I just got a quote for my 4 bed single storey house to get the windows cleaned and he has quoted $195!!

I nearly fell over cant believe it is so expensive here!! I used to pay the little man in England £15 a month, granted house here twice the size, BUT that equates to £30 then!! NOT $200!!

Just want to check out what others pay!!

Never been able to find a window cleaner over here, at least not the type you get in the UK.

They might have misinterpreted 'window cleaning' as 'outside of house cleaning' which might include soffits, fascia boards, screens, windows etc. Gets rid of all the bugs round and about.

how about a little DIY ? its a single story house too....shouldn't be too tricky!

cheers

I had the same shock when we first moved over here. Couldn't find a window cleaner for love nor money and when I did it was very expensive. When I asked around the usual reply I got was "why do you want to clean your windows?"! None of my friends have EVER used one. I found though that I don't need one very often, I have eaves and rain rarely hits them so its usually just an occasional brush they need.

Window cleaning here is considered a once a year (if that) job and it often includes cleaning the screens too. Window cleaners (if you can find one) wouldn't normally expect to come every couple of weeks/month so they price accordingly. It's a lot easier to clean windows that are regularly cleaned so UK window cleaners price on that basis.

we have a really tall house - its on a bit of a hill so high at the front, stairs inside lead up to a single level (leve with the back of the plot) if you get my drift!

I was wondering what everyone else does about keeping the outside of the house clean - the windows - under the roof - tall porches etc - we don't own any ladders yet as we're not moving in till 29th feb so have not given thought to what we might need. Build just finished so house is brand new and does not look to bad for now - but we've only been in our rental for 2 months and it has cream downpipes etc which are black with the rain and the dust.

Any advise for cleaning this type of house?
Keeping the windows clean?
General bug advise and cobweb removal etc?
Any preventative measures for the downpipes etc or do we just live with the muck!

(see attached picture for height of house)

You offering then??

Yes thats what I thought, but the windows here get so dirty covered in red dust and there is nothing nicer than clean windows!! I have those ones at the front that are like lots of little windows and they are a nightmare to clean!

Will speak to the OH tonight and see if I can persuade him!!

I have a great method of keeping the outside of my house clean - I also have quite a tall house (on a sloiping block so the front is two storeys high and the rear is nearly 3).

I call my system 'rain' - it comes free on an irregular basis and does a pretty decent job....sometimes he cleans for over 3 hours!!!!!

Although I have to give the windows the once over (usually do the insides with kitchen towel and take the flyscreens off and can reach the outsides with a window cleaner thingy that has a 4 foot handle). Other than then 'rain' does a good job ......... and at a very affordable price!

I know I have been anoying some people on here with my silly attitude lately but I just can't resist this one....

Wouldn't a ferrari full of chocolate be nicer than clean windows???....

Just a thought?!

if you provide travel and accommodation, I'm there!

Try this product,
http://www.baygon.com.au/products/wi...ex_outdoor.htm

just hose and go !!

$195 seems a little steep, however, we pay that for a 4 bed two story, inside and out. Well worth the payment as weekends are short enough without having to worry about cleaning the windows!

I do them myself,single story house like you - we did get a guy to do the rental when we moved out,but only because it was a double story and at that time,we didn't have a long enough ladder.He charged $65,outside only,but have to say,didn't do a brilliant job,quite a few streaks etc.

We have a largeish 4x2 double storey with a load of big windows. Last time the window cleaner cost $200 - so your quote sounds about right.

I think you'll have to get a ladder!
Cobwebs-remove with a nylon broom: first put a few drops of lemon oil on the bristles with a cloth - spiders hate the stuff,then just wipe the broom (wear damp rubber gloves).
If you have planters outside/inside put some lemon oil under the rim and base so you don't get a nasty surprise when you pick them up!
make sure you clear the gutters every 3 to 4 months and get guards over them.
For cockroaches,rub the outside of your dishwater with a salt water solution,and don't leave crumbs.Have also been told that they are attracted to the smell of pee...so don't let anyone do it in the shower lol!!!
Keep moths out of your food cupboards with a couple of bay leaves on each shelf,
Diane