Most people call a window cleaner when the streaks are bad enough to block the view. That's the worst time to shop around. A few minutes of smart picking now saves a headache later.
What to Look For
Insurance is non-negotiable. Anyone working off a ladder or on a second story can drop a tool or break a pane. Ask for proof of liability insurance — not a verbal promise. Look for someone who uses water-fed poles and purified water. That system leaves no spots and means they don't need to lean out windows. Experience matters more than a flashy truck. Someone who has been doing this for five years has seen every kind of sill and screen.
Questions to Ask
Ask what their process is. Do they squeegee by hand or use a pole system? Do they clean the frames and sills or just the glass? Get a straight answer on what's included. Ask how they handle hard water stains or construction dust — that takes different chemicals and more time. Ask if they work alone or with a team. A solo person might be slower but more careful. A crew can finish fast but might miss details.
Red Flags
A quote that is way below everyone else is a red flag. They are either skipping insurance, using dirty water, or rushing the job. Anyone who can't give you a specific time window for arrival is trouble. If they say “sometime next week” and don't call when they are on the way, expect a no-show. Avoid someone who won't give a written estimate. Verbal quotes get forgotten or changed. Also watch for someone who pressures you to pay in cash upfront.
How Ratings Help You Choose
Star ratings alone are useless. Read the recent reviews — the last ten tell the real story. Look for patterns. Multiple complaints about missed appointments or broken screens mean that's how they operate. A few one-star reviews among hundreds of five-stars is normal. But if the recent ones are all bad, move on. Pay attention to how the company responds to negative feedback. A defensive or rude reply tells you everything about their customer service.
Compare local window cleaning options and read real customer reviews on RatingsNearMe before you book.