Letting window cleaner go - AIBU?

[Earthling1994]

Yes I know it’s a very first world problem but my window cleaner has been coming monthly for the last 5 months and I’m not sure if I like how he works.
He’s a broom on a stick with a hose guy so although the windows are clean, they’re covered in water droplets like it’s just rained.
I’d prefer a traditional man on a ladder with a bucket who removes the excess water too.

BUT we’re in another lockdown, many people are struggling financially and letting people like window cleaners go due to affordability. I can afford the privilege of a window cleaner and I feel bad about letting him go at a time where he may need the money more than I need an exquisitely cleaned window.

Also, he does the neighbours house and I’m worried it would be awkward if he bumped into a new window cleaner for mine?

So - AIBU to let him go at a time where he may need the money (plus he’s a really friendly guy)
Or YANBU - I’m not getting the service I was hoping for

All window cleaners have to have the hose on a pole now, I believe it’s the law.

If you're not happy with the service he's providing, you're totally within your rights to give him the chop. Not sure why you're making a mountain out of a molehill.

Have you spoken to him about your dissatisfaction with how he's cleaning your windows?

what @Mascaramademehappy?? Mine still does them with a bucket and a ladder and he'll getting the elbow if he starts using a pole! We have wooden frames and they don't dry them or wipe the frames when they use a pole which can't be good for them long term.

We have a man on a ladder now and have done for years. The finish looks so much better.

If he has a hose on a pole how hard would it be to put a cloth on a pole to dry the window off after? I would raise the issue with him and give him a chance to rectify before laying him off.

If it continues to be unsatisfactory, just let him go. You don't owe people a living.

All window cleaners have to have the hose on a pole now, I believe it’s the law.

Erm... I don't think that's true? They have to have a valid "how to use ladders safely" certificate and many choose to use them as they are quicker and therefore more profitable however I am sceptical that is is a legal requirement (mainly because our locals all use ladders still, there are 3 that do our long road between them).

They pretty much have to use the hose on a stick now, the Work at Height regulations effectively prescribe it. So if you changed window cleaner you'd likely encounter the same technique.

It's here (HSE link)

I think it is fine to stop using his services if it isn't what you want, but will you find a window cleaner who goes up a ladder? I don't think many work that way these days.

Sorry op, to answer your question! You are paying for a service, if that service doesn't fit your needs don't pay for it. Your local man with a ladder is probably just as in need of work right now so why not use your money for a service that does suit your needs? You can't support everyone.

We get the water droplet thing after our windows have been cleaned but they do dry up quickly without leaving any marks.

Ours changed to this method and I was a bit concerned the first time I noticed the drops everywhere. However, I think they use distilled water or something, so when it dries, it dries clean and clear, unlike when he sometimes used to miss the very edges before, so check when they dry and hopefully yours will be the same.

We let our window cleaner go the last time he was here as he told us he was putting the price up. Wouldn’t have been an issue if he actually cleaned the windows. Instead he uses a barely damp cloth and wipes the windows. They have never actually been cleaned so him raising the prices gave us a good excuse.

@Mascaramademehappy

All window cleaners have to have the hose on a pole now, I believe it’s the law.

Not sure about that, my window cleaner has ladders and does a great job!

So you hire another window cleaner who will also be glad of the money - makes no difference over all.

Ours worked in a team, just climbed over our back gate to the garden while one doing the front( previous owner allowed this) Not me! so I asked them to knock if I wanted it done, didn't go down well. I told them we've brought a" karcher window cleaner" so they don't need them doing anymore, try that.

We have wooden frames and they don't dry them or wipe the frames when they use a pole which can't be good for them long term.

Er, have you heard of rain? Or are you going out to dry all your window frames after it rains?

@Mascaramademehappy

They can use ladders up to 4m, mine does it the old way, ladder and bucket

I would just have a go at finding out whether there are other window cleaners near you who use a ladder. The worst case scenario would be that you ditch this guy but don't find anyone who will do it the way you like. Ask on a local social network.

@daisyjgrey

We have wooden frames and they don't dry them or wipe the frames when they use a pole which can't be good for them long term.

Er, have you heard of rain? Or are you going out to dry all your window frames after it rains?

😂🤣

It isn't a brush on a pole with a hose. It is a water fed pole that cleans the windows using purified water. The water droplets dry in the air and should leave a shiny streakfree finish. The reason most window cleaners now use this method is because being up a ladder all-day is extremely dangerous! Especially if you break your back or your neck. People frequently die from falling off of ladders.