Transparency: We're a window cleaning company. We want your business. But we'll be honest about when DIY makes sense — because if you're going to DIY anyway, we'd rather you do it safely.
164,000
Canadians injured by falls/year
#1
Ladders = top home injury cause
$199
Average pro cleaning cost
3-5 hrs
DIY time for avg home
The Real Cost Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional (MANTLE) |
|---|---|---|
| Supplies (Year 1) | $40-$120 (squeegee, bucket, solution, towels) | $0 (included) |
| Supplies (Year 2+) | $15-$30/year (solution, replacement) | $0 |
| Time per cleaning | 3-5 hours | 0 hours (your time) |
| Cleanings/year | 2 (realistic for most people) | 2-3 |
| Annual time cost | 6-10 hours | 0 hours ✓ |
| Annual cash cost | $15-$30 (after Year 1) ✓ | $398-$698 |
| Water quality | Tap water (300+ TDS) | ClearCoat™ purified (0 TDS) ✓ |
| Screens cleaned | Usually skipped | Always included ✓ |
| Tracks/sills cleaned | Usually skipped | Always included ✓ |
| 2nd storey exterior | ⚠️ Ladder required (risk) | Professional equipment ✓ |
| 3rd storey exterior | ❌ Not safe for DIY | Extension poles/ladders ✓ |
| Result quality | Good (with practice) | Excellent (purified water) ✓ |
| Guarantee | You redo it yourself | Redo-or-free ✓ |
When DIY Makes Total Sense
We're not going to pretend DIY is always wrong. It makes sense if:
- Bungalow or single-storey home — no ladder needed, minimal risk
- Fewer than 10 windows — 30-45 minutes, done
- You enjoy it — some people find window cleaning meditative
- Your time is flexible — retired, work-from-home, weekend warrior
- Budget is very tight — $15/year in supplies vs $400+/year for pro
When You Should Hire a Pro
Professional cleaning isn't just convenience — it's risk management:
- Any window above 6 feet — ladder falls are the #1 home injury in Canada
- Heritage or specialty glass — wrong products = permanent damage
- Hard water area — tap water rinsing leaves mineral deposits
- Over 55 — fall risk increases significantly with age; one fall costs more than a lifetime of professional cleanings
- Selling your home — professional cleaning adds 2-5% perceived value
- Your time is worth $50+/hour — the math works out to hire a pro
The honest answer: If you have a single-storey home with a few windows and enjoy doing it — save your money and DIY. If you have a 2+ storey home, heritage glass, or value your weekends — hire a pro. The safety factor alone is worth $199. One ladder fall averages $38,000 in medical costs and 6 weeks of recovery. That buys 100+ professional cleanings.
If You're Going to DIY (Do It Safely)
We'd rather you hire us, but if you're going to DIY:
- Never use a ladder above 6 feet alone. Always have a spotter.
- Use a proper squeegee ($15-25), not paper towels or newspaper.
- Use distilled water for the final rinse — it's $2/gallon at any grocery store and prevents mineral spots.
- Never clean in direct sunlight. Solution dries before you squeegee, leaving streaks.
- Clean screens first, then glass. Dirty screens re-contaminate clean glass.
- Skip ammonia-based cleaners on tinted, coated, or heritage glass. Use dish soap + distilled water.
Rather Have Us Do It?
Free estimate. ClearCoat™ purified water. All-inclusive. Redo-or-free guarantee.
Get Free Estimate →Or call (416) 206-3274