How to Prepare for a Window Cleaner: 8 Quick Steps

The 8-Step Prep List

1. Lift blinds 6 inches

   Pull every blind up at least 6 inches above the windowsill so we can clean the sill and the bottom track without lifting blinds ourselves. We can lift them, but it adds 10-15 seconds per window which adds up across 25-30 windows. Closed-down blinds also block our view of how clean a window has gotten.

2. Pull curtains to the side

   Slide curtains off the window — leaving the rod where it is. We don't move heavy curtain hardware. If your curtains drag the floor below the sill, just tuck them up onto a chair or bed temporarily so they don't get pinched under the squeegee setup.

3. Clear windowsills of plants and decor

   Anything fragile (succulents, herb pots, picture frames, small statues) should come off the sill the morning of. A single laundry basket and 5 minutes is enough. We can move things ourselves, but we'd rather not risk dropping your grandma's china angel.

4. Secure pets indoors

   Cleaners come in and out through side gates and back doors. An indoor cat darting outside is a stressful surprise for everyone. Large dogs barking at ladders disrupt our pace and can spook techs on 2-story extension ladders. Crate or separate-room is best.

5. Unlock side gates and any locked outdoor areas

   Particularly important on exterior days. If we can't reach the side or back of the house, we can't clean those windows. Confirm gates open the morning of (we've driven 45 min only to find a rusted-shut gate). HOA shared-yard areas may need a friendly heads-up.

6. Plan parking + access

   Our service trucks need to be near the home — usually in the driveway or street out front. Move your cars if you're blocking the driveway. If you're in an HOA with strict parking rules (HOAs in Stapleton, Anthem, Highlands Ranch), give us a heads-up about visitor permits.

7. Tell us about screens that need repair

   Note tears, bent frames, or missing splines on the booking form or in a pre-appointment text. Our truck carries fiberglass and pet-grade mesh plus re-screening tools — 90% of repairs are done on-site at $25-$45 per window. Tell us in advance so we plan time + bring the right materials.

8. Decide if you'll be home

   You don't need to be. Most recurring customers leave a garage code, a hidden key, or a smart-lock temp code. We text you photos at completion so you can verify the work before paying. If you can't be there and don't want to leave access, we can do exterior-only — about 65% of the full-service price.

What NOT to Do

• Don't pre-clean. Pre-cleaning with the wrong chemistry leaves residue we have to deal with. Trust the process — we'd rather start with the dirty windows you hired us for.
• Don't move heavy furniture for us. We'll work around what's there. Couches, beds, and big dressers stay put. We'll squeeze, ladder around, or use water-fed poles as needed.
• Don't over-water plants the morning of. Soaking wet soil + windowsill access creates a slip and stain hazard. Water plants the night before, not the morning of.
• Don't leave critical items on sills. A laptop, a phone, a glass of wine — anything you wouldn't want jostled. Moved 6 inches inside is enough.
• Don't book on a day you can't be reached. Even when you're not home, we may need to text you about a found problem (broken glass we discover, locked door, pet running loose). Have your phone available for the 2-3 hours we're on-site.

Heads-Up: Things We Photograph and Email You

During the job we photograph anything we find that you should know about — cracked windows, stuck sashes, deteriorated caulking, screen tears, broken latches. None of these affect your price; we just want you to have the info. Photos arrive by email at job completion alongside the “all done” before/after shots.

We don't pressure-sell repairs. If we see a screen that's torn, we'll quote a same-day fix because we already have the materials on the truck. For window-glass issues we'll suggest a glazier — we don't do glass replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be home for window cleaning?

No. As long as we can access exterior gates, side yards, and any rooms you want cleaned, we're fine. We text you when the crew arrives and when the job is complete with photos. Most of our recurring customers are not home during the appointment.

Should I move my blinds and curtains before the appointment?

Yes — for interior cleaning. Lift blinds 6 inches off the windowsill so we can clean the sill and frame without lifting them ourselves. Curtains can stay closed but pulled to the side. We won't move heavy curtain rods or rearrange furniture; we work around what's there.

What about pets?

Secure them inside or in a separate area during the appointment. Cleaners come in and out of side gates and back doors; an indoor cat darting outside is a stressful surprise for everyone. Big dogs barking at ladders also disrupt our work pace and can spook techs on second-story ladders.

Do I need to clear my windowsills of plants and decor?

Yes — anything fragile or that holds water (succulents, herb pots, glass figurines, picture frames) should come off the sill before we arrive. We can move things ourselves but we'd rather not risk dropping your grandma's china angel into the sink. A 5-minute walk-through with a basket the morning of saves a lot of trouble.

Should I clean my windows before the cleaner arrives?

No — that's our job. The only exception: if there are extreme contaminants like fresh pet accidents on glass or wet paint dripping, give us a heads-up so we know to bring the right chemistry. Otherwise, leave it to us — over-cleaning before we arrive doesn't save you any money and sometimes leaves residue we have to deal with.

Do I need to leave a key or be home to let you in?

Many customers leave a hidden key, a garage code, or use a smart-lock with a temporary code. We can also do exterior-only if you can't be there — exterior-only doesn't require interior access. We text you photos at completion in either case so you can verify the work before paying.

What if I have screens that need repair?

Tell us in advance or note it on the booking form. Our service truck carries fiberglass mesh, pet-grade mesh, and re-screening tools — most repairs are done on-site at $25-$45 per window. Severely bent frames go to our shop for new fabrication ($60-$120, 5-7 day turnaround).

What if the weather looks bad on my appointment day?

We monitor weather closely. If conditions are unsafe (steady rain, lightning, sustained 30+ mph winds, temps below 35°F), we'll reschedule for the next available slot at no charge — usually within 2-4 days. We always give at least 24 hours' notice on weather-related reschedules. You don't need to call us; we'll reach out first.