New space, fresh finishes…and cloudy glass. After construction, windows pick up fine dust, silicone smudges, sticker glue, and occasional paint mist that normal cleaning won’t touch. Done right, post-construction window cleaning restores that showroom clarity without risking scratches. Here’s how it works in Greenville—and how to set your project up for success.
Why Post-Construction Cleanup Is Different
Construction dust is abrasive. Add adhesive labels, tape residue, and specks of paint or texture, and you’ve got contaminants that require specific tools and patient technique. The goal isn’t just “looking better,” it’s removing bonded debris safely so new glass actually looks new in every light—morning sun, evening glare, and camera flashes.
Safety and Glass Awareness
Not all panes are equal. Tempered and coated glass, decorative films, and tinted panels call for careful testing before any blade touches the surface. Professionals evaluate:
- Coatings and films that can scratch or haze if treated like bare glass
- Edges and seals where grit collects and transfers back onto clean panes
- Label glue that needs solvent dwell time rather than aggressive rubbing
When scraping is appropriate, pros use new, sharp blades, heavy lubrication, and small test passes. On sensitive glass, they switch to plastic blades, specialty pads, or controlled polishing to avoid micro-marring.
A Professional, Scratch-Aware Process
- Walkthrough & Protection – Identify sensitive panes, note paint/texture overspray, lay drop cloths, and remove screens.
- Dry Dust Removal – Soft brushing and HEPA vacuuming of frames, tracks, and sills so grit doesn’t ride back onto glass.
- Sticker & Adhesive Removal – Apply citrus or safe solvents, allow dwell time, then lift residue without smearing.
- Targeted Debris Removal – Controlled scraping (only on safe, tested glass) or non-marring pads to release specks and film.
- Detail Wash – Interior: pro squeegee technique to prevent streaks. Exterior: pure-water poles for spot-free drying on high panes.
- Tracks, Sills, and Frames – Brush, vacuum, and wipe so grit doesn’t redeposit on clean glass.
- Quality Check in Angled Light – Inspect from inside and out, catching haze lines, edges, and missed specks.
- Punch-List Touch-Ups – After trades finish final tweaks, a light revisit makes sure the glass is move-in ready.
What Affects Price and Timeline
- Pane count & complexity – Grids, French panes, and oversized glass increase time.
- Access & height – Second/third stories and atriums require poles or lifts.
- Contaminant type – Paint mist and texture overspray take longer than dust alone.
- Coatings/films – Extra testing and gentler methods extend labor.
- Scheduling – If multiple trades are still active, expect a punch-list return visit.
Clear line-item quotes (interior, exterior, tracks, screens, hard-water or overspray treatment) prevent surprises and help you compare bids fairly.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
DIY may work for ground-level panes with minor sticker residue and minimal dust. Use lots of lubrication, microfiber sleeves, and avoid cheap blades.
Hire a pro for anything above easy ladder height; for tempered, tinted, or coated glass; for heavy paint/texture overspray; or when timelines are tight. Professionals balance speed, safety, and surface protection—and that’s tough to replicate on a deadline.
How to Prepare Your Space
- Let dust settle overnight after final sanding or punch work, if possible.
- Clear access to windows; move boxes, ladders, and staging a few feet back.
- Flag problem panes (paint specks, silicone, sticker ghosts) to save time.
- Confirm water/power access for pure-water systems and vacuums.
- Align schedules so painters and cleaners aren’t working the same panes.
Aftercare: Keep New Glass Clear
Change HVAC filters after move-in, set a post-pollen maintenance visit for exteriors, and consider quarterly light touch-ups for doors and high-touch panes. Avoid sprinkler overspray on new glass—minerals undo a perfect first clean fast.
Keep Reading: Understand Your Budget
Want a quick pricing framework now that you know the process? Read our guide: “How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost in Greenville, SC?”
Talk to the Spruce Team
New build or remodel wrapping up? Request a post-construction window cleaning plan with clear line items, safe methods for sensitive glass, and a punch-list follow-up so your space opens picture-perfect.