Clean windows transform a home. They let in more natural light, improve curb appeal, and make every room feel fresher. But Ottawa's climate—from winter salt spray to summer pollen—creates unique challenges that make professional window cleaning worth considering.
Key Takeaways
TL;DR: Professional window cleaning in Ottawa costs $100-$300 per visit for residential properties ($5-$20 per window). Spring and fall are optimal cleaning seasons. DIY works for ground-level windows, but multi-storey homes, hard water stains, and high-rise buildings require professional expertise and equipment.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Best For | Homeowners, property managers, commercial buildings |
| ⏰ Best Seasons | Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-October) |
| 💰 Cost Range | $100-$300 residential / $5-$20 per window |
| 📍 Service Area | Ottawa, Kanata, Orléans, Barrhaven, Nepean |
How Professional Window Cleaning Works
Professional cleaners use systematic techniques and specialised equipment that deliver results DIY methods can't match.
The Streak-Free Cleaning Process
Step 1: Pre-Cleaning Assessment Professionals identify window types, assess soiling level, and note hard water stains or damage requiring special treatment.
Step 2: Frame and Sill Cleaning Frames, tracks, and sills are cleaned first. This prevents dirt from washing onto freshly cleaned glass.
Step 3: Solution Application A vinegar-based or pure water solution is applied using microfiber applicators. Professional solutions use distilled water to prevent mineral spotting.
Step 4: Squeegee Technique Professional-grade squeegees with sharp rubber blades remove solution in single, controlled strokes—top to bottom, edge to edge. This prevents drips and streaking.
Step 5: Detail Work Edges and corners are detailed with lint-free cloths. Frames are dried to prevent water dripping onto clean glass.
Why Microfiber Matters
Paper towels leave lint residue that creates visible streaks. Microfiber cloths absorb moisture effectively without leaving fibres behind. They're reusable through hundreds of wash cycles, making them both effective and environmentally responsible.
Professional Equipment Advantage
| Equipment | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Squeegee Quality | Basic rubber | Precision-edged blades |
| Water Type | Tap (mineral-rich) | Purified (0-10 ppm) |
| Reach Capability | Ladder (limited) | Water-fed poles (75+ feet) |
| Cleaning Speed | 6-8 hours (25 windows) | 1-2 hours (25 windows) |
Water-Fed Pole Systems: Modern Window Cleaning
The most significant advancement in professional window cleaning is water-fed pole technology. These systems use purified water pumped through telescopic poles with soft-bristled brush heads.
How It Works
- Tap water passes through filtration (reverse osmosis + deionisation)
- Purified water (0-10 parts per million minerals) is pumped through poles
- Soft brushes scrub glass while water rinses continuously
- Pure water evaporates leaving zero residue—no squeegee needed
Benefits
- Reach: Clean windows up to 75 feet (7 storeys) from ground level
- Safety: No ladder climbing or rope work required
- Speed: 50%+ faster than traditional methods
- Results: Streak-free without chemicals
- Eco-friendly: Pure water is safe for landscaping and pets
Water-fed pole systems have become standard for professional operations serving multi-storey buildings, condos, and commercial properties.
DIY vs. Professional Window Cleaning
When DIY Works Well
DIY cleaning makes sense for:
- Single-storey homes with ground-level access
- Small projects (fewer than 10-15 windows)
- Light maintenance between professional cleanings
- Interior windows that don't require ladder access
DIY Equipment Needs:
- Microfiber cloths ($2-$5 each, reusable)
- Professional squeegee ($15-$30)
- Distilled water ($1-$2 per gallon)
- White vinegar ($2)
- Total investment: $25-$50
When Professionals Are Worth It
Professional service is recommended for:
- Multi-storey homes requiring ladder or elevated access
- Large properties with 20+ windows
- Hard water stains or mineral deposits
- High-rise buildings with safety regulations
- Time constraints (pros finish 5x faster)
Cost-Benefit Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Time Investment | 6-8 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Equipment Cost | $25-$50 initial | Included in service |
| Safety Risk | Ladder falls possible | Insured professionals |
| Result Quality | Variable, some streaks | Guaranteed streak-free |
| Hard Stains | Limited ability | Specialised treatment |
For a 25-window home, DIY takes most of a weekend. Professional service costs $150-$250 and takes 1-2 hours with superior results.
