Looking for the right window cleaning service in Columbus? Start by verifying key credentials and confirming the company meets all your needs. For example, make sure the company is fully licensed and insured – this protects you if someone is injured or something breaks during the cleaning. Then check that they offer the services you need: a good pro team will clean both the inside and outside of every window, and many also handle extras like screen cleaning or repair and even gutter polishing. Ask about their experience, get multiple quotes, and read customer reviews before deciding. By covering these bases up front, you’ll end up with a reliable, high-quality team that leaves your home sparkling without any surprises.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
Always ask if the window cleaners are properly licensed and insured. An Ohio business license shows they’re allowed to operate locally, and insurance (liability and worker’s compensation) means you won’t be held responsible if a worker slips or damages something. As one guide warns, lack of insurance “could end up costing you big time” if an accident happens. Checklist:
- License: Verify the company has a valid business license in Ohio.
- Liability Insurance: Make sure they carry general liability insurance to cover any accidental damage to your property.
- Workers’ Comp: Confirm they have workers’ compensation insurance so you won’t be liable if a cleaner is injured on the job.
Consider Experience and Reputation
Experience matters. A company that’s been in business for years has likely encountered every type of window job and knows how to handle Columbus homes safely. Check how long they’ve been serving the area and what kinds of buildings they’ve worked on. Reputation is also key: read reviews and ask for references. Look up customer feedback on Google, Yelp or local forums, and see if neighbors or friends recommend them. Personal referrals are gold – if a local homeowner raves about a cleaner, that’s a good sign. Checklist:
- Years in Business: Favor companies with a solid track record in Columbus..
- Customer Reviews: Read online ratings (e.g. Google, Yelp) to gauge reliability.
- Local References: Ask the company for testimonials or nearby examples of their work.
Review Services Offered (Windows, Screens, Gutters, etc.)
Make sure you know exactly what the service includes. Will they clean both sides of every window, wipe down frames and sills, and remove debris before washing? A thorough service should cover interior and exterior surfaces. Also ask about related tasks: many window pros clean or even repair window screens, and some bundle gutter work or polishing into their package. Getting these extras done by the same team can save time and money. Checklist:
- Interior & Exterior Cleaning: Confirm the price covers washing windows inside and out (glass, frames, sills, tracks).
- Screen Cleaning/Repair: Ask if dirty screens will be cleaned or if holes will be patched. Cleaning screens is often a separate service many companies offer.
- Gutter Polishing/Cleaning: See if they clean or polish gutters and downspouts (especially useful after leaves fall).
- Other Extras: Check for post-construction cleanup, skylight or mirror cleaning, and any other add-ons you might need.
A professional window cleaning crew often uses specialized tools like water-fed poles and squeegees to clean safely and efficiently. Always ask what equipment and solutions they use.
Cleaning Methods and Safety
Ask about the methods and products a company uses. A quality crew will use modern tools and eco-friendly cleaners to get streak-free results. For example, some cleaners use long water-fed extension poles and soft brushes to scrub high windows from the ground, avoiding dangerous ladder work. Inquire whether they use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning solutions for safety. Equally important is safety training: window cleaning can be hazardous, so crews should be trained in ladder safety and fall protection. (Nearly 164,000 Americans are treated for ladder falls each year, so you want professionals who know how to stay safe.) Also, ask if the company does background checks on their employees – you’ll feel better knowing that anyone coming into your home is vetted and trustworthy. Checklist:
- Equipment: What tools do they use (squeegees, water-fed poles, lift equipment)? Modern tools mean safer, faster cleaning.
- Cleaning Products: Confirm they use safe, eco-friendly cleaners (no harsh chemicals tracking into your home).
- Safety Training: Ask how employees are trained. A good company will emphasize ladder and height safety.
- Background Checks: Make sure the company vets its staff so you know the people in your home have been screened.
Handling High Windows and Ladders
If you have multi-story windows or a hard-to-reach skylight, be sure to ask how they handle those. Professional cleaners often use extension poles with brushes or purified water systems, or even cherry pickers for very tall buildings, to avoid unsafe ladder work. Confirm that they have the proper equipment and training for your home’s height. It’s reasonable to ask if there’s an extra fee for high windows or screen removal. Checklist:
- High-Rise Equipment: Do they have poles or lifts for upper floors?
- Ladder Work: If ladders are needed, ensure the team is trained in ladder safety. They should inspect their own equipment before climbing.
- Pricing for Height: Ask if high or large windows cost more, and if so, why.
Compare Pricing and Get Quotes
Always get multiple quotes before deciding. A reputable company will offer a detailed written estimate that breaks out costs (labor, materials, fees). Don’t just pick the cheapest option – consider value. Sometimes paying a little more means better results or extra services (like screen cleaning or tougher stain removal). Ask each company how they charge (per window, per pane, or by the hour) and whether there are any hidden fees for things like paint spots or especially dirty windows. Checklist:
- Detailed Quote: The estimate should list exactly what’s included and at what price.
- Compare Value: Look beyond price – cheaper isn’t always better if corners are cut.
- Extra Costs: Inquire about any added charges (screens, gutters, travel fees, etc.).
- Payment Options: Ask how and when they expect payment (credit card, after job, etc.).
Read Reviews and Ask for References
Customer feedback is one of the best guides. Look up the company on Google, Yelp, Facebook or local community boards to see ratings and read comments. Pay attention to how the company responds to any negative reviews. You can also ask the company directly for references or testimonials, especially from local homeowners. A strong track record with Columbus residents is a great sign. Checklist:
- Online Ratings: Check platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, Angie’s List or the BBB. Are ratings mostly 4–5 stars?
- Testimonials: A reputable company may have a testimonials page on their website or brochures of past jobs.
- Word-of-Mouth: Ask your neighbors or friends in Columbus if they’ve used the service and what they thought.
Scheduling, Guarantees, and Customer Service
Finally, consider convenience and customer care. Does the company work around your schedule? Can they do a one-time clean now or set up recurring visits (for example, spring and fall cleanings)? Ask about their cancellation or rain policy. A professional cleaner should also guarantee their work; check if they will return to fix any missed spots at no extra charge. Good communication is key – they should clearly explain when they’ll arrive, how long the job will take, and any preparation you need to do. Checklist:
- Availability: Can they clean on your timeline? Do they offer evening or weekend appointments?
- Re-Clean Guarantee: Ask if they promise to address any issues if you’re not fully satisfied.
- Communication: They should be responsive to calls or emails and explain details clearly.
- Flexibility: Check if they can add services later (like additional windows or gutter work) without hassle.
Ready for Sparkling Windows? Contact Lumen Company
Choosing the right Columbus window cleaner means checking off all of the above boxes – and that’s exactly what Lumen Company does. As a locally owned Columbus business, Lumen’s team is fully licensed, insured, and background-checked. They clean every window inside and out (including frames and sills) and even offer screen cleaning and repair plus gutter polishing as needed. With top ratings from area homeowners, they stand by their work and deliver that streak-free shine you want. To get a free quote or book a cleaning, visit lumencompanyohio.com or call their Columbus office. Let the local experts at Lumen Company brighten your home’s view today!
