Few window cleaning companies earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award, which means they’ve been independently rated Highest in Quality. Even fewer can claim more than four decades of industry experience, but that’s exactly the case for Smart Window Cleaning. “We’ve been doing this longer than any other window cleaning company in the area,” explains President Damon Turner. “For our customers, it’s the total experience we provide that makes the difference. Our quality work, communication skills and the commitment we make to our clients are important factors in keeping them happy.”

Smart Window Cleaning cleans all types of windows, skylights and screens for residential and commercial clients in the East Bay and Marin, Sonoma and San Francisco Counties. In addition to its glass cleaning abilities, the company removes glass scratches and mineral deposits, power washes surfaces, cleans gutters and more. “We’re committed to providing the highest quality work for the best possible price,” adds Mr. Turner.

Unlike many of its less experienced competitors, Smart Window Cleaning’s employees are able to drawn upon the company’s four decades of business history to solve complex problems and provide top-notch work. “For us, window cleaning is second nature,” says Mr. Turner. “With our training and experience, we can anticipate and prevent problems before they happen. Our high-caliber employees take pride in their work and make sure every job is done perfectly.”

Another factor that distinguishes Smart Window Cleaning from other window washing firms is the manner in which it executes its work. “We make sure everything is done to our customers’ satisfaction,” elaborates Mr. Turner. “That includes paying attention to the smallest details, such as avoiding cleaning a room’s windows if a child is napping inside or skipping the outside of an area until the homeowner is ready for us to clean it.” The company is available to answer customers’ questions at any time and provides follow-up service checks to ensure they’re happy with the service they’ve received.

Save money by keeping your windows cleaner between professional cleanings. Whether you’re maintaining a home or a commercial building, there are a few things you can do to help keep your windows streak- and smudge-free between visits from a professional window cleaner. Consider the following tips:

• Hire a high-quality cleaning company. The cleaner your contractor can get your windows, the longer you can wait between cleaning visits. Insist that the window washing contractor you hire uses top-notch cleaning methods along with the best cleaning products and tools.

• Don’t hire a window washer who uses towels or rags to wash and dry windows. Towels, rags and cloths leave fibers (unless they’re specialty glass-cleaning cloths) that can make windows look dirty. Look for a cleaning company that uses squeegees and other professional tools.

• Determine what cleaning solution your window washing company uses. Some detergents and cleaning solutions help glass windows repel dirt, dust, smudges, water spots and fingerprints better than others. Ask your window cleaning company to use a solution that’s made from vinegar or ammonia and water, or a similar mixture that doesn’t leave residue and repels dirt rather than attracting it.

• If possible, schedule your window cleaning appointment for early morning or evening. Spots and streaks develop when the sun dries the cleaning solution before it’s completely rinsed and removed. You can often avoid sun-related streaks and spots by having your windows cleaned when they’re not in the full glare of the sun or during the hottest part of the day.

• Apply a barrier to your window glass. Some window washers will apply a glass sealant that keeps windows clean for up to six months. This barrier may be as simple as a coating of carnauba wax that’s carefully buffed away to help your windows shed water and dirt, or it can be an industrial product like Star Barrier that’s mixed into rinse water and leaves behind a protective polymer coating.

• Regularly dust the inside of your home. Dust can collect on glass windows, making them appear filmy and dirty. The less dust that collects on your windows, the more time you can wait in between cleanings.

• Invest in insulated windows and keep your home ventilated. Condensation can leave water spots and attract dirt and other debris to your windows.

Q: How much time will it take to clean my windows?

A: We’re able to determine time estimates over the phone or online by asking 10 key questions about the specifics of your home or business. Sometimes we accommodate requests to cut down cleaning time, like if a client has a time restriction and requests extra technicians to get the work done faster.

Q: How much will it cost to have my windows cleaned?

A: Our flat rate system makes it easy to determine the cost of a job. Basically, we charge a flat rate based on the number of employees and amount of time it takes to finish a job. We don’t charge extra for drive time in most cases, so that saves you money. Call us for a detailed estimate.

Q: How can I be sure your employees are doing the best job possible?

A: We only hire skilled, journeymen window cleaning professionals who are trained to do the best possible job on every project. We also have two incentive programs that reward them for taking the extra effort to do the job right the first time. We instill the same philosophy in all our staff members: The best way to work for our company is to do the best job possible and have it reflected in feedback from satisfied clients.

Q: When are you available to start?

A: In this industry, small companies can book up weeks or months ahead of time. We have a large enough staff of technicians that even in the busiest months, we’re normally able to schedule jobs within one week. And we’re always willing to take on new clients and handle their requests in a timely manner. Many of our clients want next-day service, and in most cases we can provide that.

Q: Can you provide a list of references?

A: Yes, we’re happy to give references. We’ve been in business for a long time and have taken care of a lot of customers, so when we give an estimate, we’re often able to provide the customer with a reference who lives in their neighborhood or even on their street. This gives our customers added confidence, because they can talk to an existing client and have their questions answered.

Q: Will your equipment damage the inside of my home?

A: No. We don’t use normal extension ladders like other companies. Instead, we use customized sectional ladders so we can work safely inside homes without marking up the walls. Our ladders have rubberized feet and foam protectors, and they’re smaller than extension ladders, so it’s easier to move them without accidentally damaging something.