Ottawa's Climate: Seasonal Timing Matters
Ottawa's extreme climate affects window cleaning more than in temperate regions. Timing your cleaning properly ensures better results.
Spring (March-May): Optimal Season
Spring is Ottawa's best window cleaning window:
- Moderate temperatures (10-15°C) ideal for cleaning
- Remove winter salt and grime accumulation
- Clear pollen before it builds heavily
- Prepare for summer's natural light
Note: Peak demand means booking 2-4 weeks in advance.
Summer: Timing Is Critical
Summer cleaning is possible but challenging:
- Avoid midday heat (10 AM - 3 PM)—solutions evaporate before squeegees can remove them
- Clean early morning or late afternoon
- Humidity slows drying but prevents premature evaporation
Avoid cleaning when: Temperatures exceed 30°C or rain is forecast within 24 hours.
Fall (September-October): Second-Best Season
Fall provides excellent conditions:
- Moderate temperatures before winter
- Remove summer's accumulated dust and pollen
- Prepare windows for winter's stresses
- Apply protective coatings before freezing weather
Winter: Interior Focus
Exterior cleaning is impractical below -5°C:
- Solutions freeze on contact
- Ice formation damages seals
- Safety risks increase
Focus on interior window cleaning during winter months.
What Professional Window Cleaning Costs in Ottawa
Residential Pricing
| Service Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard home (15-20 windows) | $100-$300 |
| Per window (exterior only) | $5-$15 |
| Per window (interior only) | $3-$10 |
| Per window (interior + exterior) | $8-$20 |
| Hard water stain treatment | +$50-$150 |
High-Rise and Commercial
| Service Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| High-rise per window | $20-$30+ |
| Commercial hourly rate | $75-$100+ |
| Storefront (ground level) | $50-$150 |
Factors Affecting Price
Higher costs for:
- Multi-storey buildings requiring specialised equipment
- Hard water stains needing chemical treatment
- French-style windows with many panes
- Difficult access (skylights, dormers)
- Outer suburbs (Kanata, Barrhaven, Orléans) travel time
Potential savings:
- Regular maintenance contracts (10-25% discount)
- Bundled services (windows + gutters + siding)
- Off-season scheduling
How to Remove Hard Water Stains
Ottawa's hard water leaves mineral deposits that regular cleaning can't remove. Here's how professionals tackle them:
DIY Treatment for Light Stains
- Mix solution: 1 part white vinegar to 1 part distilled water
- Apply to stains using spray bottle
- Allow 5-10 minutes contact time
- Scrub gently with soft-bristle brush
- Rinse with distilled water
- Dry immediately with squeegee
For stubborn stains, create a baking soda paste (baking soda + water), apply to stains, and scrub gently in circular motions.
When to Call Professionals
Professional treatment is needed for:
- Heavy mineral buildup from sprinkler systems
- Stains that don't respond to vinegar treatment
- Large affected areas (entire window banks)
- Delicate glass requiring careful handling
Professional hard water treatment costs $50-$150+ depending on severity.
Prevention
- Squeegee windows dry immediately after cleaning
- Address sprinkler overspray hitting windows
- Consider hydrophobic coatings for exterior glass
- Clean regularly before deposits accumulate
High-Rise Window Cleaning: Safety and Regulations
High-rise window cleaning in Ontario falls under strict safety regulations. Understanding these helps you evaluate professional services.
Ontario Regulation 859 Requirements
Any window cleaning using suspended equipment requires:
- Ministry of Labour notification before work begins
- Certified fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards)
- Competent person inspections of all safety gear
- Written work plans specifying anchor points and procedures
- Documented safety logs maintained on-site
Professional Safety Equipment
- Full-body harnesses meeting ANSI Z359.11 or CSA Z259.10 standards
- Shock-absorbing lanyards with self-retracting lifelines
- Helmets meeting EN 12492 or ANSI Z89.1 standards
- Chemical-resistant gloves for cleaning solutions
- Non-slip footwear for wet surfaces
Approaches for High-Rise Cleaning
Water-Fed Poles: Reach up to 75 feet from ground level—safest approach for routine maintenance.
Rope Access: Workers rappel on dual-line systems with independent backups. Suitable for unusual building geometries.
Suspended Scaffolding: Temporary platforms for extended projects on large commercial buildings.
Eco-Friendly Window Cleaning
Environmental responsibility is increasingly important to Ottawa homeowners. Modern professional services offer sustainable options.
