To expect my window cleaner to clean ALL my windows?

We have 23 varying in size from 9" x 15" to 6'x 4' which cost £12 whenever he turns up!! The price has been the same for the past 15 years or so! However, that price doesn't include 4 veluxes which only get done when he does inside which costs an extra £18 and only happens when he can't avoid it!! The 'glass corridor' costs £20 so we rely on the rain!

Just counted the windows, eleven plus the conservatory costs £20. He does not clean three other windows, two he used to do but stopped and one that can't be reached. He always leaves the window sills dirty.

Wipe window sills? Never! As for cleaning the insides - I asked several over the years. They all refused and said that they were too scared to, they had heard horror stories about housewives leaving jewellery/cash lying around, not being able to find it and accusing the window cleaner of having stolen it. One said that it had happened to his dad, and it was perfectly obvious to him that it was the unemployed teenage son timing his pilferings to coincide with the window cleaner's visits.

Having read what you lot are paying, I definitely shan't be offering my window cleaners a rise.

I expect this has been said before so forgive me please for the repeat. Window cleaners usually become available when the country is in recession then disappear when things improve. We have just had our sealed units replaced so that should suffice for six months! Mind you it is quite an expensive way of keeping windows clean

we have that self cleaning stuff on the conservatory

We were looking at karchers last night, but not only does it mean we have to find somewhere to store the thing, we also have to buy the right accessories, use it ourselves in the winter, and it will be years before we get our money back as it would cost around £500. DBH fancies it (with a different set of expensive accessories) to clean the patio, fences, cars etc.

Frankly I would rather have slightly grubby windows, and just give them a squirt with the hose from time to time.

There is a Karcher just for windows which has been very well recommended on another thread.

We pay £6.50 for the conservatory and 8 windows. Fortnightly visits, and always friendly. I do tip at Christmas and after reading this, feel fortunate to have someone so likeable and reliable

You are indeed. I envy you.

I wonder if that's the hand held one, annsixty? Much cheaper, I was quite tempted.

Yes it is jane r I have tried to find the thread with no luck so far.

Found it now, it is in House and Home,window cleaning systems.

Thank you!

I'm not sure I would employ a window cleaner even if I could find one - in case they might be casing the joint! Call me suspicious but having spent many years working with some of our criminal fraternity I've developed rather a warped view of human nature

We had awindow cleaner several years back till he retired, there were a Lot of windows , he cleaned inside and out and charged £20.
looking back it was a bargain , even he got on my nerves with his Yapping

This thread has reminded me of when I was a little girl of about 3 or 4. I used to follow the window cleaner round from room to room so every time he climbed his ladder and peered in, there I was peering out. He must have done both sides - the windows opened right out and I delighted in telling him my version of all our business! It must have driven him mad but He must have learned an awful lot about us eg when we were going to decorate the house or buy something!!!

I am a bit sorry for my sister's window cleaner, as she has a lot of windows and they all have very small panes - I asked her if she got charged by the pane!
Surprisingly, no.

Some of you may remember the occasion when my window cleaner arrived outside my bedroom window to find me wearing only a towel - fortunately a very large one! Surprisingly, he didn't charge me extra for the shock!

Ah but did you ask for a refund annodomini for the entertainment you gave him? You must have made his day

I don't understand why more women don't start up window-cleaning services. A couple of young mums fitting it in around school runs could make a fortune, and would probably be more trusted, too. Trusted to clean the windows properly and be more straightforward right from the start as to what they were prepared to do for the money. Heights never bothered me, I have painted my own houses and pruned many a wall-climbing plant, but I suppose I was always brought up to think of it as a man's job, for some reason.

Ladders are lightweight aluminium now, you can get safety stops to stop them slipping, and some very good cleaning tools.

My window cleaner only needs a cup of tea as payment but I have to say they are not done as often as they should be. Cleans the frame work too AND the inside and all for a cup of tea !

Don't get too jealous though ladies. The window cleaner is ME !

Ooh ladies, there appears to be quite a few criminals out there masquerading as window cleaners . Nine windows, two french doors, sills and frames every four weeks regular as clock work for £5.50

You made me chuckle tiggypiro.
Mine charges £9..... I give him £10. For the front of the house only.
2 Bays plus 1 and Front door.
He comes every 2 months. I consider fairly reasonable for London.

Now I really do feel ripped off, smileless! Because you have roughly the same as me.

Anneey, that is reasonable for London. People need to charge more for work there, just to be able to pay their own living expenses.

When I didn't have a window cleaner, I used to clean them properly myself in the Spring, and after that just squirt them all with the hosepipe outside, and do the insides properly as they needed it. I think I shall just have to pluck up the courage to give mine the heave-ho when he gets back, but I shall wait until after Christmas. He has two small children and I would feel too guilty, just in case the whole village also decides that we can manage better without him.

Having told you my charges, I wouldn't be surprised if mine goes up.
Has been £9 for 2yrs.

My husband is a window cleaner, and uses the water fed pole system, he is a window cleaner, not a glass cleaner, so does the frames etc.
Yes it may look easy, and he may not be there for as long as the old fashioned type, but he has to make the de ionised water, using a series of filters and resins, purchase the equipment ( a new pole and heads can cost around £2k annually ), pay for his petrol to get to you, pay tax and NIC, public liability etc, so please don't expect a professional service if you are not willing to pay a decent price.

BTW you are not supposed ot work off ladders above one story anymore either !