12 questions to ask before hiring a window cleaner

1. What's your method?

You want: scrub with a strip washer, squeegee, detail the edges, wipe the sill. You don't want: spray and wipe.

2. Do you use purified water on exterior glass?

You want: yes, through water-fed poles, so the glass dries spot-free. It's the standard for exterior work and for anything above the first floor.

3. Do you use razor blades?

You want: only after testing a corner, never as a default on tempered glass. Tempered glass can have fabricating debris that a razor drags into permanent scratches.

4. How do you reach second-story glass?

You want: water-fed poles from the ground for exterior glass. If a ladder is needed, it gets standoffs so it doesn't rest on gutters or stucco.

5. Are tracks and sills included?

You want: yes, on every full home clean. Tracks vacuumed and wiped, sills detailed. If it's an add-on, ask why.

6. Are sliders and lanai glass included?

You want: yes. They're the biggest and most-used glass in a Florida home and should never be an afterthought.

7. Can you remove hard water spots?

You want: yes, with a restoration compound, after testing a pane and telling you honestly whether it will fully come out. You don't want: 'we'll scrape it' or 'vinegar takes care of it.'

8. How do you price?

You want: one firm number for the whole job before work starts, after seeing the house or a photo. You don't want: per-pane counting at the door or a list of add-ons.

9. What's your guarantee?

You want: a plain statement. If a window doesn't look right, call within a few days and it's redone at no charge.

10. Who will be at my house?

You want: a name. Owner-operated companies send the owner; larger companies should tell you whether it's a consistent crew.

11. Do I need to be home?

You want: not for exterior; yes for interior. And photos texted when an exterior-only job is done.

12. What if it rains?

You want: rain itself doesn't dirty clean glass; dirt washing off frames does, which is why frames and sills get cleaned. Most professionals will touch up a window that spots within a couple of days of a clean.