What's Included in a Window Cleaning Service? | Zen Window Cleaning Gold Coast
You've called a window cleaner, they've quoted you a price, and now you're wondering: what am I actually paying for? Does "window cleaning" mean just the glass, or does it include screens, tracks, and all the other bits that make a window actually look clean?
Not all window cleaning services include the same things. Some only do exteriors. Some charge extra for screens and tracks. Some skip the detail work entirely and leave you with half-clean windows that still look dirty when the light hits them.
This guide breaks down what a proper residential window clean should include, what's optional, and what to watch out for when comparing quotes so you're not left with surprises after the job's done.
TLDR QUICK ANSWER:
Standard residential clean: all glass inside and out, screens washed, tracks vacuumed
Frames and sills are NOT included unless specified
Security screens are cleaned in place (never removed), Insect screens are removed when nessessary
First-time residential cleans include both sides — no exterior-only option
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What's Standard in a Residential Window Clean
A proper residential window clean covers three main components: the glass, the screens, and the tracks. Here's what each one involves:
All Glass Inside and Out
Every accessible window gets cleaned on both sides. One sparkling exterior next to a dirty interior defeats the purpose — light hits different on each surface, so both need cleaning for the window to actually look clean. Most professionals won't offer exterior-only for first-time residential cleans because a half-result just looks bad.
Screens Washed and Rinsed
Screens collect dust, pollen, and grime that blocks light even when the glass is clean. They should be scrubbed with soft brushes, then rinsed with a hose so all the hidden dirt gets flushed out. Where possible, screens are cleaned in place to protect older aluminium frames from damage. Security screens are always cleaned in place and never removed.
Tracks Vacuumed
Window tracks accumulate dirt, dead insects, and debris that makes windows hard to open and collects moisture. Tracks get brushed to loosen dirt, then dry-vacuumed to clear everything out. When washing the screens, water often drains through the tracks. Because we've already removed the bulk dirt, your tracks don't become a mud pit and the last of that dirt is flushed away with the screen rinse.
What's NOT Included (Unless You Ask)
Some things aren't part of a standard window clean but can be added on request. Here's what typically costs extra or isn't included at all:
Window Frames and Sills
Frames and sills aren't included in standard residential window cleaning. They're a separate surface that requires different cleaning methods and adds significant time. If you want them cleaned, mention it when booking — but most people don't because a) it's the glass that makes the visual difference and b) the frames are generally pretty clean and don't need it.
Hard Water Stain Removal
Standard cleaning removes dirt and grime. Hard water stains — those white mineral deposits that etch into glass — require specialised restoration treatment and often can't be fully removed without damaging the glass. If your windows have heavy hard water staining, that's a separate service.
Exterior-Only Service for First Cleans
Most professionals won't do exterior-only for first-time residential clients. Commercial properties and existing maintenance clients can request exteriors only, but for homes, both sides are mandatory to deliver a proper result.
Inaccessible Windows
Some windows can't be safely reached. These get flagged during the initial walkthrough. If one window can't be cleaned and it's right next to one that can, both are often left to avoid the "one sparkling, one dirty" problem. Water-fed poles reach up to 5 storeys from the ground, so height's rarely an issue — but access is.
What to Expect on the Day
Knowing what happens during a professional window clean helps set expectations. Here's the typical process:
Initial Walkthrough
Before starting, the cleaner walks through with you to identify any problem areas, inaccessible windows, or specific concerns. This is when you mention if there's anything fragile, any windows that stick, or any areas needing extra attention.
The Cleaning Process
Most professionals work systematically — our process is tracks brushed then vacuumed, screens washed, then finally glass cleaned inside then out. The process for units and apartments is similar but screens and tracks are often done on request rather than by default.
Final Check
Once finished, good professionals do a final check for missed spots or streaks. If something's not right, they fix it before leaving. Your property should be left in better condition than when they arrived — no water damage, no mess, no gear left behind.
How Often Should Windows Be Cleaned?
How often you need professional window cleaning depends on location, exposure, and how quickly your windows get dirty. Here's the general guideline:
Every 6-12 Months for Most Homes
Most Gold Coast homes in suburbs like Robina, Varsity Lakes, or Reedy Creek benefit from cleaning every 6-12 months. Once a year keeps them looking good without breaking the budget.
Every 3-6 Months for Beachfront Properties
Beachfront homes in areas like Mermaid Beach, Miami, or Palm Beach should lean towards every 3-6 months. Salt air accelerates buildup, and windows near the coast get dirty faster. Monthly touch up cleans are not out of the ordinary to keep views pristine.
Every 3-6 Months for Commercial Properties
Retail, offices, and commercial buildings benefit from more frequent cleaning because presentation matters for business. Quarterly or bi-annual cleans keep glass looking professional year-round.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Not all window cleaners offer the same service. Here's what to clarify before booking to avoid surprises:
"Does your quote include inside and outside, or just exteriors?" — Avoid paying for half a job.
"Are screens and tracks included, or do they cost extra?" — Some charge separately.
"Do you clean glass balustrades or pool fencing?" — Specialty glass should be confirmed upfront.
"Are you insured?" — If something breaks, you want them covered.
"What's your minimum charge?" — Knowing the minimum upfront avoids wasted quotes for small jobs.
KEY TAKEAWAY
A proper residential window clean includes all accessible glass inside and out, screens washed and rinsed, and tracks vacuumed. Frames, sills, and hard water stain removal are typically extra. Most professionals require both sides cleaned for first-time residential jobs because a half-clean window still looks dirty.
If you're in Robina, Burleigh Heads, or anywhere on the Gold Coast and want to know exactly what's included for your property, use the online calculator for an instant estimate.
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