Professional window cleaning requires mastery of special techniques. A window cleaner lacking in experience or training can take considerably longer to complete a project and the work may be lower quality. Moreover, the use of proper window cleaning tools results in a better clean than home methods such as rubbing windows with newspaper or a wet rag.

The first and most basic of all methods is the left-right motion.

Second, the rainbow (or fan) method, employed by many window cleaners. This is the natural method of window cleaning that many instinctively use. Non-professional cleaners who use this method, often stroke between a 2 and 3 foot radius; while professionals, who have honed this skill more, make slightly larger and less arced 4 foot strokes, enabling them to wipe more rapidly and efficiently.

The third and most difficult method to master is the corner wipe. This is less of a stroke than a dab. Many professionals are able to dab and twist quick enough to scrape away the dirt and dust, before it is rammed into the corner; whereas unskilled wipers tend to forget the twist portion. This means that they use more towels and take more time to wipe away the dirt.

The tools used resembles tongs. On the inside of these tongs are small squeegee channels. Each side of the louver glass is wetted, and the tool is used to squeegee each side of the glass at the same time.

Almost all window cleaners use a squeegee to save time and avoid 'stroke marks' from 'scrims' (cleaning cloths). Scrims have to be used sometimes for wiping drips or to clean frosted glass or tiny windows. Water fed pole systems have entered the industry, however ladder, telescopic pole, and squeegee remain the principal equipment used.

Carbon fiber poles are light and strong, with an ability to reach up to 25.9 metres (85 feet).

Some window cleaners prefer expensive "professional" solutions as opposed to dish soap. However dish soap is still the most common cleaning solution used by professionals. Dish soap can leave a film which attracts dirt and dust to the window.

Water fed pole (WFP) cleaning is at least twice as fast as traditional window cleaning methods. To use the WFP system, the window and frames are scrubbed with a wet brush to loosen dirt and then rinsed with highly purified or deionized water. Because the water is pure, it leaves no marks when it dries. Some firms have a large container of deionized or purified water in the back of their vehicle, which is pumped up the WFP to the window.Water fed pole (WFP) cleaning is at least twice as fast as traditional window cleaning methods. To use the WFP system, the window and frames are scrubbed with a wet brush to loosen dirt and then rinsed with highly purified or deionized water. Because the water is pure, it leaves no marks when it dries. Some firms have a large container of deionized or purified water in the back of their vehicle, which is pumped up the WFP to the window.

The advantage of a WFP system is that it leaves windows and trim cleaner than with a squeegee, it removes more dirt from the grooves on window frames and it reaches windows in places too dangerous to put a ladder. Also WFD systems can be used in the rain as rainfall will not re-activate any soap residue that causes white rain spots.

For very high access window cleaners use access platforms such as cherry pickers, or if it is very high, i.e. a skyscraper, they will abseil down buildings or use a cradle. Other terms are swing stage, suspended scaffolding and boom lifts.