TLDR: Window cleaning at handover means full internal and external cleaning of all glazing, frames, tracks, and sills, with silicone smear and paint splatter removed without scratching the glass. Multi-storey work needs EWP-certified operators. Build Clean includes full window cleaning in every builders clean quote at $8 to $12 per m² and uses the right chemistry to handle salt residue, paint, and silicone without damage.
Why window cleaning at handover is different
A client walks into a finished home and the first thing they look at is the view through the windows. Smeared glass, paint splatter, silicone residue, fingerprints on frames, dust in tracks. All of it is visible. All of it tells the client the build was rushed.
Window cleaning at handover is the highest-visibility component of a builders clean. It also carries the highest technical complexity:
This article covers what proper window cleaning at handover looks like.
What’s included in a Build Clean window clean
Full scope on every job:
Glazing. – Internal cleaning of every pane – External cleaning where access permits – Silicone smear removal – Paint splatter removal – Stickers and labels removed – Polished streak-free finish
Frames. – Wiping down all frame surfaces (anodised aluminium, painted timber, powder-coated steel) – Removing paint, silicone, and adhesive without scratching – Polishing handles, locks, and visible hardware
Tracks and sills. – Vacuum out tracks – Wipe down with appropriate product – Clean sill surfaces and undersides – Polish any visible fixings
Hardware. – Polish handles, latches, locks – Clean hinges – Wipe down any visible weather seals
The chemistry that matters
Different glazing components react differently to cleaning products. The wrong chemistry causes permanent damage:
Cheap operators use one all-purpose glass cleaner on everything. The result is damaged anodising, etched glass coatings, and faded timber frames.
Build Clean operators are trained on the chemistry for each glazing type. Products on the truck match what’s on site.
Multi-storey window cleaning
Multi-storey work requires:
Cheap operators frequently lack EWP and Working at Heights certifications, which makes multi-storey work legally impossible. They either do it anyway (creating legal exposure for the builder) or skip the external glazing entirely.
Build Clean has EWP and Working at Heights certified operators across SA, VIC, NSW, and QLD.
Salt residue on coastal sites
Coastal sites on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs Sydney, and Bayside Melbourne carry salt residue on external glazing. Standard glass cleaner doesn’t remove it cleanly.
The right approach:
Rinse with deionised water to lift salt
Skipping the salt removal step means the glass dries with mineral streaks visible from inside the home. The client sees it on day one.
Build Clean operators servicing coastal areas carry the right chemistry for salt removal.
What does it cost?
Window cleaning is included in the full Build Clean builders clean scope at $8 to $12 per square metre. Internal-only cleaning sits at the lower end of the range. Full internal-and-external with multi-storey access sits at the upper end.,
Standalone window cleaning (without a full builders clean) is priced separately and is offered as a follow-up service for clients who book Build Clean’s annual window cleaning programme post-handover.
Common window cleaning defects
Five defects to flag during the walk-through:
Scratched glass. Often caused by sand or grit dragged across the surface during cleaning. The cleaner can’t fix this. The glazier replaces the pane.
Damaged or scratched frames. Often caused by aggressive scraping or wrong chemistry. The frame may need refinishing or replacement.
Streaks visible in raking light. Caused by improper drying or wrong product. The cleaner reworks.
Silicone smear that won’t budge. Often needs specific solvent and time. Build Clean handles this in scope.
Paint splatter. Removable with the right scraper technique. The cleaner handles in scope.
Salt streaks on coastal external glazing. Need the right chemistry. Build Clean carries the products.
Frequently asked questions
Is external window cleaning included as standard? Yes. Full internal and external window cleaning is included in every Build Clean builders clean quote. Multi-storey external work is included where the access exists.
Do you use water-fed pole systems for high-rise? Yes where appropriate. Water-fed pole systems are efficient for high-rise and difficult-access glazing. EWP access is used where the situation requires.
Can you remove construction silicone smear? Yes. Build Clean uses specific solvents and techniques for construction silicone. Standard glass cleaners don’t work on it.
What about toned or low-E coated glass? Build Clean uses only manufacturer-approved products on coated glass. Operators are trained to identify coated glass before applying any product.
Do you clean window screens? Yes. Window screens are dusted and wiped down as part of the standard scope.
Do you offer ongoing window cleaning after handover? Yes. Build Clean offers a post-handover annual window cleaning service for homeowners who want to maintain the handover finish. Quoted separately.