London weather is not kind to glass. Wet springs carry pollen and grime, hot summers bake on mineral spots, and autumn winds shake loose enough leaves to clog every eavestrough in the neighborhood. If you leave your windows for more than a season or two, they lose transparency and curb appeal, and the frames quietly age faster than they should. Hiring a contractor seems simple until you start calling around and hear wildly different prices and promises. Having worked with property managers, homeowners, and small commercial sites across the city, I’ve learned how to separate good providers from the rest and how to match the right company to the right building.
This guide covers what matters in practice, not just in a sales brochure. Whether you search “window cleaning near me,” compare quotes from several window cleaning companies, or evaluate a specialist for eavestrough cleaning London Ontario homeowners trust, the same principles apply: safety, process, proof, and fit.
What a complete window cleaning service actually includes
A well-scoped window cleaning service does more than a quick squeegee. On a typical residential window cleaning job in London, expect a clear plan for exterior and interior panes, frame and sill wipe downs, screen care, and spot treatment.
Exterior glass is the obvious part. A reputable window cleaning company will use either traditional mop-and-squeegee with pure water for detailing or a water-fed pole system that pushes deionized water through a brush to lift dirt without leaving spots. Interior glass calls for a lighter touch and better protection, especially around carpets, hardwood, or delicate furnishings. Good techs lay down drops, pop screens out gently, and use minimal water to avoid drips on sills.
Screens, when ignored, re-dirty your glass within days. I treat them as part of the workflow, not an upsell. Vacuum or brush first, then a gentle wash. Bent or brittle screens get flagged and documented. Tracks matter too, particularly in older homes where grit and insect debris accumulate. It takes a few extra minutes to flush and wipe them, and the difference in how the window slides is immediate.
Then there are the stubborn spots. London’s hard water leaves mineral stains, especially below sprinkler lines and on basement walkouts. Mild acid or specialty removers work, but they require training and proper PPE. If a company refuses to tackle hard water at all, that is not a deal breaker, but the quote should make that limitation explicit. If a company says every spot disappears with “a quick wipe,” they have not seen 10-year-old calcium.
Commercial work introduces more variables. For multi-storey sites downtown, rope access technicians or mobile lifts enter the picture, along with permits and more serious safety paperwork. Facade materials also matter. Tinted or coated glass needs chemical-safe methods, and newer aluminum frames may show tiger striping if rinsed poorly. The best firms ask what materials they will be cleaning before they quote.
How London’s climate changes the brief
Our city’s microclimate drives the maintenance schedule. Spring pollen turns to green film. Summer dust and construction grit ride warm winds. Autumn is defined by leaf fall and clogged gutters. Winter blows road salt onto entryway glass, then traps moisture around frames.
That rhythm means the ideal cleaning cadence is seasonal, not annual. Two to three exterior cleans per year will keep glass bright. Once in spring to clear pollen, again in late summer or early autumn to reset after lawn watering and festivals, and optionally a winter touch-up for ground-floor glass and storefronts. Residential interior glass often does fine with one deep clean per year unless there are smokers, pets that nose the glass, or toddlers who leave fingerprints at scale.
Eavestrough cleaning typically runs spring and late autumn. The latter is essential in neighborhoods with mature trees. If downspouts clog before the first freeze, ice dams can form, forcing meltwater back under shingles. That is not a scare tactic; it is a pattern roofers can confirm on streets lined with maples and oaks. If you are bundling services, ask for eavestrough cleaning services tied to leaf drop timing, not a rigid calendar schedule.
Vinyl siding cleaning pairs naturally with window work. Mist from water-fed poles already wets the facade, so it makes sense to price a light vinyl siding cleaning at the same visit, especially on north-facing walls where algae blooms. For exterior house cleaning beyond glass, soft washing techniques protect paint and caulking. If a company proposes high-pressure blasts near windows and trim, be cautious. Water intrusion around weep holes and seals costs more than the cleaning you saved on.
Safety and insurance are not paperwork formalities
Window cleaning looks simple until a ladder slips. London’s housing stock has tricky spans, from Victorian bay windows to modern three-storey townhomes with tight side yards. Safety practices are the line between a respectable trade and an accident waiting to happen.
