Local service guide
Window cleaning in Lexington, KY: Hiring Guide
Window cleaning in Lexington starts with a written scope and a total that includes Kentucky’s 6% sales tax. Identify which glass surfaces you want cleaned, specify screens and tracks, and agree on access before hiring. For exterior work, ask how the cleaner will keep detergent runoff out of storm drains. Kentucky taxes window cleaning as janitorial work, and Lexington identifies cleaning soaps as potential stormwater pollutants. [1] [2]
Define the job before comparing quotes
Send each cleaner the same window list and photos. Identify floors, glass doors, divided panes, storm windows, and windows you cannot open. Ask whether the cleaner counts a window opening, an individual pane, or each glass surface. Have them record that counting method in the quote.
Choose exterior cleaning or both sides, then name the extras you want. Request separate descriptions of screen washing, sill wiping, track cleaning, and stain treatment. If you want selected rooms cleaned inside, mark those rooms on your list. Ask who removes and replaces screens.
Photograph marks you want removed and request an inspection before the cleaner promises a result. Ask them to distinguish the agreed wash from additional treatment and obtain your approval before adding work. Point out existing scratches, damaged screens, and loose trim so you can discuss responsibility before cleaning starts.
Compare the final invoice, including tax
Kentucky’s Department of Revenue includes residential and commercial window cleaning within taxable janitorial services. Its guidance requires providers to collect 6% sales tax on the full sales price. Ask each bidder to show the service charge, tax, and final total in writing. [2]
Request a written quote for your property. Ask the cleaner to identify any minimum charge, travel charge, access equipment, or optional treatment in the proposal. Compare totals for the same work, and ask what circumstances would allow the cleaner to change the price after arrival.
For post-construction cleaning through a builder, clarify who orders the work and receives the invoice. Kentucky says contractors cannot claim a resale exemption for taxable janitorial services performed on their construction projects. Ask the builder to account for that tax when presenting the cleaning charge. [4]
Agree on access and wash-water handling
Show the cleaner upper-floor windows, sloping ground, locked gates, and planting beds in your photos. Ask how they plan to reach each window and whether they need indoor access. Request evidence of insurance and ask whether the coverage applies to the work they propose at your home.
Discuss drainage before exterior cleaning. Lexington says only rainwater or snowmelt should enter storm drains and identifies soaps and solvents used in cleaning as potential illicit-discharge sources. Point out nearby drains and ask how the cleaner will control detergent wash water, including any collection and disposal arrangements. [1]
Ask the cleaner to walk through the route wash water could take across your driveway or sidewalk. Get a specific explanation of how they will keep pollutants out of the drainage system. If you are uncertain about a proposed disposal method, seek guidance from Lexington Water Quality before work begins. [1]
Prepare for the visit and inspect the work
Agree on the weather conditions that would trigger postponement, when the cleaner will contact you, and how you will arrange a replacement date. Explain any deadline before accepting the appointment.
Before arrival, clear indoor access, move fragile objects from sills, secure pets, and arrange gate access. Tell the cleaner about rooms they should avoid and confirm who will be home to admit them. Leave screen removal to the person you agreed would handle it.
At completion, inspect the agreed windows with the cleaner and identify missed areas. Check that they have replaced the screens included in the scope. If you cannot attend, agree beforehand on completion photos and how you will report concerns. Record any exclusions or follow-up work before closing out the job.
October to December precipitation normals at Lexington/Blue Grass
Local details that affect your job
Include Kentucky tax in quote comparisons
Kentucky names window cleaning under taxable janitorial services and requires collection of 6% sales tax on the full sales price. Ask each bidder for the tax-inclusive total so you compare the amount you will pay. [2]
Plan around nearby street drains
Lexington identifies cleaning soaps and solvents as potential stormwater pollutants. Before approving exterior work, point out nearby storm drains and discuss wash-water handling. To report suspected stormwater pollution, contact LexCall at 311 or (859) 425-2255 and give the location and a description of the potential pollutant. [1]
Choose the scope that matches your job
| Your situation | Scope to request | Question before accepting |
|---|---|---|
| You want exterior glass cleaned | List exterior surfaces and any screens you want washed | How will you keep detergent wash water out of storm drains? |
| You want both sides cleaned | Name the rooms and arrange interior access | Who moves sill items and replaces screens? |
| You have upper-floor or awkward windows | Request an access plan based on photos or an inspection | What equipment and access do you need? |
| A builder arranges post-construction cleaning | Identify the ordering party, invoice recipient, and tax | Has the builder included tax on the janitorial service? |
Your hiring checklist
- Send matching window lists and photos to each bidder.
- Specify interior, exterior, screens, sills, and tracks.
- Require your approval before additional stain treatment.
- Confirm the written total, including tax and any extra charges.
- Discuss upper-floor access and request evidence of insurance.
- Identify nearby drains and agree on wash-water handling.
- Confirm rescheduling, screen replacement, and the completion inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kentucky charge sales tax on window cleaning?
Yes. The Department of Revenue lists window cleaning as a taxable janitorial service and requires providers to collect 6% sales tax on the full sales price. Ask whether your quoted total includes it. [2]
Can the cleaner rinse soapy water into a street drain?
Lexington says only rainwater or snowmelt should enter storm drains and identifies cleaning soaps as potential pollutants. Ask the cleaner to explain their runoff control and disposal plan before exterior work begins. [1]
Should screens and tracks be part of the quote?
Include them if you want them cleaned, and ask the provider to describe the work in writing. Specify screen removal and replacement, track cleaning, and sill wiping instead of relying on the phrase full service.
How should I arrange cleaning after renovation work?
Describe paint, adhesive, or other residue and request an inspection before agreeing on treatment. If your builder orders the cleaning, clarify the invoice and tax. Kentucky does not allow contractors to claim a resale exemption for taxable janitorial services on their construction projects. [4]
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.