Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our window cleaning services. We've compiled detailed information to help you understand our processes, pricing, and what to expect when you choose Basiclifebasics.

The frequency depends on several factors including your location, surrounding environment, and personal preferences. For residential properties in London, we typically recommend cleaning every 3-6 months. Properties near busy roads or construction sites may benefit from quarterly cleaning due to increased dust and pollution.

Commercial buildings often require monthly or bi-monthly cleaning to maintain a professional appearance. Ground floor windows and those facing main streets accumulate dirt faster and might need more frequent attention. We can assess your specific situation during our initial consultation and recommend an optimal cleaning schedule that fits your budget and requirements.

We employ two primary methods depending on the window type and height. For ground and first-floor windows, we use traditional hand cleaning with professional-grade squeegees, microfibre cloths, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. This method provides exceptional results and allows us to pay attention to frames and sills.

For higher windows and larger commercial properties, we utilize the water-fed pole system with purified water. This reaches up to 60 feet safely from the ground, eliminating the need for ladders or scaffolding. The purified water leaves no residue, resulting in streak-free windows that stay cleaner longer. Both methods are fully insured and comply with health and safety regulations.

For exterior-only cleaning, you don't need to be present. Most of our residential clients prefer this arrangement, and we can access external windows without entering your property. We'll notify you when we arrive and complete the work, leaving a service card to confirm completion.

If you've requested interior window cleaning or need us to access windows through your property, someone over 18 must be home to grant access. We always confirm appointment details 24 hours in advance and provide a specific time window. Our team carries identification and arrives in clearly marked vehicles for your security and peace of mind.

Contrary to popular belief, rain doesn't make clean windows dirty. Rainwater is actually quite pure and won't leave marks on properly cleaned glass. The dirt and streaks you see after rain on uncleaned windows come from existing dirt being redistributed, not from the rain itself.

When we clean your windows using purified water or professional cleaning solutions, we remove all dirt, minerals, and residues. Light rain won't affect the results. However, if heavy rain occurs during our cleaning or immediately after, we offer a satisfaction guarantee and will return to re-clean if you're not completely happy with the results. Simply contact us within 48 hours.

Absolutely. We use environmentally friendly, biodegradable cleaning solutions that are completely safe for children, pets, and garden plants. Our products contain no harsh chemicals, ammonia, or toxic substances. They're specifically formulated for window cleaning and break down naturally without harming the environment.

For our water-fed pole system, we use only purified water with no chemicals at all. This makes it the safest option available, particularly for families with young children or pets who spend time near windows. All our cleaning methods comply with environmental regulations and are approved for use in residential and commercial settings throughout the UK.

Our pricing is based on several factors: the number of windows, their size and accessibility, whether you need interior and exterior cleaning, and the frequency of service. We don't charge by the hour but provide fixed prices so you know exactly what to expect.

For a typical 3-bedroom house in London, exterior cleaning starts from £45-65, while both interior and exterior cleaning ranges from £75-95. Larger properties and commercial buildings receive custom quotes. Regular customers on monthly or quarterly contracts receive discounted rates. We provide free, no-obligation quotes either over the phone with basic property details or through an on-site assessment for more complex requirements.

Yes, we're equipped to handle windows at various heights and challenging locations. Our water-fed pole system reaches up to 60 feet (approximately 6 storeys) safely from ground level. For buildings taller than this, we work with certified rope access technicians and can arrange scaffolding or cherry picker access when necessary.

We regularly service office blocks, apartment buildings, and commercial properties throughout London. All high-level work is carried out by trained professionals with appropriate certifications, and we maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including public liability up to £5 million. Safety assessments are conducted before any high-level work begins, and we comply with all Working at Height Regulations.

Yes, our standard service includes cleaning window frames and sills at no extra charge. We wipe down UPVC, wooden, and aluminium frames, removing dirt, cobwebs, and debris. Sills are cleaned and dried to prevent water marks and buildup.

For window tracks and deep cleaning of frames, we offer this as an additional service. Tracks can accumulate significant dirt and require more intensive cleaning with specialized tools. This service is particularly popular for sliding windows and patio doors. We can include track cleaning in your regular service or provide it as a one-off deep clean. Just let us know your requirements when booking.

We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience: cash, bank transfer, all major credit and debit cards, and contactless payments. For regular customers, we can set up direct debit arrangements or send invoices via email with online payment links.

Payment is typically due upon completion of the service, though we can arrange alternative payment terms for commercial clients or large contracts. We provide detailed invoices for all services, and receipts are available immediately. For businesses requiring purchase orders or specific invoicing procedures, we're happy to accommodate your accounting requirements.

Yes, we maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including public liability insurance up to £5 million and employer's liability insurance. This protects you, your property, and our team members in the unlikely event of accidents or damage during our work.

