Naked customers, customers “indisposed”, intimate items left out… we’ve seen it all. On top of what we've seen, our technicians are fully biological beings (no robots in our company yet) and they operate as designed😎, which includes the use of restrooms.
I’m writing this today to keep those embarrassing moments at a minimum and to explain our best practices and recommendations so you can have the confidence that you’re working with the most professional window cleaning service in San Luis Obispo County. You may also find yourself using this post to assist when dealing with other service providers like contractors and housecleaners; or even other window cleaning companies if you do not use us.
We have stories to tell, and I will highlight a couple of scenarios that actually happened (names have been redacted) further down in this article.
Let’s be honest–no one wants to find themselves in a compromised situation or have an awkward conversation, so we'll have that conversation here. As a window cleaning company, we usually need full access to a house. Even when we are only servicing the exterior, we often need to go inside to remove screens or to access an upper deck, etc. That means you are letting us into the most sacred of places: your home, your sanctuary, your castle. Rest assured, at On The Spot Window Cleaning, we handle every situation with professionalism and respect. So let’s get to it…
While we maintain the highest level of professionalism, unexpected encounters sometimes happen. Here are a couple of our most memorable moments:
One time, while cleaning the windows in a master bedroom, I stepped around a divider wall and into the master bath only to lock eyes with the homeowner—completely at ease on the toilet, reading his newspaper, with the toilet stall door wide open. He kept reading. I slowly backed away, pretending the moment never happened.
As a standard practice, we train all of our technicians to open all doors in a home to be sure there isn’t a hidden window somewhere. Early in our career, I can’t tell you how many times we were called back for a forgotten window only to find it buried in a closet behind a door we had never opened.
The thing is, when you open a random door, there may be a surprise on the other side. Once a customer asked if a room was done already. Our employee said yes. However, there was another door to that same room which our employee did not realize. The customer had not locked the door and she was changing. Our employee got an eyeful of a fully unclothed woman who was, shall we say, in her golden years. He immediately turned around, apologized profusely, and quickly left the room.
Notice what is required of employers according to the Yoosefian Law Firm PC:
“Basic Right to Restroom Access - California law explicitly protects an employee’s right to use the restroom when needed. The California Labor Code and Cal/OSHA regulations mandate that employers must provide reasonable access to clean, sanitary restroom facilities during work hours. This right cannot be restricted or denied except in genuine emergency situations.”
We drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which means we will, at some point, need to use the restroom (remember we are fully biological beings?). We do our best to plan ahead, stopping at gas stations or coffee shops before arriving at your home. However, there are times when nature calls unexpectedly. As employers, we are required to provide access to restrooms for our employees. This means they have to have access to a restroom while at your home. I know what you’re feeling and I’m sorry.
For quick restroom breaks, we prefer not to use a customer’s bathroom unless necessary. However, when we are on-site for extended periods, access to a restroom is essential. Unless you prefer to provide a port-a-potty for our visit (which has actually happened before!), we appreciate homeowners letting us know upon arrival which restroom we should use. This small courtesy helps everyone feel more comfortable.
Now, let’s discuss the real issue—number two. We take every precaution to avoid using a customer’s restroom for more complicated scenarios. That said, in the rare instance where it’s an absolute necessity, we handle the situation with discretion, speed, courtesy, and cleanliness. This will only be utilized for a dire emergency. We prefer and train our team to go off-site to a public facility even if that means leaving the work-site before we are done with the job.
The true stories I told here, while amusing in hindsight, highlight the importance of clear communication. To ensure a smooth and professional experience, here’s what we ask:
We take our work seriously, and that means being mindful of both professional standards and personal boundaries. Our team at On The Spot Window Cleaning is committed to providing a respectful, seamless, and high-quality service—free from unnecessary surprises.
By maintaining open communication and setting clear expectations, we can ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for everyone. So, if you ever see us knocking on your door with a cautious smile, just know—we’re probably making sure the coast is clear!
Want to book a hassle-free (and surprise-free) window cleaning? Give us a call today! (805) 489-1775
Written by Jeremiah Hickey of On The Spot Window Cleaning
