Short answer
Not for an outside clean, as long as I can reach every window: unlocked side gates, nothing blocking the glass and pets indoors. You do need to be in, or have someone in, for an inside clean, because I come into your home. If something stops me reaching a window, I’ll tell you afterwards.
Why don’t I need to be in for outsides?
An outside clean happens entirely outside. I bring my own water in the van, so I don’t need your tap, and the pole reaches upstairs windows from the ground. As long as I can get to the windows, I can do the job while you’re at work, out shopping or busy indoors.
What do I need to sort out before I go out?
- Unlock the side gate, or tell me where the key is kept.
- Keep dogs indoors, or tell me where they’ll be.
- Move cars, bins or bikes that block a window, if you can.
- Close the windows, so water doesn’t get in.
- Tell me about anything fragile near the windows.
What to do before the window cleaner comes has the full list.
When do I need to be in?
- Inside cleans. I come into your home, so someone needs to be there.
- Locked access. If the only way to the back is through the house, someone needs to let me through.
- Flats with entry systems. If I need to get into a building to reach a balcony or a communal area, tell me how.
For insides, we agree a time when I reply to your request. The inside window cleaning page explains how that visit works.
Going away? What happens if I’m away covers holidays. Gates, pets and access goes into access in more detail.
What if I forget to unlock the gate?
I’ll clean the windows I can reach and tell you which ones I couldn’t, and why. We can sort out access for next time, or I can come back if you’d like.
How will I know you’ve been?
I’ll let you know the way you asked me to reply when you sent your request. If something was different from usual, a window I couldn’t reach or a frame that needs attention, I’ll say so.
Is it safe to leave a gate unlocked?
That’s your call. Some people unlock the gate for the morning and lock it again later. If you’d rather be in for the first visit to see how it goes, that’s fine too.
What if I have a dog in the garden?
Dogs are the most common reason an outside clean can’t go ahead. Even a friendly dog can get tangled in the hose, and some don’t like a pole moving above them. If you’ll be out, please keep dogs indoors on the day. If that’s not possible, tell me and we can pick a time when someone’s home to bring them in.
What about flats and shared buildings?
For a ground-floor or first-floor flat, I can often clean the outsides from a communal garden or the pavement without anyone being in, as long as I’m allowed onto the land. For upper floors, it depends on height and what’s below the windows. If there’s a managing agent or a communal entry system, tell me how access works so I don’t turn up and find a locked door.
What about the insides when you’re out at work?
Some people ask a neighbour or family member to let me in and stay while I work. Others book the inside clean for a day off. Either is fine. I won’t ask to be left alone in your home with a key, and I’d rather someone you trust is there.
What if you can’t reach a window at all?
Sometimes a window simply can’t be reached safely from the ground or from inside: a high window over a conservatory roof, for example. I’ll tell you which one and why, rather than leave it without saying. The HSE says to avoid working at height where it’s reasonably practicable, and that shapes what I’ll take on.
Common questions
Can I be in but busy?
Of course. For outsides you don’t need to do anything. For insides, I’ll work around you.
What about my neighbours' gates?
I only go where you’ve said I can. If the only way to your back windows is through a shared path, tell me.
Will you knock?
For outsides, I don’t need to, but I’m happy to if you’d like to know I’ve arrived. Tell me on the form.
