(1) Always make sure any professional you hire is insured and licensed. This is especially important for window cleaning companies, since the workers will be working in tough to reach areas of your home. Insurance certificates can be requested and now it is common for the insurance agent to directly fax or email the proof directly to the client.

(2) Hire professionals only. Regular professional cleaning prevents your windows from becoming etched or pitted over time. Pollution is a window’s worst enemy, which can result in pitting and once the damage is done the only solution may be the more expensive option of window replacements.

(3) Professionals clean without leaving streaks or residue behind and have a trained eye for faulty windows. Hiring a professional also results in saving you time.

(4) Get a phone estimate or on-site bid. For a home with standard windows, a phone estimate can provide you with a reasonable estimate of what the job will cost. For more complex jobs, the company should provide an on-site bid. The idea is to eliminate surprises after the job is completed.

(5) Conduct a walk-through of the scheduled work prior to the start with the professional. It is easy to miss basement windows or top-floor nooks that might have been omitted from an estimate. It is also important to identify and note any previous damage to windows or screens.

(6) Upon job completions, it is a good practice to walk through again to ensure job satisfaction.

(7) For interior cleaning, we recommend cleaning at least once a year, unless you smoke in your home, have small children or pets.

(8) If you smoke or have small children and/or pets, we recommend interior cleaning 2 to 3 times per year.

(9) For exterior cleaning, we recommend cleaning your windows at least two times per year.

(10) Ask the contractor for customer references who have had work performed similar to yours.

(11) Window manufacturers recommend cleaning your windows every 6 months. Regular cleaning prevents your windows from permanent damage that can be caused by salt water, oxidation, acid rain, pollution, overspray, pesticides, rust, calcium, mold, bird/lizard droppings and other elements that windows are exposed to daily. It also removes allergens such as pollen that tend to stick to your windows. Homes on the water (salt), or near high-traffic or construction should consider quarterly service.

(12) NEVER use ammonia or vinegar on windows with film.

(13) NEVER scrape, or allow anyone to scrape windows with film on them. Scraping can be very tricky, especially on tempered glass and should only be done by a professional.

(14) Always as about insurance, check references and take caution before letting someone into your home. Many individuals ignore the No Soliciting signs and will go door to door, or will litter your town with snipe signs advertising their services. Most of these are “fly-by-nights”, in-between-jobs and do not carry insurance and are not bonded.