Window Cleaning SOP Template

1.Purpose

To keep windows and glass surfaces streak-free and to make sure crews work safely at height when cleaning exterior or elevated glass.

2.Scope

Applies to contract cleaning crews cleaning interior glass and exterior windows reachable from the ground or a step ladder. High-rise or rope access window cleaning requires a specialist contractor and is outside this SOP.

Definitions

Squeegee

A rubber-bladed tool used to pull cleaning solution off glass in a single smooth stroke, leaving it streak-free.

Fan pattern

The wet, soapy path left on glass after applying solution with a scrubber before it is squeegeed off.

Exclusion zone

The taped or coned-off area below a window cleaner working at height to keep pedestrians clear of drips or falling tools.

3.Responsibilities

Cleaning Technician

Cleans assigned interior and exterior glass, sets up exclusion zones, and inspects ladders before use.

Site Supervisor

Confirms which windows are within scope, checks ladder and equipment condition, and approves working at height.

Facility Manager

Identifies windows that need specialist high-rise access and approves scheduling around building operations.

RACI matrix

R = Responsible, A = Accountable, C = Consulted, I = Informed

4.Materials and PPE

Materials, tools and systems

• →Squeegee and scrubber with washer sleeve
• →Window cleaning solution
• →Lint-free detail cloths
• →Extension pole for high interior glass
• →Step ladder rated for the task
• →Cones or tape for exclusion zones
• →Window cleaning checklist

Personal protective equipment

• →Non-slip closed shoes
• →Disposable gloves

5.Procedure

1. 5.1

   Confirm the window scope

   Site Supervisor

   Check the checklist for which windows are in scope, and confirm with the supervisor that any glass above safe ladder reach is referred to a specialist high-rise contractor.

2. 5.2

   Inspect ladders and equipment

   Cleaning Technician

   Inspect the step ladder for damage and a secure locking mechanism, and check squeegee blades for nicks before starting.

   Checkpoint: A damaged ladder or squeegee blade is taken out of service, not used for the task.

3. 5.3

   Set up the work area

   Cleaning Technician

   Place cones or tape to mark an exclusion zone below any exterior window being cleaned from a ladder, and remove obstacles from the interior work area.

   Warning: Never place a ladder on a wet or uneven surface, and never lean it against glass.

4. 5.4

   Remove dust and debris first

   Cleaning Technician

   Wipe down the frame and sill and remove loose dust or cobwebs from the glass before applying any liquid solution.

5. 5.5

   Apply solution with the scrubber

   Cleaning Technician

   Apply window cleaning solution to the glass with the scrubber sleeve in an even fan pattern, covering the full pane.

6. 5.6

   Squeegee the glass

   Cleaning Technician

   Pull the squeegee across the glass in overlapping horizontal or vertical strokes, wiping the blade dry between each stroke to avoid leaving lines.

7. 5.7

   Detail the edges and corners

   Cleaning Technician

   Wipe excess solution from the frame and corners with a lint-free cloth, and dry the sill to prevent drips onto the floor below.

8. 5.8

   Use an extension pole for high interior glass

   Cleaning Technician

   For interior glass above safe ladder reach, use an extension pole with the scrubber and squeegee attachment rather than overreaching from a ladder.

9. 5.9

   Move the ladder safely between windows

   Cleaning Technician

   Descend fully before moving a ladder to the next window rather than shifting it while standing on it, and reset it on stable, level ground each time.

10. 5.10

    Inspect for streaks

    Cleaning Technician

    Check each finished pane from an angle in good light for streaks or missed spots, and re-squeegee any area that does not pass.

    Checkpoint: No streaks or missed spots are visible when the glass is checked from an angle in good light.

11. 5.11

    Remove exclusion zone signage

    Cleaning Technician

    Once exterior work is finished and the area below is dry, remove cones or tape and confirm no tools or equipment were left behind.

6.Quality checks

• →Glass shows no streaks or missed spots when checked from an angle in good light.
• →Frames and sills are wiped dry with no drips left on the floor below.
• →Ladders and squeegee blades are inspected and any damaged equipment is removed from service.
• →Exclusion zones are in place for the full duration of exterior work from a ladder.

7.Records

• →Window cleaning checklist
• →Ladder and equipment inspection log
• →Specialist referral notes for high-rise glass

8.KPIs

• →Percentage of panes passing streak inspection
• →Ladder and equipment inspection completion rate
• →Time to complete window cleaning against the schedule
• →Incident rate for work performed at height

9.Common mistakes

• →Using a squeegee blade with nicks that leave streak lines.
• →Leaning a ladder against the glass instead of the frame.
• →Moving a ladder while still standing on it.
• →Skipping the exclusion zone for exterior work above head height.

10.Revision history