The leadlight panels, sash frames and original glass in period homes need a different approach. Sash & Polish works exclusively with heritage homes across Toorak, South Yarra, Armadale, Malvern, Hawthorn and Kew.
Sash & Polish focuses on one thing: heritage residential window cleaning across Melbourne's inner-east. Victorian terraces in Armadale, Edwardian doubles in Hawthorn, Federation bungalows in Kew. Each one has windows with specific care requirements that a generalist service won't think to ask about. Original glass, leadlight panels, timber sash frames, colonial-bar fanlights. The kind of windows that were made by hand and can't be replaced like-for-like.
We ask questions before we start. Window type, frame condition, any concerns about specific panels. Because the approach changes depending on what we're working with, and we'd rather know before we begin than discover something mid-job.
Most window cleaning services will clean any window in any suburb. We work exclusively on period homes in Melbourne's inner-east. That focus means we understand the difference between a sash lock that's stiff because it's old and one that needs attention, and we know what to do with both.
Every job is confirmed in writing before we arrive. You'll know the date, the scope and what to expect. No chasing, no vague estimates of when we might show up.
We carry public liability insurance. Certificates of Currency are available on request prior to any booking.
Upper-level access on Victorian and Edwardian homes requires the right training and the right equipment. We hold current Working Safely at Heights certification and bring appropriate access equipment for double-storey period properties.
Call 03 9961 6078 and tell us about your home. The suburb, the property type, the window types if you know them.
For heritage properties, we need to understand what we're working with before quoting. Leadlight condition, frame type, access requirements, any concerns about specific panels. The more we know, the more accurate the quote.
No vague estimates. We quote based on the actual job: what's needed, what we'll bring, what the realistic outcome is.
Once you're happy with the quote, we confirm the date and scope in writing. If we need anything from you on the day (parking, access, a gate code) we'll ask before we arrive.
We work to the scope agreed. If we find anything unexpected, we tell you before proceeding. When we leave, the windows are clean, the sills are dry and the frames are undamaged.
These suburbs (across the City of Stonnington and City of Boroondara) hold the highest concentration of Heritage Overlay-listed properties in Victoria. Victorian terraces, Edwardian doubles, Federation bungalows, interwar homes with original leadlight fanlights. It's the housing stock we understand best, and concentrating here means we can do the work properly.
If you're just outside these suburbs, it's worth a call. We only take on work we can do well.
No. Most commercial window cleaners contain ammonia, which corrodes lead came over time. Lead came is the metal surround that holds the glass in place. For leadlight panels, we use ammonia-free solutions at appropriate pressure. The glass itself is often original and more fragile than modern float glass, and we treat it accordingly.
Twice a year suits most period homes in this part of Melbourne. Once before spring pollen season gets going, once before Christmas. Homes on tree-lined streets or with west-facing windows may benefit from a third visit. We'll tell you what we observe when we're on-site.
Yes. Upper-level access on Victorian and Edwardian homes requires current Working Safely at Heights certification and appropriate equipment. We carry both. We quote for full access (interior and exterior, upper and lower levels) where the job calls for it.
Hard water staining is a mineral deposit on the glass surface: calcium, magnesium or silica from tap or bore water. It looks like a cloudy or hazy patch and may be reversible, depending on how long it's been there and how deeply it's etched. Lead came damage is structural and affects the metal surround. It requires a glazier, not a window cleaner. If we see something that looks like the latter, we'll tell you before we start.
Yes, where they're present and accessible. Fly screens on heritage timber frames require care. The frames can be brittle and the wire can deform under pressure. We clean them by hand rather than with high-pressure equipment.
Yes, and we treat those bookings differently. Written confirmation, a firm date, and a call the day before to confirm access. If you're on a tight timeline, call first. We'll tell you upfront whether the date is workable and what we need from you to lock it in.
Toorak, South Yarra, Armadale, Malvern, Hawthorn and Kew. If you're just outside these suburbs, call and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.
Heritage windows are worth a conversation before a quote. Fill in the form and we'll ask the right questions (window types, access, any concerns about condition) and come back to you with an honest number. Or call us directly on 03 9961 6078.