Ask about fall protection, ladder stabilizers, and lift certification for any work above ground level. If you have skylights, ask for their skylight procedure in plain language. You should hear controlled-access ladders, roof anchors where applicable, and no stepping on skylight domes under any circumstance. For buildings that require rope access, confirm IRATA or SPRAT certifications, not just “we’ve done it before.”
Insurance should be verifiable. You want proof of commercial general liability and WSIB coverage. For small residential jobs, liability limits in the 2 to 5 million range are standard in Ontario. The certificate should list your address for the job, your name, and the calendar period of coverage. If a company hesitates to provide it, move on. Damage claims are rare with careful work, but when they happen, they often involve scratched glass, broken screens, or dented eavestroughs. Coverage ends arguments.
Comparing quotes the smart way
Prices in London vary for honest reasons: access, number of panes, height, screens, and add-ons like eavestrough cleaning or vinyl siding cleaning. But the structure of a quote tells you more than the number at the bottom.
Look for a pane count. A professional window cleaning service will count or estimate window surfaces, note whether they are fixed, casement, sliders, or French panes, then price accordingly. A flat “$200 for the house” with no detail leaves room for change orders. Detail reduces surprises for both sides.
Process descriptions matter. If the quote simply says “exterior clean,” ask how. A water-fed pole with pure water can be excellent on newer glass and upper floors. On older glass with pitted surfaces or oxidized frames, it sometimes leaves faint spotting or pulls oxidation onto the glass. In those cases, traditional squeegee work is safer. Good companies switch methods based on the substrate.
Timing and crew size indicate how they manage logistics. A three-bedroom detached with 25 to 35 window units typically takes two techs two to four hours for interior and exterior with screens, assuming no access issues. If someone promises to finish that scope in an hour, they are either underpricing, planning to skip steps, or both.
Bundled services can be a legitimate value. If you want exterior house cleaning and windows, or a package that includes eavestrough cleaning London Ontario homeowners often need after the leaves drop, look at the breakdown. A modest discount, perhaps 10 to 20 percent versus buying separately, is reasonable because setup time overlaps. A steep discount sometimes signals rushed work.
Finally, consider the scheduling system. The nicest quote means little if you cannot get a date for six weeks and spring pollen has already settled. Local window cleaning services tend to book heavily in April and May. If timing is critical, ask about waitlists, rain-day policies, and how they handle rescheduling during a run of wet weather. London’s spring can deliver four rainy days in a week. Companies with flexible crews will shuffle exterior-only jobs between showers, while those without a system will push you into June.
Vetting a window cleaning company the practical way
Most homeowners rely on reviews Window cleaning service and referrals, which is sensible as long as you read past the star rating. Scan for details that mirror your situation. If you live in a townhouse with three storeys and tight side access, a glowing review from someone in a bungalow tells you less than you think.
Ask for two addresses near you they have serviced in the last year. Many companies will happily share with permission. Drive by if you are particular about results on upper storeys. You will learn quickly who can handle height and odd angles.
Equipment tells a story. In the truck, you should see clean squeegees, a selection of applicators, ladders with stabilizers, and if they use pure water systems, a TDS meter to verify water purity. Techs who carry microfiber towels for edges and frames tend to leave cleaner lines than those who rely on old cotton rags. It sounds minor, but the details reveal the approach.
Finally, talk to the people who will show up. Many window cleaning companies handle customer service well on the phone, but the on-site crew is what you live with. A brief conversation at estimate time about how they protect flooring or handle toddler nap schedules tells you whether their service fits your household. You can feel experience in the questions they ask.
When local wins over national, and when it doesn’t
Local window cleaning services bring familiarity with the neighborhoods, builders, and seasonal quirks. A tech who has cleaned on your street likely knows which side collects spiders and which frames shed oxidation in summer. Response times can be faster, and the owner might be on site.
Larger regional outfits have advantages too: more equipment, consistent training, and backup crews if someone calls in sick. For commercial properties or complicated access, a bigger company with rope access or lift-trained staff is often the safer choice. If your needs are straightforward, such as a single-family home needing residential window cleaning, a local firm with strong references will usually serve you better on price and responsiveness.
The hybrid model is common in London. A mid-sized window cleaning company runs two to five crews, covers most of the city, and handles occasional small commercial jobs. They are often the sweet spot for homeowners who want consistency without corporate overhead.
