Question 1

How will you clean my windows?

Accepted Answer

I utilize the Reach and Wash method, using top of the line water-fed poles and brushes.

Question 2

Why do you operate on a 6-weekly schedule?

Accepted Answer

From personal experience, I find window cleaning every 6 weeks really suits most customers, as it has direct financial benefit without affecting the quality and duration of your window clean too much, which is important, as the difference in 4 weekly cleans to 6 weekly averages out to a saving of over 4 cleans per annum. So if your property costs you £20 per clean, this is a saving of £80 over the year for you, with much of the same results (in my opinion). As I operate inland, away from the sea, this is another reason for a slightly longer schedule. Whereas seafront properties will do better with anything starting from bi-weekly, I find in-land properties get a little less abuse from the weather due to lack of salt water getting thrown into the windows so 6 weekly is that perfect balance of regularity without overdoing it.

Question 3

What is a "water-fed pole"?

Accepted Answer

A water-fed pole is a piece of equipment used by window cleaners all over the country, to safely clean windows from the ground. Eliminating the need for ladders! 
They have largely replaced the old ladder and squeegee and are seen as the new standard in the industry.

Question 4

What is the process behind water-fed pole window cleaning?

Accepted Answer

I first scrub your windows, frames and sills using the water-fed pole system, ensuring all grime and dirt is loosened. Then, I rinse off the windows thoroughly with processed de-ionised water, which is filtered to be completely pure with ZERO ppm (part per million). This will leave your windows sparkling, and since there is no residue from detergent, cleaning products, contaminates in the water or anything else, your windows actually stay cleaner for longer!

Question 5

What benefit does water-fed pole window cleaning have over traditional methods?

Accepted Answer

Whilst I believe it is largely customer preference, and great results can be achieved doing both, many traditional services focus on just the glass, with water-fed pole, the entire window is cleaned, frames, sills, on top and bottom.
However there is one main major benefit customers love about the water-fed pole method. There is no need for anyone to climb up and require them to get nose-to-glass. For some, the idea of a stranger looking into their home makes them uncomfortable.  Using this method maintains privacy in bedrooms/bathrooms upstairs, so when we show up, you don't need to scramble to get dressed, or out the shower. Full privacy is maintained in your home where it matters most.

Question 6

Is this method eco-friendly?

Accepted Answer

For those of you who are concerned about the impact of everything they do on the environment, rest assured the water-fed pole is an eco-friendly solution.  This is because the pole eliminates the need to use detergents and other chemicals, which eventually wash off the building and onto the ground/plant life below.  Instead, the poles make use of pure water technology, and once this reaches the ground it is simply absorbed into the natural environment with no effect on plant life or wildlife.

Question 7

So why won't you use a ladder?

Accepted Answer

While there’s nothing wrong with climbing a ladder to clean windows, the Health and Safety rules are forever changing to discourage the practice, and window cleaners have to follow suit.  Since 2005, there have been regulations in place about work at heights, that require scaffolding when working above specific heights, and as stated on HSE's website, when planning and organising window cleaning you must avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so.  In turn, insurance companies have begun to charge an increased premium if ladders are used and this can be very costly. Not to mention more dangerous for the window cleaner. By making use of a water fed pole, these issues are eliminated. The other benefit is that a pole can be used in more weather conditions than would be suitable for a ladder. Removing the risk of ladders falling over onto cars/conservatories.  A water-fed pole can easily be used with extremely minimal risk to person or property.

Question 8

Why can't you guarantee a perfect finish on the first clean?

Accepted Answer

Whilst streaks or dribbles are not usually the case, because I clean all frames, vents and sills on the first clean, sometimes this causes all the grime and dirt which has built up over years to become agitated and drip, especially true for grimy vents and green rubber seals on top of windows. Some window cleaners avoid the vents and tops of frames for this very reason, however my personal belief is this is half a job. As a result, when cleaning the vents/some frames, you may find dribbles left behind after the first 1 or 2 visits, which can be concerning when paying for your windows to be cleaned! In my experience this a worthwhile exercise as with subsequent cleans your windows and frames will look superb and this issue will be entirely eliminated going forward.

Question 9

Why have you left my windows wet?

Accepted Answer

Due to the highly purified water used, this ensured a spotless finish once it has dried. Unlike tap water, or even bottled water, which contains minerals, pure water is entirely void of any other elements, which means as it dries, it will dry completely clear. Please don't be tempted to wipe them dry as this will spoil the finish!

