Professional vs. DIY Window Cleaning: What’s Really Worth Your Time?

DIY vs Professional window cleaning: How to choose.

Whether you're running a business or relaxing at home, one thing’s clear: your windows shouldn’t be dirty, streaky, or overlooked.

Clean glass affects everything — from how your space looks, to how it feels and surprisingly even how people may perceive you. But when the time comes to have them cleaned, many ask:“Should I just do it myself… or hire someone?”

Short answer? It depends what your time is worth to you.

Long answer? Let’s break it down.

1. Your Time Isn’t Free (Even If You’re Not Paying Yourself)

Whether you’re a homeowner with a busy life or a business owner juggling 100 priorities, one truth remains: DIY eats up your time.

What is your time really worth?

A full window clean — inside and out — could take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the size and accessibility of the windows in your property. That means you could lose up to half a day that you could have spent growing your business, meeting clients, or simply enjoying the finer things of life.

Meanwhile, a professional company can complete the same task in a fraction of the time and with much better results.

2. Results: There’s Clean… and Then There’s Professional Clean

Let’s be honest — there’s a noticeable difference. (If you have a good window cleaner!)

DIY window cleaning usually means household window spray and paper towels (Yuck!). This inevitably leads to streaks and smears and who doesn’t know about the frustration of having the sun hit just the right spot only for it to reveal every flaw in your hours of hard work!

Professional cleaning is handled using a pure-water system resulting in zero residue, smears or swirls and precise internal cleaning using a squeegee and high quality micro fibre cloths to remove every single last bit of dirt and dust.

If your business has storefront glass, customers do notice dirty windows. If your home has a nice vista, guests see the streaks before the scenery.

The question is then: What kind of impression is your property or business making?

3. Risk & Safety: Ladders Aren’t Worth the Trip to A&E

Window cleaning has its risks...

Homeowners! Balancing on a step ladder to reach a second-story skylight is never advised!

Business owners! Assigning window duties to a staff member? Expect a sub-standard finish and the constant worry of what happens if there is an accident.

You can do it yourself — if you're okay with it looking like you did.

4. Protection: It’s Not Just About Looks

Improper cleaning — or skipping it entirely — leads to: 

Mineral deposits and hard water stains

Frame and seal deterioration

Glass damage that can’t be reversed

Higher long-term costs

We’ve seen it too many times: people wait too long, try to DIY, and end up needing repairs — or replacements.

A regular, professional clean actually extends the life of your glass and protects your investment, whether it's your home, office, or retail property.

Final Word: DIY Costs You More Than You Think

So let’s ask the real question again: What’s really worth your time?

Because whether you’re managing a business or living in a beautiful home — your windows are one of the first things people notice.

At The Riviera Group, we specialise in luxury-level service for both residential and commercial clients.

Our job is simple:

1. Make your glass look flawless

2. Save you time

3. Protect your property

Schedule your professional clean today and experience the difference between “DIY” and “Professional”.