Pure Water Systems
- Zero chemical runoff—safe for gardens, lawns, and pets
- Reduced water consumption through efficient filtration
- No residue left on glass surfaces
- Standard for most professional operations
Green Cleaning Solutions
When pure water isn't sufficient, eco-friendly alternatives include:
- Plant-based surfactants instead of petroleum detergents
- Vinegar-based solutions for mineral deposits
- Citrus oils for natural degreasing
- Biodegradable commercial cleaners (ECOS, Biokleen, Better Life)
Sustainable Practices
- Reusable microfiber cloths eliminate paper towel waste
- Durable professional equipment lasts years of regular use
- Local service providers reduce transportation emissions
Why Choose Urban9 for Window Cleaning?
Urban9 Cleaning Services provides professional window cleaning throughout Ottawa:
- Trained technicians using modern water-fed pole systems
- Interior and exterior cleaning for all window types
- Hard water stain treatment for stubborn deposits
- Eco-friendly products safe for your family and landscaping
- Flexible scheduling including spring and fall optimal seasons
- Satisfaction guaranteed on every service
Serving: Ottawa, Kanata, Stittsville, Orléans, Barrhaven, Nepean, Gloucester, and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I have windows professionally cleaned?
Most Ottawa homes benefit from cleaning twice yearly—spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Homes near busy roads, construction, or with hard water issues may need quarterly cleaning. Commercial storefronts often require monthly service.
Q: Can windows be cleaned in winter?
Exterior cleaning is impractical below -5°C due to freezing solutions and safety concerns. Interior windows can be cleaned year-round. Most Ottawa services reduce exterior work from December through February.
Q: Why do my windows streak when I clean them?
Common causes include: cleaning in direct sunlight (solution evaporates too fast), using tap water (minerals leave deposits), paper towels (leave lint residue), and insufficient rinsing (soap residue attracts dirt). Using distilled water with vinegar and microfiber cloths prevents most streaking.
Q: How long does professional window cleaning take?
A typical 20-25 window home takes 1-2 hours for interior and exterior cleaning. Larger homes or those with hard water stains take longer. DIY cleaning the same property typically requires 6-8 hours.
Q: Is it safe to clean second-storey windows myself?
Ladder work carries significant fall risk—the leading cause of DIY cleaning injuries. Professional services use water-fed poles or safety equipment to eliminate this risk. For multi-storey homes, professional service is strongly recommended.
Q: What causes hard water stains on windows?
Sprinkler overspray, rain runoff from mineral-rich surfaces, and cleaning with hard tap water all deposit calcium and magnesium on glass. These minerals crystallise as water evaporates, creating white hazy deposits that accumulate over time.
Q: Do I need to be home during window cleaning?
For exterior-only cleaning, you don't need to be present. Interior cleaning requires access to your home. Many services offer flexible scheduling and can work around your availability.
Q: How do water-fed poles work?
Water passes through filtration systems that remove minerals, creating purified water (0-10 parts per million). This pure water is pumped through telescopic poles with brush heads. Pure water actively dissolves dirt and evaporates without leaving any residue—no squeegee needed.
Q: Will window cleaning damage my screens?
Professional cleaners remove and clean screens separately, preventing damage. Screens are typically included in interior/exterior service packages. Damaged or missing screens should be noted before cleaning begins.
Q: What's included in a standard window cleaning service?
Standard service includes cleaning both sides of all accessible windows, cleaning frames and sills, removing screens for cleaning, and basic hard water spot removal. Deep stain treatment, skylight cleaning, and difficult-access windows may incur additional charges.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
During peak seasons (April-May and September-October), book 2-4 weeks in advance. Off-season scheduling is typically available within a week. Regular maintenance clients often receive priority scheduling.
Q: Are your products safe for my garden?
Yes. Pure water systems use no chemicals at all. When cleaning solutions are needed, professional services use biodegradable, plant-based products safe for landscaping, children, and pets.
Ready for Crystal-Clear Windows?
Don't spend your weekend on a ladder. Contact Urban9 Cleaning Services for professional window cleaning that transforms your home's appearance.
Call us: 613-664-5678 Get a quote: Contact Urban9
Urban9 Cleaning Services provides professional house cleaning and window care throughout Ottawa, Kanata, Orléans, Barrhaven, and surrounding areas. For commercial properties, explore our office cleaning services.
