Commercial Window Cleaning

Clean windows aren’t just about looks. They’re a maintenance essential for:

• Tenant retention: No one wants to lease a suite behind dirty glass.
• Asset protection: Built-up dirt and water stains can etch into glass over time.
• Safety and compliance: Especially in shopping centres and healthcare settings where hygiene and visibility matter.
• Energy efficiency: Natural light cuts lighting costs and improves indoor air quality.

And for display homes, retail or hospitality businesses? Clean windows and window frames are non-negotiable. They’re part of your brand and critical for customer spending.

Type of Glass

Different types of glass require different approaches. Here’s what to watch for:

• Tempered glass: Tough but can show scratch damage easily if the wrong tools are used.
• Laminated glass: Found in high-security or soundproof settings. Needs gentle cleaning agents.
• Ceiling or skylight glass: Harder to access and often ignored. Needs periodic cleaning to avoid damage from built up debris.

Property Type

From aged care facilities to tall buildings and other commercial properties, the use of the building affects your cleaning schedule, safety planning and cleaning products:

• Shopping centres & retail strips: High visibility means more frequent cleans.
• Apartment buildings: External window access needs to align with the body corporate rules.
• Corporate offices: Cleanliness affects client impressions and staff wellbeing.
• Hospitals or aged care: Require hospital-grade cleaning agents and minimal disruption.

Environmental Factors

• Bird droppings: Not only ugly but also acidic. Long-term build-up causes permanent damage.
• Salt: Near the coast; causes corrosion and window pitting.
• Dust and grime: If you’re near a construction site; add an extra clean.

1. Mop & Squeegee

Still the most controlled method for interior glass and ground-level exteriors. Best for precise work in areas where water runoff needs to be contained. Ideal for glass windows and common touch surfaces.

2. Water-Fed Pole Systems

• Uses purified water (no detergents)
• Great for mid-rise windows (up to 4 storeys)
• Leaves a spot-free finish
• Environmentally friendly and fast

Perfect for water cleaning on exterior glass where you can’t risk detergent residue on surrounding surfaces like painted fascias or gardens.

3. Abseiling (Rope Access)

• Cost-effective for high-rise glass
• Minimal equipment footprint (ideal in the CBD or tight sites)
• Requires an expert team with impeccable safety records

Use for tall buildings, atria or areas without platform access. Professional abseiling window cleaning requires advanced cleaning equipment and experienced team members.

4. Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs)

• Ideal for buildings 2–8 storeys where ground access allows
• Can reach areas ropes can’t, like overhangs and glass awnings
• Requires certified operators

Scratched Glass

Often caused by DIY cleaning or untrained contractors using razor blades or harsh brushes. Once scratched, it’s game over—replacement is the only fix.

Tip: Ask your cleaning partner what tools they use. Microfibre cloths, non-scratch pads and deionised water systems are safe bets.

Water Staining

Usually from untreated bore water or poor rinsing technique. It can become permanent if left too long.

Tip: Insist on purified water systems and special cleaning agents, especially for exterior window cleaning.

Slips and Liability

Wet footpaths or poor signage during cleaning can become a legal issue fast. It’s your property manager’s responsibility too.

Tip: Confirm your cleaning team provides safety signage and adheres to Safe Work Australia protocols.

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s a general guide:

Not all commercial jobs are created equal. Here’s how to find a professional team that won’t let you down:

• Experience with your building type: Especially for abseil or multi-storey jobs
• Certifications and insurance: Rope access tickets, EWP licences, public liability
• Eco-friendly practices: Use of purified water, biodegradable class detergents
• Clear communication: Willingness to explain their cleaning process and offer custom plans
• Professional conduct: Uniformed team, marked cleaning vehicles, safety-first attitude

Red flags:

• Cash-only quotes
• No documented risk assessments
• No mention of height safety or proper cleaning techniques

Just this month we were called back to a 5 storey office whose “cheap” cleaner had left squeegee marks and detergent residue on the mirrored glass. And to top it off they’d used a steel wool pad on the bird droppings – you can imagine the damage to the glass surfaces.

On another job a strata manager didn’t realise their previous contractor didn’t have rope access certification. The insurance risks? Huge. We fixed the schedule, updated their risk paperwork and got the job done safely with our expert cleaners and without disruption to the residents.

If you need a trusted, experienced and fully equipped crew look no further than Window Cleaning Melbourne Crew. Our professional team are ready to take on your cleaning jobs with a focus on quality and safety.

Commercial window cleaning isn’t just another line item – it’s a cost effective way to maintain a professional image. Done right it protects your investment, supports a clean and healthy space and keeps tenants happy.

Whether you have a corporate cleaning schedule or a one off cleaning job for display homes or shopping centres make sure you choose exterior cleaning specialists who understand your site needs.

Need help working out the best cleaning method for your site? Flick us a photo or give us a call – Window Cleaning Melbourne Crew can walk you through your options.