04/01/2026
Notes from a Cleaning Lady: Let’s Talk About Windows (a.k.a. My Personal Nemesis)
Let’s just go ahead and say it—windows are not my strong suit.
I can still hear my dad:
“Brandy, I thought I told you to clean those windows.”
And I’d be standing there like… I did??
I mean, in my mind, I followed the process: grab the Windex, grab some paper towels, spray, wipe, done. That’s it, right?
Wrong.
Because as soon as the sun hits those windows just right, suddenly you see everything—streaks, smears, mysterious swirls that look like you cleaned them with a spaghetti noodle. You start questioning your entire technique. Do you go side to side? Up and down? Circles? Wax on, wax off? Who knows anymore.
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When I Started My Business… I Was Nervous About Windows
When I first started my cleaning business, windows honestly intimidated me.
So I overcompensated.
I had a whole system:
• Wash the window
• Clean the window
• Go back with glass cleaner
• Spray again
• Wipe again
Basically… I was cleaning the same window three different ways hoping one of them would stick.
For the longest time, I carried one bottle of cleaner (usually something like Thieves or an all-purpose mix) and a roll of paper towels. That bottle did everything—counters, sinks, windows… you name it.
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What I’ve Learned Over Time
Now that I’ve been doing this for years, here’s the truth:
Every window is different.
• What kind of glass is it?
• How long has it been since it was cleaned?
• Is this surface dirt… or has it turned into buildup?
You learn to read a window.
And the best, most reliable solution?
👉 Water + vinegar + a couple drops of Dawn + microfiber cloths
Not one cloth. A few.
Because the process matters:
1. Wash it
2. Dry it
3. Go back and polish/protect
That’s where people mess up—they stop too soon.
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Let’s Talk Pricing (Because This Matters)
Here’s something I make very clear in my business:
• A window is one price
• A window track is another
• Interior windows are one service
• Exterior windows are another
And just to be clear—
👉 I do NOT offer exterior window cleaning (except glass doors, I’ll do both sides)
Why?
Because that’s a whole different level of work, equipment, and time.
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Window Tracks… Bless Their Heart
If you’ve never cleaned a window track, let me paint a picture:
• Dirt
• Dust
• Grease
• Dead bugs
• Mystery debris we don’t ask questions about
You don’t just wipe that out.
You:
1. Vacuum first
2. Wipe with a disposable towel
3. THEN go in with cleaner and a rag or brush
Otherwise, you’re just making mud and spreading it around.
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One of My Favorite Early Tricks
I’ve got to give credit where it’s due—Ace Hardware
They introduced me to E-cloths early on. Every time I walked in, one of the girls would hand me one and say, “Try this.”
And guess what? It worked.
Those cloths are great for glass, dusting, polishing—you name it. Most of the time, you only need water.
Just don’t throw them in the wash with greasy rags.
(Ask me how I know.)
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And Don’t Get Me Started on Glass Shower Doors
If you’re thinking about installing a full glass shower door… just know:
👉 That is a maintenance commitment
Those things:
• Spot up fast
• Build up fast
• Take forever to clean properly
And yes—
👉 That’s an upcharge every single time
No shame in it. Just facts.
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Final Thoughts from a Cleaning Lady
Windows seem simple… until you actually try to get them perfect.
And even then, sometimes the sun hits just right and humbles you anyway.
So if you’ve ever cleaned a window and thought,
“Why does this look worse than before?”
Just know—you’re not alone.
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