MANTLE Blog · March 2026

How to Prepare Your Home for
Professional Window Cleaning

The quick checklist — what to do, what to skip, and what to expect on cleaning day.

You've booked your window cleaning. The crew is coming Tuesday. Now what?

Good news: you don't need to do much. Professional window cleaning exists so you don't have to deal with the hassle. But a few simple steps will make the job faster, the results better, and your experience smoother.

Here's the complete guide — what to do, what to skip, and what happens on the day.

Exterior-Only Service Prep (5 Minutes)

If you booked exterior window cleaning only, your prep is minimal:

✅ Quick Exterior Checklist

  • Move patio furniture away from windows. Just 2-3 feet of clearance so the crew can reach each window. Doesn't need to be far — just accessible.
  • Put away breakable items near windows. Pots, garden ornaments, glass lanterns. We're careful, but moving them eliminates any risk.
  • Secure pets. If your dog has access to the yard, bring them inside or to a room away from where we'll be working. We encounter dogs regularly — but surprised dogs and ladders don't mix.
  • Unlock side gates. If windows are behind a locked gate, leave it unlocked or tell us the code. We need access to all sides of the house.
  • Note any problem windows. Window that doesn't open? Screen that's stuck? Crack you want us to be careful around? Let us know before we start.
You DON'T need to: Pre-clean anything. Move cars from the driveway. Turn off sprinklers (we'll check). Provide access to your water tap (we bring our own). Be home (though you're welcome to be).

Interior + Exterior Service Prep (15 Minutes)

Interior cleaning requires a bit more preparation, but still nothing major:

✅ Interior Prep Checklist

  • Clear windowsills. Move plants, photo frames, candles, and small objects off sills. This is the most important step — it lets us work efficiently and protects your belongings.
  • Move lightweight furniture. If a side table or small bookshelf is blocking access to a window, slide it a few feet away. We can work around large/heavy furniture.
  • Open blinds and curtains. Pull them to the side or tie them back. If you have delicate drapes, pinning them back prevents any water contact.
  • Identify off-limits areas. Home office during a Zoom call? Nursery with a sleeping baby? Let us know and we'll clean those rooms first or last — whatever works.
  • Secure pets. Keep cats and dogs in a room we won't be entering. Open doors and foot traffic can stress pets — and we don't want anyone escaping.
  • Let us know about alarms. Window sensors, motion detectors — let us know so we don't trigger false alarms when opening windows.
Don't try to pre-clean your windows. Seriously. Consumer glass cleaners leave a chemical film that can actually interfere with professional cleaning. We remove everything — dirt, hard water deposits, construction residue, old cleaning product buildup. That's the whole point.

What About Screens and Storm Windows?

Leave them in place. We handle all of it:

What Happens on Cleaning Day

Before We Arrive

We call or text 30 minutes before arrival so you know we're on the way. No surprise knocks. We arrive in a marked vehicle in uniform.

When We Arrive

During the Cleaning

When We're Done

Common Questions

"What if it rains?"

Rain doesn't affect ClearCoat™ results. Our purified water has zero dissolved minerals, so rainwater (also mineral-free) doesn't cause spots. We only reschedule for heavy rain or thunderstorms that make ladder work unsafe. If we need to reschedule, we contact you proactively — you don't need to call us.

"Do you need my outdoor tap?"

No. We bring our own purified water supply. Our ClearCoat™ system uses pre-filtered water that we transport. This means we can clean your windows even in early spring before your outdoor taps are turned on.

"How long will it take?"

Home TypeExterior OnlyInt + Ext
Bungalow (10-15 windows)45-75 min1.5-2.5 hrs
2-Storey (15-25 windows)1-2 hrs2-3.5 hrs
Large home (25-40 windows)1.5-3 hrs3-5 hrs

"Can I watch?"

Absolutely. Some clients like to see the process — especially the ClearCoat™ system in action. Just stay clear of the ladder work area for safety.

"What if I need to reschedule?"

Call or text us anytime. No reschedule fees. No penalties. Life happens — we get it.

The #1 Thing You Can Do

Just tell us about your house. When you book or when we call to confirm:

The more we know going in, the better the results. That's it. We handle everything else.

Ready to Book?

Free quote. No commitment. We'll tell you exactly what to expect, including timing and pricing.

Get Free Estimate →

What to Expect (Full Guide) · Window Cleaning Cost Guide · ClearCoat™ Technology · All Blog Posts