to professional bodies like CHAS or SafeContractor means they’ve had their processes checked out. It tells you they’re serious about health and safety, especially for bigger or commercial jobs.
Real Reviews Not Just Their Website
Ignore those glowing blurbs lifted onto company pages. Head for Google, Trustpilot, or your local community group for the warts-and-all truth. Consistency is what matters: do folks mention reliability, friendliness, being easy to pay, and a sparkling finish time after time?
When Something Doesn’t Feel Right
If you spot a pattern of no paperwork, missed appointments, or “cash only” requests, run a mile. If reviews mention extras added mid-job or jobs left half done, you’re better off elsewhere.
7. The Little Extras That Set the Best Apart
Sometimes it’s the details that really win you over. Look for those small, thoughtful touches.
- Eco-Friendliness: Do they use eco cleaning products, or recycle their water? Asking shows you care and sometimes a company with green habits works more carefully in other ways, too.
- Problem Solvers: Need an early morning clean so your café’s shiny for breakfast? Tricky flat-roof windows? A good cleaner doesn’t grumble, they find a way.
- Happy to Guarantee: Mistake on a pane, or you spot a streak later? The top companies stand by their work and will pop back no drama, no hard feelings.
- Handy Hints: The best cleaners will leave you with tips on how to keep things sparkling (or warn you when a frame is getting leaky). That kind of care tells you you’re more than just another job.
How to Dodge the Cowboys (and Save Yourself a Headache)
Sadly, a few rogues still slip through the cracks. Here’s how to spot them:
- Eager for cash up front, but dodgey about receipts or putting anything in writing.
- Give you the run-around if you ask about insurance or risk assessments.
- Shrug off training and safety questions like they’re not important.
- You always have to call them, and texts go ignored.
- Bad pattern of late arrivals, disappearing part way through, or half-hearted cleans according to reviews.
If your gut says “nope”, listen to it!
Final Thoughts Peace of Mind, Not Just Clean Glass
Honestly, having your windows cleaned should be one of life’s smaller worries. When you pick a team that cares about safety, does the job well, values your time, and treats your place with respect, it’s a breath of fresh air.
Don’t be shy about asking all those “silly” questions. The right company will welcome them and answer clearly. At the end of the day, when you focus on things like good reviews, clear pricing, reliability, and a professional attitude, you end up with windows you’re proud of and a service you actually look forward to.
No salesy spiel. No hard push. Just a bit of help to make your life run more smoothly, and keep your view that little bit brighter.
If spotless windows, cheerful service, and total peace of mind sound like your sort of thing, take a peek at Simply Cleaning Services. Your windows (and your schedule) will thank you.
