How to Choose the Right Commercial Window Cleaning Service

Choosing the right commercial window cleaning service is an important decision for building owners and property managers.

Clean windows improve your building’s appearance, but more importantly, professional window cleaning involves safety, compliance, and proper equipment—especially for mid-rise and high-rise buildings.

Not all window cleaning companies are the same. Some focus only on basic cleaning, while others understand fall protection systems, rope access, and OSHA requirements.

In this guide, we explain how to choose the right commercial window cleaning company and what to look for before hiring a contractor.

 

How Do I Find a Good Window Cleaner?

If you are interested in hiring a quality commercial window cleaning company to take care of your building, you want to be sure you select a firm you can trust. Window washing can be a dangerous job, and you don’t want to hire a fly-by-night company that does not know what they are doing and exposes you to risk.

A number of companies will try to get your business by throwing out low-ball quotes over the phone. A professional company, on the other hand, will take the time to come out to your property and do a survey of your building. They will talk to your about your needs, and prepare a realistic quote based on what they see during the survey.

 

Make Sure They Are Properly Licensed

In this age of the Internet and social media, it’s easy for an outfit to hang out a virtual shingle and make it look like they are in the business. Just because they have an online presence doesn’t mean they are licensed to do business in your state. You should verify the licensing of any window company you are thinking of hiring.

One of the best ways to do this is to look online for the name of the agency in your state that regulates contractors. Once you find them, you’ll be able to verify that the company’s license is valid and currently in good standing. You’ll also be able to find out how long they have been in the market by asking how long they have been licensed in the state.

 

Verify Their Insurance Coverage

Commercial window cleaning is inherently risky. Workers are often cleaning windows at height, suspended over the street or parking lot below. If the company that you choose to hire is not fully insured, you could be liable if an employee is injured on the job.

When you are looking for window cleaning near me, be sure to ask each potential vendor to provide a certificate of insurance coverage for your job. You will want to make sure they have full coverage for property damage, liability and a worker’s compensation policy too.

 

Read the Online Reviews

One of the best ways to find out more about potential commercial window cleaning vendors is to take the time to do your online research. You can find out a wealth of information when you read through detailed customer ratings and feedback.

You’ll be able to access a treasure trove of reviews when you use a search engine. In addition to reviews that may be on search engines, you will also find speciality sites that offer reviews of contractors and companies that provide services to customers.

 

Check Out Their Safety Record and Training

If your commercial building is more than one story tall, you will want to make sure that you check out the safety record of any window cleaners you are thinking of hiring. You’ll want to be sure that your window washers have an impeccable safety record when they will be working at height.

It’s also important to ask about the safety training program that is in place at the vendor’s business. They should conduct regular safety training, and strong safety protocols must be in place. In addition, you will want to know that they use up-to-date equipment that is in great condition.

 

How Often Should Commercial Windows Be Cleaned?

Commercial windows should be cleaned twice a year at a minimum, but more frequent cleaning may be advisable. While you can clean windows at almost any time of year, if you are doing bi-annual cleaning you might choose the fall and spring.

The frequency of window cleaning will depend on a variety of factors. Certain locations may be more exposed to weather, car exhaust and traffic, and even construction. The specific building design and its location may also factor into how often your commercial windows should be cleaned.

 

What Do Professionals Use to Clean Windows?

When it comes time to creating the best window cleaning solution, sometimes a simple formula is the best. Many commercial window washers find that they get excellent results with a solution that has several drops of Dawn or a similar detergent mixed in with distilled water.

While there are chemical solutions that could be used, professionals have found that the residue from harsh chemicals can actually attract debris and dirt after they have been used in the cleaning process.

 

What Is Considered as the Most Commonly Used Window Cleaning Method by Professionals?

One of the primary tools for cleaning windows, the squeegee, has been used on windows for over 100 years. Professionals can clean commercial windows using a squeegee, distilled water with detergent, a microfiber cloth that is lint free and a scrubber or window mop.

The scrubber is used to thoroughly wet the window surface. The squeegee can then be used, with a fanning technique, to remove the water from the window. Water that drips off the bottom part of the window can be absorbed with the mop, and the microfiber cloth can be used to dry water on the window sill, side of the window or window corners.

 

What to Look for in a Commercial Window Cleaning Company

When choosing a provider, look for companies that:

• perform site inspections before quoting
  • have experience with commercial buildings
  • provide clear proposals and scope of work
  • offer scheduled maintenance programs

Verify Safety and OSHA Compliance

Window cleaning—especially on taller buildings—requires proper safety systems.

A professional company should:

• follow OSHA fall protection regulations
• use certified roof anchors
• provide trained technicians
• have documented safety procedures

Companies that understand safety reduce risk for both workers and building owners.

 

Understand Access Methods and Equipment

Different buildings require different access methods, including:

• rope descent systems (RDS)
  • rope access
  • boom lifts
  • suspended platforms

The right company will recommend the safest and most efficient method for your building.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before hiring a window cleaning company, ask:

• Are your workers trained in fall protection?
  • Do you have experience with buildings like mine?
  • What safety systems do you use?
  • Can you provide references?
  • How do you handle difficult access areas?

Why Safety and Anchors Matter for Window Cleaning

For many commercial buildings, window cleaning depends on certified roof anchors and fall protection systems.

Without proper anchors:

• work cannot be performed safely
• contractors may refuse the job
• building owners may face liability risks

Regular anchor inspections ensure that window cleaning can be performed safely and efficiently.

If you are looking to make your commercial building attractive to tenants, be sure to hire a professional window cleaning company to help keep your windows looking beautiful and sparkling clean. They will be able to take care of the job quickly, in a very safe and efficient way. To schedule a free, no obligation consultation you can call us today at (773) 227-4522 or email us at anchors@shineongroup.com.