Clear Access to Windows

The biggest thing that slows down a window clean is access. If windows are blocked by outdoor furniture, plants, or obstacles, it becomes harder to clean them properly and safely.

Before your cleaner arrives, it helps to:

• Move outdoor furniture away from windows

• Shift pot plants, decorations, or bins

• Make sure gates are unlocked and side paths are clear

Inside the home, clearing window sills and moving fragile items away from the glass also makes a big difference if interior cleaning is included.

Turn Off Sprinklers

If you have irrigation systems or sprinklers, it’s a good idea to turn them off before and during the clean.

Sprinklers can:

• Spray dirty or mineral-heavy water back onto freshly cleaned windows

• Make surfaces slippery or unsafe to work around

• Interrupt the cleaning process

Leaving them off for a few hours after the clean also helps protect the result.

Secure Pets

Most window cleaning is done from the outside, often moving around the full perimeter of your home. If you have dogs or other pets, it’s best to keep them secured during the visit.

This helps:

• Keep your pets safe and stress-free

• Allow the cleaner to move freely without interruptions

• Avoid accidental mess or distractions

It also makes the whole process quicker and more efficient.

Provide Easy Access to Water (If Needed)

Some window cleaning setups require access to an outdoor tap. If that’s the case, making sure it’s easy to locate and working properly helps avoid delays.

If your system is different or fully self-contained, this may not be needed, but it’s always helpful to know ahead of time.

Close Windows and Check Screens

Before the clean starts, it’s worth checking that all windows are fully closed. This prevents water from entering the home during exterior cleaning.

If your windows have flyscreens:

• Let your cleaner know if you’d like them cleaned

• Remove them in advance if required, or confirm they’ll be handled on the day

Clear communication here avoids confusion and ensures everything is done to your expectations.

Communicate Any Specific Requests

Every home is a bit different. If there are areas you want extra attention on, or certain windows that are harder to access, it’s best to mention this early.

Examples might include:

• Skylights or high windows

• Glass balustrades or pool fencing

• Areas with heavy buildup or staining

A quick conversation before the job starts ensures nothing is missed.

You Don’t Need to Overprepare

It’s worth remembering that professional window cleaners are used to working around homes as they are. You don’t need to deep clean beforehand or make everything perfect.

The goal is simply to remove obvious obstacles and make access straightforward. From there, the cleaner will handle the rest.

The Bottom Line

A little preparation goes a long way. Clear access, a safe working environment, and good communication help ensure your window clean is efficient and delivers the best possible result.

Most of the work is handled on the day, but setting things up properly means your home gets the full benefit of a professional clean without delays or missed areas.

If everything is ready to go, the process is quick, smooth, and leaves your windows looking the way they should.