FAQ

About Us

What services does Poor Man Window Cleaning offer?

Way more than windows. We do residential and commercial window cleaning (inside and out), soft wash house washing, pressure washing for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garage pads, fence cleaning (wood and vinyl), solar panel cleaning, screen cleaning, and deck washing. We also run subscription plans that save you real money and keep your home looking sharp year-round.

Where do you provide service?

The entire Treasure Valley — Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Kuna, Middleton, Star, Caldwell, Garden City, and surrounding areas. Since 2002. Call 208-284-2401 if you’re not sure we reach your area.

Are you licensed and insured?

Full liability insurance on every service. Your home’s in good hands with the Grime Fighters.

How long has Poor Man been in business?

Since 2002 — over 20 years. We’ve been recognized as a Nextdoor Favorite, Boise Weekly Best of Boise, Idaho Statesman’s Boise Favorite, BSU Hometown Hero, and KTVB 7’s Hero with Maggie O’Mara. Brian is an active member of the International Window Cleaning Association and has written for American Window Cleaner Magazine — because staying current in this trade matters. But the thing we’re proudest of is the families who’ve trusted us since the beginning.

Why is it called ‘Poor Man’ Window Cleaning?

People always ask if we’re the cheap option. We’re not — market price, exceptional value. The name comes from Brian’s story. After a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in 2001 ended his IT career, he started with nothing but a fierce hunger, a bottle of cleaner, and a roll of paper towels from the dollar store. Went business to business: “Hello, my name is Brian. I am poor, I am hungry, and would like to eat tonight. May I clean your windows?” Three days later someone said yes. The name stuck because it’s honest. It’s where we came from.

What makes Poor Man different from other cleaning companies in Boise?

Not a franchise. Not a side hustle. Over two decades at a professional level. Brian’s an IWCA member who writes for the industry’s trade publication and has mentored people into launching their own companies — Cornell started Shinobi Window Cleaning right here in the valley, and Christina won fastest female window cleaner at the 2022 IWCA convention before starting Hammerhead Window Cleaning in Southwest Florida with her partner. We still mentor both of them. Our online quoting system is the same one we use internally — the price you see is the price you get. And we’re the only company in the Treasure Valley with tiered subscription plans that include rain and satisfaction guarantees. That’s not marketing. That’s a track record.

Pricing & Quotes

How much does window cleaning cost in Boise?

Priced by your home’s square footage. Our online system calculates it — same system we use on our end. Get your quote. The price you see is the price you get. Guaranteed.

How much does pressure washing cost?

Driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garage pads need photos or an on-site look. Every surface is different. Text photos to 208-284-2401 — quote within 24 hours. More about our pressure washing.

How much does fence cleaning cost?

Wood or vinyl — too much variation for a blanket number. Send us photos and we’ll give you a straight answer.

How much does a house wash cost in Boise?

Priced by square footage, same as windows. Get your quote online. Learn about our soft washing.

Do you offer discounts or packages?

Our subscription plans save 25-35% on core services. Plan members also get 15% off additional services — and that extends to your family, even at a different address.

Can I get an instant quote online?

For windows, soft washing, and subscription packages — yes. Book online here. Same numbers we see. Pressure washing, fences, and custom work need photos first.

Guarantees

Do you guarantee your work?

All exterior window cleaning: 48-hour rain and satisfaction guarantee. If it rains or you’re not happy, we come back and handle it. Free. Call 208-284-2401.

What about plan members?

All subscription plan members get a 7-day rain, bird dropping, and exterior satisfaction guarantee. Full week vs. 48 hours. That upgrade alone is worth the plan.

What if I’m not satisfied?

Call us. We come back. We make it right. That’s 20+ years of practice talking.

Window Cleaning

Inside and outside?

Both. Exterior-only or full interior/exterior. Our maintenance plans include exterior every visit; Premium adds interior/exterior.

Screens?

Screens, frames, sills — the details others skip.

Storm windows?

No. Insurance doesn’t cover removal and reinstallation. Liability issue, hard line. We’d rather be upfront.

Hard water stains?

Common in the Treasure Valley. Let us know when you book. Severe restoration may need a separate quote.

How often should windows be cleaned?

Twice a year minimum for most Idaho homes. Our monthly plan keeps them sharp year-round with a 7-day guarantee.

Soft Washing

What is soft washing?

Low-pressure cleaning with eco-friendly agents. Removes dirt, mildew, algae, and stains without damaging your home. More about our soft washing service.

Soft wash vs. pressure wash?

Pressure washing = high pressure for concrete and stone. Soft washing = gentle pressure for your house. Right tool, right surface.

How often?

Once a year for most homes. All our plans offer an annual house wash add-on at your plan discount.

Pressure Washing

What can you pressure wash?

Driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage pads, concrete porches, brick walkways. Details on our pressure washing page.

Fences?

Wood and vinyl. Method depends on material. Text photos to 208-284-2401.

Why no instant quote?

Every surface is different. We see it, we quote it honestly. Request an assessment.

Solar Panel Cleaning

Do you clean solar panels?

Dirty panels lose efficiency — we clean them safely so you stay off the roof. More about solar panel cleaning.

How often?

Once or twice a year. Plan members get 15% off.

Subscription Plans

What are the plans?

Quarterly (25% off) and Monthly (35% off) exterior window cleaning, both with optional annual house wash at the same discount. 12 equal payments, no interest, no contract. Every member gets a 7-day guarantee and 15% off add-ons for the whole family. Full plan details here.

Is there a contract?

No contract. Month-to-month. Early termination: 4-month penalty. Fair trade for 25-35% savings.

Family discount at different addresses?

Yes. 15% off additional services wherever they live.

Booking

How do I book?

Book online, call 208-284-2401, or text us. Photo-required services: text pics to the same number, quote within 24 hours.

Hours?

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Saturday/Sunday by appointment. 48-hour cancellation policy.

Commercial work?

Contact us for a commercial quote across the Treasure Valley.

Community

What is Nice R.A.K.?

Random Acts of Kindness — free services for neighbors who need a hand. Learn about our R.A.K. program.

What is Souper Saturday?

Every Saturday Brian cooks big batches of soup and serves folks experiencing homelessness at Corpus Commons. KTVB’s Maggie O’Mara featured it as a 7’s Hero story. Community isn’t just a word on our website — it’s in the driveway every weekend.

What organizations do you support?

Camp Rainbow Gold, the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, and others. Giving back is built into what we do.