What's Actually Included in a Professional Window Cleaning?

Quick answer: A professional window cleaning typically covers both the interior and exterior glass, window frames, sills, and screens. Most pros use a squeegee-and-scrubber method or a water-fed pole system with purified water. The exact scope depends on the company and the package you book, so it's worth confirming before the crew arrives.

A lot of homeowners assume a "window cleaning" just means someone wipes the glass. The reality is more thorough than that, and knowing what's included helps you compare quotes and set expectations before booking.

The Core of Every Visit: The Glass Itself

Cleaning the glass is the obvious starting point, but technique matters more than most people realize.

What does a professional actually do to the glass?

A trained technician agitates the surface with a scrubber or microfibre sleeve to break up dirt, then pulls a squeegee across in clean, overlapping strokes. Any remaining moisture is detailled off the edges with a lint-free cloth. The result is streak-free glass, not just glass that looks clean from three metres away.

• Exterior glass: removes road film, pollen, hard water spots, and oxidation buildup
• Interior glass: removes fingerprints, dust haze, pet nose prints, and cooking residue
• Both sides are typically done in a full-service visit

Beyond the Glass: Frames, Sills, and Screens

The glass only tells part of the story. Dirty frames and sills can redeposit grime onto clean glass the next time it rains.

Are frames and sills included in a standard clean?

Most professional companies include a wipe-down of frames and sills as part of a standard visit. At Blondie's Window Services, frames and sills are cleaned as a matter of course, not treated as an add-on. Some companies charge extra, so confirm this when you book.

• Vinyl and aluminum frames: wiped down to remove dirt and mildew
• Sills: vacuumed or wiped to clear debris before water touches them
• Tracks: brushed out on request (often a separate add-on)

What about screens?

Screens are usually removed, brushed off or rinsed, and replaced. Some companies charge a small fee per screen; others bundle it in. Screens hold a surprising amount of dust and pollen, and leaving them dirty defeats much of the point of cleaning the glass behind them.

Water-Fed Pole vs. Traditional Squeegee

For exterior work, especially on multi-storey homes across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, and the wider GTA, many professionals now use a water-fed pole system.

• Water-fed pole: a telescoping pole feeds purified, de-ionized water directly onto the glass and frame, then a soft brush agitates the surface
• De-ionized water has all mineral content removed, so it dries spot-free without any squeegee pass
• Traditional squeegee: still preferred for interiors and ground-floor work where direct access is easy

Neither method is universally "better." A skilled tech picks the right tool for each window.

What's Typically Not Included

It helps to know what usually falls outside a standard visit so there are no surprises.

• Hard water stain removal (mineral etching often requires a separate treatment)
• Paint or sticker removal from glass
• Window track deep-cleaning (often available as an add-on)
• Chandelier or skylight cleaning

Looking for a Window Cleaning Quote in Southern Ontario?

Blondie's Window Services serves homeowners and businesses across the GTA, from Etobicoke and Vaughan to Burlington and Markham. Every visit includes glass, frames, and sills as standard. Reach out to Blondie's Window Services for a no-obligation quote and find out exactly what's included for your home!