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Window cleaners working in Kirkwall offer a lot more than a quick squeegee wipe. Here's what services most domestic window cleaners typically include:

• Exterior window glass and sill cleaning
• Internal windows and glass doors (on request)
• Conservatory and skylight glass cleaning
• Gutter clearing
• Mirror and shower glass cleaning (on request)

Some may also offer additional cleaning services such as:

• Fascia and soffit cleaning
• Frame and door cleaning
• Patio glass and bi-fold doors

In terms of methods, you might see two main styles:

1. Traditional – using ladders, buckets and cloths
2. Water-fed pole system – purified water on extendable poles for safer high-reach cleaning

Some cleaners use both, depending on the job. The water-fed pole system is especially common for hard-to-reach areas and tall buildings, as it reduces the need for ladders and gives a streak-free finish.

Not all window cleaners offer the same services. Remember to discuss the details of your job to make sure you are hiring the best window cleaner for your needs. And if you’ve got something specific in mind (e.g. eco-friendly cleaning materials or a traditional, old-fashioned window cleaning service), just ask.

Window cleaners will usually have all of the tools and equipment needed to safely clean your property’s windows - everything including ladders, poles, clothes, and cleaning solutions

That means you won't need to provide anything, you just can sit back and relax and leave the hard work to them.

It depends on your location. For example, if you are hiring a window cleaner in Scotland, they must have a window cleaners licence and have passed a criminal record check.

A licence isn’t mandatory for window cleaners in other parts of the UK but reputable businesses are often accredited with the following organisations:

• Federation of Window Cleaners

• Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

• Health and Safety Executive

• British Window Cleaning Academy

It typically takes a window cleaner 1 - 3 hours to clean a property’s windows.

The duration of the job can vary significantly, however, depending on factors such as the size of your property, number of windows, how dirty they are, and whether the clean includes the inside as well as outside. Often the first clean will take longer than any following maintenance cleans.

Some rough timings are:

• Small flat (outside only): 30–45 minutes
• Semi-detached house: 1–2 hours
• Detached home with conservatory: 2–3 hours
• First-time deep clean: Add 30–60 minutes

Window cleaners usually work quickly and efficiently, especially if they use a water-fed pole system. Inside glass tends to take longer due to furniture, access and the need for extra care.

For repeat cleans, once they know your layout, it usually gets faster each time.

We recommend asking a window cleaner for an approximate time frame for your job when you book.

There is no set rule as to how often windows should be cleaned. Some homeowners choose to have their windows cleaned every 2 weeks and others let months pass between washes.

As a general guide, having your windows cleaned monthly will keep your glazing looking fresh.

The following factors influence how regularly homeowners clean their windows:

• Property location - Homes near a busy road or near the sea often need their windows cleaned more frequently

• Budget - Not all homeowners can afford to hire a window cleaner every month

• Weather conditions - Windows exposed to adverse weather conditions will need to be cleaned regularly

Cleaning your home’s windows yourself can be a challenging and time consuming task.

Without the correct tools or cleaning methods, a DIY window clean may result in streaks and water marks on your glazing.

Hiring a window cleaner in Kirkwall is therefore the best way to get a shining and sparkling finish.

The benefits of hiring window cleaning include:

• Windows can be safely cleaned
• You will not need to provide tools and cleaning materials
• Saves you time
• High up windows can be cleaned
• Tried and tested cleaning methods are used
• Window damage can be spotted

Hiring a window cleaner can keep your home looking at its best and enhance its kerb appeal.

Window cleaning can be dangerous and accidents can happen - remember that it involves ladders, roofs, fragile glass and the risk of slips or damage. Make sure the cost of damage to your home is covered by hiring an insured window cleaner in Kirkwall.

It is a tradesperson’s responsibility to make sure their work and safety is covered by insurance. That being said, we recommend always asking about insurance cover before hiring a tradesperson.

Examples of window cleaner insurance include:

• Public liability insurance
• Tool and vehicle insurance
• Employer’s liability insurance
• Personal accident insurance

Finding window cleaners you're happy with for your home in Kirkwall is easy when you follow these tips:

• Ask friends, family and local tradespeople for recommendations
• Read customer reviews and check online ratings
• Compare quotes from 2 - 3 window cleaners in your area
• Ask window cleaners questions: ask about insurance, qualifications and trade association memberships, and confirm what's included (e.g. sills, conservatory, inside windows)
• Search the Checkatrade online directory
• Read our comprehensive window cleaner hiring guide for more expert advice

All Checkatrade window cleaners covering Kirkwall have passed up to 12 checks. Only tradespeople who consistently work to our high standards receive the Checkatrade stamp of approval.

We also guarantee the work of our tradespeople up to £1000 - T&Cs and eligibility criteria apply.

Use our search tool or request a quote online to find verified window cleaners working in Kirkwall.

In most of the UK, window cleaners don’t need a specific licence to operate. But that’s different in Scotland, it’s a legal requirement. Anyone offering window cleaning services must be licensed and have passed a criminal background check.

Even if it’s not required by law where you live, it’s always wise to:

• Check insurance (especially public liability)
• Ask for references or reviews
• Confirm ID and contact details
• Use platforms like Checkatrade for peace of mind

Many window cleaners are members of trade bodies that you can check too, such as:

• The Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC)
• The British Window Cleaning Academy (BWCA)
• IOSH or HSE (Health & Safety qualifications)

If you want reassurance, all Checkatrade window cleaners must pass up to 12 checks, including ID and insurance.

There’s no set schedule for window cleaning - it depends on your home, the weather, and your standards. But as a general rule:

• Monthly (every 4 weeks): Great for keeping up appearances and avoiding grime
• Every 6–8 weeks: A good balance of cleanliness and budget
• Every 3 months: For homes in quieter or cleaner areas

Some circumstances may mean you need particularly frequent window cleans:

• Living near a main road or building site, which usually means dirt builds up quicker.
• A home by the coast, where salt in the air means more frequent cleans are needed.
• Lots of trees nearby, which could get pollen and sap on your windows.

Regular cleaning prevents damage from bird droppings and mould too, which can stain or degrade seals over time. It also helps with light and heat entering your home - a welcome bonus in winter.

Many local window cleaners offer repeat service discounts. Just ask when you book, and agree on a time slot (e.g. every 6 weeks) that suits you.

Many window cleaners use purified water fed through extendable poles. It’s safe and effective, and it doesn’t leave smears on the glass. But for a DIY clean, you can still get a gleaming finish with the right tools.

Top choice window cleaning products and tools:

• Warm water + white vinegar: A classic combo for breaking down dirt and grease.
• Microfibre cloth: Absorbs water without leaving lint and dust.
• Squeegee: For a streak-free finish when you clean from top to bottom.
• Newspaper or lint-free cloth: Buff to dry for that squeaky-clean shine.