Interior vs Exterior Window Cleaning: What's Included

Whether you're booking a professional service or tackling the job yourself, understanding what's involved in interior and exterior window cleaning helps you make informed decisions and achieve spotless results. Here's everything you need to know about what each service includes and how they differ.

What's Included in Interior Window Cleaning

Glass Surface Cleaning

Interior window cleaning focuses on the inside surfaces of your windows, which typically accumulate different types of dirt compared to exterior surfaces. Professional interior cleaning includes:

Removing dust, fingerprints, and pet nose prints
Cleaning cooking residue and grease (especially common in kitchen windows)
Addressing condensation marks and mineral deposits
Treating stubborn spots like adhesive residue from decorative films or stickers

Window Frames and Sills

Most interior window cleaning services include attention to frames and sills, which often collect dust, dead insects, and debris. This involves:

Wiping down window frames with appropriate cleaning solutions
Vacuuming or brushing window sills to remove accumulated dirt
Cleaning window tracks and hardware where accessible
Addressing any mould or mildew in humid areas like bathrooms

Screen Cleaning (When Applicable)

If your windows have removable interior screens, many services will clean these separately using gentle brushing and rinsing techniques to avoid damage to the mesh.

What's Included in Exterior Window Cleaning

Weather-Related Cleaning Challenges

Exterior window cleaning tackles the tough outdoor contaminants that interior cleaning simply can't address:

Bird droppings and insect remains
Tree sap, pollen, and leaf debris
Salt spray (particularly relevant for coastal Australian homes)
Rain spots and hard water stains
Traffic pollution and industrial fallout

High-Level Access Work

Professional exterior cleaning often involves specialised equipment and safety considerations:

Ladder work for multi-storey homes
Water-fed pole systems for reaching upper floors safely
Squeegee techniques designed for outdoor conditions
Weather-resistant cleaning solutions that work effectively outside

External Frame and Fixture Cleaning

Exterior services typically include:

Power washing or hand-cleaning of window frames
Cleaning exterior window sills and ledges
Addressing outdoor light fixtures near windows
Removing spider webs and wasp nests from window areas

Key Differences Between Interior and Exterior Services

Cleaning Solutions and Techniques

Interior cleaning requires gentler approaches to protect indoor air quality and nearby furnishings. Cleaners use solutions that won't leave strong odours or harmful residues. Exterior cleaning, however, can employ stronger solutions to tackle weathering and environmental buildup.

Frequency Requirements

Interior windows typically need cleaning every 2-3 months in average Australian homes, while exterior windows often require monthly attention, especially during pollen season or after storms.

Access and Safety Considerations

Interior cleaning is generally safer and more straightforward, while exterior work may require professional expertise for upper floors or difficult-to-reach windows.

What About Combined Inside Outside Window Cleaning?

Comprehensive Service Benefits

Many professional services offer combined packages that address both interior and exterior surfaces in a single visit. This approach offers several advantages:

Cost efficiency through bundled pricing
Consistent cleaning standards across all surfaces
Coordinated scheduling that minimises disruption
Complete window maintenance that addresses all potential issues

Timing Considerations

Combined services work best when scheduled during mild weather conditions. Professionals can complete interior work regardless of weather, then move to exterior cleaning when conditions are suitable.

What's Typically Included in Combined Services

A comprehensive inside-outside service usually covers:

All glass surfaces (interior and exterior)
Frame cleaning on both sides
Sill and track maintenance
Screen cleaning and inspection
Basic window hardware checks
Removal of any obvious obstructions like cobwebs or debris

Choosing the Right Service for Your Needs

Assess Your Specific Requirements

Consider factors like:

Your home's exposure to environmental contaminants
The presence of pets or small children (affecting interior cleanliness)
Your local climate conditions
The age and condition of your windows

Budget Considerations

While combined services offer value, sometimes focusing on the most problematic areas makes more financial sense. Exterior-only cleaning might be perfect after storm seasons, while interior-only services could be ideal before hosting events.

DIY vs Professional Services

When to Consider Professional Help

Professional services make sense for:

Multi-storey homes requiring ladder work
Windows in hard-to-reach locations
Homes with specialised window types (leadlight, etc.)
Time-poor households wanting consistent results

DIY Success Tips

If you're cleaning your own windows:

Start with interior surfaces to build technique before tackling exterior challenges
Use appropriate tools for each surface type
Work on overcast days to prevent cleaning solutions from drying too quickly
Always prioritise safety when accessing exterior windows

FAQ

How often should I have my windows cleaned professionally?

For most Australian homes, exterior windows benefit from quarterly professional cleaning, while interior windows can often go 4-6 months between professional services, depending on your household's specific needs.

Do window cleaning services include window tracks and frames?

Most professional services include basic frame and sill cleaning as standard, but deep cleaning of tracks may incur additional charges. Always confirm what's included when booking.

What's the price difference between interior-only and exterior-only cleaning?

Exterior cleaning typically costs 20-30% more than interior cleaning due to access challenges and weather-resistant equipment requirements, though combined packages often offer better value per window.

Can window cleaners work in light rain for interior services?

Yes, interior window cleaning can proceed in most weather conditions, though professionals may postpone exterior work during rain or strong winds for safety reasons.

Should I clean my own windows between professional visits?

Light maintenance cleaning between professional services can extend the time between deep cleans, but avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that might damage surfaces or void warranties.