Who Cleans What? (Summary)
Building Responsibility
- • Exterior glass not reachable from balcony
- • Scheduled swing‑stage/rope access cycles
- • Safety and access coordination
Owner Responsibility
- • Interior glass and balcony‑reachable exterior
- • Suite access and preparation
- • Balcony glass panels (most buildings)
Who is responsible for condo window cleaning?
- Exterior glass above balconies is usually the building’s responsibility (via swing stage or rope access). Timelines vary by building.
- Interior glass & balcony‑reachable exterior is typically the owner’s responsibility. Most balconies allow cleaning from inside the suite.
What to check before booking
- Does your building require vendor insurance/WSIB docs? (we’re covered)
- Is there a move‑in/move‑out elevator booking or loading dock requirement?
- Confirm if exterior is reachable from the balcony — no leaning or climbing allowed.
Typical Condo Pricing (2026)
Condo window cleaning is generally more affordable than a full house because there are fewer windows to cover. Here is a detailed breakdown by suite size.
| Suite Type | Typical Panes | Interior + Balcony Exterior | Full Service (incl. tracks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Junior 1-bed | 4-8 | $99-$149 | $120-$180 |
| 1-Bedroom | 8-12 | $120-$220 | $149-$260 |
| 2-Bedroom / Corner Unit | 12-20 | $180-$320 | $220-$380 |
| Penthouse / Large Suite | 20+ | $280-$450 | $350-$520 |
Add-ons: screens ($2-$4 each), tracks deep-clean ($2-$5/opening), balcony glass railing panels quoted by length.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Condo Window Cleaning
Here is exactly what to expect when a professional window cleaner visits your condo. Most suite cleanings take 1-2 hours.
Step 1: Building Access (5-10 minutes)
We arrive, check in with concierge if required, and use the elevator booking if your building requires one. We carry all our equipment in bags to keep the hallways clean.
Step 2: Suite Walkthrough (5 minutes)
We walk through your unit, confirm which windows need cleaning, note any special concerns (hard water stains, paint spots), and lay down drop cloths and put on shoe covers.
Step 3: Interior Glass (30-60 minutes)
Each window is squeegeed, edges are detailed with a micro-fibre cloth, and sills are wiped. We work carefully around blinds, curtains, and any items near windows.
Step 4: Balcony Exterior (20-40 minutes)
We clean the exterior side of any glass reachable from your balcony, including sliding door exteriors and balcony glass panels. No leaning over railings or climbing, ever. Safety is non-negotiable.
Step 5: Tracks, Screens, and Final Check
If tracks and screens are included, tracks are vacuumed and wiped, and screens are washed. We do a final walkthrough with you to make sure every pane is spotless.
Toronto Condo Buildings: Common Situations
Having cleaned condos all across Toronto, here are the most common scenarios we see and how we handle them.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows (CityPlace, ICE Condos, Harbour Plaza): These large panels are interior-only unless you have a walkout balcony. We use extension handles for the top portions. Building exterior is handled by the condo corporation's swing-stage schedule.
- Juliet balconies (common in Liberty Village, King West): These small balconies with glass doors can often be cleaned from inside using long-reach tools. We confirm access during the walkthrough.
- Wrap-around corner units (Yorkville, Yonge-Eglinton): Corner suites have more glass and more complex layouts. They take longer but the results are worth it because the extra natural light is what makes these units special.
- Low-rise and boutique condos (Leslieville, Roncesvalles, Junction): These smaller buildings often have more accessible windows and may not require elevator bookings. Pricing tends to be on the lower end.
- Older buildings (St. Clair West, Bayview, midtown): Older windows may have more tracks, cranks, and hardware to work around. We are experienced with all window types including casement, awning, and slider styles.
Building Requirements: What to Know Before Booking
How to prepare
- Clear window sills and move fragile items away from glass.
- Secure pets; we use drop cloths and shoe covers inside.
- Provide parking or concierge instructions if applicable.
- Check if your building requires a service elevator booking (most do for large equipment, but we travel light).
- Ask your property manager if they need a copy of our insurance and WSIB certificates. We carry both and can send them directly to management.
- Let us know about any building rules regarding water use on balconies. Some buildings restrict water runoff from upper floors.
How Often Should You Clean Condo Windows?
For most Toronto condo residents, I recommend professional cleaning 1-2 times per year. Here is a rough guide.
- Once a year: Suitable for units above the 15th floor where exterior dirt accumulates slowly. Interior cleaning in spring or fall is a great reset.
- Twice a year (spring and fall): Ideal for most suites. Spring cleaning removes winter grime and condensation residue. Fall cleaning clears summer dust and pollen before you are spending more time indoors.
- Before listing / open houses: If you are selling or renting your unit, clean windows make a measurable difference in how bright and open your suite feels during showings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you clean the outside of high-rise windows?
We clean the exterior side of any glass reachable from your balcony. For glass that is not reachable from the balcony, the building corporation handles that through scheduled swing-stage or rope access. We focus on everything the owner is responsible for.
My building is doing exterior cleaning soon. Should I still book interior?
Yes. Building exterior cleanings cover only the outside glass. Interior glass, tracks, frames, and sills are your responsibility. Booking interior cleaning after the building does exterior gives you the best overall result.
Do you need to use the service elevator?
For standard condo cleaning we travel light with just a bucket and tool bag. Most buildings do not require a service elevator booking for that amount of equipment. If your building is strict about this, we can work with whatever process they have.
Is it safe to clean balcony exterior glass?
We only clean what is safely reachable from inside the balcony using long-handled tools. We never lean over railings or stand on anything to gain extra reach. If glass is not safely reachable, we leave it for the building's professional high-rise crew.
Can you clean balcony glass railing panels?
Yes, we clean glass railing panels on both sides. These pick up a lot of grime from rain, bird droppings, and urban pollution. We quote them by total panel length since they vary widely between buildings.
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