Our insurance covers accidental damage to property, injury to third parties, and any issues arising from our cleaning activities. We can provide copies of our insurance certificates upon request, which many commercial clients require before engaging our services. All our staff are trained in health and safety procedures, and we conduct regular risk assessments to minimize any potential issues.

We can remove most stubborn stains and marks from windows. Paint splatters, adhesive residue, stickers, and hard water deposits require specialized treatment beyond standard cleaning. We use professional-grade scrapers, specific solvents, and techniques designed for glass surfaces without causing scratches or damage.

Hard water staining, common in London due to the local water composition, often needs acid-based treatments to dissolve mineral deposits. We assess each situation individually and inform you if additional charges apply for stain removal. Some extremely stubborn stains or etching may be permanent, but we'll always attempt removal and advise you honestly about the expected results before proceeding.

We provide services throughout London and surrounding areas. Our base in Wandsworth (SW17) allows us to efficiently cover South London including Battersea, Clapham, Balham, Tooting, Wimbledon, and Putney. We also regularly service Central London, West London areas like Hammersmith and Fulham, and parts of North London.

For areas outside our standard service zone, we can still accommodate your needs, though a small travel surcharge may apply depending on the distance. We're happy to discuss coverage for your specific location when you contact us. Our service area is continually expanding, and we're always interested in establishing new regular clients in different London boroughs.

For standard residential cleaning, we typically recommend booking 3-7 days in advance, though we can often accommodate shorter notice depending on our schedule. During peak seasons (spring and before Christmas), booking 1-2 weeks ahead ensures your preferred date and time slot.

For commercial properties or larger projects requiring multiple technicians or specialized equipment, we appreciate 2-3 weeks' notice. However, we understand that urgent needs arise, and we always try to help with emergency or last-minute requests. If you need cleaning for a specific event or deadline, contact us as early as possible, and we'll do our best to accommodate your schedule.

We understand that plans change. You can cancel or reschedule your appointment free of charge with at least 24 hours' notice. Simply call or email us, and we'll arrange a new date that suits you. We're flexible and want to work around your schedule.

For cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice, we may charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the service cost, as we've allocated time and resources for your appointment. However, we're understanding about genuine emergencies and unexpected situations. Regular customers on scheduled contracts have more flexible rescheduling options. We'll always work with you to find a solution that's fair for everyone.

Yes, we stand behind our work with a complete satisfaction guarantee. If you're not happy with any aspect of our cleaning, contact us within 48 hours, and we'll return to address the issue at no additional charge. This applies to missed spots, streaks, or any areas that don't meet our high standards.

We take pride in delivering excellent results every time, and the vast majority of our clients are delighted with our service. Our guarantee reflects our confidence in our team's skills and attention to detail. We also welcome feedback and use it to continuously improve our service. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we won't consider the job complete until you're completely happy with the results.

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About Basiclifebasics

Professional window cleaning services in London since 2012

Professional window cleaning team

Our Story

Basiclifebasics was established in 2012 by two experienced window cleaners who recognised a gap in the London market for reliable, thorough cleaning services. Starting with a single van and basic equipment, we focused on delivering consistent results for residential clients in South London.

Over the past 11 years, we have expanded our operations to cover all London boroughs, serving over 3,000 properties annually. Our team has grown to 18 trained technicians, and we now handle both residential and commercial projects, from terraced houses to office buildings up to 15 storeys.

Window cleaning equipment and techniques

Our Approach

We use purified water systems that remove minerals and impurities, ensuring streak-free results without chemical cleaners. This method is effective for most residential windows and environmentally responsible. For commercial properties, we employ rope access techniques certified by IRATA, allowing us to reach difficult areas safely.

Each project begins with a site assessment where we identify specific requirements, access points, and potential challenges. Our technicians carry public liability insurance up to £5 million and follow Health and Safety Executive guidelines for working at height.

Mission and Vision

Our mission is straightforward: provide thorough window cleaning that meets agreed schedules and budgets. We aim to be the first choice for property managers and homeowners in London who need dependable service without unnecessary complications.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our commercial division and introduce maintenance contracts for larger properties. We are investing in training programmes to develop specialist skills within our team, particularly for heritage buildings and conservation areas where traditional methods are required.

Core Values

Reliability

We arrive on scheduled dates and complete work within agreed timeframes. Our punctuality rate stands at 96% across all bookings in 2023.

Transparency

Pricing is provided upfront with no hidden charges. We explain our methods and answer questions about equipment or techniques used.

Safety

All technicians complete annual safety training and use equipment inspected every six months. We maintain comprehensive risk assessments for each site.

Skill Development

Team members receive ongoing training in new cleaning technologies and safety protocols. We support professional certifications relevant to the industry.

Our Experience

11
Years Operating
3,000+
Properties Annually
18
Trained Technicians
96%
Punctuality Rate