The particularities of eavestroughs and siding
Eavestrough cleaning deserves its own discussion. Leaves, buds, and roofing grit move differently through 5-inch K-style troughs than through half-rounds on older homes. Downspouts on many London builds choke at the first elbow. The best eavestrough cleaning services start with a visual assessment, remove bulk by hand, bag debris, flush downspouts window cleaning companies with a hose or blower, and test flow at ground level. They also note pinhole leaks and loose hangers. If they only scoop and leave, you will discover clogs when it rains. If they pressure-wash from the top without assessing seams, you may wind up with water behind the fascia.
Vinyl siding cleaning is often marketed as part of exterior house cleaning. The critical distinction is pressure versus chemistry. Vinyl withstands moderate pressure, but seams and weep holes present easy entry for water. A soft wash method that uses low pressure and a mild detergent blend, followed by thorough rinsing, removes algae without pushing water behind the panels. Windows are vulnerable during siding work. A disciplined sequence cleans siding first, then windows, with a rinse step between to avoid pulling surfactants onto glass.
If a company claims to do both windows and siding in one pass with high pressure, ask for addresses to review their results. Glass etched by abrasive blasting is not repairable without polishing, which is far more expensive than the original clean.
Specialty issues: hard water, screen mesh, and old glass
Hard water from sprinklers leaves mineral spots that resemble faint white shadows. On newer glass, a mild acid remover paired with a non-scratch pad lifts deposits. On older glass, especially panes with surface damage or low-quality tempering, abrasive pads can haze the glass. An experienced tech tests a small area first, then sets expectations.
Screens come in different meshes. Standard fiberglass is forgiving. Aluminum mesh dents easily and needs slower handling. Pet-resistant screens are thicker and heavier, sometimes requiring two hands to remove from narrow frames. If your home has oversized screened porch panels, ask how they will be handled. Those panels often need two techs and more floor protection indoors.
Old glass behaves differently. Wavy panes in Victorian homes can scratch if a blade touches trapped debris. Putty joints and flaky paint shed dust, which can streak onto the glass if not managed carefully. Traditionalists sometimes prefer to leave the patina alone and focus on clarity. Communicate your preference and ask the crew to avoid scraping unless absolutely necessary.
How to decide on frequency and budget
A clear plan saves money. Two exterior cleans per year, one interior, and eavestrough cleaning in late autumn fits most households. For homes with active sprinklers or trees close to the facade, add a late summer exterior touch-up. For storefronts downtown, monthly or biweekly exterior cleans keep salt and fingerprints from dulling your front door and display windows.
Budgets vary with size, access, and add-ons. A small bungalow might see a range of a few hundred dollars for a full interior and exterior clean with screens. A larger two-storey detached home with 35 to 45 window units, interior and exterior with screens and tracks, often lands in the mid hundreds, with hard water spot treatment priced as an extra based on severity. Eavestrough cleaning adds a separate charge, sometimes bundled at a modest discount if done on the same visit. Commercial pricing usually shifts to hourly or by facade area for mid-rise buildings.
If you see quotes that are dramatically lower than others for the same scope, scrutinize. Either the provider is new and buying market share, or they have cut scope. You can try a low-priced provider for exterior-only work on accessible glass to test quality. For interior work, valuable furnishings, or complex access, pay for a company with a track record.
What “professional” really looks like on site
You will notice the difference within minutes of the crew arriving. They park thoughtfully, walk the site, and point out fragile plants, outdoor furniture, and any hazards. Inside, they protect floors and bring compact tools. Ladders are staged with stabilizers, not leaned precariously on gutters. When they speak with you, they reference the scope you agreed to, not a fuzzy plan.
During the clean, tools stay clean. Dirty water gets changed rather than spread around. On water-fed pole jobs, techs rinse thoroughly and check their rinse pattern for spotting on sunny days. If a surprise pops up, like a cracked seal or a stuck screen, they document with a photo and discuss options before proceeding.
At the end, they do a walkaround if you are home. Any misses are corrected while they still have gear out. The invoice matches the quote, with any changes explained and documented. If they bundle window cleaning services with eavestrough or siding work, they will leave notes about future maintenance, such as a downspout to watch or a bead of caulk that is failing.