Question 10

You've cleaned my windows, why is there still paint/cement/sealant/limescale etc. on them?

Accepted Answer

Whilst I do my best to turn back the clock as much as I can, a regular window clean does not unfortunately restore any damage caused by neglect or building works,  things such as cement/paint/sealant/limescale stuck on your glass/frames is not included in the service, and not covered by the 48hr guarantee. However, I do sometimes do this free of charge without being asked, if I spot it on bottom windows whilst cleaning. Some building companies will do these upon completion of the work on your property, others do not. This service is known as a "Builder's Clean", and is typically charged anywhere between 4x - 10x the rate of a standard window clean.

Question 11

It's raining, why are you cleaning my windows?

Accepted Answer

If I didn't work when it was slightly raining in this country, I'd hardly ever work!
Barring any torrential downpours, heavy storms or snow, all window cleaning is still completed when due. This helps me maintain regularity of service, thus providing me the income needed to continue providing my services, staying open for business and allows your windows to stay clean year round. I really appreciate all my customers that use me year round, rain or shine, and allow me to stay open for trade!

Question 12

Won't the rain just make my windows dirty again after you've left?

Accepted Answer

This is actually common misconception, it is not the rain that leaves the spotting and dirt on your windows, but rather the dirt that is already present, on frames and glass, being blown around and not rinsed away effectively. Whilst there are occasional "dirty" bouts of rain, such as the Saharan dust rain we have seen in this country, they are very rare so thus won't affect the clean. Most rain water is in fact the same purity as the water we filter to use for window cleaning, if it were possible, we would bottle rain water up and use it in our tanks!

Question 13

What if I want to skip a clean?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, outside of certain circumstances, I don't accept skips. There are a few reasons for this. It hurts round integrity/regularity and ultimately income and ability for me to continue my services. This is important as I work based on areas from day to day and week to week, so cannot move people around unless convenient. As you can appreciate driving 5/10/15 miles as a detour for a single job because access can't be ensured on a day, or rescheduling 15 other customers for a single job, would leave me out of business very quickly. I do my best to accommodate individual customer needs but in this job there are factors that can influence my workload and ability to visit you on specific days and times. Trust is an important basis for a relationship with me and my customers, and I have had many customers give me codes/gate keys/access ability to the rear of their properties if they tend to be out often, which is common as many people work during my working hours. (I don't "forget" to relock up either, ever).

Question 14

What happens if you damage my property?

Accepted Answer

I am very careful and conscientious when around your property/garden. Whilst there is a low chance of any damage to your property, for those times when accidents may occur, I carry Public Liability insurance with cover up to £5,000,000!
So rest assured your property and belongings are covered in such an event.

Question 15

I lock my gate, how will you gain access?

Accepted Answer

Not to worry, I send ALL customers a text AND email reminder the night before letting you know I will be coming, and in it, I'll include a reminder to please ensure reasonable access, clear pathways and dog mess free gardens.
If you think you will be out, please ensure the above requests are completed, or else the back will not be cleaned and may still be charged. (I do understand mistakes do happen, we are all human)
Outside of this I am happy to take secure possession of any access codes/keys or methods to gain access to your external windows in your absence. I am happy to sign my name to any documents if needed stating I have taken possession of them for your peace of mind.

note: I don't accept house keys or any method of entry into the property itself, only garage fobs, keys, gate locks, gate codes and keys/codes for lockboxes but absolutely no internally entering keys as I am not insured, nor wish, to enter your property without your presence.

Question 16

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I accept payment via Cash (on the day ONLY, I do not collect), BACs and GoCardless. My preferred payment method for regular window cleaning is GoCardless, I eventually encourage all customers sign up to the service. It is completely understandable that you may be worried about the GoCardless system if you are not familiar with it, however it is very secure and affords you much more safety than a bank transfer, and allows me to collect payments when jobs are carried out.
Click the link below to read the FAQ's on their website to better understand what GoCardless is and how it benefits you.

Question 17

What is GoCardless?

Accepted Answer

GoCardless is an online payment system, once the customer has signed up this allows us to request payment after each clean is completed. Payment will only be requested after a clean is completed and the customer can cancel GoCardless at any time with no penalty. ALL GoCardless payments are protected under the DD scheme regulations.