Short answer
Ask how they clean, what’s included, how they reach upstairs windows safely, whether you need to be in, what happens in bad weather, how often they come, how to pause or stop, and how they’ll reply to you. Clear, specific answers are a good sign. Below are twelve questions, with my own answers for Full View.
1. How do you clean the outside windows?
Mine: pure water through a water-fed pole, from the ground. The water has its minerals taken out, so it dries clear. What is a water-fed pole?
2. How do you clean the inside windows?
Mine: by hand, with a washer and squeegee, with cloths down on the sills.
3. What’s included?
Mine: the glass, plus glass in doors where I can reach it. Ask me about frames and sills. Conservatory roofs need a look first.
4. How do you reach upstairs windows?
Mine: with the pole, from the ground. The HSE’s window cleaning guidance says to avoid work at height where reasonably practicable, so I use a pole from the ground for outside glass.
5. Do I need to be in?
Mine: not for outsides, if I can reach every window. Yes for insides. Do I need to be home?
6. How often do you come?
Mine: outsides every 6 weeks, insides every 12, or a single one-off clean.
7. What happens if it rains?
Mine: light rain usually doesn’t stop an outside clean. Strong wind, ice or storms can. Ask me how I handle bad-weather days. Can windows be cleaned in the rain?
8. Why might my windows look wet when you leave?
Mine: pure water is left to dry rather than wiped, because it dries without marks. Why windows look wet
9. Could I see spots after the first clean?
Mine: possibly, if old soap residue runs out of the frames. It usually fades over the first few cleans. Spots after the first clean
10. How do I pause or stop?
Mine: tell me, and I’ll put the terms in your quote so it’s clear before you start.
11. How will you contact me?
Mine: the way you choose on the form, by mobile or email. I reply that way and nowhere else.
12. What areas do you cover?
Mine: Wickford (SS11, SS12) and Rayleigh (SS6) only.
What makes a good answer?
- Specific. "The outside glass and door glass" is clearer than "everything".
- Honest about limits. A cleaner who says what they can’t do is easier to trust.
- Consistent. The answer on the phone or in a message matches what happens on the day.
What about reviews?
It’s reasonable to ask. The Competition and Markets Authority suggests checking how review sites make sure reviews are genuine, rather than trusting labels. If a cleaner is new and has no reviews yet, they should say so rather than fill the gap.
Should I ask for a written quote?
For a regular round, yes, even a short message listing what’s cleaned, how often and the price. It saves misunderstandings later.
Questions about the first visit
The first visit is where most surprises happen, so a few extra questions help:
- Will the first clean take longer? Often yes, because there’s more built-up dirt.
- Will it cost more? It can, if it takes longer. A clear cleaner will say so in the quote.
- What will you need from me on the day? Usually unlocked gates, pets indoors and windows closed. What to do before the window cleaner comes has the list.
- What if you can’t reach a window? You want to hear, "I’ll tell you which and why."
Questions about the round
If you want regular cleans, ask how the visits fit together. Do they visit on a regular pattern? Will they let you know before they arrive? What happens if you’re away or have building work? What happens on a regular round? explains how mine works.
Common questions
Is it rude to ask all of these?
Not at all. A cleaner who’s comfortable with their method will be happy to answer.
What if a cleaner won’t answer?
That’s useful information too. Choose someone whose answers you understand.
Can I ask for a trial clean?
You can ask for a one-off first. One-off window cleaning covers that.