A short checklist for choosing the right company
- Proof of insurance and WSIB, with your address on the certificate upon request Clear scope with pane counts, method descriptions, and timing Sensible scheduling and a weather policy you can live with References near your neighborhood and recent photos of similar jobs Professional equipment and courteous, informed communication from the crew
If you are in or near London, Ontario: locale-specific considerations
When people search for “window cleaning London” or “window cleaning London Ontario,” they often want a local team that understands which areas collect road dust or lake-effect grime. Homes near busy corridors like Highbury or Wonderland pick up soot that binds to wet glass. River-adjacent neighborhoods get spiders in force by midsummer. Suburbs with newer builds frequently combine large fixed panes with minimal roof overhangs, leaving more glass exposed to rain and sprinkler overspray. Each of these patterns determines your cleaning plan.
For eavestrough cleaning London Ontario homeowners face a unique challenge with early freezes. If leaves sit in troughs in late November and we catch a cold snap, the next thaw can overshoot gutters and drench siding. Booking the second eavestrough appointment for mid to late November, with a weather-aware company willing to shift into early December if leaves hang on, prevents headaches.
Local availability improves in late summer. If you missed the spring window in April and May, plan for August or September. Air is drier, and water spotting is easier to manage. For storefronts and restaurants downtown, stepped-up service before event weekends makes sense. Tourists notice fingerprints more than you think.
A final note on timing: interior work during school holidays requires coordination. Reputable companies will build around nap times, exam schedules, and home offices. You are in control of the sequence, and a respectful crew will adapt.
Where bundles and add-ons earn their keep
Bundling makes sense when truck rolls overlap. If the team is already on site, adding ground-floor exterior window cleaning to an eavestrough visit is efficient. Adding vinyl siding cleaning to a spring window service also fits, particularly if algae has set in on the north side. What does not bundle well is a deep hard water restoration on severe deposits. That work needs dedicated time, test patches, and sometimes return trips.
Some companies sell maintenance plans. The best ones are flexible. They will set a spring and late-summer exterior window cleaning, an autumn eavestrough cleaning, and one interior session you can place any time within the year. Discounts are modest but real, usually enough to cover taxes or a screen cleaning upgrade. Avoid plans that penalize rescheduling during rain, or that lock you into narrow days for service.
Red flags that should make you pause
If you call three window cleaning companies and one quotes verbally without seeing photos or asking for a pane count, expect scope drift. If a provider refuses to share an address or recent client reference, assume they are new or have something to hide. If the crew arrives with dirty tools or reuses muddy water on interior glass, say no thanks at the door. If anyone suggests pressure-washing windows directly, particularly older wood frames or double-glazed units with compromised seals, stop the conversation.
For eavestrough work, be cautious with companies that blow debris out without collection on properties with tight setbacks or pools. For vinyl siding cleaning, be wary of harsh chemicals near gardens without protective measures. Experienced companies will water plants before and after, and they will shield delicate shrubs.
How to prepare your home for a smooth visit
Preparation is simple and pays off. Unlock gates and garage side doors so the crew can work the perimeter without knocking every ten minutes. Move small items off sills. Take down delicate curtains if they are valuable or hand-stitched. If you have alarm sensors on certain windows, disarm or set the system to a mode that will not trip when screens are removed. Note pets and let the crew know which rooms are off limits.
For commercial sites, secure vendor parking and ensure building management knows a contractor will be on site. For rope access or lift work, permits and barricades may be required. Good companies will handle the paperwork and give you lead times.
The bottom line
Choosing a window cleaning service is less about hunting for the lowest price and more about aligning the right team with your building’s realities. London’s weather and architecture demand planning, not guesswork. Solid companies show their process, stand behind their safety protocols, and communicate clearly when conditions change. Combine windows with eavestrough cleaning and, when appropriate, gentle exterior house cleaning to keep your property protected and looking sharp.
If you filter providers by proof of insurance, detailed scope, method fit, and neighborhood references, your shortlist shrinks quickly. From there, weigh timing and rapport. The best crews leave more than clean glass. They leave you with a calmer home, a safer roofline, and one fewer chore that hangs over your weekend. Whether you search for window cleaning near me or already have a few names in mind, use the criteria here and you will hire once, not twice.
Clearview Brothers Window Cleaning London, ON (226) 239-5841
Clearview Brothers provides professional window cleaning, eavestrough cleaning, siding cleaning, and screen cleaning services in London, Ontario. Their eco-friendly methods and advanced equipment deliver streak-free windows, clear gutters, and refreshed exteriors that enhance curb appeal and protect your home.