Double Storey Window Cleaning in Melbourne
Upper-level windows on a double-storey period home present access challenges that a standard window cleaning service isn't equipped to handle safely or well. Sash & Polish holds current Working Safely at Heights certification and carries appropriate equipment for Victorian, Edwardian and Federation doubles across Melbourne's inner-east. Water-fed pole systems for exterior glass, ladders and internal access for upper-level interiors where required.
Double-storey scope
- Exterior cleaning of upper and lower level windows using pure water, water-fed pole systems. No minerals means no new spotting
- Interior cleaning of upper-level windows where safe access allows
- Sash tracks and sill edges at all levels. Upper-level tracks accumulate grit that causes sash locks to jam
- Fly screens at upper and lower levels, cleaned by hand where frames are heritage timber
- Accessible skylights and dormer windows where present and reachable
- Full assessment of access requirements before work begins. We note anything that needs to be in place on the day
Why double-storey period homes need a specialist approach
A rendered Italianate double in Toorak has different access conditions from a brick Edwardian terrace in Armadale. Veranda rooflines, bay projections, first-floor balustrades and leadlight inserts in upper sash windows all affect how the job is approached. There is no single method that works across every period home.
Upper-level sash windows are often original. Timber frames, sometimes painted over many times, hand-poured glass. Too much pressure at height damages frames or glass that would be difficult to restore. We bring the access equipment and the technique that matches the building.
We use pure water systems on exterior glass. Deionised water dries without mineral residue, which matters at upper level, where returning to fix water marks is more involved than on the ground floor.
What to expect
Get in touch with details about the property
Suburb, property type, approximate number of windows at each level, and anything you know about access (side access, a veranda, balcony or obstruction at upper level). A photo of the exterior helps us prepare.
We confirm the access requirements
Before quoting, we confirm what equipment we'll need and what we need from you on the day: open access, gate codes, windows that need to be unlocked from inside.
Booking confirmed in writing
Date, scope, access notes, confirmed in writing so there's no confusion on the day.
The job, level by level
We work methodically: upper exterior first, then lower exterior, then interior levels. Sash tracks cleaned, sills dried at every pane edge. If we find anything at upper level that needs flagging (a cracked frame, a sash that won't close correctly), we tell you before we leave.
Sash & Polish provides double storey window cleaning across the suburbs above. These suburbs have some of the highest concentrations of double-storey Victorian and Edwardian homes in Melbourne. If you're outside this area, it's worth a call, but we won't take work we can't do properly.
Common questions about double-storey cleaning
Do you need to come inside to clean the upper-level windows?
For interior cleaning of upper-level windows, yes. We'll confirm this when we discuss the job. Some clients prefer exterior-only at upper levels, others want the full interior and exterior clean. Either is workable; we just need to know before we arrive so we can plan the access sequence.
What is a water-fed pole system and why does it matter for heritage homes?
A water-fed pole uses deionised (purified) water fed through a brush head on an extendable pole to clean exterior glass without a squeegee. Because the water has had all minerals removed, it dries without leaving spots. For upper-level heritage glass, it's preferable to squeegee work because it applies less pressure and doesn't require physical contact with the frame.
Do you clean the tracks and sills at upper level?
Yes. Sash tracks at upper level accumulate the same grit and debris as ground-floor tracks, and they're often neglected because they're harder to reach. A jammed upper-level sash lock affects ventilation in rooms that may not have other opening windows. We clean the tracks at every level as part of the standard service.
How long does a double-storey clean take?
It depends on the size of the property, the number of windows at each level, and whether you want interior cleaning included. A typical double-storey Edwardian with twelve to sixteen windows across both levels takes two to three hours for a full interior and exterior clean. We'll give you a realistic time estimate when we quote.
Are you insured for working at height?
Yes. We carry public liability insurance and hold current Working Safely at Heights certification. Certificates of Currency are available on request before any booking.
Tell us about your property.
Double-storey jobs are easiest to quote with a photo and a few details about access. Fill in the form (tell us the suburb, the property type and roughly how many windows at each level) and we'll come back to you with the right questions.