DIY vs. Professional Window Cleaning in Markham: Pros, Cons, and Real Costs
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to save a few bucks or someone who just loves a good DIY challenge, cleaning your own windows might seem like a no-brainer. But when it comes to window cleaning in Markham, is it really worth skipping the pros?
At 2 Guys and a Bucket, we believe in transparency, value, and helping you make the right call—whether you decide to hire a window cleaning company in Markham or tackle it solo. So, let’s break it down and show you exactly what it takes to get your windows spotless like a pro.
What You’ll Need to Clean Your Windows Like a Pro as a Markham Homeowner
Before you dive into DIY window cleaning, it’s crucial to have the right tools and materials. Most people use paper towels and household glass cleaner—this might look okay at first, but it actually smears dirt and leaves behind streaks and lint.
Here’s what we use as professionals in the Markham window cleaning industry:
- 🧽 Strip washer/mop
- 🪟 12”-18” squeegee
- 🪣 Bucket (of course)
- 🧴 Streak-free, bio-friendly soap (Dawn dish soap works perfectly)
- 🧼 Microfibre cloths (never paper towel!)
- 🧤 Optional: Water-fed pole & deionized water for higher or hard-to-reach windows (This is expensive and professionally – used equipment)
Also Read: Why Choose Professional Window Cleaning in Markham?
Step-by-Step DIY Window Cleaning Process
Here’s how we clean windows professionally across Markham homes and businesses:
- Create Your Solution: Use a few drops of bio-friendly dish soap in your bucket filled with cold to lukewarm water. Over-soaping leads to residue, so less is more.
- Soak the Mop: Submerge the mop head fully and wring it just enough so it’s dripping slightly.
- Scrub the Window Surface: Use your mop to loosen dirt, dust, pollen, and smudges.
- Time to Squeegee: Begin at the top corner and apply the fanning technique—sweeping in “S” shaped motions without lifting the squeegee. This minimizes streaks and water drips.
- Need to learn the Fanning technique? Watch This YouTube Video!
- Wipe Edges with Microfibre: Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to wipe the corners and frame. This avoids streaking from leftover dirty water.
💡Pro Tip: Try not to clean your windows in direct sunlight. It causes the solution to dry fast, leaving spots behind if you’re not quick enough!
DIY Pros vs. Hiring a Professional Window Cleaning Company in Markham
| Feature | DIY Window Cleaning | Professional Window Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Cost | Low initial cost, but equipment adds up | Competitive rates, especially for larger jobs |
| 🕐 Time | Takes 2–3 hours for a standard home | Done in under 1 hour with a team |
| 🧠 Skill | Learning curve for fanning technique | Years of experience = better results |
| 🪜 Safety | High risk for second-floor windows | Water-fed poles = no ladders needed |
| 🧽 Results | Often streaky and patchy | Spotless, streak-free, guaranteed |
| 🔁 Frequency | More frequent cleanings needed | Lasts longer, more effective cleaning |
Real Costs: DIY vs. Professional Window Cleaning Services
DIY Costs (Initial Investment):
- Traditional Equipment bundle: $75–$200
- Includes Squeegee, Mop, Bucket, Soap, Extension Pole, etc.
- Deionization kit (if needed): $1000+
- Time: 2–3 hours of your weekend
Professional Window Cleaning Service with 2 Guys and a Bucket:
- Residential window cleaning in Markham starts as low as $149
- Add-ons: screens and tracks cleaned
- Commercial & Large Residential pricing available upon request
We offer full interior and exterior window cleaning, plus power washing in Markham if you want the whole property looking brand new. Book us Here!
What Most DIY Cleaners Get Wrong
We get called in all the time to fix DIY jobs gone wrong. Here’s what usually trips people up:
- Using paper towels or non-microfibre cloths that leave lint and streaks
- Using Window Cleaning Solutions like Windex, which don’t effectively get rid of dirt and dust
- Not properly wetting and soaping the mop
- Dragging the squeegee incorrectly, causing streaks
- Cleaning in full sunlight, which dries water too quickly
- Using hard water, which can cause spots unless filtered or deionized
When You Should Call the Pros
If any of these apply, it might be worth hiring the pros:
- You’re too busy to spend your weekend cleaning windows
- You want a streak-free, high-quality finish that lasts
- Your windows are hard to reach or on upper floors
- You also need power washing in Markham for driveways, siding, or patios
- You just want it done right the first time
We use state-of-the-art gear including our Water-Fed Pole System, which delivers purified, zero-PPM water safely to high windows—leaving them streak-free without any ladder risk.
Book a Quote!
Whether you’re ready to clean your windows yourself or prefer to let the experts handle it, we’ve got your back. Schedule your Quote here.
If you need any guidance, reach out to us at any of the below:
📞 Call us at (647) 465-7894
📧 Email us at windows@2guysandabucket.com
🌍 Visit our website: 2guysandabucket.com
📱Visit our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2.guysandabucket/
We proudly serve:
- Unionville
- Berczy Village
- Thornhill
- Markville
- Richmond Hill
- North York
- Toronto
- And Many More! (Too many to fit on this list)
And of course, we specialize in all things window cleaning Markham, window washing Markham, and power washing Markham. When you’re ready for the best, we’re just a bucket away.
Final Word
DIY window cleaning can absolutely be done—but it’s not always as simple as it looks. If you want to test the waters yourself, we encourage it. But when you want crystal-clear, streak-free windows that boost curb appeal and brighten your space, give the top-rated window cleaning company in Markham a shout.
At 2 Guys and a Bucket, we’ll always treat your home or business like it’s our own.
Customer Testimonials
“I recently hired 2 Guys and a Bucket for window washing services, and I must say I was thoroughly impressed! The team was professional, efficient, and left my windows sparkling clean. They paid attention to detail and ensured no streaks were left behind. I highly recommend their services for anyone looking for top-notch window cleaning. Great job, 2 Guys and a Bucket!”
— Zachary C., Homeowner – Markham
“Our windows have never been so well cleaned. They not only cleaned the windows but also the frame and cleared a plugged eavestrough. These ‘2 Guys and a Bucket’ are amazing! Besides being skilled workers, they are the most polite, respectful, professional young men I have met in a long time. Their parents must be extremely proud of them – the kind of guys Grannies like me appreciate greatly. Thank you so much, Liam and Julian. We have your number, and you will certainly hear from us again.”
— Catherine Z., Senior Homeowner – Markham
“Julian did a wonderful job cleaning my condo windows!! It’s hard to find reliable window cleaners for high-rise units, but they made it easy and delivered spotless results. I’ll definitely use 2 Guys and a Bucket again in the future!!”
— Emily R., Condo Owner – Toronto
🌟 Ready for spotless windows? Contact us today for a free quote! 🌟
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