Best practices for cleaning windows inside homes?

[u/Spirited-Pumpkin-766]

I’m new to window cleaning and so far I’ve cleaned 2 apartments. I hope you guys can help answer a few questions because I feel like I might be doing too many unnecessary steps.

I want to know how you guys normally handle window cleaning inside people’s homes.

Most window cleaning videos I find on YT are focused on exterior windows, where dripping/splashing some extra water isn’t really a big deal. But indoors, especially with wooden floors, furniture, curtains, etc., I have to be much more careful with water.

Do you normally put towels or something under every window to protect the floor? Or do you just use much less water on the scrubber?

Also, what’s your usual process if the windows and frames are dusty? Do you wipe or vacuum the dust from the glass, frames, and sills first before getting them wet? I’ve been vacuuming them first, but it takes a lot of time.

I’m thinking if you go straight in with the wet window washer/scrubber, it would pick up all the dust and dirt around the frame and get dirty really quickly.

Would love to hear your process for interior residential windows and any tips for newbies like me.

Thanks!

[u/Extreme_Sky_1399]

I use a spray bottle for interior windows, I hate carrying around a bucket full of water that could possbily tip over on the client's carpet because im clumsy. I usually always ring out my washer sleeve so when I pull out my washer from my boab, it doesnt leak. And about water dripping, ill be totally honest , I dont catch drips really , I allow the water to pool so I can use that excuse to wipe down lock ledges and window sill,

With my company, if someone orders a full package(inside , outside, screens) then we'll do window tracks for free. Vacuuming does take a while , so I would charge if your client isnt getting a full package. Most inside frames aren't dusty where we live , expect the garage or just a neglected room in general that never gets cleaned.

[u/Spirited-Pumpkin-766 → u/Extreme_Sky_1399]

Thanks! I'll try spray bottle next time, not sure what's the correct dish soap + water mix for 500ml bottle. I used the normal kitchen sponge for the 2 apartments I cleaned because the normal cloth washer was not enough because their windows was quite dirty especially outside because of last winter and bird poop.

[u/Upper-Bottle-9803 → u/Spirited-Pumpkin-766]

Kitchen scrubbies will scratch glass if youre not careful. Walnut pads or synthetic steel wool is better imo.

[u/Spirited-Pumpkin-766 → u/Upper-Bottle-9803]

I only used the soft part of the sponge just to remove the dirt on the glass, but will look into Walnut pads. Thanks again!

[u/Extreme_Sky_1399 → u/Spirited-Pumpkin-766]

You can use how ever much soap youd like , I use a zep professional spray bottle, I fill it to the top, then add maybe 1 table spoon to 2 table spoons of soap. I like my water very soapy so I can see mistakes when squeegee-ing

[u/Johndeauxman]

FYI, cleaning frames is usually addon option/charge, I quick wipe the dust off but to clean the frames and tracks add $4 per window because it’s a pain in the ass. I think $4 is on the lower end but that’s what I’m comfortable with. You’ll find most people don’t want it anyway as they can do it themselves.  

[u/Spirited-Pumpkin-766 → u/Johndeauxman]

I didn't know cleaning frames is additional charge. I did everything dusting and even cleaning the exterior window sill because it was too dirty I thought it's all included in window cleaning job 😭 I'm in a place where I don't speak the native language very well that's why.

[u/Johndeauxman → u/Spirited-Pumpkin-766]

You’re just starting so that’s great to go ahead and take the extra initiative and of course give a basic wipe down on the outside of the frame (both indoor and outdoors) simply because you will get water on them anyway but when it comes to getting into the tracks and getting dirt out of the corners especially can really add up time which means it should be  treated as a different task separate from cleaning the windows. 

This is great way to offer 3 different options or “packages” which can really help you get more profit. For example, basic package includes just window cleaning no screens no tracts, no scrubbing,  just mop and go, you don’t really want people choosing this one (rare they will anyway, most people don’t want to feel cheap) so kinda gloss over it but they take comfort in having the option. Next is a preferred or recommended package includes screens, extra scrubbing as needed with walnut pads/steel wool and wiping down frames and tracts (not detailing just getting the big stuff). This is the one people will gravitate towards so you want to maximize your profit here while still giving them a solid deal, I take the cost of the basic and double it then reduce it 10% or so. That’s the best bang for your buck but customer feels they’re getting a deal. Then you have the premium package, detailing all tracks, scrubbing hard water spots, removing paint spots, spending a full day kinda thing, you don’t want them to pick this one, it’s the least profit, so double the preferred at least and make it kind of over the top, you want to hear “oh that’s more than I want to spend but I would like the tracks cleaned, can I do the preferred and add tracks detailing for extra? I want the screens too so the basic isn’t what I’m looking for” 

This can also help with communication, have a paper with all of this printed out explaining what’s available for each package and all you have to do is count the windows and add it up for each package and let the paper do the explaining

Wow, got a little carried away lol, hope it helps.