Professional window cleaning typically covers interior and exterior glass, frames, sills, screens and tracks, though some quotes are exterior only. Many Atlanta households schedule it once or twice a year, often after spring pollen season. For upper-story windows, hiring an insured company with proper ladders or water-fed poles avoids a risky climb.
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Clean windows make a home noticeably brighter, but window cleaning is often left out of standard house cleaning, especially exterior and upper-story glass. Many households hire a dedicated window cleaning company once or twice a year, and in Atlanta a common time is after the heavy spring pollen has passed.
What window cleaning usually includes
- Interior and exterior glass, typically using squeegees or water-fed poles
- Wiping frames and sills
- Removing and cleaning screens, often with brushing or washing
- Cleaning tracks, which collect dirt, pollen and insects
Hard-water spot removal, skylights, glass doors, mirrors and chandelier cleaning may be separate services. Confirm which panes are included, since some quotes cover exterior only.
Atlanta-specific issues
- Pollen. Pine and oak pollen coats screens and exterior glass each spring. Cleaning windows before the pollen ends often means doing them twice.
- Sprinkler spots. Irrigation spraying on windows can leave mineral deposits that require special treatment.
- Tree cover. Homes under heavy canopy collect sap, debris and mildew on glass and frames.
Safety on ladders
Falls from ladders cause many injuries each year, and CPSC publishes ladder safety guidance. Upper-story and steep-site windows are a good reason to hire someone with the right equipment and insurance rather than climbing yourself. Ask the company how it reaches high windows, such as extension ladders, ladder stabilizers or water-fed poles from the ground, and whether its insurance covers that work.
Protecting your windows
- Razor blades can scratch some glass, especially tempered glass, which is common in doors and near tubs. Ask how the cleaner removes stubborn debris.
- Some low-E coatings and window films have manufacturer cleaning instructions; share them if you have them.
- Older wood windows and painted sills can be fragile. In homes built before 1978, avoid scraping or sanding painted surfaces, which can release lead dust.
How pricing is usually set
Companies often price per pane, per window, or by the job, with extra charges for screens, tracks, French panes and upper floors. Count your windows and note which are on upper floors before you request quotes so you can compare them accurately.
Questions to ask
- Does the price include interior and exterior, screens and tracks?
- How do you reach second- and third-story windows?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance that covers ladder work?
- What is your policy if streaks or spots remain?
- What happens if it rains on the scheduled day?
Ready to see out again? Request a window cleaning company and tell us roughly how many windows you have.
Frequently asked questions
How often should windows be cleaned?
Many homes do exterior windows once or twice a year and interiors as needed. Homes under heavy tree cover or near busy roads may need it more often.
When is the best time to clean windows in Atlanta?
Many people wait until the heaviest spring pollen has passed, since pollen quickly recoats screens and glass. Fall is another popular time.
Can cleaners remove hard-water spots from sprinklers?
Often they can lighten or remove them with specialty treatments, but severe or long-standing mineral etching may not come out completely. Adjusting sprinklers keeps it from recurring.