How to Prepare Your Home for Professional Window Cleaning

Before your window cleaning appointment, clear window sills of valuables and ensure access to all windows is unobstructed. For exterior service, move vehicles and large patio furniture away from the home's perimeter and turn off any irrigation systems. That's the short version — and for most homes, it's all you need to do. Here's the complete prep checklist and a breakdown of what our crew handles so you don't over-prepare or miss anything important.

Interior Prep Checklist

If you're having interior window cleaning, a few simple steps before the crew arrives will make the service faster and protect your belongings:

Clear Window Sills

Remove anything sitting on interior window sills — plants, candles, picture frames, decorative items, or anything breakable. Our technicians work quickly and carefully, but a clear sill makes the job cleaner and protects your valuables. This is the single most important interior prep step.

Move Furniture That Blocks Window Access

If a couch, desk, or large piece of furniture is pushed directly against a window, move it back far enough for a technician to stand and work comfortably. You don't need to rearrange the room — just create a clear path to the glass. For large or heavy pieces you'd rather not move, let us know when you book and we'll work around it as best we can.

Secure Pets

If you have dogs or cats that tend to get underfoot or become anxious around strangers, secure them in a separate room or area during the service. This keeps them calm, keeps our crew focused, and makes the job go more smoothly.

Exterior Prep Checklist

Exterior prep is minimal, but a few steps help the crew work efficiently and protect your property:

Move Vehicles Away From the Home

Park any cars in the driveway or street away from the areas being cleaned. Water-fed pole systems use purified water that won't harm vehicle finishes, but keeping vehicles clear prevents any chance of overspray and gives the crew clear access to windows along garage-facing walls.

Move Patio Furniture and Décor

Pull any chairs, tables, planters, or décor away from the home's perimeter — especially directly under windows. Our crew will be moving equipment and working close to the house, and a clear path speeds up the job significantly.

Turn Off Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems

If your irrigation system is scheduled to run during the service window, override it or turn it off temporarily. Sprinklers activating mid-job can interfere with the cleaning process, redeposit minerals on freshly cleaned glass, and make for wet work conditions. A simple pause to your system on service day is all it takes.

Provide Gate Access Information in Advance

If any side or rear access requires a gate code or key, provide this when you book. Our crew arrives prepared with all access information so there are no delays on service day.

What the Crew Handles — You Don't Need to Do This

You do not need to pre-clean windows, pre-rinse screens, or do anything to the glass itself. That's what we're there for. Our crew brings all equipment, solutions, and tools. We remove and replace screens, clean tracks and sills, and inspect every window for completeness before we leave.

Typical Day-of-Service Timeline

• Crew arrival (within scheduled window): Brief walkthrough to confirm scope
• Exterior service begins: Water-fed pole system, working around the home methodically
• Interior service (if applicable): Room by room, sills cleared, squeegee technique used
• Screen and sill detailing: All screens rinsed and replaced, sills wiped down
• Final check: Crew reviews all windows before departure
• Walkthrough with homeowner (if present): Confirm satisfaction before payment

Total service time is typically 1.5–4 hours depending on home size and service scope.

Ready to Schedule Your Window Cleaning?

ClearView Exterior Services serves Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Royal Oak, Beverly Hills, and throughout Oakland County, MI. Booking is quick and our team is ready to get your home looking its best.

Call us today: (248) 252-8909
Or visit birminghamwindowwashing.com to schedule your free estimate online.