BEFORE YOU HIRE
LOCAL KNOW-HOW
Let the light in: Shane’s guide to clearer windows this fall
A brighter view starts with a little seasonal care. Shane Friesen of Falconhurst shares when to clean, which windows to focus on and what to ask before booking.
Make the most of winter daylight.
Timing: Spring and fall are key times to clean your windows, with a summer touch-up if needed. A thorough spring clean gets everything ready for summer, while a fall clean helps make the most of the daylight during the darker winter months. In spring, cleaning after the streets have been swept can help, although the timing isn’t always predictable. It’s worth discussing that with your window cleaner when booking.
A smarter rhythm for cleaning.
One common mistake: Leaving windows until they’re really dirty, then feeling you have to clean the entire house every time. My starting recommendation is one thorough clean of everything each year, followed by more frequent attention to the windows that matter most to you. The right frequency depends on how exposed your windows are to dust, pollen, sprinkler spray, and other buildup.
Think of it as an 80/20 approach: focus your touch-ups on the windows you look through most. Lake-view windows and glass railings deserve different attention from garage or basement windows. Ask your cleaner about smaller visits focused on the glass you look through and enjoy most. That can make maintenance more manageable and help your home feel brighter and more enjoyable throughout the year.
During the thorough clean, remember the screens, frames, and tracks too. Ask which of these are included in the quote.
Between visits: cool glass, clean tools.
A couple of easy tips between visits: If you’re cleaning accessible windows yourself, choose a time when the glass is cool and shaded. Use clean tools and only a little mild soap—hot glass and too much soap can leave streaks. Remove loose dirt from frames and tracks before washing the glass.
Also, check that sprinklers aren’t spraying your windows or glass railings. Mineral deposits can build up and may require a separate treatment beyond a regular clean.
Ask how your windows will be reached.
What to ask your window cleaner: Don’t be put off by a water-fed pole system. A properly used system with purified water can produce excellent results while allowing cleaners to do much of the exterior work safely from the ground. Ask how they’ll access your windows and whether ladders or roof access will be needed.
Protect the glass and check the details.
If your windows have paint, adhesive, or other stubborn buildup, ask how the cleaner will assess the glass and remove it without causing scratches. Let them know about any tint or window film. A professional should be able to explain which methods suit your windows and when specialist treatment is needed.
It’s also worth checking their WorkSafeBC coverage, liability insurance, and service guarantee. No cleaner is perfect every time, so ask whether they’ll return to address any missed spots or other deficiencies.
A brighter view, one window at a time.
Shane Friesen is the owner of Falconhurst Property Services, serving Lake Country and the Central Okanagan. Talk to Shane about the windows you enjoy most, access to your glass and a cleaning plan that suits your home.