Professional window cleaning doesn't require much preparation on your end — but a few simple steps make the job go faster, protect your belongings, and help your crew deliver the best result. Here's what to do before your technician arrives.
Clear Window Sills and Ledges
Remove any items sitting on interior window sills — plants, candles, figurines, books, or décor. This protects your belongings from accidental contact and gives the technician full access to the sill and frame.
Outside, clear any potted plants, garden décor, or furniture that would obstruct access to the window from the exterior. Technicians need to be able to position a ladder safely and move freely around the perimeter.
You don't need to move heavy furniture unless it's directly blocking a large window — your technician will let you know if access is an issue.
Pro Tip: About half of homeowners have plants on sills that take 30+ seconds each to move and replace. Moving them before the visit can save 15–20 minutes of total job time.
Unlock Windows if Interior Cleaning Is Included
If you've requested interior window cleaning, unlock all window latches before the technician arrives. Locked windows can't be cleaned from the inside, and going room-to-room to unlock them takes significant time.
For tilt-in windows (double-hungs and single-hungs with tilt latches), make sure the tilt latches are functional and the window can tilt fully inward. If a tilt mechanism is broken, let the technician know — exterior-only cleaning may still be possible.
If you have windows that are painted shut or haven't been opened in years, note those ahead of time. A painted window can be cleaned from the exterior but not interior without risking damage to the frame.
Plan for Pets
If you have dogs or cats, plan to keep them away from the work area — particularly during exterior cleaning when technicians are moving around the perimeter with ladders.
For interior cleaning, secure pets in a room not being worked on. This keeps both the pet and the technician safe and prevents accidental open-window escapes.
Let the technician know about dogs before they arrive, especially if your dog will bark or react to movement outside.
Plan for Plants and Gardens
If you have flower beds, vegetable gardens, or fragile plantings close to the house, point them out when the technician arrives. Professional window cleaners use low-rinse-volume methods that minimize water on the ground, but it's good to flag anything especially delicate.
If any of your exterior beds are directly under a window being cleaned, consider moving potted plants temporarily. Ground-level plants in beds typically don't need any intervention.
What to Expect on the Day
Your technician will arrive within the scheduled window, do a brief walkthrough to confirm scope (especially if any special situations were noted), and then begin exterior cleaning first (if both interior and exterior are included).
Interior cleaning follows, room by room. Technicians use shoe covers when working inside and place drop cloths or towels under ladders when needed.
The job takes roughly 1–2 hours for an average single-story home (20–30 panes, exterior only). Larger homes or interior+exterior services take longer. Your technician can give you a time estimate when they arrive.
After the job, your technician will do a walkthrough with you or leave a summary of any noted issues (hard water that requires additional treatment, broken sill mechanisms, etc.).
Pro Tip: You don't need to be home for exterior-only cleaning. Many Foxy's customers are at work while we clean — we'll let you know when the job is complete with a text or call.
Foxy's Window Cleaning · Geneva, IL
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